Jacquie's Up-Cycle Nation: Creature Comforts

Pet lovers get it; dogs, cats, and other furry friends are more than companions.  They are family.  They are the ears when no one else listens, the hugs always at the ready, and providers of unconditional love.  So pamper pets this autumn with creature comforts from top notch Etsy up-cycle artists.

Cats love a cozy nest perched in the warm sunlight.  Photogirl95 crafts snuggle beds to provide kitty with his or her own personal space.  Cat tested and approved!

Don't forget a lazy afternoon catnip treat for your favorite feline.  With shapes and themes for every occasion, smilingfrogpets caters to both dogs and cats. This shop is a pet lover's must-fave! 

For the discerning dog who prefers good taste in his lounging area, winecountrycraftsman provides the pooch with a proper place to chill. Dog beds are just the start of up-cycling magic created by Wine Country Craftsman. 

 Don't forget the yard critters!  They are the family members that pop in uninvited but are always welcome guests.  Gathering winter nuts is a snap with squirrel snack shack from andrewsreclaimed. Shop here for reclaimed wooden treasures for throughout the yard and home.

For more creature comforts search recycled pet on Etsy.

LOVE  &  UP-CYCLE NATION!!

Jacquie Wheeler

Hand of Bela Peck

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Handofbelapeck?ref=si_shop
https://www.etsy.com/shop/BelaPeckHome

http://handofbelapeck1759.blogspot.com/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hand-of-Bela-Peck/294397987277061?ref=hl

Jacquie's Up-Cycle Nation: Purrrfect Cashmere Cats

 My studio machines are humming away making sweet toys for island visitors at Hendley Market in Galveston, Texas. One popular item is the "Purrrfect Pet", aka- cats. This sweet up-cycling project is easy, affordable, and something the kiddos can help in creating.

Supplies: old wool or cashmere sweater (Get crazy beyond solid colors- go for stripes and bold patterns!), fiber stuffing,  tracing paper, scissors, beads, thread and embroidery floss.

Fold the tracing paper in half.  On the fold sketch out half a fat cat form.  Cut along outline.  Unfold cat form to have a full cat pattern. 

 

Cut two of the cat forms from the desired section of sweater. Sleeves can be used having only to cut out the ears at the top.

  
Machine stitch right sides together.  Leave the bottom open.

 Turn the cat right side out and stuff.  Using a gather stitch, pull the bottom closed and tuck the rough edges inside.  Stitch a decorative circle to the base if preferred.

Personalize each cat with an embroidered face.  Get creative by using beads for eyes, stitch a heart to the body, or add a bow for whimsy

Don't have any sweaters you want to chop?  Check out your local thrift store.  Not only do you get a great project for pennies but you also help a charity in the process. 

LOVE  &  UP-CYCLE NATION!

Jacquie Wheeler

Hand of Bela Peck

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Handofbelapeck?ref=si_shop
https://www.etsy.com/shop/BelaPeckHome

http://handofbelapeck1759.blogspot.com/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hand-of-Bela-Peck/294397987277061?ref=hl

Jacquie's Up-Cycle Nation: Sweater Weather

Over the past two weeks I have been visiting Yale New Haven hospital to see my Dad (who is now home and recovering well!) Passing the gift shop every day I was comforted by the grinning funny faces of bright stuffed animals in the gift shop.  They brought to mind the simple joys of childhood, the comfort stuffed animals can bring to the child within, and an easy pattern I use for up-cycling old wool sweaters into brightly colored whimsical cats.

Being on the road I can't step out the process, but  you can view my sweater cat tutorial here.

I am not alone in my love of up-cycling discarded sweaters into new critter softies.  Check out these fabulous Etsy artists who work magic and bring once-cherished sweaters back into whimsical glory.

 

KLT Works offers fun for all ages.  Along with her threadwork and one of a kind baby items, these up-cycled sweater cats will steal your heart.

 Friendly monsters mingle in this up-cycle fantasy land!  My Friend Monster is home to sweet creations certain to chase away any doldrums.

For My Darling is known for the most imaginative mittens in all of Etsy land!  But between the hand warmers are birds that warm the soul.

LOVE & UP-CYCLE NATION!

Jacquie Wheeler

Hand of Bela Peck

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Handofbelapeck?ref=si_shop

http://handofbelapeck1759.blogspot.com/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hand-of-Bela-Peck/294397987277061?ref=hl

Handmade Spotlight - The Cat's Meow

Be sure to check out these great handmade kitties. They are DEFINITELY the cat's meow.

emsprims $18.00	ButtonsInTheAt... $18.00
ToleTreasures $9.95	Rabbithollowpr... $28.95
harvestmoonpri... $29.95	rockriverstitc... $9.00
pattisprimitiv... $12.00	LucysGarden $12.00
BlueMooNBegiNN... $6.50	BedlamCountryC... $20.00
primsgonewild $15.99	Mapleasragclot... $14.00
TheCountryPrim... $24.95	Warmth $25.00
QuiltAples $15.00	PaintspotsnSpl... $8.95

Treasury tool supported by the dog house