Handprint Christmas Ornaments

Handprint Christmas Ornament using Crayola Model Magic.

Handprint Christmas Ornaments

Making a handprint Christmas ornament using Crayola Model Magic is a fun and easy craft project that you can do with kids or as a keepsake for yourself. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Materials Needed:

• Crayola Model Magic (white is a classic choice, but you can use any color)

• Rolling pin or a smooth surface to roll out the clay

• A plastic straw or other object for making a hole (for hanging)

• Scissors (optional)

• Acrylic paint (optional, for decorating)

• Ribbon or string for hanging

• Wax paper or parchment paper (optional, to prevent sticking)

• Toothpick or a skewer (optional, for detailing)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Surface:

• Lay down a sheet of wax paper or parchment paper on your workspace. This will prevent the Model Magic from sticking to your surface.

2. Condition the Clay:

• Take a chunk of Crayola Model Magic and knead it with your hands until it's soft and pliable. This step is important to ensure the clay is easy to work with.

3. Roll Out the Clay:

• Roll the Model Magic into a ball and flatten it with your hands or use a rolling pin to roll it out to about 1/4 inch thick. Aim for a circle or any shape you prefer for your ornament.

4. Make the Handprint:

• Gently press your child's (or your own) hand into the center of the rolled-out clay. Make sure the handprint is clear and deep enough to be visible once the ornament dries.

• Carefully lift the hand off the clay, leaving an impression. Be cautious not to tear the clay.

5. Cut the Shape (Optional):

• If you'd like to make a specific shape (like a circle, star, or heart), you can use scissors or a cookie cutter to trim the edges of the clay around the handprint. This step is optional, as the handprint alone is already a nice shape.

6. Create a Hole for Hanging:

• Use a straw, a pencil, or any small round object to create a hole at the top of the ornament. I used a metal straw. This will be where you thread your ribbon or string for hanging the ornament.

• Make sure the hole is big enough to fit the ribbon or string but not too close to the edge of the ornament.

7. Allow to Dry:

• Let the handprint ornament dry for 24-48 hours, depending on the thickness of the clay. Crayola Model Magic air dries, so you don’t need to bake it in an oven.

8. Decorate (Optional):

• Once the ornament is dry, you can decorate it with acrylic paints, glitter, or even markers to add a personal touch. You might want to paint the handprint in a contrasting color, or add details like a name, year, or festive designs (e.g., holly, snowflakes, or stars).

9. Add the Ribbon:

• Once the ornament is completely dry and decorated, thread a piece of ribbon or string through the hole at the top of the ornament. Tie a knot to secure it.

10. Display or Gift:

• Your handprint ornament is now ready to hang on your Christmas tree or give as a gift to friends or family!

Tips:

• If the handprint doesn’t come out as clearly as you'd like, you can use a toothpick or skewer to gently enhance the details of the handprint.

• To create a more durable ornament, consider coating the dry ornament with a thin layer of Mod Podge or clear varnish for added shine and protection.

Enjoy your handmade handprint ornament, and have fun! It’s a great keepsake to treasure for years to come.

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Trick or Treating and other Spooky Events in Central Iowa

Trick-or-treating on Friday, Oct. 25

• Perry

Trick-or-treating on Saturday, Oct. 26

• Bondurant

• Dallas Center

• Dexter, 5-8 p.m.

• Granger, 5-7 p.m.

• Redfield, 5-7 p.m.

• Windsor Heights

Trick-or-treating on Wednesday, Oct. 30, also known as Beggars' Night

• Altoona

• Ankeny

• Carlisle

• Clive

• Des Moines

• De Soto

• Indianola

• Johnston

• Linden, 5-7 p.m.

• Norwalk

• Pleasant Hill

• Polk City

• Urbandale

• Waukee

• West Des Moines

Trick-or-treating on Halloween, Thursday, Oct. 31

• Adel: 6 to 8 p.m.

• Ames, 5:30 to7:30 p.m.

• Dawson: 5 to 7 p.m.

• De Soto: 6 to 8 p.m.

• Grimes: 6 to 8 p.m.

• Minburn: 5 to 7:30 p.m.

• Newton

• Osceola, 6:30-8 p.m.

• Story City, 6 to 8 p.m.

• Van Meter: 6 to 8 p.m.

• Winterset, 5 to 7 p.m.

• Woodward: 6 to 8 p.m.

Other Halloween events

Waukee Public Safety Halloween Open House

• Date: Thursday, Oct. 24

• Time: 4:30 - 6 p.m.

• Location: Waukee Public Safety Building
  Join Waukee Police and Fire for a free Halloween Open House. Meet first responders as they hand out candy and high-fives. Costumes encouraged!

Beggars Night at the Fire Station

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 26

• Time: 5 - 8 p.m.

• Location: Dexter Fire Station
  Bring the kiddos to the fire station for hot dogs off of the griddle, chips, water and of course, CANDY! Dexter Fire & Rescue will have raffle tickets for sale for pancake supper raffle items, including 1/2 pork, patio heater and Adirondack chairs.

Spooktacular Downtown Trick-or-Treat Walk

• Date: Friday, Oct. 25

• Time: 4 - 6 p.m.

• Location: Downtown Perry
  This event, sponsored by the Perry Chamber of Commerce, includes safe trick-or-treating with local businesses and community organizations. Willis Avenue (from 1st to 3rd) and 2nd Street (from Otley to Pattee) will be closed to vehicles during the event. Parking will be available at city lots (Caboose Park and near the post office) as well as side streets. Participants should enter at intersections and stay to the right to follow the designated one-way route through the downtown area.

Safe and Healthy Halloween

• Date: Friday, Oct. 25

• Time: 5 - 6:30 p.m.

• Location: Dallas County Hospital, Perry
  Dallas County Hospital north entrance, Perry. Join Dallas County Hospital for this completely indoor event with multiple stations of giveaways and themed, group costumes. In addition to safe and healthy giveaways DCH be providing children throughout the hospital's first floor, water bottles will be given away to the first 200 adults who enter. Hospital departments are also decorating over 20 pumpkins for the annual contest and all will be available that night.

Pumpkin Festival

• Date: Friday, Oct. 25

• Time: 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

• Location: Crossroads Church, Perry
  The annual Pumpkin Festival returns indoors at Crossroads Church. The event will feature candy, free games and activities for kids of all ages.

Bouton Haunted Church

• Dates: Oct. 25-26 & 31

• Time: 7 - 10 p.m.

• Location: 109 South St., Bouton
  Come support Bouton Fire Department by getting spooked at the Haunted Church. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for kids 12 and under. All of the proceeds will go to the department to help with the purchase of gear and the addition of a third bay.

Ambro's 8 Year Anniversary Party and Halloween Bash

• Date: Friday, Oct. 25

• Time: 9 p.m. - 1 a.m.

• Location: Ambro's Roadhouse, De Soto
  9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday, Oct. 25 at Ambro's Roadhouse, De Soto. The event will include drink specials, karaoke with Jake and a costume contest.

(Not So Scary) Haunted Library

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 26

• Time: 10 - 11:30 a.m.

• Location: Adel Public Library
  Come in costume and trick-or-treat in the library. Please bring your own candy bucket or bag.

Trick or Treat at Perry Hy-Vee

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 26

• Time: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

• Location: Perry Hy-Vee
  Get ready for a free, hauntingly good time. Stop by Perry Hy-Vee for spooky family fun and activities. Remember to dress up in your best costume. Perry Hy-Vee will take free photos of the kids and will post to its Facebook page.

Trunk or Treat at Ketelsen RV

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 26

• Time: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

• Location: Ketelsen RV, De Soto
  Join Ketelsen RV for an exciting event filled with trunk-or-treating, fall treats, activities and more. A fleet of decorated RVs will be transformed into a spooky wonderland for families to enjoy. Dress up in your favorite costumes and come experience a spooktacular day at Ketelsen RV!

HandleBOO Halloween Festival

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 26

• Time: 12 p.m.

• Location: The Handlebar, Dallas Center
  The event will feature a cornhole tournament, Trunk or Treat, live music and a costume contest. The cornhole tournament starts at 12 p.m. The cost is $15/team. Sign up at The Handlebar. Trunk or Treat will be held from 3-6 p.m. with treat stations around the pond for the kids. Last of the Mojitos will play live music from 6-9 p.m. along with a costume contest.

Halloween Party at the Park

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 26

• Time: 2 - 4 p.m.

• Location: Little Bridge Park, De Soto
  Join the De Soto Public Library and De Soto Fire & Rescue for fun Halloween crafts and activities, hot dog roast, hot cider and more. Wear your best costume for the costume contest.

Halloween Hayday Parade

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 26

• Time: 3 p.m.

• Location: Dallas Center
   The parade will travel down Walnut Street to 15th Street starting at 3 p.m. The event also features chili dogs for a free-will donation at the fire station, games, zombie mini golf at the Roy R. Estle Memorial Library, spooktacular games on Walnut Street, inflatable interactive brain (Dallas County Health Department booth on Walnut), Halloween joke contest at Board and Batten, mini horses on 13/14th & Walnut Streets, DC Betterment Foundation Pumpkin Walk and more. The city's trick-or-treating will follow from 6 to 8 p.m.

Halloween in the Park

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 26

• Time: 3 - 5 p.m.

• Location: Redfield City Park
  The Halloween in the Park event will feature hot chocolate, s'mores, inflatables, games and Trunk or Treat. The city's trick-or-treating will follow from 5 to 7 p.m.

Trunk or Treat at Granger Emmanuel United Methodist Church

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 26

• Time: 3 - 5 p.m.

• Location: 1910 Locust St., Granger.

Pumpkin Walk

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 26

• Time: 3:30 - 5 p.m.

• Location: Dallas Center
  Dallas Center Betterment Foundation will host its annual Pumpkin Walk following the Halloween Hayday Parade. Trick-or-treat with participating businesses as you journey through the Pumpkin Walk. The adults can also get in on the fun by visiting the participating Pumpkin Walk businesses, taking a photo and getting a mark on a punch card. Full punch cards will be entered into a drawing. Punch cards and voting forms (for adults) and trick-or-treat bags will be available at the DCBF booth from 3:30-5 p.m. in front of the Suites at Walnut.

Trolley Crawl

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 26

• Time: 4 - 10 p.m.

• Starting Location: Whiskey River, Ankeny
  AHeinz 57 Pet Rescue & Transport is hosting a Trolley Crawl. The trolley will take off from Whiskey River in Ankeny and will travel to Uptown in Grimes, Kenny's Garage in Waukee and The Handlebar in Dallas Center before wrapping up back at Whiskey River. The event will feature drink specials, games and prizes. The cost is $30 for one, $50 per couple (must be 21 yrs old). Register on the AHeinz 57 Pet Rescue & Transport Facebook page (just make a donation for the amount of the registration fee and add a note saying it’s for the trolley). Space is limited, sign up soon. Proceeds will help AHeniz remodel its Puppy Patrol area, which was a special place for Mollie Quick. In memory of Mollie, AHeinz is adding an addition to its existing puppy area to make the rooms bigger and add heated floors.

Woodward Friends and Neighbors Trunk or Treat

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 26

• Time: 5 - 8 p.m.

• Location: 301 S Main St., Woodward
  Woodward Friends and Neighbors invites the community to enjoy Trunk or Treat with an extra bonus of a chili cookoff. The chili cookoff will be held at the fire station, with prizes awarded at the end. Trunk or Treat will be held at the plaza. This will be the same night as the Woodward Fire Department Halloween festivities, come on out for a great night of SPOOKY FUN!

University Kids Haunted Hallway

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 26

• Time: 5 - 9 p.m.

• Location: 111 Desoto Rd, Van Meter
  Come walk through University Kids' haunted hallway. The event is open to the public and all ages are welcome. The lights will be on for little kids from 5-6 p.m. and the lights will be turned off from 7-9 p.m. Costumes are encouraged!

Halloween Hay Rack Ride

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 26

• Time: 5:30 p.m.

• Location: Woodward Fire Station
  Join the Woodward Fire Department for a Halloween Hay Rack Ride. Afterward, warm up with soup, hot dogs, hot chocolate, desserts and more. A free-will donation will be taken with proceeds going to purchase equipment for the department.

Van Meter Halloween Dance

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 26

• Time: 5:30 - 9 p.m.

• Location: Van Meter Middle School
  Get ready for some spooky fun! The sixth grade dance will be held from 5:30-7 p.m. with the seventh and eighth grade dance following from 7:30-9 p.m. Sign up for tickets online.

Halloween Trivia

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 26

• Time: 6 p.m.

• Location: Rookies Sports Bar, Clive
  Join the Waukee Area Historical Society for a spooky night of Halloween Trivia, with proceeds benefitting the organization. Check-in is at 5 p.m. with trivia starting at 6 p.m. The cost is $10/per person with teams of up to 6. Find the registration link on The Waukee Area Historical Society's Halloween Trivia event page. Hint: Make sure to brush up on your movie facts!

Beyond the Grave Rave

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 26

• Time: 6 - 11 p.m.

• Location: Perry Elks Lodge, Perry
  Join the Perry Girls Softball Association for a Halloween dance. The event will feature music by DJ Pat Graney, drinks, dancing, appetizers, 50/50 raffle and a silent auction. The cost is $15 per person (21 and older). Pay at the door. Wear your costumes if you dare!

Movie Night

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 26

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Location: Tripple Berry Farm, Linden
  Get ready for a spooktacular night of fun and feast! Tripple Berry Farm is serving up fresh smoked wings, juicy burgers, sizzling hot dogs, cozy hot cocoa and cider and the famous wine slushies from Lucky Wife Wine Slushies. A free showing of "Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire" will start at dark. Free popcorn will be available. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. See you there for a frightfully good time!

Granger Trunk or Treat

• Date: Sunday, Oct. 27

• Time: 12:00 - 1:30 p.m.

• Location: Assumption Gym, 1906 Sycamore St., Granger

Adel Acres Halloween Party

• Date: Sunday, Oct. 27

• Time: 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.

• Location: 1919 Greene St., Adel

  Adel Acres will host a Kids Halloween Party.

Faith Lutheran Church & Preschool Trunk or Treat

• Date: Sunday, Oct. 27

• Time: 4:30 - 6:00 p.m.

• Location: 602 South 14th St., Adel

  Join Faith Lutheran Church & Preschool for a Trunk or Treat event. Dress up in fun costumes, pick up candy and concessions and play games

Van Meter United Methodist Church Trunk or Treat

• Date: Sunday, Oct. 27

• Time: 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

• Location: 100 Hazel St., Van Meter

  The event will feature decorated trunks, candy, bounce houses, crafts, games, music, homemade donuts and cider and more. All are welcome to this free, family-friendly event.

Trick or Trout

• Date: Monday, Oct. 28

• Time: 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

• Location: Triumph Park, 805 University Ave., Waukee

  Watch hundreds of fish pour into the pond at Triumph Park and then cast a line. If you catch a tagged fish, turn it in to Waukee Parks and Recreation for a treat from local sponsors. If you're 16 years or older and plan to cast a line, be sure to bring your Iowa fishing license and trout stamp. Even if you don't like to fish, it's great fun to watch the Iowa DNR stock the pond, which is expected to happen around 1:30 p.m. Waukee Parks & Recreation will have some family-friendly activities, and you can enjoy our fun EPIC playground or wander the trails too. No need to register for this free event. Just show up! Bring your own fishing gear. 

Trunk or Treat at Willis Chevrolet of Granger

• Date: Wednesday, Oct. 30

• Time: 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

• Location: 3333 Hwy 141, Granger

  Put on your costume, come enjoy some goodies and vote on your favorite trunk!

Trunk or Treat at Dallas County Fairgrounds

• Date: Wednesday, Oct. 30

• Time: 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

• Location: Dallas County Fairgrounds, Adel

  Come out to the Dallas County Fairgrounds for Trunk or Treat night!

Halloween at Van Meter Public Library

• Date: Thursday, Oct. 31

• Time: 12:30 p.m.

• Location: Van Meter Public Library

  Be sure to stop by the library to show off your costume, grab a treat and listen to a story.

Children's Halloween Party

• Date: Thursday, Oct. 31

• Time: 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.

• Location: Perry Public Library

  Bring your little ghosts and goblins to a Children's Halloween Party at the Liboooorary. The event will include painting and decorating tiny foam pumpkins, coloring and cutting Halloween masks, playing "What's in the Box?" with creepy and silly Halloween-themed items and a Halloween-themed experiment! There will be spooky fun for ages 2-11. Costumes are welcome, but not required. No registration is required for this free program.

De Soto Trunk or Treat

• Date: Thursday, Oct. 31

• Time: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

• Location: 805 Guthrie St.

  100 Acre Woods Childcare Center is teaming up with Pit Happens BBQ to host a Trunk or Treat event at 805 Guthrie St. Pit Happens BBQ will be handing out FREE pulled pork or pulled chicken sliders to trick-or-treaters and their families while supplies last. There will also be others handing out candy from their trunks.

Minburn Trunk or Treat

• Date: Thursday, Oct. 31

• Time: 5:00 - 7:30 p.m.

• Location: Baker St.

  Minburn Public Library will host a Trunk or Treat event from 5:30-7 p.m. on Baker Street.

Van Meter Halloween

• Date: Thursday, Oct. 31

• Time: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

• Location: Baker St.

  Van Meter Parks and Rec will be handing out full-size candy bars, non-chocolate options, Halloween tattoos and glow sticks at Memorial Park. Families are invited to come trick-or-treat at the Van Meter Public Library (6-7 p.m.) and Van Meter Fire and Police Station (6-8 p.m.)

Woodward Halloween

• Date: Thursday, Oct. 31

• Time: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

• Location: Woodward Social Center

  The Woodward Lions Club will be serving food and passing out free books at the Woodward Social Center. Face painting and games will also be available.

Halloween on the Hill

• Date: Thursday, Oct. 31

• Time: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

• Location: Sherman Hill neighborhood

  Halloween on the Hill (HOTH) returns as Des Moines’s premier Halloween night event – October 31 from 6:30-8:30 pm.  Residents of the historic Sherman Hill neighborhood will be going all out to decorate their homes with spooky scenes while collecting donations for the Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) Food Pantry.  

  This neighborhood haunted house is a great family event for all ages and a fun way to support those in need in our community.  Visitors can expect to see lots of creatures, Imperial storm troopers, Medieval knights, zombie spiders, Freddy Kruger roaming the streets, a full-size pirate ship, live performances of Thriller, and much more. See more at https://www.shermanhilldsm.org/

Perry Halloween Dance

• Date: Friday, Nov. 1

• Time: 7:00 - 10:00 p.m.

• Location: Perry High School Commons

  The Perry Junior Class Prom committee will host a Halloween dance for students. The event will also include a costume contest, pizza and a bake sale. The cost is $5 with a costume and $8 without.

Sources

• KCCI

• Sherman Hill DSM

• Des Moines Register

Apple Orchards and Apple Picking in Des Moines

Here’s a list of apple orchards near Des Moines, Iowa, with their locations, phone numbers, hours, admission cost and features:

Berry Patch Farm

Location: 3351 120th St, Nevada, IA 50201

Phone: (515) 382-3500

Hours: Open Wednesday to Sunday: 10 AM - 6 PM (seasonal hours may vary)

Admission Cost: Free entry; pay for U-pick apples and other fruits.

Features:

• U-pick apples, berries, and pumpkins

• Farm store offering homemade goods and local products

• Petting zoo and seasonal activities for kids

• Family-friendly atmosphere with picnic areas

• Fall festivals and community events throughout the season

Center Grove Orchard

Location: 32835 610th Ave, Cambridge, IA 50046

Phone: (515) 383-4354

Hours:

• Open Daily: 9 AM - 7 PM (seasonal hours may vary)

Admission Cost: $17.95 and up for ages 3+

Features:

• U-pick apples, pumpkins, and other fruits

• Variety of family-friendly activities, including a corn maze and hayrides

• Corn pool, slides, and many youth activities

• 20-acre orchard with 34 apple varieties

• Free hayride to the orchard

• U-pick apples and pumpkins or purchase in the Country Store

• Admission is $11.95 Monday-Thursday and $15.95 Friday-Sunday

Deals Orchard

Location: 1102 244th St, Jefferson, IA 50129

Phone: (515) 386-8279

Hours: Open Daily: 9 AM - 6 PM (seasonal hours may vary)

Admission Cost: $12.95 ages 3+

Features:

• Play area featuring a 4-acre corn maze, sunflowers, a corn box, petting zoo, giant slides, a jumping pillow, apple slingshots, and much more. 

• Pick-Your-Own own apples and pumpkins 

• Retail store and gift shop. 

• Bakery items including apple cider donuts, caramel apples, apple pies, and fudge.

• Cider and hard cider made on-site.

Hinegardner Orchard

Location: 1348 295th St, Montour, IA 50173

Phone: (641) 492-6353

Hours: Open Seasonal: Typically weekends from 7 AM - 6 PM (check for specific seasonal hours)

Admission Cost: Free entry; pay for U-pick apples and other products.

Features:

• U-pick apples and various apple varieties

• Family-friendly atmosphere with activities for children

• Scenic farm setting perfect for family outings

• Seasonal events and community activities

• Cider Day in October

Iowa Orchard

Location: 9875 Meredith Dr, Urbandale, IA 50322

Phone: (515) 276-0852

Hours: Open Daily: 9 AM - 5 PM (seasonal hours may vary)

Admission Cost: $5 for ages 2+

Features:

• U-pick apples, peaches, and pumpkins

• Farm store offering fresh cider, jams, and local produce

• Family-friendly activities and events

• Scenic views and picnic areas

• Educational opportunities about apple varieties and farming practices

Storybook Orchard

Location: 12832 Royal Orchard Dr, Story City, IA 50248

Phone: (515) 708-0021

Hours: Open Saturday and Sunday: 10 AM - 6 PM (seasonal hours may vary)

Admission Cost: Contact Storybook Orchard for more information

Features:

• U-picked and pre-picked apples

• Themed events and activities throughout the season

• Playground and fun areas for kids

• Family-friendly atmosphere

• Farm market with local produce and goods

Wills Family Orchard

Location: 32847 130th Ave, Adel, IA 50003

Phone: (515) 993-2095

Hours: Open Daily: 10 AM - 6 PM (seasonal hours may vary)

Admission Cost: Free entry; pay for U-pick apples and other products.

Features:

• U-pick apples and pumpkins

• Farm market with fresh cider, donuts, and baked goods

• Seasonal events and activities for families

• Scenic views and picnic areas

• Variety of apple types available for picking

Wilson's Orchard

Location: 3201 15th Ave, Cumming, IA 50061

Phone: (515) 216-0027

Hours: Open Daily: 9 AM - 9 PM (Hours may vary seasonally) Closed Monday & Tuesday

Admission Cost: Free entry; pay for U-pick apples and other products.

Features:

• U-pick apples, pumpkins and raspberries

• Variety of apple types

• Farm market with fresh produce, baked goods, and local products

• Family-friendly activities and events throughout the year

• Scenic views and picnic areas

• Ciderhouse Restaurant

Always verify the details with the orchards directly, as hours and admission costs may vary seasonally!