Clay paw print kits
A clay kit gives you a raised paw impression you can hold, hang or stand on a shelf. It takes a little more time than ink, and gives you the most lasting keepsake.
What you get in a clay kit
Most kits include a pack of soft air-dry clay, a round or heart-shaped cutter, a small rolling pin and a ribbon. Some add a frame or a stand. You roll the clay out, press the paw in, cut around it, and leave it to dry hard.
Pressing a clean impression
- Knead the clay until it is soft, then roll it about as thick as your finger.
- Hold your pet's leg just above the paw and press the whole paw down evenly.
- Lift straight up. Don't let the paw slide sideways.
- Cut around the print, and push a straw through the top if you want to hang it.
- Leave it somewhere flat and dry for one to three days.
Tips for dogs and cats
Big dogs press deep easily, so roll the clay a little thicker. Cats have light paws and retract their claws, so you may need to press gently on the top of the paw to get each toe pad to show. A treat straight afterwards helps everyone.
From clay to line art
A clay impression is lovely to hold, and you can turn it into a flat design as well. Photograph the disc with light from one side so the shadows show the shape, then upload it to the paw print tool. You'll get clean line art to print, engrave or frame.