How To Make Your Own Paw Print Stepping Stone

Did you ever write your name or make a foot imprint in wet concrete when you were a kid in an attempt to immortalize yourself? Of course I’ve outgrown that mischievous act but I’m always tempted to imprint my dogs’ paws whenever we walk along wet concrete pavement.

I’m certain we all have the urge and will do it if nobody is watching! I’m sure it is not a crime to do so, I think. Wouldn’t it be better if we could cut out that paw imprint and bring it home? (this, I think it’s a crime.)

There are kits available marketed to pet owners who want to make stepping stones of their pets’ paw print. Two came to mind are: Paw Print Kit (above image) and Pet Impression Casted Paw Print Keepsake Shadow Box Frame (lower image. More favorable as it create less mess than the formal one). These kits aren’t expensive though; however, you can achieve the exact same thing by nailing four pieces of wood together and mixing some concrete. Once the concrete has started to set, coat your dog’s paw with Vaseline and press firmly into the mixture. Leave it to dry (but remember to remove the paw!) and when it has fully set, remove the wood and place the stepping stone in the garden.

Another variation of this arts and crafts project is to take the cast paw and fill it with modeling clay. Pack the clay into the “mold” and carefully extract it once you feel that the clay has filled the impression completely. To achieve a clean removal, rub the impression with Vaseline to prevent the clay from sticking. Bake the clay paw print as per the instructions on the clay package and when the 3-D paw is ready, adhere it to a board or place it in a shadow box frame. With a little creativity, you can immortalize your dog in many different ways.