Handprint American Flag Craft

This American Flag Handprint Craft for Kids is such a cute patriotic keepsake made using paint sticks! This is one craft that’s so pretty you’ll want to display it all summer long!

painted handprint American flag made by kids

Kid-Made Wooden American Flag

Handprint crafts are one of my favorite things to make with toddlers and preschoolers. I just love looking back at their impossibly tiny little hands and reminiscing!

We’ve made handprint ornaments for Christmas, a handprint turkey for Thanksgiving, and even a handprint caterpillar card for Spring. However, I think the prettiest one of all is this handprint American flag!

This handprint flag turned out absolutely gorgeous — it’s sturdy and should last for years. This kid-made wooden American flag is a super cute keepsake to gift to family and friends, or display as a part of your Memorial Day and 4th of July party decor.

The best part about this handprint American flag is that it is so simple to make and only requires the most basic supplies: paint sticks, paint, scissors and glue. You might have most of these things on hand already!

craft and paint supplies on wooden table

What You Need to Make our Handprint Flag Craft

For your convenience, I’ve provided shop-able ad links to products used to make our wooden American flag; read our disclosure policy here.

Tips

  • If you don’t have paint sticks on hand, you can also make this flag with jumbo craft sticks or something similar. Keep in  mind that if you use different materials, your flag may be a different size than ours.
  • We used a hot gun, but adults only for this step! You could also use a  strong craft glue and that way kids could do that part themselves.
  • Seal with modge podge or spray sealant to protect. You can even use a glitter spray for a fun effect!

wooden American flag made with kid's handprint

Paint Stick American Flag Craft

First, watch our 2-minute video tutorial to see exactly how we made our handprint American flag craft, then keep reading for full photo step-by-step instructions.

Click video to play:

Photo Step-by-Step Directions:

Begin by placing seven paint sticks in a row (closely but not touching). Line up two paint sticks along the ends to ensure that they are even. If your paint sticks have measurements, make sure to make these the back of your flag.

measuring wooden paint sticks to make an American flag

Glue popsicle sticks on the left and right side and one in the middle. You’ll have to cut a small piece of popsicle stick to secure the top. This will keep your flag together and sturdy. Don’t forget to do this on the side with the measurements, if your sticks have them.

how to make a wooden American flag with paint sticks

Turn your paint stick flag over. Use a pen or pencil to create a line where you will paint your blue section.

Tip: Mark your line based on the size of your child’s hand so there will be room for the handprint.

Paint all white stripes first, then red stripes. For best results, allow to dry before painting the blue square (so red & white paint won’t mix or smudge into the blue).

how to make a wooden American flag with paint sticks

Paint your squared off section blue and allow the entire flag to dry completely.

painting a wooden American flag made of paint sticks

Once your flag is dry, paint your child’s hand white. To get a good print, you want to make sure their entire hand is generously covered in paint, but not so much that it is dripping.

how to make a wooden American flag with paint sticks

Gently guide your child’s hand and firmly press down on the blue section. Raise their hand straight up, taking care not to slide or wiggle, as you don’t want to smear the print.

wooden American flag made with kid's handprint

Paint Stick American Flag Craft (Printable Instructions)

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This American Flag Handprint Craft for Preschoolers is such a cute patriotic keepsake made using paint sticks!
Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Handprint American Flag

Super cute kids handprint American flag craft using paint sticks!
Total Time1 hour
Keyword: 4th of July, kids crafts, Memorial Day, Red White and Blue
Servings: 1
Author: Stacey aka the Soccer Mom
Cost: $5

Equipment

  • Pencil
  • Paintbrush

Ingredients

  • 7 Paint sticks
  • 4 Popsicle sticks
  • Craft paint Red, white, blue
  • Craft glue

Instructions

  • Arrange seven paint sticks in a row - closely but not touching.
  • Glue 3 popsicle sticks on top of the paint sticks, perpendicular in alignnment so they keep your paint sticks together. You'll want one popsicle stick on each end and one in the middle. You may need to cut a small piece of popsicle stick to secure the top.
  • Flip over your paint stick flag. Use a pen or pencil to draw a box where you will paint your blue section of the flag. Make sure the box is big enough that your child's hand will fit inside.
  • Paint all white stripes first, then red stripes.
  • Allow to dry, then paint the blue square.
  • Once the flag is dry, paint your child’s hand white. Gently guide your child’s hand and firmly press down on the blue section. Raise their hand straight up, taking care not to slide or wiggle, as you don’t want to smear the print.

Video

Pin our Handprint Flag Craft on Pinterest:

This American Flag Handprint Craft for Preschoolers is such a cute patriotic keepsake made using paint sticks!

More of our favorite 4th of July crafts for kids:

Click here to see all of our favorite American flag crafts!

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Stacey aka the Soccer Mom
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