One of my favorite things to do it craft with my daughter.

She is 4 and really creative. We paint just about every day. Watercolor butterflies on paper to rainbows with acrylics on stretched canvases. It’s always so much fun.

I figured that since I have so much fun with her that I would enjoy crafting with my dogs. So silly.

But it was a lot of fun to do this with Kemper and Brinkley.

I think they are currently plotting how to get back at me, but at least I have some cute artwork from the activity.

When you try this, be sure to use non-toxic paint, work quickly, and immediately wipe off or wash off you dog’s paws so any paint does not dry on the paw. It’s fairly low mess, but if you are using acrylic paint, wear clothing that you wouldn’t mind getting paint on as your dog might squirm and then you will get a stray print on your pants or top.

 

The best thing about this is that the possibilities to create  with the paw prints is endless.

I decided to make butterflies with Brinkley and Flowers with Kemper.

To make the butterflies, make 2 paw prints with the pads just about touching. Then use a different color and make another 2 paw prints below the first two paw prints. All 4 paw prints need to have the toes on the outside of the image, as if you mirrored the paw prints. Once all the butterflies have been created, paint the body and antennae.

The flowers can be done with 1 single color or several colors. Stamp all the paw print flowers on the canvas. Then using a brush, paint the stems and leaves. Then using another color, preferably yellow, paint the center of the flower.  You can have the flowers coming up from the ground, or in a bouquet, or in a vase. Even the variety of flowers can be as varied as pansies, lilies, daisies, and sunflowers- all depends on the colors and the details you paint.

This activity is so fun because it’s simple to do and there are so many different ways to create a one of a kind piece.

While it would be fun to do this with any dog, this activity works best with short haired dogs as paint on the hair between the toes and on the feet will take away the detail from the pad and toes.

As well, you don’t want to use too much paint. Too much paint will also reduce the detail of the paw print. Lightly cover the pad and toes, then slowly, evenly press the paw onto the canvas for best results.

Have fun painting!

Painted Dog Paw Print Craft

Supplies Needed 

• Canvas Panels, I used 12×12 panels from Artist Loft (purchased at Michael’s)
• non toxic paint, such as water based or acrylic paints
• paint brushes
• paper plates
• paper towels
• baby wipes, soap

Instructions

1. If desired, paint the whole canvas to create a colorful background. Let dry.
2. Place a thin layer of paint on a paper plate. Lightly cover the pad and to with paint, then slowly and evenly press the paw onto the canvas. Repeat as many times as needed to create the design you are creating.
3. Once the paw prints are complete, quickly wipe off or wash off your dog’s paw. This needs to happen before the paint dries.
4. Paint the details to complete your picture using paint and brushes. Let dry completely before displaying.