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Dog Bone Template
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Fish Bag Template
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December 2016
Pawsitively Purrfect Gift Bags Happy December!! It seems winter is well and truly upon us here in southern Indiana! The last colorful leaves have fallen gently to rest on Mother Earth, the opossums have eaten most of the persimmons from the tree in our yard and I do believe we have seen the last of warm weather for the next several months. I’ve always looked at this time of year as the opportunity to catch up on all the projects that have been put off during the busyness of summer. One of my favorites is making special bags to hold gifts for my furry friends. I use them throughout the year, for birthdays, for bringing home new puppy/kitten, to celebrate ‘gotcha’ (adoption) days. Several years ago, I made gift bags for all the animals at a local humane society. The shelter opted to utilize the bags as Christmas stockings that they hung on every kennel and cage. For a special adoption event, each newly adopted animal got to take home their stocking filled with a treat, food sample and pet food coupons. To make your own pet gift bags you will need: · 3 9x12 inch felt pieces in 2 different colors. This is standard pre-cut size for felt. · Tacky Glue, a very thick, white, water soluble glue. · Scissors · Ribbon. I use 1/8 inch or ¼ inch width. · Template for gift bags. Located at left. Each bag will fit on a 9x12 inch felt piece. · Large plastic yarn needle (for kids) or large metal yarn needle (for adults) · Tube fabric paint (optional) Trace template onto 2 pieces felt and cut out. Glue the 2 pieces together using the Tacky Glue and let dry. Leave the top of the bag open so gifts may be inserted. Cut out several of the small bones or fish to decorate the bags. These smaller templates are located in the center of the main template. Glue these small shapes to the front of the gift bag. Let dry. Thread ribbon on plastic needle, knotting one end and work through the felt gift bag, drawing the knot close to the bag. Work the needle through the opposite side of the bag as shown and knot the other end close to the bag to make a tie closure (as on the dog bone) or to hang (as on the fish bag). As a finishing touch, the bag may be personalized with fabric paint. And you are done! The great thing about these bags is they can be made in different sizes, just shrink or enlarge the template. They may be decorated with lace, ribbon, anything you can think up! You could also sew the bag together instead of using glue, as I have done with the fish bag in the photo. Be creative! The sky truly is the limit with these little gems and since they are of my own design, feel free to make as many as you want. This is great for general gift giving but what fun to make several bags, fill with treats or toys and present them to a local animal shelter or rescue! I can assure you that they will be much appreciated! And your kids will experience firsthand the joy of giving to those less fortunate. Everyone have a joy-full December and thank you for joining me! See you in 2017! - Jeanna Billings |
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Jeanna Billings is an Animal Communicator serving an international clientele, a Reiki Master and a Certified Crystal Healer. She volunteered for many years with humane societies and animal rescues, serving as a Board Director, Adoption Counselor and Humane Educator. She currently teaches animal communication classes and provides private consultations. She lives in Indiana with her husband, three dachshunds, two cats and a very chatty parakeet. You can find her online at www.ShamansSpirit.net .
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