Wee footprints...

Like most new parents, we have been planning to get a print / scan of our DD's wee feet and hands.  But once the scanner broke down. And the other time DD was just too restless to stay still.

Neither of us were too keen on trying the ink version. Or maybe I was just lazy to go out and buy a kit.

Which turned out to be a good thing. Since, it led to me making this home made version. Which I absolutely love.

Found a very simple recipe for salt dough impressions on Anna's The Imagination Tree which had me reaching for my supplies immediately. Before DD grew another inch!!

All you need is equal portions of salt and dough and warm water to knead it through. Mould or take impressions on it. Air dry or bake on low heat. And you are done. 

Here is what I did. You will need :

• 1/2 cup plain flour
• 1/2 cup table salt
• 1/4 cup warm water
• a calm baby

Procedure :

• You start with giving your bub a big squeeze.....and a little cuddle. Because you want to. Then you leave them down to entertain themselves.
• While you go mix flour, salt and water to make a soft dough.
• Come back to give bub another cuddle, a kiss, another squeeze. Because ofcourse you can not resist.
• Preheat the oven at 100 deg. F.
• Flatten the dough against a smooth plate. It should be big enough to accommodate baby's foot/feet.
• Get your cherub. Press one little foot on the smoothened side of the dough to get an impression. (You will need help with this step. Somebody to hold the baby, while you take the impression)
• If you want to hang the impression, this is when you make hole/s in the dough. I used a chopstick to create a single hole on the top.
• Give a quick kiss to the baby and put the imprinted dough onto parchment paper and pop it in the oven for 3-4 hours. Check on it after 2 hours, and if you think the underside is not dried properly, flip the cast. 
• You can also, instead let it air dry for 2 days to get the same results....but can you really wait that long!
• You might need to keep it for additional 2 hour to bake/dry the underside.
• Remove from the oven once done. Let it cool. Colour if you fancy. Set it with a layer of sealant like Mod Podge. I decided I liked the look of it 'au natural' so no painting for me. Just a couple of layers of Mod Podge.
• Name and date it. Thread a ribbon through. And viola...its ready.
• Sit back and enjoy your baby and your DIY footprint.

What I learned in the process :

• Honestly, do NOT increase the temperature to speed up the process. It will end up cooking and fluffing up the dough. The idea is to dry it. I tried to do it, and the result it is a risen underside of the cast.
• The thinner the dough is rolled, the better and evenly it will dry. Will be doing that next week for the hand print.

Would be such a great idea to this for every year and watch those tiny feet grow....