We couldn't call out the 'Dog Days' of summer without giving special attention to the furry friends in our lives! Pamper your pooch (or cat, or reptile, or bird) with a little TLC this month. Here are a few easy-to-do crafts, courtesy of Fashion Expert Bjorn and Martha Stewart, to help you do just that.
Traveling Water Bowl
When taking dogs for long walks sometimes its hard to provide them with the hydration they need. Try making this simple water bowl! You'll need two one-liter bottles, an x-acto knife or sharp scissors, and a rubber band or other type of tie. Simply cut one bottle in half lengthwise to create a long shallow trough to pour water into. When it's not being used, it should fit neatly over the other bottle, and held into place with the rubber band. You could also cut the bottle horizontally, to fit over the bottom of the other bottle, if you prefer more of a cup. Pop this (no pun intended!) in a tote bag or backpack and you and your furry friend will be good to go on your travels! As you can see, Bjorn's dog lapped it up!
Pet Bed
Bjorn purchased a brown suitcase at Goodwill for $4.99, along with some heavy cotton shams for $3.99. All he had to do was pop an old bed pillow into a plastic garbage bag for protection, and place it inside the sham. Next, open the suitcase and insert the sham! This would also work well for traveling with a canine companion, as you could easily store food, and other doggy supplies inside! Bjorn's dogs love this and it goes with his home decor!
Dining Station
Using a wooden stool from Goodwill, you could easily replicate this dining station, originally from Martha Stewart. Having your feeding station raised, makes it more comfortable for your pet and keeps the floor cleaner too!
Menswear Mice
Look no further than Goodwill to pull off this great pet project! Using assorted menswear fabrics, from suit jackets, sweaters, t-shirts and more, you can create one-of-a-kind mouse toys! Use old pillows for the fill, instead of having to purchase it. Tip: sprinkle the fill with a little catnip before sewing shut to give kitties an extra surprise! You'll find the how-to for this project on Martha Stewart's site.
No-sew Denim Dog Vest
Dog outfits are adorable, but can be quite costly. Why not make your own, like Bjorn did here? He bought a pair of outdated acid washed denim jeans at Goodwill for $2.99. Then, he measured the length of his dogs, from neck to tail, to determine how much to cut from the pant leg. Next, Bjorn cut along the seam of the jeans, stopping about six inches before the hem. He then cut two slits for their legs on either side of the seam, and that was it! Now Bjorn's pups are really styling and are protected from the elements as well!
