I happened to look out my window yesterday and saw my neighbor walking her cat outside- similar to how many people walk their dog. I had heard of people doing it, but didn’t really think much of it before. It was such a beautiful day outside, though- I thought why not let your indoor cat go outside for a bit?
Even if you do decide only to take your dog outside (perhaps your cat is as scared of the great outdoors as mine have been?), you can always do it in style by creating your own decorative silencer.
If you are wondering what a silencer is, it basically looks like a felt identity tag. It is the quiet version of metal dog tags- hence the word ‘silencer‘. What’s great about these is that you can make it yourself, it doesn’t have to be expensive, and you can make one that’s unique to either your cat or dog.
For this project, you will need these basic materials:
Scissors,
Iron,
Felt (in any color),
Embroidery needle,
Embroidery floss,
Small snap,
Paper-backed fusible web.
For something a little more elaborate or decorative, these materials are optional:
Colored cotton fabric,
Thread,
Needle,
Sewing machine.
Directions:
1. You’ll will want to read the instructions on the paper-backed fusible web and iron it to the felt accordingly. When it is cool, you will want to make a pattern on the paper- any pattern will do. Cut out the pattern and peel off the paper backing.
2. Iron on more felt to the fusible web. If you want your silencer to be a little less bulky, use cotton fabric instead. Add decorative touches to the front of the pattern with the excess fabric or felt with the aid of the fusible web.
3. If you have a sewing machine, you can make patterns or designs with thread over the top of the felt or cotton fabric.
4. Repeat the process with the exact same pattern. This time, you will want to leave a long, thin, and straight piece of felt at the top. No patterns on the back are necessary, unless you want both sides of the tag to be decorated.
5. Taking the embroidery materials, sew both felt pieces together (if you used cotton fabric, sew them facing each other). For an extra flair, make a pattern along the edges with the embroidery. You’ll want to make sure you don’t sew the very top or the center.
6. Add a snap to the top of the extra bit of material at the top and its complementing part to the front of the tag so it snaps shut. This bit goes over the collar.
7. Make a small information card with their name and your phone number. Slide in the information in the center between the two pieces. Voila! You have a silencer.
The above picture is of one of the items you can currently buy on the market. Hopefully with it, you can get an idea of where you would like to start with your own DIY project.
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About the author:
I like many different kinds of things- traveling, eating new kinds of food, running, and I love writing as well! I work as a counselor currently, helping people with many kinds of issues. Previously, I had worked as a teacher and professor.
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