Tips for Making, Decorating, and Finishing ClayPaws® Prints

Kneading your ClayPaws® print:

You NEED to knead your ClayPaws® patty before making your print! Our clay is quite soft to begin with (especially the Soft version), but it needs to be kneaded in order to be able to press a paw into it. (Not only does kneading make it easier to get the print, it actually "activates" the oils in the clay. This process will help the finished and baked print be better!)

Take the patty of clay and "squish" it in your hands for just a minute or two until you can tell it has softened up. (Even though the clay is in a nice, round patty when you receive it - don't skip this step!) Once it is softened, roll the clay into a ball.

Press it flat using a nice, smooth surface (consider using our Portable Patty Pads - they are perfect for achieving nice round prints!) Once you have flattened, softened patty, you are ready to get the best print ever! (Remember, once you've kneaded and gotten your flat surface ready - bring the print to the paw, not the paw to the print!

The key to getting the clay of your kit really soft is to warm the clay. It can be a bit difficult on your hands to knead the clay, so there is a trick! Before making your print, sit on the kit first (in the clear plastic bag!) The heat from your body will start the softening process for you, and it will be easier to knead the clay!

(**Do NOT microwave your clay! This may seem like a good way to soften it up, but it actually starts the baking process and weakens the clay!)

Things to do BEFORE you bake your print

There are a number of things you should do BEFORE you bake your print as opposed to after baking.

The best way to make your print ready to hang up is to make holes in the soft print before baking. For prints we are going to decorate with a ribbon, but not hang, we only make two holes prior to baking. But, for prints we want to hang, we make three holes. This allows us to put a decorative ribbon through two of the holes, and then use the third hole to place a hanging ribbon! (See photo below for examples!)

Think about how you want your print to look after it is baked. Press in oven safe embellishments before baking. Carve or stamp in your pet's name before baking.

After baking, you can paint a name on if it wasn't stamped or carved in before. You can affix hangers to the back using epoxy glue after baking. Or, if you don't like the way your print looks after baking, you can use MoldMaker™ to make duplicate prints, and then decorate to your liking.

ClayPaws® print with holes made before baking for hanging.

Use plastic wrap for clean prints

If you worry about dirt and fur making its way into your clean, clay print, cover the clay patty with plastic wrap! (The "cheap" brand is best because it is thinner than the name brands.) Make sure there are no wrinkles in the wrap and then press your pet's paw into the patty. The plastic wrap shouldn't affect the print, but it will protect the clay from dirt and fur!

Got ClayPaws® hands?

The residue from making a ClayPaws® print can be tough to get off of your hands. We have found a way to get that residue off of your hands. The answer? Lava Soap.

The pumice in Lava Soap is what works against the oils in the clay. Scrub your hands with a bar of Lava Soap and you'll have squeaky clean hands.

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. (We also use a piece of tile in our toaster ovens in the office. It works great!) 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.

Baking your ClayPaws® prints can be a harrowing experience. With this one-of-a-kind memory, you want to be sure everything goes right!

Always bake your prints in a glass pan! This is so important in having your print turn out right. Using a glass pan ensures that the heat is distributed evenly so the print bakes completely. We have found that a Pyrex® works great, as does a piece of tile.

First off - where NOT to bake your print. This clay is NOT safe to go through a firing kiln. Don't put your print in a kiln. It will not survive! Also, do NOT microwave this clay. It can damage the clay, and the clay can also explode or ignite in a microwave!

Baking in a regular oven is the recommended method, at 275° (F). (See baking instructions above.) You can also use a toaster oven. Your toaster oven needs to have temperature settings, and it should bake at a consistent temperature. Use an oven thermometer to ensure that the setting is correct. Also, if you use a toaster oven, you need to be able to fit either a glass pan or piece of tile in the oven to bake your print on.

The fumes from this type of clay are non-toxic. You may smell them while baking, so it is a good idea to have a well-ventilated area in which to bake.

Once you have baked your print, you'll want to be sure it is fully done. To do this allow the print to cool completely before touching it. (The cooling process actually helps the clay to harden. If you touch before it is cool, it may still feel a bit "tacky" or soft.)

Turn your print over to the back and gently press your thumbnail into the backside. If there is no indent, or only a slight indent, your print is done. If your thumbnail goes into the clay easily, and/or leaves a larger indent, your print requires more baking time. Pre-heat the oven to 275° again, and bake the print in five minute increments. Do the nail test each time after cooling. Most prints require about 20 minutes total. Don't overbake as you may see some discoloration in your print.

A common problem with ClayPaws® prints is overbaking. It can be hard to tell if your print is done (see test above). If you leave the print in the oven too long, it can (and often will) become discolored.

Our baking time of 15 minutes per 1/4" thickness is correct. We have tested it! Almost all prints take between 15-20 minutes to bake completely. The exceptions to this would be prints that are made very thick, or very large prints for horses, large dogs, etc.

When the print comes out of the oven, it will appear to still be soft. Let it cool completely!

If your print is left in the oven too long, and discoloration happens, there is nothing to correct that discoloration. You can make a new print using a new ClayPaws® kit if your pet is still living, or using a copy kit if your pet has passed away.

There are many ways for you to personalize your prints with a name. Some of them are elaborate processes, and some are easy. You choose the way that works!

#1 - Try a pointy object such as a stylus. You can "carve" the name in your own handwriting. It takes a little patience, but works well in the end.

#2 - Use a stamp kit. Our kit is actually a leather tooling kit, but we have found that this is the simplest way to get a name into the clay. Simply press the letters into the clay.

#3 - Wait until the clay is baked and paint a name on. (You can use acrylic paints, or even a permanent marker to do this.)

Before baking, you can smooth the clay out if you don't like the way it is looking, and try again. After baking, it is more difficult to remove paint or marker, so be sure you know what you want before painting.

Before baking you can press embellishments into the clay. Make sure they are safe to be baked at 275°! (No plastics, etc.) Try using our handmade charms - hearts, fish, bones, and stars!

After baking, you can add things such as glitter, plastic beads, etc. Use an epoxy type glue to affix embellishments to the surface of your print. You can also add ribbons and hangers to your prints.

It is safe to use brush-on, acrylic paints on your ClayPaws® print. DO NOT use spray paints! The aerosol reacts with this type of clay, and the paint will not dry on your print.

You can paint the whole print, or you can add touches of color. Allow each coat of paint to dry fully before adding another coat.

The clay of your ClayPaws® print is a polymer type clay. Not all materials are compatible with this clay, such as spray paints or clear nail polish.

Your best choice for this type of clay is to use a glaze or protectant that is specifically made for polymer clay. We sell Sculpey® glaze, or you can find a different brand in your local craft store.

Whichever product you choose, you want a product that will dry clear, doesn't turn yellow after time, and doesn't stay tacky. Also be careful that the protectant you choose won't start to break down the clay after time (spray paint does break down the clay, as well as not drying properly.)

Spray painting your ClayPaws® print will cause you some headaches. Aerosol paint is not compatible with this type of clay (polymer).

Spray paint will start to break down the clay over time. You will also notice that spray paint never seems to dry and stays sticky.

If you have already used spray paint and have a sticky print, you can use rubbing alcohol to remove the already applied paint. Once removed, you should be able to apply a non-spray, acrylic paint that will dry properly.

The best paint to use is an acrylic, brush-on variety. Before painting, it helps to take a cotton ball and a small amount of rubbing alcohol and rub the print first.

How do I prepare my 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.

Can you help me repair a broken ClayPaws® print?

We know how precious a ClayPaws® print can be. If your print is cracked or broken, we might be able to repair it for you!

Our on-site service draws on the artistic abilities of staff members with years of experience making and fixing ClayPaws® prints. Here's how the service works:

While we have your print, you may want to consider having additional copies made. We can make a mold of your pet's paw print and then make as many additional imprints as you like. Or, you can purchase our ClayPaws® Copy Kit, along with additional ClayPaws® kits, and make more yourself.

1-2 simple, clean cracks/breaks through lettering and/or decorations - $25.00 plus $8.25 shipping and handling

Several cracks/breaks** through lettering and/or decorations - $40.00 plus $8.25 shipping and handling

Mold made of original print - $25.00 each (covers labor and cost of Sculpey® MoldMaker™)

Each additional print made - $20.00 each (covers labor and cost of ClayPaws® patty)

*Some cracks and decorations are more difficult than others to repair. While we pledge to do our best to repair your ClayPaws® print, we can't guarantee our results.

**If print is in several pieces or 'crumbled', we may not be able to repair it.

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, swith 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!

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Contact Us ClayPaws® Info ClayPaws® FAQs Baking Instructions What's New? Paw Print Urns Our Best Sellers Capture the Love Kits Remember the Love Kits Keepsake Bags ClayPaws® Charms Testimonials Counseling Media Links Site Map Vet Wisdom® Café	Tips for making ClayPaws® prints: Kneading your ClayPaws® print Sit on your ClayPaws® kits Things to do BEFORE you bake your print Use plastic wrap for clean prints Got ClayPaws® hands? Tips about baking: How do you bake a ClayPaws® print? Use a glass pan for baking Where can I bake myClayPaws® print? How do I know if my print is done? Overbaked? Decorating tips: General decorating tips "Writing" a name in my print Adding embellishments to your prints Painting your ClayPaws® print Protective coating, glazing your ClayPaws® print DO NOT spray paint! After your print is baked: How do I prepare my ClayPaws® print for outside use? Can you help me repair a broken ClayPaws® print? How to drill a baked ClayPaws® print Kneading your ClayPaws® print: You NEED to knead your ClayPaws® patty before making your print! Our clay is quite soft to begin with (especially the Soft version), but it needs to be kneaded in order to be able to press a paw into it. (Not only does kneading make it easier to get the print, it actually "activates" the oils in the clay. This process will help the finished and baked print be better!) Take the patty of clay and "squish" it in your hands for just a minute or two until you can tell it has softened up. (Even though the clay is in a nice, round patty when you receive it - don't skip this step!) Once it is softened, roll the clay into a ball. Press it flat using a nice, smooth surface (consider using our Portable Patty Pads - they are perfect for achieving nice round prints!) Once you have flattened, softened patty, you are ready to get the best print ever! (Remember, once you've kneaded and gotten your flat surface ready - bring the print to the paw, not the paw to the print! Sit on your ClayPaws® print The key to getting the clay of your kit really soft is to warm the clay. It can be a bit difficult on your hands to knead the clay, so there is a trick! Before making your print, sit on the kit first (in the clear plastic bag!) The heat from your body will start the softening process for you, and it will be easier to knead the clay! (Do NOT microwave your clay! This may seem like a good way to soften it up, but it actually starts the baking process and weakens the clay!) Things to do BEFORE you bake your print There are a number of things you should do BEFORE you bake your print as opposed to after baking. The best way to make your print ready to hang up is to make holes in the soft print before baking. For prints we are going to decorate with a ribbon, but not hang, we only make two holes prior to baking. But, for prints we want to hang, we make three holes. This allows us to put a decorative ribbon through two of the holes, and then use the third hole to place a hanging ribbon! (See photo below for examples!) Think about how you want your print to look after it is baked. Press in oven safe embellishments before baking. Carve or stamp in your pet's name before baking. After baking, you can paint a name on if it wasn't stamped or carved in before. You can affix hangers to the back using epoxy glue after baking. Or, if you don't like the way your print looks after baking, you can use MoldMaker™ to make duplicate prints, and then decorate to your liking. Use plastic wrap for clean prints If you worry about dirt and fur making its way into your clean, clay print, cover the clay patty with plastic wrap! (The "cheap" brand is best because it is thinner than the name brands.) Make sure there are no wrinkles in the wrap and then press your pet's paw into the patty. The plastic wrap shouldn't affect the print, but it will protect the clay from dirt and fur! Got ClayPaws® hands? The residue from making a ClayPaws® print can be tough to get off of your hands. We have found a way to get that residue off of your hands. The answer? Lava Soap. The pumice in Lava Soap is what works against the oils in the clay. Scrub your hands with a bar of Lava Soap and you'll have squeaky clean hands. 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. (We also use a piece of tile in our toaster ovens in the office. It works great!) 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. Use a glass pan for baking Baking your ClayPaws® prints can be a harrowing experience. With this one-of-a-kind memory, you want to be sure everything goes right! Always bake your prints in a glass pan! This is so important in having your print turn out right. Using a glass pan ensures that the heat is distributed evenly so the print bakes completely. We have found that a Pyrex® works great, as does a piece of tile. Where can I bake my ClayPaws® print? First off - where NOT to bake your print. This clay is NOT safe to go through a firing kiln. Don't put your print in a kiln. It will not survive! Also, do NOT microwave this clay. It can damage the clay, and the clay can also explode or ignite in a microwave! Baking in a regular oven is the recommended method, at 275° (F). (See baking instructions above.) You can also use a toaster oven. Your toaster oven needs to have temperature settings, and it should bake at a consistent temperature. Use an oven thermometer to ensure that the setting is correct. Also, if you use a toaster oven, you need to be able to fit either a glass pan or piece of tile in the oven to bake your print on. The fumes from this type of clay are non-toxic. You may smell them while baking, so it is a good idea to have a well-ventilated area in which to bake. How do I know if my print is done? Once you have baked your print, you'll want to be sure it is fully done. To do this allow the print to cool completely before touching it. (The cooling process actually helps the clay to harden. If you touch before it is cool, it may still feel a bit "tacky" or soft.) Turn your print over to the back and gently press your thumbnail into the backside. If there is no indent, or only a slight indent, your print is done. If your thumbnail goes into the clay easily, and/or leaves a larger indent, your print requires more baking time. Pre-heat the oven to 275° again, and bake the print in five minute increments. Do the nail test each time after cooling. Most prints require about 20 minutes total. Don't overbake as you may see some discoloration in your print. Overbaked? A common problem with ClayPaws® prints is overbaking. It can be hard to tell if your print is done (see test above). If you leave the print in the oven too long, it can (and often will) become discolored. Our baking time of 15 minutes per 1/4" thickness is correct. We have tested it! Almost all prints take between 15-20 minutes to bake completely. The exceptions to this would be prints that are made very thick, or very large prints for horses, large dogs, etc. When the print comes out of the oven, it will appear to still be soft. Let it cool completely! If your print is left in the oven too long, and discoloration happens, there is nothing to correct that discoloration. You can make a new print using a new ClayPaws® kit if your pet is still living, or using a copy kit if your pet has passed away. General decorating tips 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 stylus, or Alphabet Stamp Kit to carve or imprint letters. Add decorative items like beads, collar tags, or Decorative 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. Writing a name in my print There are many ways for you to personalize your prints with a name. Some of them are elaborate processes, and some are easy. You choose the way that works! #1 - Try a pointy object such as a stylus. You can "carve" the name in your own handwriting. It takes a little patience, but works well in the end. #2 - Use a stamp kit. Our kit is actually a leather tooling kit, but we have found that this is the simplest way to get a name into the clay. Simply press the letters into the clay. #3 - Wait until the clay is baked and paint a name on. (You can use acrylic paints, or even a permanent marker to do this.) Before baking, you can smooth the clay out if you don't like the way it is looking, and try again. After baking, it is more difficult to remove paint or marker, so be sure you know what you want before painting. You can also glue embellishments on after baking (such as letter beads, etc.) Adding embellishments to your ClayPaws® print You can be as creative as you want to be with your print. Before baking you can press embellishments into the clay. Make sure they are safe to be baked at 275°! (No plastics, etc.) Try using our handmade charms - hearts, fish, bones, and stars! After baking, you can add things such as glitter, plastic beads, etc. Use an epoxy type glue to affix embellishments to the surface of your print. You can also add ribbons and hangers to your prints. Painting your ClayPaws® print It is safe to use brush-on, acrylic paints on your ClayPaws® print. DO NOT use spray paints! The aerosol reacts with this type of clay, and the paint will not dry on your print. You can paint the whole print, or you can add touches of color. Allow each coat of paint to dry fully before adding another coat. Protective coating, glazing your print The clay of your ClayPaws® print is a polymer type clay. Not all materials are compatible with this clay, such as spray paints or clear nail polish. Your best choice for this type of clay is to use a glaze or protectant that is specifically made for polymer clay. We sell Sculpey® glaze, or you can find a different brand in your local craft store. Whichever product you choose, you want a product that will dry clear, doesn't turn yellow after time, and doesn't stay tacky. Also be careful that the protectant you choose won't start to break down the clay after time (spray paint does break down the clay, as well as not drying properly.) Do NOT spray paint! Spray painting your ClayPaws® print will cause you some headaches. Aerosol paint is not compatible with this type of clay (polymer). Spray paint will start to break down the clay over time. You will also notice that spray paint never seems to dry and stays sticky. If you have already used spray paint and have a sticky print, you can use rubbing alcohol to remove the already applied paint. Once removed, you should be able to apply a non-spray, acrylic paint that will dry properly. The best paint to use is an acrylic, brush-on variety. Before painting, it helps to take a cotton ball and a small amount of rubbing alcohol and rub the print first. How do I prepare my 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. Can you help me repair a broken ClayPaws® print? We know how precious a ClayPaws® print can be. If your print is cracked or broken, we might be able to repair it for you! Our on-site service draws on the artistic abilities of staff members with years of experience making and fixing ClayPaws® prints. Here's how the service works: Call 1-888-271-8444 (toll-free) for a free consultation about the condition of your ClayPaws® print. Choose to repair your print yourself using the information and coaching our staff provides or mail us your print for repair. Upon receipt of your ClayPaws® print, we will contact you with the exact charges for repair and return shipping. If you decide to have us repair your print, your credit card will be charged at that time. If you do not wish us to repair your print, it will be returned to you and you will be charged only for shipping. Repairs will be made within two weeks and your print will be returned to you better than ever! While we have your print, you may want to consider having additional copies made. We can make a mold of your pet's paw print and then make as many additional imprints as you like. Or, you can purchase our ClayPaws® Copy Kit, along with additional ClayPaws® kits, and make more yourself. Repair Charges:* 1 simple, clean crack/break - $15.00 plus $3.70 shipping and handling 1-2 simple, clean cracks/breaks through lettering and/or decorations - $25.00 plus $8.25 shipping and handling Several cracks/breaks** through lettering and/or decorations - $40.00 plus $8.25 shipping and handling Mold made of original print - $25.00 each (covers labor and cost of Sculpey® MoldMaker™) Each additional print made - $20.00 each (covers labor and cost of ClayPaws® patty) Some cracks and decorations are more difficult than others to repair. While we pledge to do our best to repair your ClayPaws® print, we can't guarantee our results. If print is in several pieces or 'crumbled', we may not be able to repair it. 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, swith 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!

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