Paw print impression ornaments

Recently, our friend Connie posted some photos of paw print impressions she had done of her cats. I was inspired. However, when I went to the craft store, I found the prepackaged kits they sold to be expensive and only had enough supplies for one impression.

After walking around the store, I found a tub of Crayola air-dry clay in the kids department. I decided to buy it and use it for my ornaments.

Here are the supplies you will need:

* Air-dry clay

* Cookie cutters in any shape you like

* Rolling pin

* A piece of parchment paper or a silicone mat

* Tooth pick (optional, if you want to write a name)

* Drinking straw

* Spatula

Oh, yes, you'll also need a kitty!

Roll out a piece of clay. I suggest making it thick, at least 1/4". I found it's better to have more thickness so the clay has some give when you put the paw in it.

Press the cat's paw into the clay. I don't have a photo of this for obvious reasons. :-)

Use the cookie cutter to cut out the shape around the print.

Use the spatula to lift the ornament. Take care, as the clay is soft, and you don't want to lose any of the print's shape.

Use the straw to punch a hole in the top. This photo is before I removed the punched-out piece.

Place in a pan and let dry. It took about two days to dry here.

When they are dry, add ribbon and decorate however you like! I used a metallic marker to add their names.