Making Pet Jewelry and Custom Dog Collars

One of our members asked for some ideas on how to make pet jewelry. At first, I thought she meant pet-inspired human jewelry, but then I realized she meant pet jewelry for the pet to wear (not the person)! So, I wrote this article to give you some ideas on how to get started making pet jewelry. What a fun idea! I hope you have a good time making these collars, and if you do try it, please share your photos here on the site!

Pet Jewelry Projects and Making Custom Dog Collars

Are you a crafty sort of person who loves the idea of making custom dog collars or cat collars that are bejeweled with rhinestones, crystals, pretty cloth or embroidered ribbon? Below is a list of helpful resources to spark your inspiration and get you started making your own pet jewelry and custom dog collars. There are links to a few dog collar projects you can make, as well as links to dog collar supplies, dog charms, and decorative tools and ideas on how to customize your own dog collar.

First, a word about safety. Most dogs, especially puppies, will chew just about anything they can fit in their mouth. So, if you are going to make your own collar, be sure that it is sturdy, and if you are gluing or attaching anything to it, be sure the tiny pieces can’t easily come off and be eaten. This is especially true if you have more than one dog and they will be playing with each other. The best thing to do, especially if you are making pet jewelry like a dog necklace, is not to leave it on the pet while unsupervised! You would not want to run the risk of your pet choking or hurting itself, or facing an expensive veterinary bill. So, be sure to pay extra attention to quality, and make your dog jewelry and collars VERY sturdy. Never leave your pet crated or in a pen while wearing the jeweled collar or dog necklace--they could get caught on the bars and cause injury. Just always consider your pet’s safety, first, and remove the jewelry when the pet is not under your direct supervision.

With that said, you can use the same techniques that you use to make human jewelry, to make, as an example--a crystal beaded dog necklace. Just measure your pet’s neck, and make your dog or cat necklace to the correct length. You can also use some bulk link chain and just attach a clasp. You can fasten your pet’s necklace with a large sturdy lobster claw clasp, or use a swivel clasp to attach the chain or charms.

Another option is to make your pet collar from elastic cord so it fits snugly against the neck (not too snugly, of course)! You can add one or more dog charms (or cat charms) to your pet jewelry design, and even stamp the dog’s name into a dog tag to make a personalized dog collar project that is really fun and unique!

Personally, though, unless your pet is very small, I would probably choose to go the dog collar route instead of a simple necklace. You can either make your own collar, if you are handy with a sewing machine, or just purchase a plain dog collar and embellish it yourself. Dog collars are wide and flat, made from a sturdy, safe base material, and have easy-to-use fasteners. A collar is made to be worn snugly around the dog’s neck, where it won’t spin around a lot or get caught on things, as a thin crystal chain or necklace might.

You can use a craft gem machine to attach rhinestones and crystals, or decorative studs to your custom dog collar. You can either sew or use iron-on tape to attach a thin decorative ribbon to your collar. And, you can use any fabric you like to customize your collar. The possibilities for fun dog collar designs and custom dog jewelry are endless!

Here are some helpful links to get you started:

Jeweled Dog Collar Projects:

http://www.artbeads.com/rhinestone-dog-collar-and-tag.html

http://www.artbeads.com/swarovski-crystal-dog-collar.html

http://www.jewelinfo4u.com/Dogs_Jewellery.aspx

Make your Own Dog Collar Supplies:

http://www.beaducation.com/shop/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=2

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14509081

How to Decorate or Make your own Dog Collar

http://www.ehow.com/how_4443665_decorate-dog-collar.html

http://www.dog-paw-print.com/how-to-make-a-dog-collar.html

http://www.hgtv.com/crafting/hemp-dog-collar/

http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/sparkly_pooch_custom_dog_collar

Gem Setting Machines:

http://www.amazon.com/Gemagic-Magic-Rhinestone-Setter-Machine/dp/B0...

http://www.amazon.com/Dazzle-Rhinestone-Stud-Setter-Tool/dp/B000UIK...

Examples of Dog Necklaces:

http://www.glamourdog.com/necklace.html