To make a Paw Print:
- Clean hands and paws! This modeling compound attracts fur, dirt and ink.
- Recruit help. Some pets have sensitive paws and resist print making. One person can gently restrain the pet while the other makes the print.
- Adults should assist children when making and decorating paw prints.
- Knead the clay for several minutes until soft and warm. DO NOT soften in a microwave oven as this may ‘harden’ the clay.
- Roll clay into a ball and place on hard, clean, smooth and portable surface (dinner plate, plastic clipboard or a Patty Pad with a Circle Mold*).
- Flatten ball into a patty and turn over to reveal smoothest side.
- Lift the portable surface to the pet’s paw and center the paw on the clay.
- Firmly, but gently, push the center of the pad of the paw into the clay and, without removing paw, press each toe pad and nail/claw into the clay.
- If print does not meet your standards, start over and try again.
Did your pet’s care team send you home to decorate and bake your print? Read this!
To Decorate a Paw Print Before Baking:
- To add a ribbon to decorate or hang a ClayPaws print, make one or two small holes prior to baking. Use an object the width of a pen to make the holes where you would like the ribbon positioned. Be sure the opening is wide enough to pass a ribbon through once the print is baked.
- Add a pet’s name by using a toothpick, Stylus*, or Alphabet Stamp Kit* to carve or imprint letters.
- Add embellishments like beads, collar tags or decorative charms*, arrange and press items into clay prior to baking. (Note: Decorations used must withstand oven temperatures of 275-295 degrees Fahrenheit.)
*Patty Pad/Circle Mold, Stylus, Alphabet Stamp Kit, Charms and other items available in our online store.
