One of the hardest moments as a dog parent is the day that we have to say goodbye. Our lives consist of so many special moments with our pups, and their lives consist entirely of special moments with us. Making a DIY keepsake with your pup while they're still here is a great way to create a new memory with your pup, an adorable decoration for your home, and will eventually (hopefully someday very far away) be something for you to look back on when it's time for your pup to cross the Rainbow Bridge.
Whether your dog is the better artist, or you are, there are plenty of different options for a DIY craft with your pup no matter what skill level you and your pup are at.
1. Nose Print Canvas
This cute crafty idea is a sure way to get your pup nice and riled up. This may take some (a lot) of patience, but the final product is absolutely adorable. You'll want to use non-toxic paint, most washable kids paints are safe, but be sure to check ingredients and avoid any potentially harmful chemicals such as ammonia, acetone, or polyurethane. There are also dog-friendly ink pads that are a bit easier to work with!
You want to avoid your pup licking/eating any of the paint, which may be tricky. Be sure to prepare, so that you can press your pups nose into the canvas quickly (and gently).
Pro Tip: Do this outdoors or in a room where the paint can easily be cleaned up (trust me, this tip is from experience).
2. Paw Print Art
Similar to the nose print, however typically a little less chaotic, you've probably seen these on social media or Pinterest. Non-toxic, washable kids paint or a dog-safe ink pad is the best option for this - simply dip your pups paw and then put it to the canvas! I would recommend a few test runs to ensure you don't leave a huge blob on the canvas, or blotting the paw on a paper towel before putting it on the final piece.
Some other creative pieces are a Christmas Ornament, a circular piece of wood (can be found in nature or at most craft stores), a piece of paper to be framed, or even a mold that can be painted after you've imprinted your pups paw into it.
3. Paint with Dog Ross
A fun dog DIY art piece, this one is a little more interactive for your pup, because THEY are actually doing the hard work! You can simply set this one up, and leave the rest to your dog. First, you'll want to get a canvas, and then place the paint colors you would like directly onto the canvas. Next, carefully wrap saran wrap over top of the canvas/paint, and then wrap tightly around the entire canvas so that no paint can escape through the saran wrap.
Finally, for the fun part. Layer peanut butter across the canvas, preferably in the direction that you want the paint to go. If you want something really abstract, place a little bit everywhere! Give the canvas to your pup and let them lick the peanut butter away, meanwhile spreading the paint underneath the saran wrap!
4. Toy or Stick Graveyard
Your pup probably has a favorite toy, chewy, stick... maybe rock. Something that your pup gets SO excited for, that instantly produces happy zoomies. Once that toy or stick gets to its ending days, save it for later to place it in a shadow box. A shadow box is a hollow frame, which generally has at least an inch of space and can hold things thicker than just a photo. Once your pup has passed, you can place a photo, their collar, favorite stuffy, an imprinted clay paw, flowers, or anything else that produces heartwarming memories of your best friend.
