Dog Crate Cover

This project was not as easy as it could have been. I didn't have it all planned out or a pattern for it.

I started with the top panel and added to it.

All of the fabric along the bottom of the crate is just tied on.

I made stab incisions at the bottom edge and used a thin sliver or fabric to tie it down.

The back side can also be rolled up if desired.

I made a roll down front for the crate and attached 2 bows to hold it up by making stab incisions and then threading thru a thin piece of material to make the bow.

I made a name plate out of Shrinky Dink paper.

I have a new puppy who will likely tear the cover off once he discovers it.

When he does, I will make a new cover with pictures and an easy tutorial.

This is a XL dog crate that I got for FREE from Craigs List. It was rusty and missing the pan.

I painted the crate with Rustoleum paint.

I replaced the pan with one from Rural King for $13.

It looks brand new now. It's a bit large for my little 5 lb puppy but it was free!

In Progress

I have 2 projects that I'm currently working on:

• reupholstering an antique chair that I got for FREE off of Freecycle

took several hours to strip it down but it was a great stress release

got cotton batting from an ad that I posted in the wanted section of Craigslist

now waiting to finding the rest of the materials for free or almost free

• refinishing 2 vintage 1970s end tables - both pieces purchased from Salv Army $9.99 each but purchased on the one day a month that all furniture is 25% off - see store for calendar - so they were $16.67 with tax total for both - my plan is to "foil" them - finding the right materials free or almost free takes time and patience but the hunt is what I enjoy 

CHECK BACK IN A FEW WEEKS TO SEE

THE

FINISHED PROJECTS

Pet Silhoutte Tote Bags

Supplies Needed:

Tote Bags - pack of 3 from Hobby Lobby $6.99 (use a 40% coupon and get them for $4.19)

Scrap Fabric (1/4 yard can make up to 8 animal silhouttes)

you want to use a fabric that doesn't fray - I used flannel

Ribbon ~12 inches for collar & leash

Hot Glue Gun

Step 1:

Find a silhoutte of your desired breed and print onto card stock or thick paper to use as stencil

Step 2:

Trace stencil backwards onto fabric using a metallic gen pen or sharpie

Step 3:

Cut out & hot glue the opposite side onto tote bag starting with head 1st and applying glue all along edges

Step 4:

Hot glue ribbon to make collar and leash

Optional Personalization:

Using an alphabet stencil trace name using a metallic gen pen

Refinished Craft Cabinet

Cabinet purchased for $20 from Salvation Army

Sanded & painted with semi gloss paint from ReStore ($1/pint)

Side door handles replaced with 3" handles from ReStore ($0.50/each)

Front knobs replaced with black octagonal decorative pieces IDEA Store ($0.25/each)

Tops opens to provide a flat work surface - already covered with formica

This cabinet is now home to my sewing machine & all my sewing supplies

and all my paint and craft supplies! 

 

Dog Bed using Extra Blanket or Old Clothing

I used an old down comforter and folded it to the size I wanted

I placed it inside a mesh laundry bag ($1 store) to keep it contained to that size

Instead of comforter/blanket - you could stuff with old clothing or towels

Make sure your dog approves!



Aerial Map Tote

This is a tote I made from an aerial map that I found at the IDEA store.

Materials:

• map of any kind
• thick plastic sheeting
• shower curtain liner to match map
• mailing tape or duct tape
• stapler
• +/- hot glue gun

Step 1: Cut map to size of bag you want
Step 2: Cut out bottom an staple pieces together then line with shower curtain liner or similar fabric

Step 3: Hot glue or tape in piece of cardboard to make bottom of bag. I used part of a soda box.

Step 4: Optional - use roller cutter and cutting board to make sure all pieces are even and symmetrical.

Step 5: Cut plastic sheeting to line outside & inside of bag
Step 6: Fold a separate piece to be the strap and line with plastic
Step 7: Tape the inside together using LOTS of heavy duty tape or attach grommets





Shrinky Dink Fun - Dog Tags, Luggage Tags, Magnets, Keychains

Supplies:

• Computer & Color Printer
• Shrinky Dink Paper - get the kind below that is just blank sheets
• 12 mm jump rings - Hobby Lobby or eBay
• oven - toaster oven best but regular oven works also
• clear nail polish or acrylic spray
• scissors & 2 inch round punch
• regular single punch - 1/8 inch
• brown craft paper or  brown paper bag
• magnets - use old ones and just glue it back of shrinky dink

Step 1: Find images online &/or type out information for dog tag or luggage tag
Step 2: Place as many images as possible on letter size page - don't go all the way to edge b/c paper is only
            8 x 10 (not 8.5 x 11)
Step 3: Print on rough side of paper
Step 4: Cut out using scissors +/- 2 inch punch
Step 5: Make small punch hole at top of tags
Step 6: Place in oven on brown paper at 325F until it shrinks (~2-3 min) & then remove & lay flat to cool
Note: it will curl up & then uncurl and lay flat - do not remove from oven until flat
Step 7: Paint with clear polish or spray with acrylic spray
Step 8: Attach jump rings or magnets