Raise your hand if you’re addicted to pinning craft projects on Pinterest or saving DIY art videos on TikTok. Mmmhmmm, I see you. I’m going on 16 years sober and crafting and art therapy has always been a big part of my recovery process. It helps keep my hands and mind busy, while also tapping into my creative side. Trust me, I’ve had a lot of Pinterest fails. But once in a while, a project turns out even better than I expected. Let me tell you about this recent masterpiece.
Several months back, I saw a TikTok video of a dog creating its own piece of art. All my bitches do is drag toys around the house, drool on my couch, and take long naps. I decided it was time for them to earn their keep. Plus, my bathroom wall is an ode to Roxie & Bella, my two Boston Terriers, with various other art projects I’ve created over the years.
In the photo below, you can see that I’ve created a mixture of art projects that resemble my ladies in a variety of mediums. There’s the 4,000 Piece Photobrick Lego Masterpiece (you can read about this DIY HERE) There are also a few illustrations and photographs, including two canvas portraits of the dogs in royal outfits. In the top right, you can see my first attempt at diamond painting. Not sure what that is? Read about it HERE. And there’s the custom wood Boston Terrier head I ordered off Etsy. (Yes, I’m that crazy dog-lady. But I don’t drink or use drugs anymore, so just let me do my thing! LOL)
Dog Face Painting Supply List:
- One canvas (any size you want)
- Acrylic paints (any colors you want)
- Over-sized ziplock bag (the canvas will need to be able to fit inside of it and securely close)
- Peanut butter & whipped cream
- Dog(s)
How To Video Part One
Collect your supplies, as shown above. The crucial step that can not be missed is ensuring that your canvas will fit inside of the heavy-duty ziplock bag and seal completely. Let’s not make the mistake of poisoning our pets in the name of art, okay?
How To Video Part Two
This second part is really pretty easy. Place drops of paint colors randomly all over the canvas to your own liking. Next, place the canvas inside of the heavy-duty ziplock bag and make sure it is completely sealed. Then, pull out your peanut butter and whipped cream and spread a few thin layers gently on the outside of the ziplock bag. Try your best not to let the paint smear too much, as this is the part your dogs will be responsible for.
Now for the fun! Place the canvas ziplock bag of peanut butter and paint down onto the ground and watch your dogs lick their way to a beautiful masterpiece. DO NOT leave your pets unattended at any time during this process.
What I Did Not Expect!
The entire time I was working and filming this project, my son Jakob kept walking by me saying “this is a really bad idea, Mom. And I don’t want any part of it.” This made me extremely motivated to prove him wrong. He’s witnessed many of my Pinterest fails over the years, but I was determined to achieve success.
After the dogs had licked the ziplock bag clean, I ever so gently pulled the canvas out of the bag, trying very carefully not to let the paint smear anymore than it needed to as I removed it.
Setting it upright on the counter to admire my work, my son came back into the room and just stared at it. “Wow! It does look like Roxie’s face!” he exclaimed. Confused by what he meant, I asked him to clarify. “Mom! Look at it. If you look carefully you can see the Boston Terrier facial markings in an abstract way.” He was right! There, right in front of my eyes, I could see a very abstract resemblance to Roxie. Our dogs just created a painted portrait selfie using their tongues!
“Was this supposed to happen?” Jakob asked me out of curiosity. I don’t remember that being part of the TikTok video, so clearly our dogs are artistically gifted.
CURATED CRAFTS: Art therapy is a technique rooted in the idea that creative expression can foster healing and mental well-being. Maybe you’re the next Sober Picasso or maybe you’re the next big Pinterest Fail. Either way, you’re creating something with your hands and expanding your mind creatively. That’s a great way to relieve stress and express your feelings.
Addicted to pinning? Make sure to follow along with us on Pinterest. Crafting not your jam, but maybe you love to read? Head on over to our #QUITLIT section and see what we’ve been reading.
Resources are available
Resources Are Available
If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you just have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources.
