Finger Paints!

What do you get when you give one elderly grandmother or grandfather an artist apron, a set of finger paints and a pad of paper? You get quality time well spent along with keepsakes that will mean the world to those she, one day, leaves behind.

Although I never did finger painting with my own elderly Mom, Gertie, (we got in enough mess all on our own….), I think this would be an excellent activity for even the most arthritic hands. I know Mom would have really enjoyed it. BTW, that’s my Dad in the picture there to the left. He was painting with watercolors. I still have that little card he made – it’s one of my most cherished possessions.

So many of the elderly are isolated, either on their own accord or just by the fact that visitors are few. Also, for people who may be living in nursing homes where creativity might be lacking, sitting down and having a finger painting session with them will not only give them camaraderie but will also allow them to express themselves through this art media.

Finger painting is also one of the few arts that is so very easy to do and really doesn’t require much talent – that is, until you see the masterpieces developing right in front of you and grandma!

Note: if your elderly loved one has hands that get cold easily (like my Mom’s did), check out these fingerless gloves. Fingerless gloves will keep the palms and most of the fingers covered and warm but leaves the tips of the fingers free to express themselves.

Here’s everything you need to get started finger painting with the elderly:

Fingerprint Books. Although you probably don’t need it, here’s some really adorable ideas about what to do with fingerprints that can be made in finger paint. Making one of these designs on a card would be an adorable present for a new granddaughter or grandson.

 Ed Emberley’s Complete Funprint Drawing BookCheck Price Ed Emberley’s Fingerprint Drawing BookCheck Price

Artist Aprons or Smocks

 Tran 4-Pocket Canvas Artist Apron, BlackCheck Price Martha Stewart Crafts Artist ApronCheck Price Maroon and Ivory Pomegranate Design Silk Screened ApronCheck Price

Finger Paints

 Crayola Fingerpaints Bold and Secondary Colors, 8-CountCheck Price Melissa & Doug Finger Paint SetCheck Price Natural Finger Paint – Made with Organic Ingredients –   5pc SetCheck Price

Finger Painting Paper. Why not try finger painting on card stock and possibly use your elderly loved one’s painting talents to create a set of note cards? Or, use the large roll of white paper below to cover a whole table and invite 4 or 5 of your favorite senior citizens to a finger paint party!

 Avery Personal Creations Textured Heavyweight Note Card and EnvelopesCheck Price Faber-Castell Finger Paint PadCheck Price Melissa & Doug Finger Paint Paper PadCheck Price All-purpose paper for murals, collages, finger painting and craft projects.Check Price School Smart   Finger Paint Paper – 11 x 16  Check Price