The cold weather and Pinterest combined has motivated me to try out a winter craft project. I have been wanting to display some dog art, and what better dog art is there than stamping your own pooch's paws?! This can be done many ways, but I tried one of them out today with the help of my lovely husband.
Supplies
Paper plates
Foam brushes
6" x 12" artist panel (cheaper and sturdier than a canvas wrap)
Acrylic paint to use on their paws (easily washes away)
OPTIONAL Paint for a background color (I used a paint sample I already had)
I first painted on the background color of choice. I wanted something to match the decor, not just plain white. I applied 3 coats, letting it dry for a few minutes in between each coat. After the background had thoroughly dried, I then prepped the acrylic paint I would use on my dogs' paws by brushing out a large amount onto a paper plate. I chose brown to go with the blue background, but black or white would stand out well, also. My husband and I set up a station on the kitchen floor including:
1 Paper plate with the acrylic paint brushed onto it for dipping their paws
Plain paper plates to test on before placing the print on the panel
A bowl with 1 tsp dawn dish soap and warm water to rinse paws
1 Towel to clean/dry paws
We had 3 dogs that were all very curious about this set up. We had treats ready to give them after they had cooperated. I won't lie, it was a bit tricky to get them to be still. One of the paw prints messed up, but the acrylic paint made it easy to quickly wipe it away and try again. The prints aren't all perfect, but I like that. It's real.
Now, where to hang it?
These muddy paw prints being tracked into the house recently has also made me consider another idea.
If you didn't want to use a display such as this one, you could ultimately use a picture frame by placing parchment paper on the floor. Put the paint on your dog's paws, and let them walk on the paper. After cleaning them off and letting the paint dry, you could then cut out the paw prints you like best and place them in a frame. If you try it, let me know how it goes.
