Paw Prints

Keepsake Puppy prints Memorial

How to Make the Paw Prints

The following presentation demonstrates how the paw prints are created. This process takes approximately 18 days from start to finish.

Step 1 – Rolling the clayRolling out the clay to the desired thickness. The most

important aspect is keeping the clay moist and workable.

Step 2 – Cutting Cutting the clay into the heart shape template. We also

have a round template available.

Step 3 – Obtaining the paw printObtaining the paw prints is one of the most difficult steps. First we shave the hair off the bottom of the paw, then trim the nails so we can obtain a nice clean impression.

Step 4 – SandingAfter the print has dried under a weighted board for at least 7 days, the dreaded

sanding begins. The sanding removes the imperfections around the print and creates a smooth surface for the painting

Step 5 – First FiringThe molds are placed in a kiln to be fired. It takes approximately

8 hours to complete the firing cycle at 1600 degrees.

Step 6 – RubberizingA rubber substance is placed in the actual paw print and then needs to dry for

at least 3 days. Rubberizing protects the paw print during the painting process.

Step 7 – Painting ProcessThe paw print is then painted using colors chosen by the

client. Then has to dry for at least 2 days.

Step 8 – De-rubberizingAfter the paw print is painted and dried, the rubber we

inserted in step 6 is carefully removed.

Step 9 – Smoothing paw printA special tool is used to remove all imperfections from the paw print before its

final firing. This helps to prevent the paint from bleeding into the actual paw print

Step 10 – Second FiringPaw prints are once again place in the kiln for the second and final firing. This takes another 8 hours. We need to ensure that we have a full kiln to be energy efficient.

Step 11 – Personalizing the Paw PrintThis step is where we personalize the paw print to the owners desire

and then a protective glaze is added to the name and paw print.

Step 12 – The finished product