How to Make a Lick Painting Dog Christmas Ornament

DIY Lick Painting Dog Christmas Ornament Craft!

Are you looking for a holly jolly Christmas craft to get you and your dog in the holiday spirit? Look no further than this super easy DIY dog Christmas ornament craft!

There are videos all over social media showing dogs creating "lick paintings." To complete these paintings, dog owners cover a canvas with paint, then put peanut butter over a sandwich bag. They slide the canvas inside the sandwich bag and let the dogs "paint." 

The other day, while walking around Michaels, the idea struck me- why not try letting my dogs paint Christmas ornaments? 

I have two small dogs, and this Christmas craft was perfect for them. It was cute to watch, too!

This craft is quick and easy to set up and only costs around $3 to $5 unless you already have supplies. So, let's get started!

What You’ll Need for Your Dog Christmas Ornament

Red, green, and gold non-toxic craft paint bottles next to two paw-print shaped white ceramic ornaments.

Aside from your adorable pooch and yourself to supervise, you’ll need a few supplies to make your dog Christmas ornament:

• An ornament

  • I chose this one from Michaels for $1.99 each, but you could choose any simple, flat ornament. Ceramic/pottery-based material is better so that the paint will adhere and dry more easily.

  • Non-toxic paint

    • You can pick some up from Michaels for as little as $0.69 a bottle.

    • It’s essential to make sure that the paint is non-toxic. So, while the Ziploc bags will keep the pups from eating the paint, the smells can still bother them if the paint is toxic. You have to use non-toxic for their safety. 

    • Peanut butter

    • Ziplocs (or any off-brand sandwich bags that have a zip lock-type seal)

DIY Dog Christmas Ornament Lick Painting Steps

Step 1: Pour paint on the Dog Christmas ornament

Green, red, and gold paint swirled sparingly around on ceramic white paw print shaped dog Christmas ornaments.

You will start by pouring a little paint onto the ornament. You’ll want to choose two to three different colors for the ornaments. If you pick too many colors, they will mix. I chose green, red, and gold. 

Swirl the paint onto the ornaments in lines or globs. Do not pour too much or cover the entire surface. You want to leave plenty of space for your dog’s “brushstrokes.”

After that, set the ornament aside.

Step 2: Spread peanut butter on top of a Ziploc bag

Now, get out a sandwich bag and cover it with peanut butter. The bag must be empty when you complete this step! If you place the ornament inside the bag and then put the peanut butter on top, you’ll smear the paint- which defeats the purpose of the dog smearing it around when they lick up the peanut butter. 

You only need a thin layer of peanut butter.

Step 3: Place ornament inside of a clean Ziploc bag

The author's dog Christmas ornament with slightly smudged paint on it inside of a clean sandwich bag- do not use the peanut butter covered bag, yet! That comes next.

This step is totally up to your discretion, but I wanted to ensure that my pups were extra safe while painting, so I opted to use two Ziploc bags instead of just one to act as a barrier between them and the paint—one bag with the peanut butter, and one without. 

Carefully place your ornament inside a clean (non-peanut butter-covered) sandwich bag.

This step is also essential if you want to avoid getting paint on any ribbons that may have come attached to your ornament of choice. Carefully pull the ribbon through the sealed spot and seal around it. 

Step 4: Place ornament in Ziploc into the Ziploc with peanut butter

Dog ornament in two ziplock bags with peanut butter covered Ziplock bag as the outer layer. Doubling the ziplocks increases the safety.

Now, slide the Ziploc with your ornament inside it into the peanut butter-covered sandwich bag. Avoid smearing the paint as you move the bags into each other. 

The paint should face toward the peanut butter side of the Ziploc bag.

Completely seal the bag shut, ribbon included. 

Step 5: Let the dogs do their thing!

Author's two dogs watching as author holds one bag covered in peanut butter with ornament inside- they look excited!

Now comes the fun part! As soon as the peanut butter came out, my dogs knew something exciting was about to happen.

Set the ornament inside the bags on the ground, peanut butter side up. Let the licking commence.

Never leave your dog(s) unsupervised during this step! Watch your dog(s) to ensure that the Ziplocs stay sealed and unpunctured. If the bag or seal punctures or breaks, stop immediately. A broken bag or seal could result in paint on your dog's tongue. (For instance, if your pup prefers to try chewing instead of licking, a broken bag is more likely to happen).

Step 6: Remove ornament and let it dry overnight

Red, green, and gold paint smeared across the paw print dog Christmas ornaments after licking is finished. Dog's names written on paper towel beneath their respective ornaments.

Once the peanut butter is all gone, pick the ornament off the ground. Now, carefully take it out of the bag.

I opted to use scissors and cut the top of the Ziploc bags off. Cutting the ornament out made it easier to remove without smearing any of my dog's "brushstrokes."

Let your dog Christmas ornament dry in a safe place for a few hours or overnight.

Once it’s dry, hang it on the tree and enjoy!

Final thoughts

Now you've got a wonderful Christmas memory and keepsake for you and your dog. Don't forget to write the date and your pup's name on the back of the dog Christmas ornament.

In conclusion, this is a super easy craft to complete- and the peanut butter is an excellent little treat for your dog. Have fun! 

Check out my other articles for other fun DIYs!