Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post. However, I will always offer my readers an unbiased and honest account of my experiences. Your trust is very appreciated, and never taken for granted. ~Tonya, Dexter and Angel Nutter
Dexter the Dog made his first paw print painting on one of our dog-friendly road trips back in 2014. It’s been hanging on my wall ever since. This year I started practicing making dog paw print paintings as fun keepsakes when Dexter and I visit schools and libraries. It’s a great way for children to remember the fun time they had visiting Dexter. Sometimes I create a few pet paw prints on a canvas, allow them to dry, then the children add their own special creations, turning them into flowers and other fun things.
Today, I wanted to share with you some of the basics so that you, too, can create a-one-of a-kind DIY paw print keepsake. This easy dog-themed craft requires only a few supplies.
The first step is to ensure the pads of your dog’s feet are trimmed up. This is especially important if your dog has fuzzy feet. Next, find a good spot to work with your dog. Remember, you will be using paint, and your dog will have paint on his feet. You may want to work outside in a fenced in area or have your dog on his leash.
Because Dexter is a very calm dog and is used to me handling him and asking him to do odd things, I actually set up our paw print painting area in my bedroom. For the video, I set up a 4′ table and placed a soft bed on top. Then, I draped a clean shower liner over the bed and table, followed by an old sheet. Dexter was very comfortable lying on the bed, although I did have my mom there just to ensure Dexter didn’t decide to jump off.
I then prepped a container of water with a squirt of 4-Legger Moisturizing Shampoo. I’ve been using 4-Legger products on Dexter since 2016. I’m a firm believer in using safe and non-toxic grooming products with Dexter, and 4-Legger products are not only synthetic-free and safe, but work extremely well.
Next, decide on if you are going to do your DIY dog paw print on heavy card stock or canvas. If you decide to use a heavy card stock, which is what I would suggest for your first time, use a clipboard to secure the paper.
Open all the colors of paint you intend to use for your dog paw print. You can either squirt the paint into a shallow plastic container and allow your dog to put his foot inside, or you can dab the pet safe paint directly onto his paw pad. It’s really your choice, and you can try a few different ways.
For Dexter’s homemade paw print keepsake, I dabbed the paint directly onto his paw pad. For some of his prints I used the same color on all pads, and for others I chose a different color for each pad. The sky is the limit on how you want to create your masterpiece.
Once your dog’s paw pad is coated with the non-toxic paint, gently take his foot and press it onto your paper or canvas. Remove in an upward motion to help prevent smudging. However, don’t be alarmed if the prints are not perfect. There will likely be a bit of smudging, which just makes the print even more special.
You can reapply the pet-friendly paint on your dog’s pads and make more prints across your paper. If you choose to use another color, gently dunk his foot into your 4-Legger shampoo mix, rub his feet and fur until the paint is removed, then towel dry his foot. Then you can apply your next color of paint and repeat the process.
Once your masterpiece is finished, allow it to fully dry. Viola! You now have your very own paw print painting keepsake. You can frame the prints or hang the canvas. For even more fun, scan your dog’s creation and make custom holiday cards or gifts. There are so many fun things you can make from your dog’s paw print. Have fun with it.
You can reapply the pet-friendly paint on your dog’s pads and make more prints across your paper. If you choose to use another color, gently dunk his foot into your 4-Legger shampoo mix, rub his feet and fur until the paint is removed, then towel dry his foot. Then you can apply your next color of paint and repeat the process.
Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post. However, I will always offer my readers an unbiased and honest account of my experiences. Your trust is very appreciated, and never taken for granted. ~Tonya, Dexter and Angel Nutter
Once your dog’s paw pad is coated with the non-toxic paint, gently take his foot and press it onto your paper or canvas. Remove in an upward motion to help prevent smudging. However, don’t be alarmed if the prints are not perfect. There will likely be a bit of smudging, which just makes the print even more special.
Open all the colors of paint you intend to use for your dog paw print. You can either squirt the paint into a shallow plastic container and allow your dog to put his foot inside, or you can dab the pet safe paint directly onto his paw pad. It’s really your choice, and you can try a few different ways.
For Dexter’s homemade paw print keepsake, I dabbed the paint directly onto his paw pad. For some of his prints I used the same color on all pads, and for others I chose a different color for each pad. The sky is the limit on how you want to create your masterpiece.
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Paint-based paw prints allow your dog the opportunity to participate in your art or craft projects. Use only non-toxic paints that wash away easily to protect your dog and your floors after the painting project is complete. Ideally, work with pets and paints outdoors; this way, even if your favorite furry friends run around with paint on their paws, the paint stays outside, and your home remains paw-print free.
Before applying paint to your pets paws, check those paw pads to ensure theyre clean. Wipe off paws with damp paper towels, or dip them in warm, soapy water and wipe them off with a soft cloth afterwards. Wipes designed specifically for dog paws offer a quick way to clean those paw pads if the paws arent very dirty.
Washable body paints or fingerpaints designed for young children work equally well for pet paw prints. Since the paints are designed for children to use directly on their skin, the paints are non-toxic. Squirt a little of the desired color onto a disposable plate; then brush the paint onto clean paw pads with a foam brush or paintbrush. Press the painted paw onto the project surface; then rinse the paw off immediately with a hose or in a warm tub of water.
Water-based paints such as non-toxic watercolors designed for children or non-toxic acrylic craft paints provide an inexpensive mean of capturing your dogs paw prints. Watercolors make thin, translucent prints, while acrylic paints create deep opaque prints. If using watercolors, wet the chosen color with water; then brush it onto the paw pads. Press the paw immediately on paper, or the paint may run off or evaporate. If using acrylics, brush on a layer thick enough to capture the print; then press the paw onto the project surface. If space allows, create a large acrylic paw-print painting by dipping each paw into paint. Allow the dog to run across a large sheet of paper such as a roll of butcher paper unrolled across the yard. Wash the paws off within a few minutes before the paint dries.
Non-toxic tempera paints may be used safely for paw-print projects. Mix powdered tempera paints with water, according to package directions, in a shallow container wide enough in which to place the dogs paw. Alternatively, mix the paint colors first; then pour some of each color onto its own paper plate. Press a clean paw into the paint and then onto the project paper or canvas. Wipe paint off the paw with damp paper towels right away, wiping the fur off as well. If necessary, dip the paws in a small tray of water to help remove paint.
FAQ
What kind of paint can you use on dog paw prints?
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