It’s not a paw-fect Christmas tree without a paw print ornament! With just two common pantry ingredients and a few crafting supplies, your furry family member can contribute to the festive décor with a salt dough paw print ornament. Combine flour, salt and water to create a dough, then gently press their precious paw into the dough. Bake and decorate! The result is an ornament your family will cherish for years.
Paw Print Christmas Tree Ornaments
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup salt fine
- 1/2 cup hot water
Embellishment Options
- Red or green food coloring
- Craft paint
- Clear varnish
- Festive pipe cleaners or holiday ribbon
- Glitter
- Letter stamps for name imprinting
- Small jewels
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 225 degrees F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In medium bowl, mix together flour, salt and hot water. If dough is sticky, add flour. Knead until dough is smooth.
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For two-colored marbled ornaments, divide dough in half and use 15 to 20 drops food coloring per half. (Note: Food coloring amount depends on color preferences.) Combine dough then roll out to ½-inch thickness.
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Cut shapes larger than your pet’s paw using a cookie cutter or drinking glass.
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Gently press pet’s paw in the center of each shape. (Tip: If paw impression isn’t distinct enough, use your thumb or finger to deepen the imprint.)
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To add names, press letter stamps into dough before baking.
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Arrange shapes onto baking sheet. Using a straw, poke holes in tops of shapes.
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Bake 2 to 3 hours or until shapes are solid and thoroughly dried.
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Transfer to wire rack and let cool.
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After ornaments cool, get creative. Use craft paint to color paw prints. Using hot glue gun, add sparkling jewels.
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Once decorating is complete, coat dough surface with clear varnish and, if desired, sprinkle with glitter.
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To hang, use pipe cleaners or holiday ribbon.
Recipe Notes
- Important Safety Information: Dough ornaments are not edible and could be toxic if ingested. Hang ornaments out of reach of pets and kids.
- Your pet may be uncomfortable with paw handling. Avoid stress or discomfort. Try taking the imprint when your pet is relaxed, lying down. Press the dough onto the paw rather than attempting while they’re standing.
- Grab these supplies and more at Vitacost.com.
