Fast and Easy Dog Bow Tie

Happy Holidays!

If you are still looking for the perfect accessory for your dog for the holiday pictures, this may be the perfect project. If you use a sewing machine, you can have this done within 5 minutes. Even if you are not skilled at sewing - you can make this. All the stitching is hidden from view.

Needed materials:

Small amount of fabric - I usually just use a fat quarter, since this requires a small amount of fabric. 

Sewing Machine or Needle and Thread

Dog Collar or some other way to attach to your dog (ribbon, elastic, ties, clips, etc.)

Step 1: Cut two rectangles out of your fabric. 

Cut the large one double the size of what you want your finished bow tie to be, plus double the amount of the seam allowance. 

For example: This finished tie is 5.75" wide by 3.25" tall. I am using a .25" seam allowance. (5.75 + .25) x 2 = 12", (3.25 + .25) x 2 = 7". I cut the large rectangle 12" x 7". 

Do the same thing for the small rectangle. I cut mine 2.5" x 2.5" One side will be the width of the knot and the other side will be the length of the knot wrapping around the bow and the collar - or whatever you are using to attach to your dog. I attach my bow ties with elastic, so I do not worry about this too much. If you are going to attach yours to a collar, you may want to complete the bow and then come back to this step to cut the small rectangle to ensure it is long enough. Keep in mind, if you are using the type of collar that snaps shut instead of buckles, you will also need to be able to fit it over the snap at the end.

Step 2: Fold the rectangles in half lengthwise. The inside of the fabric should face you. Sew along the long edge.

Step 3: You will now have two tubes. Turn them right-side out. Lay them out so the seam is in the center and facing you.

Step 4: Fold the rectangles in half the other way. The side with the seam in the center should be facing you. Sew along the side edge.

Step 5: Turn them right-side out. All the stitching should be on the inside. Lay the large rectangle down so the seam runs through the center of the back. Pinch the center and pull a needle and thread thru the center a few times to hold it.

Step 6: Pull the bow through the small loop to make the knot of the tie. Make sure the seam of the knot is on the back side of the tie.

Step 7: Thread the collar or whatever you are using through the back of the tie. If the knot is sliding around, you may want to put a stitch or two through the back of the knot to hold it.

If you want to make fabric ties to tie around your dog's neck, you can follow the steps for the ties in this posting. Start with step 8.

I usually use .5" elastic to attach mine for a couple reasons. My dogs are very fluffy. If I attach it to their collars, the bow tie just gets buried under the hair. So, whatever I use to attach it needs to be very loose. It basically needs to just hang there so it doesn't get buried. Also, I just use mine for a quick picture. The bow ties are only on for a few minutes and then I take them off. The elastic makes this easy to slide off and on their heads. If you are planning on keeping the bow ties on your dog for a long period of time, it is best to use a collar and not elastic. You do not want your tie to get caught on anything and harm your dog.

Step 8: Let everyone admire your handsome dog!

Frankie was not in the mood to model this tie, so this is not a great picture. But I have made lots of these ties for other holidays. Here are a few pictures of the finished product.

Last Minute DIY Advent Calendar Tree

This is last minute, but this project is easy enough to do in just one day!

I found this Stocking Tree Advent Calendar at Pottery Barn. I loved the look of it, but I did not like the $199 price tag. I knew I could make my own version for much cheaper. 

  

Here is the version that I made. I made this for under $20. Depending upon what you use, you could possibly make it cheaper!

Here are the steps to take to make one.

Needed materials:

• 1” x 2” at 8’
• 1” x 3” at 4’
• Saw
• Kreg Jig
• 1 1/4" pocket hole screws
• Sander or sandpaper
• Wood Glue 
• Paint
• 6” Wood star or 1/4” Plywood 6” x 6”
• 25 small hooks or clips
• 25 small bags or stockings
• Fabric Marker
• D-hooks to hang the tree
• Jig or Scroll Saw (if making your own star)

Step 1: Cut Your Boards.

Needed cuts:

2 - 1” x 2” at 2 ½” one end cut at 45 degree angle.

2 - 1” x 2” at 5 ½” one end cut at 45 degree angle.

2 - 1” x 2” at 8 ½” one end cut at 45 degree angle.

2 - 1” x 2” at 11 ½” one end cut at 45 degree angle.

2 - 1” x 2” at 13 ¾” one end cut at 45 degree angle.

1 – 1” x 3” at 38 ½”

I found a 3 pack of these 6” wood stars on clearance for $2. But if you are making your own star, draw a star on your plywood and cut it out using a jig saw or scroll saw.

Step 2. Using a Kreg jig set at the 3/4" setting, drill pocket holes in the non-mitered end of the 1” x 2” pieces.

Step 3. Using the pocket hole screws and glue, attach the 1” x 2” pieces to the 1” x 3”. The longest pieces flush to the bottom of the 1" x 3" and gradually moving up to the smaller pieces. I attached all one side and then all the other. I left a 5 ½” space between each.

Step 4: Sand all surfaces.

Step 5: Paint the tree and star. 

I decided to also write the last name of the family that I was making this for on the star.

Step 6: Using the wood glue, glue the star to the top and attach the clips. If you are using hooks, you probably will need to screw in those.

I decided to use the small craft clothespins. I put some washi tape on the clothespins to make them look a little cuter.

Step 7: Attach hooks to the back so you can hang it. I used D hooks. I had originally planned on using only one D hook. These particular hooks can hold up to 20 pounds. That really should be sufficient, but just in case the gifts in the bags happen to be heavy, I decided to use two of the D hooks.

Step 8: Hang your bags or stockings. I found these little bags. I took a fabric marker and wrote the numbers on each bag.

Step 9: Hang your Advent Calendar on the wall and enjoy your holiday countdown!

DIY Polar Express Inspired Shadow Box

If you have someone in your family that loves The Polar Express movie, then this could be the perfect gift for them! It is easy and inexpensive to make. I actually used scrap wood to make mine. The only thing I needed to purchase was the bell.

Here are the steps to take to make one.

Needed materials:

• 1/8" Plywood scrap
• 1" x 4" Board
• Wood Glue 
• Finishing nails
• Bell
• Ribbon
• Twine or String
• Paint for the background
• Paint Marker
• Paint or Stain for the frame

Step 1: Cut your plywood. I used a piece of scrap that was about 8" x 10". 

You could use any size that you have on hand.

Step 2: Cut your 1" x 4" boards to fit the size of your plywood. Bevel the ends at 45 degrees. Optionally, you could just cut the ends square.

Step 3: Paint your plywood. I used Black for my background.

Step 4: Using a paint marker, write your message.

Step 5: Glue and clamp your frame. You could also use finishing nails.

Step 6: Sand the frame.

Step 7: Paint or stain the frame. I wanted to give mine a weathered wood look. So, I first painted it a Nutmeg color.

Then, I painted over the Nutmeg with an Antique White.

After the paint dried, I sanded off some of the white paint to create the weathered look.

Step 8: Tie the twine to the bell and make a small bow. I secured the bow with a dab of hot glue.

Step 9: Put the wood glue around the border of the background. At the same time, decide where you want to place the bell.

Step 10: With the bell in place, nail the background to the frame. You may want to also secure the bell to the back to ensure it stays put.

Step 11: Enjoy your shadow box!

Knit Operation Gratitude Scarf

The company that I work for encourages the employees to volunteer. Every month or so, a group of knitters and crocheters choose an organization to make items for. Last month, we made item for Operation Gratitude.

Operation Gratitude sends care packages to Veterans, Wounded Warriors, First Responders, and U.S. Service Members that are deployed overseas. They accept many different types of donations, including hand-made scarves and hats.

I decided to make a textured diagonal scarf. This pattern is very simple, yet looks nice. Operation Gratitude accepts any pattern, as long as it is 5"-6" wide and about 48" long. They also prefer subtle colors.

If you would like to learn more about Operation Gratitude or how you can help, be sure to check out the website operationgratitude.com. If you are interested in making a knit or crocheted item, be sure to check out their specific requirements.

If you want to see more of my other knitting and crocheting projects, check out my Ravelry project page.

DIY Charging Station With a Power Strip Compartment

I live in a 120+ year old house. If you have ever been in an old house, you will notice that there is a severe lack of outlets. Obviously, when electricity was first put into homes they did not have all the gadgets that we have now. However, the shortage of outlets leaves my counter looking like this while I alternate each thing that needs to be charged.

You can make this charging station to house all your electronics for under $5. The best part is that it is made so a USB charging multi-port or a power strip can fit inside and only one cord needs to be plugged in to the wall! This is also completely customizable to fit your electronics.

Needed Materials:

1- 1/4" plywood or other panel product at 2' x 2' 

Saw to make your cuts

3/4" Spade Bit

Wood glue

Clamps

Finishing nails (Optional - I used only wood glue to construct mine and it is very sturdy. You can also use finishing nails, but they are not necessary.) 

Paint or varnish of your choosing

Step 1: Make your cuts.

1 - 11 1/2" x 5 1/4" (bottom)

1 - 11 1/2" x 4 3/4" (back)

2 - 11 1/2" x 1 1/2" (bottom strips)

1 - 11 1/2" x 5 3/8" (middle back)

1 - 11 1/2" x 5 3/16" (middle front)

1 - 12" x 3 3/4" (front)

2 - 1 1/2" x 5 1/8" Cut at a 45 degree angle on one end. The long point should measure 5 1/8". (middle dividers)

1 - 1 1/2" x 5 1/4" Cut at a 45 degree angle on one end. The long point should measure 5 1/4". (front divider)

2 - 7" x 5 1/4" First cut the rectangle. Then cut the incline at a 45 degree angle. The top flat part should measure 2" and the front flat part should measure 3 3/4". (sides)

I used my circular saw for most of the cuts. I then used my miter saw for the 45 degree angles.

Step 2: Using a 3/4" spade bit, drill holes in the 1 1/2" strips and the bottom of the middle front piece (11 1/2" x 5 3/16"). The spade bit needs to be at least 3/4" so the USB can fit through. Check the size of your cords and make any necessary adjustments. 

The number of holes you drill depends on your electronic needs. I drilled two holes for the back section strip, three holes for the middle section strip, and four holes in the middle front piece. It's better to make too many holes at this point, than to wish you had made more holes after it is done. If you make more holes than needed, you can cut a piece of cardboard or wood to cover it until it is needed. 

Step 3: Glue the sides to the bottom and clamp it. The bottom should be between the sides. The sides should not be on top of the bottom.

Step 4: Glue the back to the sides and clamp it. Again, the back should be between the sides.

The top of the back should be flush with the top of the sides.

Step 5: Glue one of the 1 1/2" strips to the bottom of the back and to the two sides and clamp it. Be sure not to clamp too much. You want to make sure that this is square.

Step 6: Glue the middle back piece (11 1/2" x 5 3/8") to the strip and the sides and clamp it. The top should be flush with the top of the sides. The bottom should extend about 5/8" lower than the back piece.

Step 7: Glue the other 1 1/2" strips to the bottom of the middle back and to the two sides and clamp it. Again, be sure not to clamp too much. Make sure it is square.

Step 8: Glue the middle front piece (11 1/2" x 5 3/16") to the strip, the sides, and the bottom. This piece will go all the way to the bottom. Glue the two middle dividers in place. I sectioned mine off in thirds, but you could divide this up into sections to fit your devices. The dividers will also help keep it square when you clamp it.

Step 9: Glue the front piece the sides and the bottom and clamp it. The front will sit on top of the side edges and bottom edge, not between them. Glue the front divider in place. I put mine in the middle, but you could divide this up into sections to fit your devices.

Step 10: Fill any holes with putty and sand, as necessary.

Step 11: Paint or stain to your liking.

I used some Antique White paint that I had leftover from another project. You could stencil or decorate it to match your decor.

Step 11: Decide where you want to place your electronics and put the cords through the holes. Plug the USBs into your multi-port USB charger or power strip. This will fit a small power strip or multi-port USB charger. Check the dimensions of your power strip/charger prior to making yours and make any necessary adjustments. I used this 6 port charger due to the ability to plug any device into any port, but there are many options available that would fit. 

Step 12: Tuck the cords and charger inside and plug it in.

Step 13: Enjoy your new charging station and all the extra outlet space that has been freed up!

These charging stations also make great gifts. I made three of them for Christmas presents this year!