Many dog owners see their dogs as friends or family. In fact, quite a few people are more attached to their dogs than any humans in their life! If you know someone who is very fond of their dog and looking for a present that might please them, consider handmade dog gifts.
If your local dog boutique does not carry handmade items, you can find sources online. However, if you are on a budget, why not make your own? You will probably have twice the fun at half the cost while putting your unique stamp on things!
There are so many items to choose to create. If you know the person and their dog well, inspiration for what to make may have already struck you. If not, there are many ideas that you can pursue. Some of these include:
DOG CLOTHES AND ACCESSORIES
Dog sweaters, whether knit or crocheted, are a wonderful gift for dogs with short hair in cold northern climates. Consider making one for a larger dog since these are often hard to come by commercially.
A dog vest or shirt can be simple to make, especially for a smaller dog. Consider adding matching bows by making your own ribbon from leftover fabric.
Bandanas are a very easy item to make and offer endless possibilities as to theme, decorations and more.
DOG COLLARS AND LEASHES
Here is another area where you can go let your creativity go!
Collars can be made from all sorts of materials such as fibers that are woven, knitted, crocheted or macraméd, or solid materials like webbing and leather. Decorations such as conchos, colored ribbons, sequins, beads and the like can be added. Hardware can be bought separately or parlayed from items no longer in use. Or else look for rings, buckles, sliders and snaps at thrift stores on belts, purses, totes or backpacks.
Leashes can also be crafted from a variety of materials. Webbing or leather can be left plain or have decorations added. A leash can be woven or braided from yarns, cotton or other fibers, and leather. Metal snaps can be purchased inexpensively and easily attached through sewing or weaving.
DOG BEDS AND ACCESSORIES
Make a dog bed for practically nothing out of a couple of old couch cushions. Add a homemade blanket or quilt, or craft these instead of a bed. If you have upholstery or vinyl fabric, you can also make a dog bed from scratch. Dog bed patterns are available to make some uniquely shaped beds.
DOG TREATS
If you love to bake or play with foods, here's a good chance to experiment! Just make sure that ingredients are not only healthy but safe for dogs (for example, some things that people consume like onions, some spices and raisins are toxic for dogs). The link below offers more information.
Not only can you make a food item, but you can have the fun of presenting it in a glass jar or tin that you decorate.
OTHER IDEAS
The above are just some ideas for handmade dog gifts. If you like to work with wood, PVC pipe, foam blocks, carpet or metal parts and tires there is another range of possibilities including dog stairs, ramps, dog bed frames, agility equipment, a dog wheelchair or a bicycle trailer.
Whatever handmade dog gifts you choose to make, remember that the final judge will be the dog, not the human! A few imperfections here or there will not matter in the least.
Jo Soliday has been a dog lover and crafter since childhood. For free instructions to make many of the above mentioned items, check out her website at http://www.make-and-build-dog-stuff.com To find out about foods dogs should avoid, see http://www.make-and-build-dog-stuff.com/dangerous-foods-for-dogs.html |
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