Looking to take adorable photos of your feline friend? You’re in the right place! Creating Cute Cat Photos doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With a little creativity and a trip to the Dollar Tree, you can craft charming photo props that will make your kitty’s pictures truly stand out. These DIY black cat photo props are not only incredibly easy to make, but they are also perfect for adding a touch of whimsy to your pet photography, especially around Halloween or any time you want to capture a spooky-cute vibe. If you’re looking for a fun and budget-friendly way to enhance your cute cat photo game, this simple tutorial is for you.
Supply List:
- Wooden Cat Cutouts (8 for $1.25 at Dollar Tree)
- Black Acrylic Paint
- Paintbrush
- Fine Grit Sandpaper or Parchment Paper
- Matte Spray Sealer (like Krylon Matte Spray)
Easy Steps to Create Your Cute Cat Photo Prop
Let’s get crafty and turn these simple wooden cutouts into fantastic props for your cute cat photo sessions! It’s a fun and straightforward project that anyone can enjoy.
Time to Paint!
Wooden cat cutouts ready to be painted for a cute cat photo prop
First, gather your wooden cat cutouts and lay down some parchment paper or newspaper to protect your work surface. These will be the base for your cute cat photo prop.
Next, take your black acrylic paint and apply a smooth, even coat to the wooden cats. For versatility, paint both the front and back of each cutout. This way, you can use either side when styling your cute cat photo setups. If you’re also a baker, and looking for inspiration, consider checking out tutorials for cat-themed cookies to complement your props in photos! Allow the paint to dry completely.
Smoothing for a Flawless Finish
Sanding painted wooden cats to smooth the surface for a cute cat photo prop
Once the black paint is dry, you might notice the surface feels a bit rough. Don’t worry, this is easily fixable! You can use either a piece of fine-grit sandpaper or, surprisingly, a piece of parchment paper to gently smooth out the painted surface. Parchment paper works remarkably well and can give you a silky smooth finish, perfect for ensuring your cute cat photo props look professional and polished.
Sealing and Final Touches
To ensure your cute cat photo props are durable and long-lasting, especially if you plan to use them near food or liquids, sealing them is key. Apply a second coat of black paint after sanding for a rich, deep black color. Let this second coat dry completely.
Then, take your matte spray sealer and spray one side of the wooden cats at a time. This protective layer will shield your props from accidental spills and make them easy to wipe clean. Matte spray is recommended over gloss for photo props as it prevents unwanted shine and glare in your cute cat photos. After spraying one side, flip the cat over and seal the other side.
Ready for Your Cute Cat Photo Shoot!
Cute cat photo prop in use with sugar cookies and Halloween decorations
Congratulations, your DIY black cat photo props are now complete and ready to enhance your cute cat photos for years to come! These props are incredibly versatile. Use them to frame your feline friend, add a playful element to treat photos, or incorporate them into seasonal scenes. Get creative and explore different ways to use your new props to capture truly unique and shareable cute cat photos.
Don’t forget to explore Dollar Tree for other wooden cutouts – they often have seasonal and holiday shapes perfect for expanding your collection of cute cat photo props. Think leaves for fall, snowflakes for winter, or even paw prints for everyday pet photography! Let your imagination run wild and enjoy creating countless adorable and memorable cute cat photos.
