Raccoon Paw-Print Socks

Have you ever examined animal prints that have been left in mud or snow? Can you identify the animal visitor by the shape of its print? Look at these prints of the front and rear paw of a raccoon. Do you notice anything special about them?

You’re right! The raccoon has the same number of toes as you do! Use raccoon paw prints to make a special pair of socks.

You will need:

• newspaper
• drawing paper and soft-lead pencil
• scissors
• pair of clean, light-colored socks
• cardboard
• tape or straight pins
• fabric paint and brush

1. Cover a table with newspapers.
2. Look at the raccoon prints above. Practice drawing the front and rear paw print on paper.
3. Cut out the shape of each print.
4. Stretch each sock over a cardboard strip so the bottom of the sock is flat.
5. Tape or pin a paw print pattern to each sock. Trace around the pattern with pencil.
6. Fill in each print with fabric paint. Use one color or a variety of colors. Add a dot above each toe to represent the claws.
7. Remove the cardboard when the paint is dry. Now you have yourself a real pair of socks or slippers.