Adorable Puppy Paw Print Salt Dough Ornaments: 10 Steps

We’ve featured this cute salt dough art activity with the kids before. And if you liked the idea then you will surely like this puppy paw print salt dough ornaments too…

If you have pets at home, make adorable puppy paw print salt dough art together with them!

Show your friends and family just how cute those little (and not-so-little) paws are by having your pets make a paw print on the salt dough.

This is great if your furry friend is still a puppy, where you can make one every month or so to serve as his/her own version of a growth chart!

But of course, even full-grown pets can make adorable ornaments because dog paws and cat paws are cute no matter how big or small they are! Agree? :)

You can display your paw print salt dough ornament anywhere you like; by the wall near where your pets sleep or on your desk to help relieve your stress from work… You can also use it as a Christmas tree ornament.

Making a Puppy Paw Print Salt Dought

A fun activity to bond with your pets is making puppy paw print salt dough ornaments.

What could be more fun than making paw print salt dough ornaments with your puppies? This is a great activity to do together to bond and create some beautiful, unique Christmas decorations. Plus, it’s a perfect opportunity to get a little messy!

1. Mix the ingredients

In a bowl, combine all the ingredients and mix well. If you don’t have a mixer, you can use your bare hands. If necessary, add water.

2. Create the dough shape

Mix the ingredients thoroughly and then form a puppy foot shape or any shape your heart desires. A hole can be added for hanging. Adding a hole might make it too heavy, so it is optional.

3. Add the puppy paw prints

Spread the formed salt dough on the floor. To make puppy paw prints, have your puppies step on it gently.

4. Trace your puppy names and year

Using a stick or any other alternative, you can add their names and years as well.

5. Bake the dough

Now that you’ve made your salt dough, it’s time to bake it. You should bake the salt dough for three hours at 200 degrees Fahrenheit after you form it.

6. Turn the dough upside down

By flipping the baked dough upside down, you can determine if it is done. The cake will be cooked if it is dry, but if it is moist in the centre, it will need another hour.

7. Allow it to cool

Allow it to cool before painting it after it has been removed from the oven.

8. Colour the salt dough

When the dough has cooled, use a foam brush to paint it with a colour of your choice. Using metallic purple paint, we gave the dough a pleasant sheen. You can colour the base part. When displaying this outdoors, use a sealant. Let it dry.

9. Repeat the steps to make a lot of ornaments.

10. Then, put your puppy paw print salt dough ornaments on display. 🐶

Do you want to do this project with your pets?

Below are images of our most adorable puppy paw print salt dough designs that will inspire you.

Adorable puppy paw print salt dough designs

Click on any image to start the lightbox display. Use your Esc key to close the lightbox. ?

Have you done this little art project with your fur baby before? Why not show us your and your pet’s creation by sharing it with us! ;)

Safety Tips for Using Salt Dough with Pets

Creating puppy paw print salt dough ornaments is a fun and engaging activity for pet owners. However, it’s crucial to ensure that the process is safe for your furry friends. 

Here are essential safety tips for using puppy paw print salt dough with pets:

Choose Pet-Safe Ingredients

When making puppy paw print salt dough, always opt for pet-safe ingredients. Regular salt dough contains a lot of salt, which can be harmful if ingested by pets. Consider using a modified recipe that minimizes salt and avoids toxic materials. Always double-check each ingredient for its safety in relation to pets.

Avoid Toxic Additives

While crafting your puppy paw print salt dough ornaments, be mindful of the additives you use. Avoid using anything that could be toxic if licked or ingested by your pet, such as certain paints, glitters, or decorative items. Opt for natural food coloring or pet-safe paints when decorating your ornaments.

Supervise Your Pets

During the making of puppy paw print salt dough ornaments, keep a close eye on your pets. Ensure they don’t consume any dough or chew on the ornaments. Supervision is key to preventing any accidental ingestion that could lead to salt poisoning or intestinal blockage.

Clean Up Thoroughly

After you finish making your puppy paw print salt dough ornaments, thoroughly clean all surfaces and tools used. Bits of dough left behind could be tempting for your pet to eat. Ensuring a clean workspace helps prevent any risks associated with leftover materials.

Check for Allergic Reactions

Before, during, and after the creation of puppy paw print salt dough ornaments, monitor your pets for any signs of allergic reactions. This includes excessive itching, redness on the skin, or discomfort. If you notice any unusual symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Following these safety tips, you can enjoy crafting puppy paw print salt dough ornaments with your pets while ensuring they stay safe and healthy. This activity not only results in adorable decorations but also creates lasting memories with your beloved furry family members.

Personalization Techniques for Salt Dough Ornaments

Creating puppy paw print salt dough ornaments offers a wonderful opportunity to craft unique keepsakes that capture the charm of your pet’s paw prints. To make these ornaments truly special, consider personalizing them with creative touches that reflect your pet’s personality and your aesthetic preferences. Here are some effective techniques for personalizing salt dough ornaments:

Incorporate Colors and Patterns

1. Use Natural Dyes: For a safe and pet-friendly approach, color your salt dough with natural food colorings or spices like turmeric for yellow, beetroot for red, and spirulina for green. This allows you to create vibrant, customized ornaments without using harmful chemicals.
2. Patterned Textures: Before pressing your pet’s paw into the dough, roll patterns onto the surface using textured rollers or stamped materials like lace or mesh. This adds a beautiful background texture that enhances the paw print.

Embed Small Tokens

1. Pet Tags and Charms: Embedding a pet tag or a small charm into the salt dough before baking is a great way to make the ornament more personal. This can include your pet’s name, the year, or a small symbol that represents your pet.
2. Nature’s Touch: Press small, pet-safe natural items like leaves or flower petals into the dough. These elements can be painted over or sealed in to add a unique touch to your ornament.

Add Written Personalization

1. Names and Dates: Use a toothpick or a small stylus to inscribe your pet’s name, the date, or a meaningful quote into the dough before it dries. This script personalization adds sentimental value and makes each piece a timestamped memento.
2. Colored Writing: After baking and cooling your ornaments, use fine-tip paint pens or markers to add colorful details. You can highlight your pet’s paw print, add decorative borders, or enhance the inscriptions you made earlier.

Seal and Finish

1. Protective Coating: Apply a clear sealant to protect your personalized puppy paw print salt dough ornaments from moisture and wear. This is particularly important if you plan to display them outdoors or handle them frequently.
2. Glossy or Matte Finishes: Choose a finish that complements your home decor or the personal taste reflected in the ornament. A glossy finish can make colors pop and add a festive shine, while a matte finish might better suit a rustic or understated style.

Mixed Media Decoration

1. Fabric and Ribbon: Attach small pieces of fabric or ribbon to the ornament. You can use these materials to create a loop for hanging or simply add a decorative bow. Choose fabrics that match your pet’s personality or the holiday theme you’re celebrating.
2. Beads and Sequins: For a bit of sparkle, embed small beads or sequins into the salt dough before it dries. This can add an attractive texture and shine, making each ornament catch the light beautifully.

Layered Elements

1. Multiple Dough Colors: Create layered effects by using different colored doughs. You can layer colors or create marbled effects by partially mixing two colors. This technique can make each ornament visually dynamic and more engaging.
2. Thematic Layers: For those commemorating specific events or milestones, integrate layers that symbolize these occasions. For example, for a “first Christmas” ornament, layer a base color with a smaller paw print in a contrasting color.

Dimensional Additions

1. 3D Effects: After the initial flat paw print, add small 3D elements like a raised border or sculpted shapes (like bones or hearts) around the paw. These can be made from the same salt dough mixture and painted after baking.
2. Miniature Frames: Craft or purchase miniature frames to encase the paw print. This not only adds dimension but also turns the ornament into a display-worthy piece of art.

Interactive Elements

1. Changeable Features: Design the ornament with a slot or hook where you can change out elements, such as different background discs or tags that denote different years or occasions.
2. Photo Integration: Incorporate a small photo of your pet alongside the paw print. This can be achieved by creating a flat space on the ornament where a photo can be glued and sealed over with a clear protective layer.

Artistic Techniques

1. Gold Leafing: Apply gold leaf to certain areas of the ornament for a luxurious finish. This can be particularly striking when used sparingly, such as highlighting the edges of the paw print or inscriptions.
2. Antiquing: Use antiquing techniques to give your ornament a vintage look. This can be done by applying a base paint color, then rubbing a darker shade into the crevices and wiping it off the raised areas.

Using these personalization techniques, you can transform simple puppy paw print salt dough ornaments into cherished artworks that celebrate your pet’s unique identity and the special bond you share.

Conclusion

Making salt dough decorations with the impression of puppy paws is a fun and meaningful approach to preserve memories of your cherished animals. Gifts or keepsakes, these ornaments are incredibly customizable and creative. You may honour the unique relationship you have with your animal companions for many years to come with this easy and fun activity.

You can find more ideas and step-by-step instructions for making salt dough art over here…