Arts and Crafts: Pet Edition

Jessica
Dec 23, 2025
8 min read

Looking for new arts and crafts ideas to try at home? In this blog, we’ll introduce you to some neat ideas for art projects that the whole family (furry family members included) can get involved in. These creative crafts make great gifts for the fur-parents in your life and make great mementos - and they are super simple, too!

Paw Print Ornaments

Nothing says “holiday cheer” like representing the entire family on your Christmas tree. The best thing about paw print ornaments is that they require minimal prep and clean-up, last forever, and are completely customizable!

To get started, you will need:

-Model Magic (We recommend Crayola brand)

-A rolling pin

-A clipboard (or other flat, sturdy surface)

-A small glass or cookie cutter

-A drinking straw

-String or ribbon

-Mod Podge clear spray

-(Optional) Paint

Step 1: Take your Model Magic and roll it out to your desired thickness (we recommend at least ½ inch - and make sure thickness is uniform!) We recommend using white Model Magic if you want to paint the ornament, but any color will work.

Step 2: Take your glass or cookie cutter and cut out the desired shape of your ornament. Place the ornament on a solid surface like a clipboard and grab your pet. The Model Magic should not get stuck in your pet’s fur if they have furry feet, but make sure your pet’s paw is clean of any debris that may affect the texture of the ornament (you can paint over any minor imperfections or dirt). This is also a good time to trim your pet’s nails or claws, as long nails will be noticeable in the imprint.

Step 3: There are a couple of ways to go about this next step, and it all depends on your pet’s cooperation. You can bring the ornament to your pet’s paw (this is where the flat, sturdy surface of the clipboard comes in handy) or you can bring your pet’s paw down to the ornament. Once your pet’s paw is aligned with the paw print, use your fingers to gently press down on the top of your pet’s paw.

Pro Tip: instead of pushing the entire paw down at once, push on each of the toes. This will allow a more distinct paw print shape and avoid flattening out or misshaping the ornament.

Step 4: Immediately after, take a drinking straw and use it to make a small hole near the top of the ornament. Make sure the straw goes all the way through, as this will be the hole you string ribbon or thread through to hang it on the tree. If you just want the paw print impression, you can skip this step!

Step 5: Let the paw print dry for at least 72 hours. The beauty of Model Magic is that no baking is required, so just keep the ornament in a cool, dry place for a few days until it’s ready to paint! Painting the ornament before the ornament has fully dried will interrupt the drying process and the ornament will always be susceptible to bending or dents.

Step 6: This step is optional, but arguably the most fun! Using acrylic paint, decorate your paw print in the colors of your choosing. Paint one side at a time and allow the painted side to fully dry before flipping the ornament over to do the opposite side. Once the paint has fully dried, finish your ornament off with a healthy coat of Mod Podge clear spray (or any other finishing spray) and allow this to dry before adding your string or ribbon.

Bonus: If you want to get fancy, you can paint or use a sharpie to write your pet’s name (we recommend waiting until the first coat of paint is completely dry to do this). If you’re feeling especially brave, try painting one side of the ornament with any distinct markings your pet has or try your hand at a portrait!

Squirmy pet making it hard to get an impression? If you are having a hard time lining your pet’s paw up with the ornament you have cut out and your ornaments are coming out crooked, roll the Model Magic out on the clipboard and cover more surface area, place your pet’s paw anywhere on the clipboard, and use a glass or cookie cutter to cut out the ornament afterwards.

Paw Print Wreaths/Christmas Trees

This is a slightly more advanced holiday craft, but the end result is so cute that it’s worth it! The best part about this craft is that all of your pets can be included in this piece of art you can hang on the wall for many Christmases to come.

To get started, you will need:

-A partner (this craft will go more smoothly with an extra pair of hands)

-A canvas or acrylic paper, if you prefer to have it framed (sized to your liking)

-Washable, non-toxic paint in your colors of choice (we recommend red, green, and gold/silver)

-A small paintbrush

-Lots of newspaper or painting tarp (we recommend doing this one outside)

-A small bowl/bucket of water and towels

-Optional: Glitter (or other decorations)

Step 1: Prep your pet’s paws. Unlike the ornaments, you will want to make sure your pet’s paws are as clean as possible to avoid any dirt getting on the canvas. If your pet has a lot of fur between their toes, you may want to shave the bottom of their foot before attempting this, as the hair will affect the clarity of the paw print.

Step 2: Find a secure outdoor space to lay down your painting tarp or newspaper (this one is going to get messy, which is why it is super important to use washable paint!) and set up your water bucket and towels. You will want to keep these handy to wipe your pet’s paws clean before they go running off. After you are set up, lay your canvas or acrylic paper flat on the ground (we recommend putting something solid beneath if doing this in the grass).

Hint: Whether you are attempting a wreath (circle) or a Christmas tree (triangle), you might find it easier to place your pet’s paw prints if you lightly draw the shape or some markers to use as a guide. Make sure to use a pencil and use light strokes!

Step 3: Hold or leash your pet while your partner takes a paintbrush and a small amount of paint and applies it to the paw. For a fuller paw print, paint the entire foot (including the fur); For a more distinctive paw print shape, only paint the paw pads!

Pro Tip: Before attempting to put your pet’s paw to the canvas, practice on newspaper. You can use white paint to correct any minor imperfections, but it will be difficult to fix any big streaks or smudges caused by your pet jerking their paw.

Step 4: While your partner holds your pet in place, use one hand to gently grab your pet’s arm right above the elbow and one hand to guide the paw to the canvas and press down. Holding your pet’s arm above the elbow will keep them from jerking or tucking their arm to their body, making it easier to accurately place the paw print and avoid smudges. Repeat the pattern until the shape is complete.

Step 4.5: If you have multiple pets you are including in this one, repeat Steps 1, 3, and 4 with your partner. You can continue the same pattern, or you can use different paw sizes for different elements of the design! For example, larger paw prints can be used to make up the green part of the Christmas tree, while smaller paw prints can be used for the ornaments.

Step 5: Use a small paintbrush to fill in any gaps or smooth out any edges. Add glitter or any other decorations and allow to fully dry before hanging or framing.

Step 6: Make sure to thoroughly wash your pet’s paws until no traces of paint remain. Even though the paint is non-toxic, your pet may try to lick their paws to clean themselves if any remnants are left and we don’t want our pets to ingest paint.

Flowered Flower Pot

For a fun Mother’s Day gift, take your pet’s painted paws to a flower pot instead of a canvas!

To get started, you will need:

-A partner (this craft will go more smoothly with an extra pair of hands)

-A terracotta flower pot

-Washable, non-toxic paint in your colors of choice (we recommend red, green, and gold/silver)

-A small paintbrush

-Lots of newspaper or painting tarp (we recommend doing this one outside)

-A small bowl/bucket of water and towels

-Finishing spray (matte works best)

Following the same steps we went over in Paw Print Wreaths/Christmas Trees, apply your pet’s painted paw prints to a terracotta flower pot, sized to your liking. In this craft, your pet’s paw prints will serve as the “flowers” on the sides of the pot. Space the paw prints out across the pot, you will paint in the green stems later. For an extra flair, you can paint green grass along the bottom of the pot by doing upward strokes.

Pro Tip: Get the whole family involved in this one! Little hands also make great flowers, so alternate between your two-legged and four-legged family members until the whole pot is covered. You can also make small thumbprint “bumblebees” to complete your flower pot garden.

Once the paint has completely dried, finish your pot off with a healthy coat of finishing spray if you plan on keeping your pot outdoors.

Watercolor Paw Art

If you don’t want to deal with the hassle (or mess) of traditional paint, you’re going to love this low-mess project. If you have tile floors, you can even do this one indoors if you don’t mind wiping up a little bit of water afterwards.

To get started, you will need:

-A large, thick piece of watercolor paper

-Watercolor paints

-Paint brushes

-A small bowl filled with water

-A towel to dry your pet’s feet off

Step 1: Prep your pet’s paws. You will want clean, shaved paws for this one. Wash your pet’s paws thoroughly beforehand to get rid of any dirt or debris.

Step 2: Lay your watercolor paper out flat on the ground. Get your watercolor paints and paintbrushes ready to go nearby. Do not start Step 4 until you have your materials assembled, because you will need to act somewhat quickly.

Step 3: Leash your pet and bring them over to the watercolor paper. Gently dip your pet’s paws (you can dip as many as you’d like) into the bowl of water. Then, walk them across the paper.

Step 4: Now it’s your turn! Take a paintbrush and some watercolor paint and carefully paint the wet areas your pet left behind. You may need to improvise in some areas to sharpen the edges to create a more distinct paw print.

Step 5: The nice thing about using watercolors is that you can easily layer the paint to create different visual effects. Experiment with different colors and have fun with it! If you want to add more paw prints, simply repeat the steps until you have the desired number. We recommend waiting for the newly-painted prints to dry before having your pet walk across the paper again.

Step 6: Once the painting has fully dried, you can frame your painting as is, or you can take a fine black pen or sharpie and add some lines to make the prints more distinctive.

If you try any of these crafts at home, be sure to send a photo to us at info@prosperanimalhospital.com or tag us on Facebook or Instagram!