Crafts for Cats

This is Gypsy's page. She has her own crafty ideas.

Project: Recycled Toys

I'm Pixie Jewels' Cat, Gypsy. The Pixies aren't the only crafty ones at Pixie Jewels. I have lots of craft projects that cats can do. One of my favorites is recycling trash into toys. A store bought toy can be nice but the ones you make yourself are really special!

To make a trash toy, you need to be sneaky, or you could get in trouble. Wait until no human or Pixie is around to interrupt you. Then take a look in the trashcan. Be careful not to knock it over, they will find out what you've been doing. Second, do not remove any trash that is wet or smells bad. If you do, someone will take your newly made toy away when they find it!

When looking through your trashcan, try to find long strings (Dental Floss works well), paper or foil that has a round shape (anything that looks like it could roll a long way), or bottle caps. My favorite is milk jug rings! (And the Pixies leave a lot of these) When you have spotted your new toy, bite down on it and lift it from the trashcan. Walla! You have a new toy, and you have helped with recycling to boot!

Project: Sand Art

I'm Gypsy, Pixie Jewels' Cat. Now that you have a really nice toy, let me tell you about a form of art that I love with a passion. This project I call Sand Art! I learned this from watching Pixies. It is an easy craft for cats to do.

Simply put, sand art is creating patterns in sand that are pretty to look at. When sand is not available, other materials can be used.

First, you should try different patterns in your litter box. I like to make swirl patterns with lots of litter in a pile. Try some straight or spray patterns, this is your piece of art, just enjoy. If any humans or Pixies hear you scratching around, they may come to see what you are doing. If this happens, just stop making your pattern. You don't want to give away your creative ideas.

After you have decided on your pattern, you are ready for Step 2. Make sure you do this project when no one is around to interrupt you. It is best if your art project is completed before it is viewed.

When the time is right, find a potted plant in your house. They have the best substitute for sand in them. The material is mostly black with white specs inside it. It is best to find a plant that sits on flooring that provides a nice contrasting color. I like the big plant that sits on the white carpet best.

Next, get both of your front feet in the pot and start working your "sand" loose. Next, use the patterns that you have been practicing to scoop the dirt from the pot and onto the floor. Take your time. Make sure you are getting an even coating on the floor. Take a break and look at your art. If you need to, you can still add to your artwork to make it just the way you want.

When you are finished, look at how pretty the floor looks now! You will know how much your human really likes your work when they first see it. If they shout your name, over and over, you can bet your art is something they think is really special! When this happens, it is best to let your human just have a few minutes alone to really appreciate your art. You should arch your back with pride! You can really be proud of your artistic skills. You have made your first piece of sand art!

Project: Origami

I'm Gypsy, Pixie Jewels' Cat. Now that you have mastered Sand Art, it is time I tell you about a project called Origami. Origami is the ancient Japanese art of paper folding. The word is Japanese, literally meaning to fold (oru) paper (kami). The Art of folding paper is easy for most cats to do.

I like to work with the Sunday newspaper the best. It always ends up with parts on the floor, and the Pixies don't pay much attention to it. In the middle of the newspaper, you can find paper in some really pretty colors. I like to start in one corner. You just need to catch the paper one time, and you can really work it, just like a litter box. It's best to work on your Valley Fold, or Mountain Fold before going to the Birdbase. I recommend using the Birdbase for most creations.

I'm not sure why this is true, but it is! Time of the day is very important when you are doing Origami. I personally have gotten more attention when I work on my paper pieces in the early morning hours, inside the human's sleep room. The crackling of the paper lets your humans know that you are busy at work on your art. I can almost guarantee that your human will get out of bed to see your work!

I have discovered that the water room in houses has Origami paper on a roll, just a few feet off the ground. Some houses have two or three of these water rooms. The roll of paper in the water room is great for the Valley Fold. Just reach up and start spinning the paper roll. Suddenly, paper will start piling on the floor! Not only does it pile, it Folds!! Keep spinning the roll and enjoy how soft the paper feels compared to newspaper. Just keep spinning the roll until your folds pile high enough, or the paper stops coming out. Just like that, you have created Art! I feel so proud when the paper looks pretty! You will enjoy this art, and be proud that you can do the ancient Japanese art of Origami!