Sunday, June 20, 2010

Embellish your best friend!

Last week, I showed you how to make these leafy cuff bracelets.

I thought I'd add a quick tutorial using the same simple method, to embellish something quite different...and suggest a small good deed you might like to consider.

Every so often, at the dollar store, I come across a pile of good quality pet collars and leashes. Like these, a recent score -

Whenever I find them in stock I buy as many as I can, to donate to my favorite rescue shelter. They ALWAYS need them. Every donated collar means $5 or $6 the shelter doesn't have to spend buying a new one. And it only costs me a buck! What a great way to make an impact for very little money.

If you have (or know of) a sweet pup or kitty who would look smashing in some fine, custom embellished neckwear, find a plain collar and try this super easy project.

First you need to make two holes in the collar. Use something pointy, but not deadly sharp. I used a BBQ skewer. Gently work the point through the woven strapping, spreading the fibers until you have made a hole. You can usually do it without even breaking any threads.

String some cord or plastic lacing through the two holes. Then layer on your creative embellishments. Ideally, they'll be drool-resistant. I used silk flowers, puffy paint, felt and a button.

Tie a secure knot in the middle - apply the finished collar to the critter of your choice - and wait for the compliments!

I know a miniature Aussie named Simon who would love this one. (He's a lover, you see, not a fighter.)

And an Irish redhead of my acquaintance (her name is Ginger) would totally rock this orange and green one:

So next time you happen upon a collar for a dollar - why not buy two? One for your own critter, and one to donate to the shelter nearest you.




10 comments:

  1. This is adorable & hilarious!! Thanks for linking to Craftastic Monday:)

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  2. they are so cute. I have a puppy that would look so cute in one....if he didn't eat the flower off of it.

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  3. I have a daughter that has 2 dogs, I am going to have to show her this. It is so cute!

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  4. What a nice idea for the local shelter! Thanks!

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  5. I just came to your site for the first time from Make mondays marvelous. I already HEART you! RESCUE holds a huge place in my heart and I LOVE that idea! Well, both ideas...the dollar store one for the shelter and the AWESOME embellishe collars! YOU rock! NEW follower for sure! BTW, I've had all rescued dogs for over 20 years! Rescue one till there are none. ;-)

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  6. These are adorable. I love the shelter idea as well. Fantastic idea and fabulous collars! Thanks so much for joining the Sunday Showcase Party! I greatly apprecite it. Hope you are enjoying your week. ~ Stephanie Lynn

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  7. Thanks for joining us for Anything Related #12! ~Bridgette

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  8. OK, these are way to cool. My dog would look really sassy in one of these. The flower ones are my fav.

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  9. Simon and Ginger can't wait to rock those collars!

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