Spring-Themed Paw Print Art for Pets

  spring themed art for pets

Spring is in the air! As the days get longer and flowers begin to bloom, you may be looking for something to do with your pet to mark the change of seasons. This fun and simple craft uses your pet’s paw to create a “bouquet” of spring flowers. It’s a great way to personalize, or “petalize” a special gift or card for your pet’s favorite person, your dog walker or pet sitter! 

 

 

Now this project can be a little messy so before you get started, consider doing this outside on a deck or patio, or lay down an old sheet, drop cloth, old shower curtain liner or towels to contain the mess when working indoors.

Recommended Supplies:

  • Non-toxic, washable paints (alternately, you can use ink pads) in various colors
  • Foam paint brush
  • Heavy card stock, canvas or blank cards
  • Clipboard or other way to secure the paper
  • Markers, pencil crayons or watercolor paints (to add details like stems and leaves)
  • Shallow plastic containers (yogurt or sour cream lids work well), paper plates or pie plates
  • Bowls or a basin of water for rinsing
  • Towel or face cloth
  • Pet shampoo

 

Note: You’ll need to ensure the fur on your pet’s feet is trimmed, especially if your pet has furry feet. Leash your pet (even inside) so they don’t try to decorate your entire house! Even with non-toxic paints, prevent your pet from licking their paws. Enlist some help to hold your pet’s paw while you dab on the paint, position the paper and clean off the paw at the end.  

Steps:

  1. If using cardstock, secure it in a clipboard.
  2. Squeeze some paint onto your paper plate. Keep the dish of paint out of your pet’s reach.
  3. Dip your brush into the paint and dab the paint directly onto your pet’s paw pad (you can use the same color on all the pads, or you can be daring and use a different color for each pad).
  4. Once the pads are coated in paint, gently take your pet’s foot and press it onto the cardstock or canvas, making sure all areas touch the paper evenly.
  5. Lift your pet’s paw straight up to prevent smudging, but don’t worry if there are some smudges—they make the painting unique!
  6. Give your pet lots of praise!
  7. Repeat steps 3 to 6 to create as many blooms as you’d like.
  8. For different colored flowers in your bouquet, rinse your pet’s paw off in a bowl or basin of water and gently wipe dry with a towel or facecloth. Repeat the process to create a rainbow of blooms.
  9. Once you’ve finished, wash the paint off of your pet’s paw with a small amount of pet shampoo and rinse well in a basin of water. 
  10. Allow your “flowers” to dry completely before adding stems and leaves with watercolors, markers or pencil crayons to create a one of kind floral bouquet!
 

Now you’re ready to frame your masterpiece or send it as a card to your pet’s best pal!

Looking for other activities? Create upcycled toys for your pet! >>