I was feeling crafty around Christmas and saw a delightful idea on a parenting message board. One mom had painted the letters “L” and “E” on the left and right sides of a wooden board, using her child’s handprint for the “O” and footprints for the “V.” When viewed together, it spelled “LOVE.” Simple and adorable.
Inspired by that concept, I made a footprint-and-handprint coat rack for our home and created a couple more as Christmas gifts for family members.
What you need to make this LOVE Footprint & Handprint Coat Rack:
- Wooden coat rack (I used a pre-made one)
- Acrylic paint
- Small foam paint roller
- Drywall anchors
While shopping at a local craft store I found a pre-painted coat rack similar to the one pictured. If you prefer shopping online, a basic wooden coat rack will work well for this project.
I recommend using a small foam roller to apply paint to your child’s hands and feet — it makes the process easier and neater by preventing drips. Keep a damp towel nearby to quickly wipe off excess paint; it comes off skin easily if cleaned right away.
I used acrylic paint because it washes off skin easily and dries quickly on wood. The entire project cost about $25 and took roughly 30 minutes. My oldest daughter’s handprint turned out great; the baby was a bit wiggly, so her footprints are slightly smeared, but I was still pleased with how it looked.
I mounted the rack myself using two drywall anchors and a screwdriver. It took about five minutes. The anchors I used are rated to support substantial weight, and the coat rack is sturdy enough to hold multiple jackets and even a baby carrier near the door.
This personalized coat rack makes a charming addition to your own home and an excellent keepsake gift for family and friends.
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