Crafting for Pets
Posted by Lizz on 02/06/2009
Categories: Playtime, DIY
Crafty people know how to make useful, fun things. To me, cooking is the crafting that people do even if they don’t consider it being crafty. Cooking is akin to crafting because both things can result in something useful. A good meal is used for nurishment (and maybe some stress relief). A good handcrafted good is used to keep comfortable, adorn, or even entertain.
The benefits of making your own pet goods are many. You might save money. You will spend time on your projects, at home, where your pets prefer you to be. You will take pride in seeing your cozy pet in a new bed. Bonding through play with your pet using a handcrafted toy is priceless.
I made Cat Dancers for holiday gifts this year. With the $6 fleece blankets and under $1 plastic dowel rods, I made 10 toys and still have fabric for 10-20 more. I secured the fabric with wire through the end of the dowels. Since I socialize cats, why not make lots of toys to give to the rescue? The photo above shows my pile of supplies to make more cat toys. I also have saved Fresh Direct boxes for making cardboard scratching pads. Crafting and hide-and-seek with the dog are ways for me to get through the cold winter while staying sane.
Why not try to make your cat a ladder, habitat, perch, scratching pad or cat dancer? Find design inspiration here.
Your dog might appreciate the warmth of a new jacket and you will save a lot of money by shopping around for the materials. Craft Magazine Issue #10 has patterns for the Country Gent Tweed Coat and DIY leather dog collar. If you subscribe, you can get digital access to all the craft archives. You might also be inspired by Splatgirl’s Denim Jacket for her dog, Pupcake.
If you have some old socks that you don’t want, you could make a Rotta the Hutt toy or a Sock Fish toy.
If you are more technical, you can try the RFID pet food access control system project from Make Magazine.
Since any pillow-like item gets a higher price tag as soon as it in marketed “for pets”, you might want to try making your own pet beds. Knit a place to burrow, sew a donut, reuse an old suitcase (just make sure it stays open!), or make a washable cover and buy a big, cheap pillow, either way your pet will thank you.
If you want to pay homage to a pet no longer in your home, the No Sew Portrait is a fitting tribute and a constructive way to say thanks for all the good memories.
Of course, you have to remember that cats and dogs can really get down with their toys so double tie your knots and make everything as durable as possible. Avoid the googly eyes and small parts. Use non-toxic adhesives. Get handmade toys out only when you want to play, and avoid unsupervised play to keep your pets safe.
Happy Crafting!