Intro
Putty offers benefits for children of many ages. Younger children benefit from the sensory
play and exercise of squeezing putty and older children are able to express themselves
creatively by molding. This shoe print putty can serve as a cute classroom decoration or
sentimental gift for parents.

Set Up Ideas
Before beginning this activity, ask children to think about the impact that they make on
others. Explain how the art that they are about to create is going to represent the
impression that they make on the world.

Let’s Get Started
After gathering all required supplies, be sure to clean the children's hands and shoes to
prepare them to create their shoe print putty project. You do not want dirt and debris to
be stuck in the putty. Sneakers work best for this project.

Tips and Tricks
Color your putty before making the impressions by blending in a few drops of Liquid
Watercolor™. You can do this by rubbing the dye into the putty with your fingertips.

Follow up Activity
Putty can be used to make a fun set of writing tools for the classroom Color your putty
beforehand. Instruct children to create very thin “snakes” out of the putty and coil them
around your selected writing utensil.

It's important to learn how our actions impact others. Allow their footprints captured in
the putty to serve as a teaching tool to explain the impact that they have on the people in
their lives. Ask children how they can make a positive “footprint” on the world they live
in.

Steps:

1. Give a fistful of putty to each child. Demonstrate rolling the chunks of putty into “snakes.”
   Encourage children to play with the clay. They may choose to create different shapes and
   patterns.
2. Once the children have created shapes that they like, show the children how to place their
   foot on the putty to leave their print. Have them follow suit.
3. Punch a hole in cardboard and cover the board with glue. Help the children press their
   footprint impressions onto the board. Create designs with excess putty and stick around
   footprint.
4. The next day (when putty has dried), have children decorate their shoe prints. Paint,
   markers or bingo bottles typically produce the most vibrant results.