Choosing an image that will become a permanent work of art? Taking a babies hand or footprint? Any parent knows that trying to open the hand of a baby is a feat that is seldom mastered without a struggle. You may be wondering how to take a print that will show the baby’s hand, and not just a big blob on the paper. Or, you may be wondering exactly what type of image to use when choosing artwork for a family necklace, or other piece of jewelry based on your child’s work. The following are some of the most commonly asked questions in regards to these matters.

General Is shipping included in the price of the piece? No. Shipping is not included.  How do I care for my custom jewelry? All jewelry is sterling silver, unless otherwise stated.  An instruction card on how to care for your jewelry or artwork will be included with the piece.  Is the jewelry signed? Yes.  Each piece is hand signed and dated by the artist. When can I expect my artwork? Please allow 20 business days for delivery from the time all artwork is received and the final design has been decided upon. Allow more time during heavy seasons. Is there gift wrapping available? No. However, each piece is delivered with a card that has a reproduction of your child’s artwork or a hand/finger/footprint on the front and a place for you to include a personal message on the inside. Information about how the piece was created is also included.

Hand/Foot and Fingerprints

How young can my child be for a hand/finger/footprint?
You can take the hand or footprint of a child as young as a few days old.  Many times hospitals will also print your newborns hands or feet.  In the case of a thumb or fingerprint, I recommend waiting until your baby has reached one year of age, as it is easier to distinguish the ridges and designs on the finger.

Do you have inking kits available?
Yes.  We have inking kits available for fingerprinting only, as these prints are more difficult to obtain.  Once you have placed your order with Magic Dog Studio, we will send out a complimentary inking kit to you if so indicated that you would like one.

How do I get my prints to Magic Dog?
For hand and footprints:  The hand or foot print that you take can be scanned into the computer or a digital picture taken of the print and then sent in a seperate email.  Prints can also be sent via the U.S. Postal Service
For thumbprints:  Due to the fine detail of the thumbprint, it is best to send the actual print via the U.S. Postal Service.    Always make sure to label your prints and reference your invoice number when sending them.

How do I take a babies hand/finger/footprint?
Hold the baby’s hand so that the fingers are spread apart. If you place both of your thumbs on the back of baby’s hand, you can then hold the sides of the hand with your fingers.   It is easier to spread the hand open and then press it down flat - first on the ink, next on the paper.  Feet are relatively easy to take a print of.  This can be done when baby is either laying down or sitting in a secure position.  When taking the thumb or fingerprint, only take the face of the finger, do not roll the finger from side to side.   Always make sure to have a stiff material behind the paper.  This lends support to the print.

Can I only have a hand/footprint pendant of a newborn?  I really wanted to include my older children on my bracelet as well.
No. Even a newborn’s hand/footprint is too large to fit on the size of the pendant. Many of the prints are reduced to either half size or quarter size to fit.

Does it matter when the print was taken?  ie., can I use my hospital print?
It does not matter when the print was taken.  You can have a print reproduced that belonged to your great-grandparent, if you have a copy of a print from when they were younger.  You can also use a handprint that your children may have made while 'finger painting'.  Keep in mind however, that the etching will only be as detailed as the image provided.

What should I use to take a print?
Use a rubber stamp pad (available at craft stores—dark colors work best). If you need to take a print of an adult hand or foot, use a water based printing ink. Printing ink - along with a brayer (roller) that will be used to roll out the ink – is also available at a craft store.

How do I use printing ink?
Squeeze out a small amount of printing ink onto a clean, smooth surface (a piece of acrylic, the back of a cookie tray or even a counter top – be aware however that some colors may stain the surface). Using a brayer (roller), spread the ink out so that you have a thin, slightly matte surface. Press the hand or foot into the ink, and then stamp onto white paper. If you need to take more than one image, be sure to re-ink the surface.

When is the best time to take a print?
The best time I have found to take a print is after the baby has eaten, or while the baby is napping.

Hints to remember:
- Too much pressure on the finger creates black stains.
- Movement while taking the print will create a smudge
- Too little pressure results in a vague/crumbling print.
- Too much ink will result in fat stains.
- Wet fingers create bright spots in the print.
- Dirty fingers will create dark spots in the print.
- Take the print when baby is relaxed, and have someone help you. Most importantly: Practice!
 - Give yourself many prints to choose from, for what you see is what you get.