Pearhead Paw Print Ornament Kit Review: Easy at Home?
A no-bake clay kit for pressing a dog's or cat's paw into an ornament, from the keepsake brand Pearhead. The pet's actual print, not a picture of a breed.
Yes, for a pet owner who wants the real paw print, now or in memory. The kit has everything for one clay paw print ornament, with no oven needed [1]. Skip it if the pet will not hold still, because a wriggly paw smudges the print.
By Andrew Pataleta, GiftX founder · Updated October 28, 2026 · Sources
Specs at a glance
| Clay | Pet-safe air-dry clay, no bake [1] |
| Tools | Shaping ring, rolling pin, hole punch [1] |
| Ribbons | Three neutral hanging ribbons [1] |
| Size | About 6 x 6 inch box [1] |
| Model number | 50009 [1] |
| On Amazon since | January 2017 [1] |
| Maker | Pearhead [1] |
Pros and cons
- Needs a calm pet and two people
- Drying takes time before it can hang
- One shot per kit
The real paw, not a picture
Pet ornaments usually show a breed that is close but not quite right. This kit captures the pet's actual paw print in soft clay [1].
Pearhead has sold keepsake kits for years, and this listing has been on Amazon since 2017 [1].
It also works for older pets with stiff joints, since the paw only needs to touch soft clay for a second.
Clay, ring, rolling pin
The box holds pet-safe air-dry clay, a shaping ring, a rolling pin, a hole punch and three ribbons [1]. No oven and no extra tools are needed.
Once dry, the clay stays light and resists cracking, according to the listing, so it can hang on a normal branch [1].
The kit makes one ornament. For a home with two pets, buy two kits rather than trying to fit both prints on one piece of clay.
Getting a clean print
This is the hard part. One person holds the pet, the other presses the paw firmly and straight down, then lifts it straight up. A sleepy pet after a walk works best.
Roll the clay smooth before you start, and keep a backup plan: if the first print smudges, roll it out again before the clay dries.
Add the pet's name and the year with a toothpick while the clay is soft, or paint them on once it is dry.
As a gift or a memorial
Pearhead pitches it as a tribute for a pet loss as well as a holiday keepsake [1]. For a pet that is still here, it is a happy project; after a loss, a vet clinic can sometimes help take the print.
From this guide, it pairs with the Holiday Treasures Personalized Dog Bone Ornament or the Holiday Treasures Personalized Cat Wreath Ornament for a printed name to go with the paw.
FAQ
Does the Pearhead paw print clay need to be baked?
No. The listing describes it as an air-dry, no-bake clay [1]. Let it dry fully before hanging, turning it over once so both sides dry evenly. Once dry, it stays lightweight and crack resistant, so it suits a normal tree branch [1]
Is the Pearhead clay safe for pets?
The listing calls the clay pet-safe and non-toxic [1]. Still, do not let the pet chew or lick the clay, and wipe the paw with a damp cloth after the print. Wash hands and tools when you are done. Keep the clay sealed until you start [1]
How do you get a good paw print in clay?
Roll the clay flat and smooth, then press the paw straight down with gentle, even pressure and lift it straight up. Two people make it much easier: one holds the pet, one guides the paw. Try right after a walk, when most pets are calm and tired [1]
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Sources and how we checked
- Amazon.com listing for the Pearhead Pet Paw Print Keepsake Ornament Kit
Source check: Amazon prices and contents above were checked on October 28, 2026. We did not test these products hands-on. Picks are based on manufacturer specs, Amazon listings and the reasons people actually give these gifts.
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