How To: Make Paw Ornaments

Creating dog paw ornaments is one of the sweetest and most sentimental DIY projects you can do at home. These little keepsakes capture a moment in time, your pup’s tiny (or not-so-tiny) paw, preserved as a memory you can hang on your Christmas tree, display around your home or gift to loved ones.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to make safe, simple and adorable paw ornaments using ingredients you likely already have. Whether you're crafting them for the festive season or as a year-round keepsake, this project is easy, meaningful and fun for both you and your dog.

Why?

Paw ornaments are popular because they:

• Create a meaningful keepsake you’ll treasure for years
• Make thoughtful handmade gifts for family and friends
• Capture your pup’s growth at different ages
• Offer a fun, creative bonding activity
  
  

What You’ll Need

Gather your materials before starting:

• Flour
• Salt
• Warm water
• Rolling pin
• Cookie cutter (circle, heart, star, anything you like)
• Baking tray
• Ribbon or twine
• Non-toxic paint or markers (optional for decoration)
  
  

All items are easy to find and safe for dogs when used correctly.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Dog Paw Ornaments

1. Mix Your Dough

Use a 1:1:½ ratio →

• 1 cup flour
• 1 cup salt
• ½ cup warm water
  
  

Slowly add the warm water until a smooth dough forms.

Consistency tips:

• Too sticky → add a sprinkle of flour
• Too dry → add a splash more warm water
  
  

The dough should feel soft, pliable and not crumbly.

2. Roll the Dough

Roll your dough to 1 - 1.5 cm thickness.

• This helps the ornament hold shape while preventing cracks during baking.

3. Cut Out Your Ornament Shape

Use a cookie cutter to create your ornament shape. (Make sure it is big enough to fit the size of your dogs paw)

With any leftover dough, gather it into a ball, roll it out again, and cut more shapes so nothing goes to waste.

4. Press Your Dog’s Paw

Gently press your dog’s paw into the centre of the dough.
Apply light, even pressure to get a clear imprint.

Important:
Immediately wipe or wash their paw to remove any dough residue.

5. Add a Hanging Hole

Use a straw, pen or chopstick to poke a small hole near the top of the ornament (This is where your ribbon will thread later.)

6. Choose Your Drying Method

You have two safe options:

Bake:

• 120°C for 2–3 hours
• Turn halfway for even drying
  
  

Air Dry:

• Leave in a warm, dry room
• 24–48 hours until completely hardened
  
  

Air drying is gentler, baking is faster.

7. Decorate Your Ornament (Optional)

Once fully dry, decorate using non-toxic paint, markers or stamps.

Design ideas:

• Write your dog’s name
• Add the year
• Paint the paw print outline
• Use festive colours for Christmas ornaments
  
  

Always ensure to let the paint or marker dry before the next step.

8. Add Your Ribbon

Thread your ribbon or twine through the hole and tie securely.

 

Your paw ornament is officially complete!

Common Questions

Is the dough safe for dogs?

Salt dough is safe to touch, but not safe to eat.

How long do paw ornaments last?

With proper drying and storage, they can last years, many people save them as lifelong keepsakes.

Paws for Final Thoughts

Making paw ornaments is a simple, sentimental way to celebrate your dog and create a keepsake you’ll treasure forever. Whether displayed at home, hung on your Christmas tree or gifted to loved ones, these handmade decorations bring warmth and meaning to any season.

If you make your own paw ornaments, we’d love to see them!
Share your creations on social media and tag us @pupperyco on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook.