10 Ways to Craft For Your Local Shelter On July 21st

Erika Lindquist is the owner of the “Sew Doggy Style” blog and the founder of National Craft For Your Local Shelters Day, celebrated on July 21^st this year. Inspired by her rescue dog Sebastian, she started the holiday in 2012.

“I wanted to come up with a way for people to give/donate to their local shelters that would be fun and affordable,” says Lindquist. “If someone is unable to help their shelter financially, they can help by making simple, yet meaningful, items for the animals.”

You can take the pledge on Lindquist’s blog.

Below are 10 craft project ideas for this year’s craft day. I will be making fleece tug toys over at A Fairytail House. What will you be making?

#1 – “Adopt Me” Bandanas

Lindquist says these are one of the most popular items made because they are not always cheap for shelters to buy. You can make them at home by taking scraps of fabric and either painting, screen printing or embroidering “adopt me” on them.

#2 – Fleece Tugs

These are super easy to make and help enrich the lives of dogs living in shelters and foster homes. All you need is some fleece, cut into strips. You can then just simply braid, or if you want, try making one of these square braids.

#3 – Fleece Blankets

Another easy craft involving fleece is tie blankets. Simply take two pieces of fleece, fringe the edges and tie them together. You can find more detail on Instructables.com.

#4 – No-Sew T-Shirt Bed

This is a great bed because no sewing is required! Have people donate old t-shirts and pillows (or make a trip to the thrift store) and these are a snap to make. Complete instructions on Instructables.com.

#5 – Simple Rectangle Dog Bed

If you enjoy sewing, this simple dog bed only takes about 10 minutes to make and you can use any bargain fabric you find at the fabric store (make sure it’s washable!). Be sure to make different sizes for the shelter. Instructions are on Instructables.com.

#6 – Homemade “Wubba”

If you have scrap fabric and tennis balls lying around, you can make some shelter dogs very happy with a DIY wubba toy! Directions on AmmoTheDachshund.com.

#7 – Rope Ball

This is great for the hard chewers at the shelters and all it requires is some rope! Make sure the rope you choose is not treated with anything and is safe to be chewed on by a dog. Directions on DigDIYIdeas.com.

#8 – Doggie Shirt

Often dogs come into rescues with skin issues that require them to wear a tee while they are healing. This easy DIY turns an old human tee into a dog tee. Remember to make several sizes – even big dogs need these! Directions at Instructables.com.

#9 – Tennis Tug Toy

Another type of tug toy, this one incorporates a tennis ball for even more fun. Directions can be found on WithMyCamera.com.

#10 – Sweet Potato Chew

This one is a fun thing to do for shelters since they can’t normally spend money on high-priced chews. Plus, it’s super easy and all you need is some rope and dried sweet potato. Directions are on Instructables.com.

Don’t Forget To Take The Pledge And Share So Other’s Will Too!