clay paw print {a diy tutorial}

The decision to say goodbye to Tansy was really hard. One thing that made it easier was knowing that I could preserve a little piece of her in the form of a clay paw print. The animal clinic that I worked at in Fort Worth makes a paw print for the families of deceased pets, and I loved the idea of having Tansy's paw print by which to remember her.

Here's what you'll need:

modeling clay
wax paper-covered clipboard (the wax paper prevents staining)
rolling pin
cookie cutter (it must be large enough to go around your pet's paw print)
sculpting tool with a very pointed edge
modge podge (optional)

Here's what you do:

To form the paw print your pet's toenails must be recently trimmed or else the toenails will appear in the clay. We also trimmed Tansy's hair around her feet so there would not be hair prints in the clay.

After the clay has baked you can apply high-gloss modge podge for a shiny finish. I haven't decided if I want to do that yet or not.

I also placed a small hole in the clay to thread ribbon through so we can hang her paw print.

This simple craft is a wonderful way to preserve the memory of your beloved pet.

How do you preserve the memory of your family pets?