Your pet in paper and card

Today I'm featuring the work of UK artist Helen Mussel White and her use of papers and card.
On her website she has many pieces including bunnies, foxes, field mice and butterflies - but of course I have just picked out the doggie ones.
Because of the hand cutting, folding and scoring of a wide range of papers and card, each piece is totally different. They are created by building scenes in box frames which are often complex and consist of many layers. Now as most of them are custom orders, I'm sure you could probably get your pet sat in a favourite place. What a great way to remember them don't you think!

Your pet in paper and card

Animal sports

Okay, I probably say this every week, but I am repeatedly amazed at the creativity demonstrated by some people's recycling efforts! This Wednesdays 'recycling and helping animals' feature is very sports related. It involves tennis balls and old inner tubes from cycle tires - Whatever next!

The Dog Bed from Hugh Hayden Design has been constructed entirely of recycled tennis balls from the New York Metropolitan area that are woven together in a tight hexagonal pattern. Plop a cushion on the top and you have a comfy bed totally made from recycled materials. At the moment they are just for smaller dogs up to 25lbs but bigger ones will be coming out soon. If you throw the bed, your dog will probably bring it back :-)

Cycle dog make collars and leashes from recycled bike inner tubes! Apparently, in the US there are over 60 million bike riders and that can mean a lot of flat tires and old inner tubes. So, why not make a dog collar and leash with them instead of adding them to landfills. All you need do is to take your old tube to a dealer or send them to Cycle Dog and they will be put to good use. How very innovative is that!

Animal sports

Tough collars for tough dogs

Could you wait 3-4 weeks for a custom handmade collar? Yep, you could when you see the quality of the materials used to create these really sturdy dog products from California Collar Company.

They look so strong and well made and come in several sizes. These collars are designed for dogs over 20 pounds, who need a more "heavy duty" collar. They are great for thicker, more muscular dogs such as larger sized Boston Terriers and French Bulldogs. The width of the collar can go from 1" up to 2" and can also cater for giant dogs like Mastiffs and Great Danes who have a collar size of 18"!  The English bridle leather that they are made from makes them heavier and thicker than most collars, and they can be dressed up with natural gemstones and swarovski crystals.

Tough collars for tough dogs