Don't Forget Your Pet at Christmas With These Easy DIY Projects

It's so easy to get wrapped up in the holiday rush of parties, meals and gifts and forget about our furry friends.  Below are a couple of easy and quick ideas for you to make sure they're always part of the festivities!

And don't forget to see my vintage trunk turned cat litter box DIY project at the bottom!

Easy dog toy and good way to use up fabric scraps!

Easy DIY Dog Toy From Fab-You-Bliss

Yes, cats are pets too...how cute is she!

Catnip Toy by My Garden Insider

Great gift idea of customized dog (or cat) tags.

Customized Dog Tag Tutorial by Eagle Rowe

And, BONUS, since many of us may travel with our pets over the holidays, here is a great article with tips to travel well with yours. 

Great Article on Traveling With Pets

And here is a photo of one of my own projects which I just love.  

 I hate having open litter boxes around with cats and when you live in a small place you have limited options on where to put them.  Well, I picked up this old chest for $15 at a flea market with a hinged lid and turned it into a cat litter box I felt comfortable putting out in the open.

Here's what I did:

1) Replaced the floor with plywood to strengthen it a bit and then added 4 short furniture legs and some trim.

2) Cut a hole in the side just big enough for the cats, and some small air vents in the back.

3) Painted and distressed the new parts to match.

4) Found a suitable plastic box large enough to serve as a litter box that would fit inside.  

Voila...that's it. Cats love the privacy despite it being out in the open. 

As always, thanks for stopping by and I always enjoy your comments below.

Jan

Visit Jypsy Studio on Etsy

Tuesday Tips: Easy Christmas DIY "foodie"Gift Ideas

Yes, it's time to start thinking about Christmas gifts as Black Friday looms at the end of the week.  For me personally, unless I HAVE to hit the stores this weekend I'll avoid them. 

That aside, I've found for this week's Tuesday Tips a few DIY ideas for some cute and easy "foodie" gifts that would be appropriate for teachers, neighbors, co-workers or service providers.  

Please visit by clicking on the link below the photo for wonderful ideas for creative Christmas gifts.  Some more labor intensive than others, but am sure most of you crafty types can manage. They're all fun, festive and fairly easy.  

Clever, beautiful, easy and tasty, this tutorial has great step-by-step photos as well as a printable recipe card to include with your gift. I will definitely be making some of these!!

Caramel Apple In A Jar by The Gunny Sack

A cute idea for a Hot Cocoa Kit for those cold winter nights! Brrrrrrrrrrr

Hot Cocoa Kit

Reindeer Noses.  The site just has photos and a brief explanation, no template to download, but I thought it was just so cute!

Reindeer Noses

As always, thanks for stopping by and please leave a comment below to share one of your favorite DIY "foodie" gifts ideas.

Jan

Visit Jypsy Studio on Etsy

Tuesday's Tips: Three Great Blogs & Sites

Welcome to Tuesday's Tips where each Tuesday I will share great finds with you.  Being true to the nature of my blog, these will focus on arts & craft tips, DIY how-tos, unique finds or stunning photos & art.  An occasional recipe might sneak its way in there as I love to cook. 

This is the inaugural post and I decided to go with three great blogs/websites I ran across that have not only great ideas, but beautiful photography as well. And there's even one for you guys.

Guys first!!

The Blog: Uncrate/ The Find: The Beambox

Guys, this one is for you so be bold and check it out.  It's all about where to find the "stuff" guys like. Links to purchase sites, unique items and a place to "stash" stuff you want to remember for later.  Cool site for the guys.  (Send a link to your sweetie if you find any cool Christmas ideas we always ask you for!)   Here are the headings if you're still unsure: GEAR - STYLE - CARS - TECH - VICES - BODY - FOOD.   'Nuf said...

The Blog: A Beautiful Mess/ Project : Foolproof Turkey & Gravy Tips

Written by Elsie and Emma, A Beautiful Mess is a lifestyle blog written to focus on simple ways to create a beautiful and inspired lifestyle. Elsie and Emma share craft projects, recipes, fashion and decor ideas and DIYs on their blog daily to help make your life a little bit sweeter. Seeing as how it's Thanksgiving next week, I figured we could all use Turkey Tips. If you're looking for something new to try this year, read about how Emma brines her turkey for added flavor and moisture. Make sure and look around their blog for more beautiful photography and great ideas.

The Blog: Alisa Burke/ The Project: Doodle Platter

Written by Alisa Burke, she is a self-described artist, author, teacher, wife and mom.  She is always looking for new ways to redefine creativity. She draws inspiration from street art, graffiti, art history and fashion and it is not uncommon to find unique recycled items in her art.  This is a great DIY Doodle Platter...create your own for the holidays.  

That's it for today.  Share your cool sites in the comments below. 

As always, thanks for stopping by!

Jan

Jypsy Studio on Etsy-check out the new vintage fashion illustrations available in my shop.