In this episode of Tails & Tones, Mariska brings her art world and pet-parent journey together to explore DIY art projects you can create with your dog. From safe, non-toxic pawprint masterpieces to hilarious lick-art abstracts, she shares practical tips, safety considerations, and creative ideas for turning your dog’s paws and personality into meaningful keepsakes and functional art. Along the way, she opens up about the R&D journey behind Tails & Tones’ first product elevated food and water station.

Takeaways:

• Why making art with your dog is powerful enrichment and a bonding experience.
• The importance of using pet-safe, non-toxic materials (and why most studio art supplies aren’t dog-safe).
• Two main ways to create pawprints safely: No-mess baby handprint/footprint kits for clean, crisp prints and Mideer Super Washable Finger Paint for colorful, washable paw art.
• Classic pawprint masterpieces
• Lick Art using canvas, cling film, and peanut butter or yogurt.
• How to turn your dog’s art into functional pieces like mugs, coasters, bowls, and holiday gifts.
• Behind-the-scenes look at Tails & Tones’ sustainable product journey, especially the upcoming elevated bowl for flat-faced and mobility-sensitive dog

Relevant links mentioned in the episode:

• Tails & Tones on Instagram: @tailsandtones
• Where Tails meet hearts: Monty, Lola and Amy @amyqzak (Monty's video that was shared on The Dodo)
• Paw-lebrity of the Week: Pharaby & Jen @pharaby_fable, Pharaby's Art, YouTube
• Review the podcast on Podchaser
• The Dodo (featured Monty’s video): The Dodo
• FluentPet talking buttons: FluentPet
• Tails & Tones Elevated Bowl Waitlist

Timestamps to relevant points within the episode:

[00:00]-Intro

[01:10] – Big news: Tails & Tones product update

[06:30] – Why make art with your dog?

[09:00] – Safety first: pet-safe art supplies

[13:30] – Pawprint Masterpiece (No-mess & paint versions)

[20:30] – Lick Art abstract painting

[25:30] – Turning pet art into functional gifts

[27:30] – Where Tails Meet Hearts

[30:00] – Paw-lebrity of the Week