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Episode 22

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Published on:

21st Nov 2025

22: DIY Dog Art Ideas: Safe Pawprint Projects, Lick Paintings & Creative Keepsakes

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:


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

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About the Podcast

Tails and Tones
Helpful tips, heartwarming tails, and honest reviews for the busy pet parent.
Helpful tips, heart-warming tales, and honest reviews for the busy dog parent — with our first product launching in Q1 2026! (Elevated food and water station)

Be First to See Our First Product, an elevated bowl - Join the wait list here https://tailsandtoneselevated.carrd.co/ />


After struggling to find sustainable, well-designed options for her own pup—and digging deep into the pet industry during her Master’s in Sustainable Design—Mariska realized she was searching for products that simply didn’t exist.



She realized that if these products didn’t exist yet, maybe it was her turn to help bring them to life.



That mission sparked both the upcoming product line and the creation of Tails & Tones.



Being a dog mom is the best—but let’s be real, it can also be confusing, messy, and a little lonely sometimes. That’s why the podcast was born: a warm, practical corner of the internet for intentional, busy dog parents.



Every Friday, host Mariska (fellow dog parent, dog-obsessed human, and sustainability-driven designer) delivers short, soulful episodes filled with dog-care tips, honest product reviews, inspiring stories, and real-life advice you can actually use.



And now the next chapter begins:
Our very first Tails & Tones product launches in early 2026! Thoughtfully designed, sustainability-led, and made for modern dog parents like you.
Alongside the elevated food & water station, we currently have three additional products in R&D, all created with the same intentional, sustainable approach.
Be the first to know when our first product go live — join the waitlist here https://tailsandtoneselevated.carrd.co/ />


We are also developing our second product an indoor potty station. If you’ve struggled with leaky pads, smelly fake grass, or 3AM elevator trips in pajamas, this is the solution you’re going to want early access to. Join the waitlist for our game-changing indoor potty station./

https://indoorpottystation.carrd.co/


Listen on your favorite podcast app—Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, or anywhere you tune in. You can also subscribe directly at https://tailsandtones.com/listen



If something in the show speaks to you—or you know a fellow dog parent who’d love it—please share it and leave a review on https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/tails-and-tones-6086657



Got questions or just want to say hi? I’m always around on Instagram @tailsandtones



Where every tail tells a story, and every tone speaks from the heart.



Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tailsandtones/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tailsandtones
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TailsandTones
Website: https://www.TailsandTones.com
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About your host

Profile picture for Mariska Nell

Mariska Nell

Mariska Nell is a podcast host, pet advocate, sustainability expert, and proud dog mom to her rescue French Bulldog, Piper—also known as the real boss of the house. With a background in design and environmental science, and a Master’s in Sustainable Design focused on the pet industry, Mariska brings heart, humor, and purpose to everything she creates.

She’s the founder and host of Tails and Tones, a soulful podcast for intentional pet parents, where she shares insights, stories, and reviews that help make pet care a little easier and a lot more joyful. She also hosts Mama Earth Talk, where she dives into sustainability topics with changemakers from around the world.

Whether she’s recording episodes, consulting on pet-focused sustainability projects, or out on a walk with Piper, Mariska is passionate about creating a better world—for pets, their people, and the planet.