If you’re looking for a fun handprint craft idea then look no further than this rocket craft! It goes perfectly with any space themed learning and it’s super easy.
This preschool rocket ship craft uses very few supplies and is a great way to get the kids using their senses, hands and imaginations to create their very own space rocket art.
If you love this activity then be sure to check out this article on tips for teaching preschoolers at home.
I love how simple and easy this fun kids craft is and encourage you to check out more fantastic handprint craft ideas here on The Inspiration Edit.
Jump to:
💖 Why You'll Love This Craft
- Out-of-This-World Fun: Kids can create their own rocket ships using handprints, blasting off into imaginative space adventures.
- Encourages Creativity: Kids can add stars, planets, or even aliens to their rocket scene, making each craft unique and personal.
- Perfect for Space Themes: This craft fits right in with space exploration or astronaut-themed lessons and activities.
Handprint Crafts Make Great Memories
Using your child’s handprint or footprint for crafts and artwork is not only fun for the kids, but it also makes a wonderful memory you can cherish or give as a gift.
Kids love to get a little messy and spreading paint all over their hand will have them giggling with delight. This can even be a fun rocket craft for toddlers!
Rocket crafts are fun and easy and this project will go right along with any other rocket activities for preschoolers. Try our homemade rocket or these space rocket pencil toppers.
RELATED POST: HANDPRINT CHICKEN ART PROJECT
🎨 Supplies Needed
- Canvas
- Paint brush
- Painting apron (optional)
- Water-based paints: Blue, Red, Yellow, Green, Purple, Grey, Black, White
🖌️ How To Make This Handprint Rocket Ship Craft
- Step 1: Begin by painting the background of your canvas blue. I love creativity and although these colours are a guide, your child can choose other colours if they choose.
- Step 2: Set the canvas aside to dry.
- Step 3: Once the canvas is dry, cover your child’s hand in red paint. Then add bits of yellow and mix on the hand to get a bright orange color.
- Step 4: Have your child place their hand near the top of the canvas and make a handprint with the paint. Then, turn the canvas over so the handprint is upside down and at the bottom - this will be the fire from the rocket ship. Next, use your paintbrush to paint the rocket. Add purple for the body, green wings and a red nose. Or use whatever colours your child likes!
- Step 5: Once the painting is dry, add extra detail to customise your own rocket. Enjoy this fun preschool rocket craft. I know the kids will love it and it is a great idea for a galaxy or space themed unit study project.
You may also enjoy the following canvas art projects:
- Stormy Night Canvas Art
- Dr Seuss Fox In Socks Canvas Art
- Thing 1, Thing 2 Canvas Handprint Craft
- Fire Engine Handprint Art For Preschool Kids
💡 Pro Tip: Dab small amounts of silver or white glitter near the base of the flames to create a shimmering smoke trail without overwhelming the rocket design.
🧑🎨 Expert Tips
- Rocket Layer Planning: Arrange the handprint, body, and flames separately first before gluing to make sure the final rocket looks balanced and visually dynamic.
- Trail of Stars: Add a simple starry trail behind the rocket using white or yellow dots to create a movement effect without adding extra layers.
- Soft Flame Blending: Lightly overlap two or three warm colors for the rocket flames, such as orange, yellow, and red, to achieve a glowing, realistic burn.
- Angle Boost Trick: Tilt the entire rocket slightly upward instead of straight vertical to make the design appear more energetic and give it natural lift-off energy.
- Planet Background Option: Paint or draw simple circular planets of different sizes around the rocket to give the scene more context without making it feel cluttered.
- Bold Name Tag: Add a mini banner under the rocket with the child's name in bold letters to personalize the craft while keeping the main design focused.
💭 FAQs
Handprint rockets can replace traditional gift tags for science-themed gifts, offering a playful design twist without needing standard packaging elements.
By mounting handprint rockets around a simple clock face, you could create a playful DIY rocket-themed wall clock for children's bedrooms.
Handprint rocket pieces could be adapted as custom player tokens or moveable parts in space-themed DIY board games for kids or families.
Small cutouts of handprint rockets could be layered into homemade puzzles, giving kids an exciting, hands-on way to build outer space scenes.
Handprint Art Space Rocket Craft
Materials
- Canvas
- Paint brush
- Painting Apron optional
- Paint Blue, Red, yellow, Green, Purple, Grey, Black, White
Instructions
- Begin by painting the background of your canvas blue.
- I love creativity and although these colours are a guide, your child can choose other colours if they choose.
- Set aside to dry.
- Once the canvas is dry, cover your child’s hand in red paint. Then add bits of yellow and mix on the hand.
- Create a handprint on the bottom half of the canvas.
- The handprint will be the fire from the space shuttle.
- Next use your paintbrush to paint the top end of the rocket. Add purple for the body, green wings and a red nose.
- Once the painting is dry, add extra detail to customise your own rocket.
- Enjoy this fun preschool craft. I know the kids will love it and it is a great idea for a galaxy or space themed unit study project.
🖌️ Related Crafts
Love these crafts! Don't forget to pin them on Pinterest or leave a comment and let us know how you got on!
Did you make this craft? Leave a review and comment below! Alternatively, bookmark it in your browser or save to Pinterest.
Leave a Reply