Paws, Prints, and Holiday Cheer
DIY Pet-Safe Ornaments to Make This Christmas Magical!
How to Make a Paw Print Ornament: A Festive Way to Celebrate Your Baby!
The holiday season is a time for creating memories with loved ones, and for many of us, that includes our furry companions! A paw print ornament is not just a charming decoration for your Christmas tree; it’s also a keepsake that celebrates your pet’s special place in your family. Plus, it’s an easy and safe craft that lets your pet join in the festive fun.
Why Make a Paw Print Ornament?
Paw print ornaments are more than just decorations; they’re a way to capture the joy, love, and loyalty our pets bring into our lives. Whether you're celebrating your puppy's first Christmas, honoring your senior cat, or simply looking for a heartwarming project, this DIY craft is perfect for pet parents.
What You’ll Need
Creating a paw print ornament requires just a few simple and pet-safe materials:
For the base: Air-dry clay
Decorations: Non-toxic paints, pet-safe paint or dye, and ribbon
Tools: Rolling pin, cookie cutters, and a straw
Using pet-friendly materials ensures your pet’s safety and makes the process stress-free for both of you.
A special note: I want to highlight an important safety note: traditional flour and salt ornaments can be tempting to dogs but are harmful if consumed. This project uses air-dry clay instead of flour and salt, making it a safer alternative. While it’s still not meant for eating, the clay won’t smell like food, making it less appealing to curious pups!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Knead your Clay: Follow the directions on the clay package, but generally you want to knead it to soften it and “warm it up” In the clay world we call this wedging!
Roll and Cut: Roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to shape your ornament (circles, stars, or even Christmas trees work well).
Get the Paw Print: Gently press your pet’s clean paw into the dough to leave a print. If they’re hesitant, distract them with a treat or their favorite toy.
Make a Hole to Hang: Use a straw to make a hole at the top of the ornament before baking or drying.
Bake or Dry: Salt dough can be baked at 250°F for 2–3 hours, while air-dry clay should be left to harden according to the package instructions.
Add Color: Once dry, use pet-safe paints to decorate. You can paint the paw print in festive colors.
Add Color: Use pet-safe paints or natural dyes to decorate. Mix cornstarch, water, and a small amount of vegetable-based coloring. Adjust the consistency with water for easy application. For example:
Beet juice can give you a nice red or pink color.
Turmeric provides a vibrant yellow.
Blueberries offer a lovely purple or blue hue. Mix these natural dyes into your dough or paint for a beautiful, safe finish.
Thread a Ribbon: Once finished, thread a festive ribbon through the hole for hanging.
Tips for Success
Choose Non-Toxic Materials: Stick to pet-safe paints and dyes. DIY options like beet juice or turmeric are great for natural colors.
Clean-Up Ready: Keep a damp cloth or warm water nearby to clean your pet’s paw after making the print.
Keep It Stress-Free: If your pet isn’t comfortable, try again later or use a favorite toy to distract them.
The Final Touch
Once completed, hang your ornament proudly on your tree or gift it to a fellow pet lover. It’s a heartfelt way to include your pet in your holiday traditions and celebrate the bond you share.
Share Your Creation!
We’d love to see your paw print ornaments! Share your festive crafts with us and inspire others to create keepsakes of their own furry family members.
What’s your favorite holiday tradition with your pets? Let us know in the comments below! 🎄
Oh that looks adorable! I love it, thank you for sharing this idea Melissa 💚