White washable tempera paint, 1 small jar or squeeze bottle
1 wide flat brush, at least 2 cm wide
1 fine-tipped black paint marker or fine brush with black paint
Damp cloth and a dry towel for cleanup
1 black picture frame, A4 or 8x10 in
Step by Step
Lay the black card on a firm, flat surface and set everything you need within arm's reach before you touch the baby. Speed matters once the paint goes on.
Use the wide flat brush to coat the sole of one baby foot evenly with white paint, working from heel to toe. The layer should be opaque but not so thick it will blob: if you can see the brush strokes it is about right.
Press the foot firmly onto the card with the heel roughly centred and the toes pointing upward. Hold for a count of five, then lift straight up without sliding. You should see a clear print with the heel as a rounded shape at the top and the five toes below it.
Wipe the foot clean immediately with the damp cloth, then dry it. This is genuinely the most important moment to be quick: babies find wet paint on their feet interesting enough to spread.
Leave the print to dry completely, at least 30 minutes. When it is dry, it will look bright white with crisp edges.
Using the fine brush or paint marker, add two small black oval eyes near the top of the heel shape. Keep them close together and smallish: this is what makes it look like a ghost rather than a footprint that has been decorated.
Once the marker is dry (5 minutes), slide the card into the frame. Hang it or lean it on the mantel.