A Very Merry DIY Christmas: Dog Biscuit+Ball Jar

The temperatures here are dropping and we are just a few weeks away from Christmas! If you're anything like my family, it can be hard to buy for everyone. But, if you know any dog lovers, anything you get for their beloved pups will be a welcomed gift. This is a quick and simple glass jar stuffed with goodies and toys. Fill it with items from around the house, small bones, treats, balls, clothing... whatever your heart desires. I used a paint pen in white with a small rounded tip to write the quote. I used fonts "Cheddar Jack" and "DK Yellow Sun" as guidance. 

Memory Foam Dog Bed for Crate

These dogs keep us busy and need a cozy spot to rest! We recently got a new memory foam mattress topper so decided to recycle the old one into new dog beds for their crates.

I used plywood, no rip utility fabric, fleece, memory foam, and a staple gun for this project.

 Measure the crate and cut the board, foam, and fabric to fit.

 Staple down the no rip fabric tightly to the board. This will hold the foam to the board.

 I cut a fleece blanket in half to cover two boards for both crates and stapled that down to finish it off. I didn't bother making the underside pretty because no one will see it (besides you, haha). 

She loves it already!

If you don't quite trust your dog in the crate if they aren't potty trained you could use waterproof fabric underneath and make the fleece similar to a pillowcase slip so it could be washed. 

Halloween Pet Costume Project

Haven is our sweet angel so it was only fitting to give her a pair of wings this Halloween. I found a cute image of coffee filter wings on Pinterest but there was no tutorial so I was on my own. The first attempt was a bit of a comedy. If at first you don't succeed, you might be trying to get too creative haha! 

First attempt on the left, final product on the right. LOL!

It worked out much better to fold the filters into quarters than to fold in half and fluff. I first cut out teardrop shapes from cardboard and then folded a few filters into quarters. I did a few half folds on the outer wing to give it a little more of a curve shape.

Start at the bottom of the wing

Half fold on the outside 

Work your way up going for a scalloped look

Glue (I used hot glue) the two wings to a rectangular piece of cardboard. Paint the back of the cardboard white. I used a thin piece of fabric to attach the wings to Haven's harness. I also got pipe cleaners for a halo but we're doing baby steps right now :) 

With the remainder of the cardboard box, I made a few DIY tombstones for the house. I just used regular acrylic paint. I used floral wire to stake them into the ground, taping the wire securely to the back of the tombstone.

Easy 5-minute Tombstone!

Using String Art to Create a Pet Leash Holder

Materials: 

Wooden Board 

Colored Embroidery String 

Nails (I used 1" white panel board nails)

Two-prong hooks 

Hot glue, hammer, printer

Step One: Choose your pattern and print onto paper. Center and tape the paper onto your board.

Step Two: Use a pen to mark where your nails will go. Make sure you use enough to keep the shape of the image you chose!

Step Three: Start nailing those babies in place! About 3/4 the way through, if your board is deep enough. I struggled with some parts of my board being thicker than others due to panels. As long as the nails are sturdy and have enough room to add sting, you're golden.

Step Four: Tie off a section of embroidery string onto a starter nail. Begin by wrapping it around the nail. Move between nails, wrapping it around every few nails. This will keep it all from unwinding if one strand pops off of the nail. The amount of string and times you wrap between nails will affect the look of your string art. 

Finally, glue on your hooks and glue on a string to hang your board from.

I used a rustic board but added a little modern twist with the pop of color. Here are some other options I liked and you can use as inspiration for your own board! Of course you could use these for keys, necklaces, etc. All were found on Etsy.com:

Welcome to the Family!

Long time no see! Since we've spoken last, Jon and I have adopted another beautiful puppy, who I'd love for you to meet. I also started a little side project that they've inspired me to start! All, meet Athena Dean. Her mom was a Shepard Corgi mix, and we are unsure what else she is mixed with.

 We visited her and her sister at the local SPCA. We brought Haven along and she and Athena went together like peanut butter and jelly. Athena's sister got adopted the same day she did. When she first came home she stayed on the floor and off the couch with the family. Then, as time went on, she made her way to the ottoman, and then to our feet, and now she rests her head on our laps as she sleeps. It took some love and trust but she has found her forever home.

Haven and Athena love going to the dog park, sleeping in the bed, playing with each-other, and going on runs. Every time I put my shoes on and put on their harnesses they get so excited and smile so big. Oh, they also love car rides! This year, we even went to the Purina Pet Parade...

I made them flower crown collars for the parade and it turns out other pup parents love them, too! I started selling a few on Etsy but mostly make them because I love to make them. Dogs deserve a little extra attention sometimes :)

For more pup updates, follow @deansrescues on Instagram!