🦞 Lobster Footprint Art Project 🦞

I saw this craft on Pinterest years ago. We created these with my kids when they were eight, five and three. And then we had another baby in 2018! These days, rather than chasing around toddlers and changing diapers I am teaching a sixteen-year-old to drive, attending high school open houses and planning college visits. So...all the more reason to capture those little footprints because time doesn't stand still and next thing you know your baby boy will be asking to wear your husband's work shoes for some event.

Creating a Lobster Footprint Artwork is a charming way to preserve your child's hand and footprint forever. Kid artwork is great on your family room walls or as a gift to loving grandparents. Here is a step-by-step guide to creating your DIY lobster footprint masterpiece. This is a two day project. First you paint a background color and let it dry and the next day you take the hand and footprints.

What You'll Need:

To get started, gather the following materials

• A paint color for the background, including red and black
• Newspaper or plastic trash bag for protecting your floor
• Square canvas such as 8x8 or 10x10
• Paintbrushes or spongebrushes
• A large bowl of warm soapy water for red feet
• Old towels or rags to dry feet

Step 1: Prep Your Canvas

Use a paintbrush to brush a background color all over your canvas. Let dry. I have four kids so I used four different colors.  

Step 2: Set Up Your Workspace

The next day, find a spacious area where you can lay down newspaper. Make sure to cover the surface to prevent any paint spills. Have the paint, brushes, and bowl within easy reach. I did this each time outdoors but it could also be done in a tub or bathroom in winter.

Step 3: Create the Lobster Body

Start by painting the child's foot with red paint. Press the child's foot firmly onto the center of the canvas to create the lobster's body. Clean the child's foot. Next paint both hands red and position the canvas with the heel at the top of the painting and the toes at the bottom of the canvas.  Your child's toes become the lobster's legs.  Your child's heel becomes the lobster's head. Press your child's hands on either side of the footprint. Don't worry if it looks a bit wonky, that is part of the charm! The handprints become the lobster claws.

Step 4: Add the Details

Once the body prints have dried, use the black paint and a brush to add details such as eyes and antennae. Use the red paint to connect the handprints to the footprint to be the "arms."

Step 5: Have Your Child Sign and Let it Dry 

This is the best part: have your child sign his artwork. The signatures of my children may be my favorite part of the artwork. Allow the artwork to dry completely before displaying it proudly in your home. You can frame the masterpiece or hang it up for everyone to admire.

Cherish for years to come:

This art project is the best because you have captured your child's hand and footprint (and sweet child-like signature) for all time. Plus, it is really cute. So, gather your materials, set up your workspace, and get ready to create a one-of-a-kind Lobster Footprint Art Project with your kids.