Frequently Asked Questions. VeterinaryWisdomforPetParents.com

Following are a list of questions that we frequently hear from customers like you. Let us know if there is something you want to know that is not answered here. Email us at webmaster@wbtt.com.

What is a ClayPaws® kit?

A ClayPaws® kit is a convenient way to make a lasting keepsake of a beloved pet's paw (or hoof!) ClayPaws® prints can be used to celebrate special events such as birthdays, or new puppies, or when pets are euthanized.

Each kit contains one patty of clay, a tip sheet, and a protective bag for storing or transporting the print. (Each kit is intended to make one print. The kits are the right size for almost every animal. If you have a really large dog, you may find it easier to combine two kits to make a larger patty. HoofPrint kits are large enough to do most hooves also.)

What is the shelf life of the modeling compound?

ClayPaws® kits should be stored in a cool location (under 85° F) away from direct sunlight. High temperatures may 'advance' the clay, causing it to crack and feel stiff as you knead it. When stored properly, our modeling compound will not dry out. Due to its oil base and our protective packaging, your clay should remain pliable even one year post purchase.

We offer a six month guarantee on our products. If you are dissatisfied with your ClayPaw® kits, simply return them to us for a refund.

How do you make a ClayPaws® print?

Clean hands and paws! This modeling compound attracts fur, dirt, and ink.
Recruit help. Some pets have sensitive paws and resist print-making. One person can gently restrain the pet while the other makes the print.
Adults should assist children when making and decorating paw prints.
Knead the clay for several minutes until soft and warm. DO NOT soften the clay in a microwave oven!
Roll clay into a ball and place on a hard, clean, smooth, and portable surface (dinner plate, plastic clipboard, or a Portable Patty Pad with Circle Mold).
Flatten ball into a patty and turn over to reveal smoothest side.
Lift the hard surface to the pet's paw and center paw on patty.
Firmly, but gently, push center pad into clay and, without removing paw, press each toe pad and nail/claw into the clay.
If print does not meet your standards, start over and try again.

How can I tell if my print is baked or not?

First, remove your print from the plastic bag or container. Next, turn the print (gently) over to the back. Try to insert your thumbnail into the clay.

If your nail leaves little, or no, impression, your print has been baked. If your nail leaves a very easy, deep impression, your print needs to be baked. (See baking instructions
below.)

If a print is baked, it will feel like a piece of pottery. It won't ever feel as hard and smooth as porcelain or china but, if baked, it won't bend or flex. Unbaked clay will typically feel slightly moist and quite flexible. If a print has been unbaked for several months after being made, you may start to see small hairline cracks appearing. You can smooth these cracks out with your finger prior to baking your print.

Call us at 1-888-271-8444 if you have further questions about your paw print.

How soon do I need to bake the ClayPaws® print I received?

We get this question frequently. While it is best to bake your print right away, it is OK to not bake your print immediately. It can be a difficult step to bake this precious memory of your pet.

It is best to store your unbaked print away from danger of being crushed or flattened. Also, store the unbaked print in the plastic storage bag to avoid getting dust on the clay.

We guarantee the modeling compound for six months. If left unbaked longer than that, we can't guarantee the use of the clay. If left unbaked for a long period of time, cracks may start to form in the clay. These can be smoothed out before baking, but the durability of the print may be compromised.

How do you bake a ClayPaws® kit?

Baking instructions are included on the tip sheet in each ClayPaws® kit. If these instructions are lost, or not included, the instructions are below. If you wish,
you can print out these instructions by downloading them here.

To Bake a Paw Print:

Prints should always be baked in a well-ventilated oven and area. DO NOT bake in a microwave oven!
Preheat oven or toaster oven to 275° F. Use an oven thermometer to be sure the oven temperature is accurate. Over-baking or baking at too high a temperature may cause discoloration and cracking.
Bake for 10 to 15 minutes per 1/4" thickness in a glass or Pyrex® baking dish. It's normal for a print to seem "stuck" to the dish. Place a spatula under the edge of the paw print and apply light pressure. Your print should "pop" loose.
A finished print should feel hard and inflexible, although a fingernail may still be pressed into the clay and make a shallow impression. If a print is not thoroughly baked, return it to a preheated oven and bake for an additional five minutes. Allow to cool completely and test again. Repeat as necessary, but DO NOT over-bake.

How do you prepare a ClayPaws® print for outside use?

First, bake as directed above and cool.

Next, brush on one (1) coat of shellac and let dry. Then, brush on 3 thin coats of Sculpey Finishing Glaze. Let it dry between each coating.

Once the last coat of glaze is dry, finish with one coat of either a 2-part Epoxy or "Verathane Diamond Wood Finish Interior Glaze". (Available in a craft or home store.)

We suggest that you not use your ClayPaws® print outside if it is your one and only print. The weather and elements can still have adverse effects on the clay even with this protection. If you would like to make a copy of your print to use outside, you can do so using our ClayPaws® Copy Kit.

If a ClayPaws® print has already been baked, but you want to display the print by hanging it from a ribbon, you can make a small hole near the top of the print by drilling into the modeling compound. We suggest you position the location of the hole so that the upper edge of the finished hole will be at least 1/2 inch from the top edge of your ClayPaws® print.

First, place the ClayPaws® print on a clean, flat surface. Be sure the surface is an item you won't mind drilling into (e.g., a piece of scrap wood, a work bench, etc.!) Next, measure down from the top of the print to determine the center of the hole (about 3/4 of an inch). Drill an initial, small hole using a 1/8 inch twist drill bit. Use a very slow speed and very light pressure on the drill. Once you've drilled all the way through, switch to a larger drill bit (up to 1/4 inch) to make a larger, final hole. Add a ribbon or cord and hang your ClayPaws® print!

You can click here to order online . You can always reach a customer service specialist by calling us toll-free at 1-888-271-8444 (or at our local number 970-223-5753). You can also print our order form and fax or mail that to us. Our fax number is 970-223-1226 and our mailing address is:

World by the Tail, Inc.
126 W. Harvard St., Ste. 5
Fort Collins, CO 80525

What types of payment do you accept?

For your convenience, there are several ways you can pay for your orders. Online, you must pay with a Visa or Mastercard. You can choose to pay with Visa or Mastercard when you call or fax your order as well. We will also accept check payment, however, payment must be received and cleared before we will ship the product to you.

Call us if you have questions about your payment! 1-888-271-8444.

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	Frequently Asked Questions Following are a list of questions that we frequently hear from customers like you. Let us know if there is something you want to know that is not answered here. Email us at webmaster@wbtt.com. What is a ClayPaws® kit? What is the shelf life of the modeling compound? How do you make a ClayPaws® print? How can I tell if my print is baked or not? How soon do I need to bake the ClayPaws® print I received? How do you bake a ClayPaws® print? How do you decorate a ClayPaws® print? How do you prepare a ClayPaws® print for outside use? How to drill a baked ClayPaws® print Are there other products available? What's the best way to order? What types of payments do you accept? What is a ClayPaws® kit? A ClayPaws® kit is a convenient way to make a lasting keepsake of a beloved pet's paw (or hoof!) ClayPaws® prints can be used to celebrate special events such as birthdays, or new puppies, or when pets are euthanized. Each kit contains one patty of clay, a tip sheet, and a protective bag for storing or transporting the print. (Each kit is intended to make one print. The kits are the right size for almost every animal. If you have a really large dog, you may find it easier to combine two kits to make a larger patty. HoofPrint kits are large enough to do most hooves also.) What is the shelf life of the modeling compound? ClayPaws® kits should be stored in a cool location (under 85° F) away from direct sunlight. High temperatures may 'advance' the clay, causing it to crack and feel stiff as you knead it. When stored properly, our modeling compound will not dry out. Due to its oil base and our protective packaging, your clay should remain pliable even one year post purchase. We offer a six month guarantee on our products. If you are dissatisfied with your ClayPaw® kits, simply return them to us for a refund. How do you make a ClayPaws® print? Clean hands and paws! This modeling compound attracts fur, dirt, and ink. Recruit help. Some pets have sensitive paws and resist print-making. One person can gently restrain the pet while the other makes the print. Adults should assist children when making and decorating paw prints. Knead the clay for several minutes until soft and warm. DO NOT soften the clay in a microwave oven! Roll clay into a ball and place on a hard, clean, smooth, and portable surface (dinner plate, plastic clipboard, or a Portable Patty Pad with Circle Mold). Flatten ball into a patty and turn over to reveal smoothest side. Lift the hard surface to the pet's paw and center paw on patty. Firmly, but gently, push center pad into clay and, without removing paw, press each toe pad and nail/claw into the clay. If print does not meet your standards, start over and try again. How can I tell if my print is baked or not? First, remove your print from the plastic bag or container. Next, turn the print (gently) over to the back. Try to insert your thumbnail into the clay. If your nail leaves little, or no, impression, your print has been baked. If your nail leaves a very easy, deep impression, your print needs to be baked. (See baking instructions below.) If a print is baked, it will feel like a piece of pottery. It won't ever feel as hard and smooth as porcelain or china but, if baked, it won't bend or flex. Unbaked clay will typically feel slightly moist and quite flexible. If a print has been unbaked for several months after being made, you may start to see small hairline cracks appearing. You can smooth these cracks out with your finger prior to baking your print. Call us at 1-888-271-8444 if you have further questions about your paw print. How soon do I need to bake the ClayPaws® print I received? We get this question frequently. While it is best to bake your print right away, it is OK to not bake your print immediately. It can be a difficult step to bake this precious memory of your pet. It is best to store your unbaked print away from danger of being crushed or flattened. Also, store the unbaked print in the plastic storage bag to avoid getting dust on the clay. We guarantee the modeling compound for six months. If left unbaked longer than that, we can't guarantee the use of the clay. If left unbaked for a long period of time, cracks may start to form in the clay. These can be smoothed out before baking, but the durability of the print may be compromised. How do you bake a ClayPaws® kit? Baking instructions are included on the tip sheet in each ClayPaws® kit. If these instructions are lost, or not included, the instructions are below. If you wish, you can print out these instructions by downloading them here. To Bake a Paw Print: Prints should always be baked in a well-ventilated oven and area. DO NOT bake in a microwave oven! Preheat oven or toaster oven to 275° F. Use an oven thermometer to be sure the oven temperature is accurate. Over-baking or baking at too high a temperature may cause discoloration and cracking. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes per 1/4" thickness in a glass or Pyrex® baking dish. It's normal for a print to seem "stuck" to the dish. Place a spatula under the edge of the paw print and apply light pressure. Your print should "pop" loose. A finished print should feel hard and inflexible, although a fingernail may still be pressed into the clay and make a shallow impression. If a print is not thoroughly baked, return it to a preheated oven and bake for an additional five minutes. Allow to cool completely and test again. Repeat as necessary, but DO NOT over-bake. How do you decorate a ClayPaws® print? Before Baking: If you wish to hang the ClayPaws® print like an ornament, make one or two small holes using a match stick or crochet needle near the top center of the patty prior to baking. Be sure the opening is wide enough to pass a ribbon through. Add a pet's name by using a toothpick, large needle, or Alphabet Stamp Kit to carve or imprint letters. Add decorative items like beads, collar tags, or Heart Charms ... arrange and press items into clay prior to baking. (Note: Decorations must withstand oven temperatures of 275° F.) After Baking: If desired, finish print with decorations like ribbon, acrylic paints, glazes, or items that can be glued to the surface. Baked clay may be carved or sanded. Prints may be displayed in a variety of ways including hanging or table-top stands, shadowboxes, or frames. There are many more decorating tips here. How do you prepare a ClayPaws® print for outside use? First, bake as directed above and cool. Next, brush on one (1) coat of shellac and let dry. Then, brush on 3 thin coats of Sculpey Finishing Glaze. Let it dry between each coating. Once the last coat of glaze is dry, finish with one coat of either a 2-part Epoxy or "Verathane Diamond Wood Finish Interior Glaze". (Available in a craft or home store.) We suggest that you not use your ClayPaws® print outside if it is your one and only print. The weather and elements can still have adverse effects on the clay even with this protection. If you would like to make a copy of your print to use outside, you can do so using our ClayPaws® Copy Kit. How to drill a baked ClayPaws® print If a ClayPaws® print has already been baked, but you want to display the print by hanging it from a ribbon, you can make a small hole near the top of the print by drilling into the modeling compound. We suggest you position the location of the hole so that the upper edge of the finished hole will be at least 1/2 inch from the top edge of your ClayPaws® print. First, place the ClayPaws® print on a clean, flat surface. Be sure the surface is an item you won't mind drilling into (e.g., a piece of scrap wood, a work bench, etc.!) Next, measure down from the top of the print to determine the center of the hole (about 3/4 of an inch). Drill an initial, small hole using a 1/8 inch twist drill bit. Use a very slow speed and very light pressure on the drill. Once you've drilled all the way through, switch to a larger drill bit (up to 1/4 inch) to make a larger, final hole. Add a ribbon or cord and hang your ClayPaws® print! Are there other products available? Yes, World by the Tail, Inc., offers several accessories and gifts. Click here to go to our online store. You can also download our order form below. Order Form What's the best way to order? You can click here to order online . You can always reach a customer service specialist by calling us toll-free at 1-888-271-8444 (or at our local number 970-223-5753). You can also print our order form and fax or mail that to us. Our fax number is 970-223-1226 and our mailing address is: World by the Tail, Inc. 126 W. Harvard St., Ste. 5 Fort Collins, CO 80525 What types of payment do you accept? For your convenience, there are several ways you can pay for your orders. Online, you must pay with a Visa or Mastercard. You can choose to pay with Visa or Mastercard when you call or fax your order as well. We will also accept check payment, however, payment must be received and cleared before we will ship the product to you. Call us if you have questions about your payment! 1-888-271-8444.	Share this page!

Website Contact: Tammy Durham. Email: webmaster@wbtt.com Toll Free - 1-888-271-8444 or Fax 970-223-1226 Site Terms Privacy Policy Refund Policy Site Map © Copyright World by the Tail, Inc., 2005 All Rights Reserved.