TL;DR
In this solo episode, Mariska brings her art world background 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 and Tones' first product: an elevated food and water station.
During This Episode:
- Live product update: Tails and Tones' elevated food and water station is officially in R&D
- Why making art with your dog is powerful enrichment and a bonding experience, not just a cute keepsake
- Mariska's own art background and how it shapes her approach to pet-safe projects
- The importance of using pet-safe, non-toxic materials, since most studio art supplies aren't dog-safe
- Two main ways to create pawprints safely: no-mess baby handprint and footprint kits for clean, crisp prints, and Mideer Super Washable Finger Paint for colorful, washable paw art
- Step-by-step guidance for classic pawprint masterpieces using either method
- Lick art using canvas, cling film, and peanut butter or yogurt to create abstract, swirled patterns
- Why lick art needs close supervision so your dog doesn't tear through the plastic film
- Cleanup essentials: washing paws with lukewarm water immediately after any art project
- How to turn your dog's art into functional pieces like mugs, coasters, bowls, and holiday gifts
- Behind-the-scenes look at Tails and Tones' sustainable product journey, especially the upcoming elevated bowl for flat-faced and mobility-sensitive dogs
- Where Tails Meet Hearts: Monty, Lola, and Amy, including Monty's video that was shared on The Dodo
- Paw-lebrity of the Week: Pharaby and Jen, including Pharaby's own art and FluentPet talking buttons
Takeaways:
- Making art with your dog is powerful enrichment. It's a bonding experience that goes beyond a cute keepsake, engaging your dog's senses and your creativity together.
- Safety is non-negotiable when making art with your dog. Use pet-safe, non-toxic materials only, since most studio art supplies aren't safe for dogs.
- There are two easy ways to create pawprints safely. A no-mess baby handprint or footprint kit gives clean, crisp prints, while Mideer Super Washable Finger Paint offers colorful, washable paw art.
- Lick art turns your dog's natural licking instinct into abstract art. Peanut butter or yogurt spread over canvas and cling film creates unique swirled patterns as your dog licks.
- Always supervise art activities closely. Watch for your dog trying to tear through the plastic film, and wash paws immediately afterward with lukewarm water.
- Your dog's art can become functional keepsakes. Turn a paw print or lick art piece into mugs, coasters, bowls, or holiday gifts.
- Tails and Tones' first product is progressing through R&D. The upcoming elevated bowl is designed for flat-faced and mobility-sensitive dogs, with a waitlist open for updates.
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
FAQ
What kind of paint is safe to use on a dog's paws?
Baby-safe, washable finger paint like Mideer Super Washable Finger Paint is a good option for colorful paw prints, but always avoid studio acrylic or oil paints, since most art supplies aren't formulated to be dog-safe.
How do I make a paw print with my dog without any mess?
Use a no-mess baby handprint or footprint kit, which captures a clean, crisp impression without paint touching your dog's paw directly.
What is lick art and how do I make it with my dog?
Lick art involves setting up canvas and cling film with peanut butter or yogurt on top, then letting your dog lick it so the motion creates an abstract, swirled painting underneath.
Do I need to supervise my dog during a lick art or pawprint project?
Yes, always supervise closely, especially during lick art, so your dog doesn't tear through the cling film, and clean their paws with lukewarm water right after.
Can I turn my dog's art into something more than a keepsake?
Yes, pawprint and lick art designs can be turned into functional pieces like mugs, coasters, bowls, and holiday gifts.
Is Tails and Tones launching a product soon?
Yes, Tails and Tones' first product, an elevated food and water station designed for flat-faced and mobility-sensitive dogs, is in R&D, with a waitlist open at tailsandtoneselevated.carrd.co for updates.
About the Author: Mariska Nell
Mariska is the founder of Tails and Tones, a design-led, sustainable dog product brand. She's also the host of the Tails and Tones podcast, where she explores dog health, product design, and intentional pet parenting with experts, veterinarians, and fellow dog parents.
Background: Mariska holds a Master's degree in Sustainable Design, a Bachelor's in Interior Design, and a Postgraduate qualification in Environmental Science. She's spent over 10 years working as a sustainability designer and strategist across the UAE, Australia, South Africa, the UK, and India. Her previous work includes collaborations with brands like Nespresso, Costa Coffee, and Dubai Airport, and she founded Design By Mariska, known for trash-to-treasure art exhibited at Dubai International Airport. She's also the host and founder of Mama Earth Talk, a sustainability podcast with 200+ episodes on zero waste and climate action, featuring guests including Dr. Sylvia Earle and the late Dr. Jane Goodall. She created the free Living Lighter course for practical sustainable living.
Piper: Mariska shares her life and work with Piper, her French Bulldog rescue dog. Piper joined the family in 2021 at 5 months old and has been the Chief Paw-duct Tester for everything Tails and Tones creates. Piper's journey, including cleft palate repair, luxating patella, arthritis risk, and recent mobility challenges, directly shaped the founding mission of Elevé (Tails and Tones' first product: a modular, height-adaptive feeding system).
Mission: We are on a mission to help modern dog parents simplify everyday care and elevate life with their pets, without sacrificing style or sustainability. Tails and Tones exists to build products that show up for dog parents, beautiful, sustainable, and robust enough to support you on the worst days. Not just the easy ones.
You can find Mariska at @tailsandtones on Instagram, or visit tailsandtones.com to learn more about Elevé and the Tails and Tones mission.
