We all know how much I love crafts. It’s so very tough to do them without thumbs (as I’ve mentioned a couple of times before), so I get really excited when I’m able to get my craft on without a human’s help. The holidays are coming, and I’m planning on making a lot of handmade gifts, so I invited my friend Fenway over for a little painting party. She isn’t an office dog, so her holiday budget is quite limited. That was why we decided to make some artwork for our human parents.
Before we met, we decided to create puppy paw print framed art. It was really an easy choice because all we would need is paper, 
non-toxic ink or paint, and a nice frame. Creating puppy paw print gifts is a super fun and easy project. Here are my simple instructions:
First, you’ll need to decide whether to use an inkpad or non-toxic ink. Fenway wasn’t sure which would look best, so we tried both. You can use any color you’d like – just be sure to use something that can easily wash off and isn’t toxic to your dog.
That isn’t your only decision. Next, you’ll need to choose which paper to use. Since this is going to be a gift, I’d recommend using a heavier stock paper than your normal notebook or printer paper, but if that’s all you have access to then by all means, use it! Use any color paper you’d like. Since Fenway is a girl, she wanted to try some purple paper. Just in case we didn’t like the color, we made sure to have some white card stock on hand, as well.
Once you’ve completed your puppy paw print project, you’ll need a nice frame to finish the gift. Do you parents have an empty frame at home? If not, you’ll need to enlist a grown up to help you purchase a frame. Well, if you’re good with computers (like I am), you could always purchase a frame online and have it mailed to you!
Now that you have everything you need, it’s time to get started. Make sure that you have a clean place to craft. If you’re working on the floor like we did, you’ll want to make sure it has been swept and washed. You’ll also want to have some wipes or soapy water around to clean your paw. The next thing you’re going to want to do is put the paper flat on the floor.
If you’re working with ink, you’ll want to place your paw firmly on the inkpad and roll your paw so that everything is covered with ink.
If you choose paint instead, you’ll want to make sure your paw is well-coated with paint. There are two ways you can do this. You can use a paintbrush to cover the paw, but it’s difficult to do this without thumbs. My suggestion would be to pour a little paint in a disposable plate, and then simply step on the paint!
Once your paw is covered in ink or paint, step firmly onto the paper and do not move your paw! If you’re anything like me and Fenway, you’re going to want to move your paw around, but if you do that your artwork will be ruined. Okay, I’ll be honest here. We weren’t too successful with paint. It was so slimy and wet that we couldn’t help but smush our paw all over. You can barely see a pawprint in the painted version.
After you’ve placed your paw firmly on the paper, simply lift your paw up, and there should be a paw print on the paper! Make sure to wash your paw real good. Even if you’re using non-toxic ink and paint, you don’t want to leave any on your paw or the fur near your paw pads. Trust me, it doesn’t taste very good. You may even need to take a bath. Fenway did!
Once you’re clean and the ink or paint is dry, you’re ready to frame your puppy paw print! I’m sure this gift will be something your human family will cherish for years to come. Check out our finished product!
Have you ever autographed a gift for your human parents? Have you ever received a puppy paw print as a gift? Let us know in the comments!
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bookmarked!!, I love your blog!