How to Make Pet Stones

When a pet dies it can be heartbreaking for the family. A good way to help members cope with their grief is to create a pet stone as a memorial. A pet stone gives pet owners a visual reminder of a beloved companion. Place your memorial in a lush garden or along a walkway as a reminder. Give kids a chance to express their grief by allowing them to work on the pet stone. This family project is a thoughtful way to show your love the family's pet.

Things You'll Need

  • Paper
  • Newspaper
  • Rubber gloves
  • Protective apron
  • Polymer clay
  • Petroleum jelly
  • Aluminum pan
  • Short dowel rods
  • Butter knives
  • Paw print cookie cutter
  • Oven
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Instructions

    • 1

      Design your pet stone on a piece of paper. Keep the stone design simple. Spread newspaper on your work table.

    • 2

      Put on rubber gloves and a protective apron to keep your skin and clothing safe.

    • 3

      Dump the polymer clay on to the workspace. Begin conditioning the clay by working it. Knead the clay for about 20 minutes.

    • 4

      With hands still gloved, use your fingers to apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to an aluminum pan.

    • 5

      Work the clay into the pan, filling in all the spaces. Use the dowel rods and butter knives as tools to make words and images. Use a paw print cookie cutter to make an image of your pet's paw.

    • 6

      Bake the clay in an oven heated to about 200 degrees Fahrenheit for about 30 minutes. Remove the finished clay. Allow the clay to cool.

    • 7

      Flip the clay, gently out of the metal pan. You have made a pet stone to use as a memorial.