How to Make Dog & Cat Collar Crafts
One way to personalize your pet's look is by hand-making a custom collar. Dog and cat collars can be expensive, especially if they are decorative or novelty. Instead of spending up to $20 on a decorative collar, make your own using materials that fit you and your pet's style. With items purchased from a craft store, such as beads and non-toxic acrylic craft paint, and items found in your home, such as a shoelace, create an adorable "message" collar that both you and your cat or dog will enjoy.
Things You'll Need
- 1/8-inch wide shoelace
- Ruler
- Scissors
- Acrylic craft paint
- Brush
- Round, unfinished wood beads
- Black permanent marker
- Small pony beads
- Small bell (optional)
- Lanyard hook
- 5/8-inch ring
Instructions
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1
Decide what you want the "message" collar to say. Examples are the pet's name, "My Buddy," "Meow" and "Pet Me." The number of letters will be the same as the number of wooden beads.
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2
Wrap the shoelace around your pet's neck until it fits comfortably. You should be able to fit two fingers underneath a dog collar and one finger underneath a cat collar. Add an additional 3 inches of space and cut using the scissors.
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3
Paint the wood beads with nontoxic acrylic craft paint. The size of the beads should coincide with the size of your pet; for example, for small dog breeds and cats, you'll need smaller beads. Let dry.
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4
Write a letter on each bead until the desired phrase is complete. Since the beads will turn while the collar is being worn, write each letter on two or more sides of the rounded bead. Ensure the ink is dry before proceeding.
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5
Begin stringing the lettered beads on the shoelace, stringing a small pony bead between each letter. This will help separate the beading for better readability, as well as add any needed length to the collar. String all the beads and ensure the collar still fits comfortably around the animal's neck. Add more pony beads if necessary.
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6
String the bell onto one end of the collar.
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7
Push one end of the collar through the lanyard hook loop until the loop is touching the end bead (or the bell). Tie the end to the loop of the lanyard hook.
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8
Tie the other end of the collar to the ring. Place the collar around the animal's neck and clip the lanyard hook onto the ring.
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Tips & Warnings
This dog and cat craft collar is for indoor wear only.
