DIY Life

Face it -- when Fido's gotta go, he's gotta go. So where do you stash your keys when you're out for a run? Make Fido work for his fun with this handy DIY dog collar pouch.

Here's what you need:

• Fabric (3" x 8") swatch
• Needle and thread (or sewing machine if you have one!)
• Straight pins
• Scissors
• 2 inches of 1" wide velcro

With a bit of sewing skills and about an hour, you'll have a lovely accessory that's both functional and lovely on the eyes. And were money no object, I would make my pouch with this lovely Wengman fabric that's super durable and crisp. Of course, I don't think I can quite justify a $50 dog accessory, so I'll more than likely be using this cutie fabric.

Other uses for your newly-acquired pooch pouch? Try toting around plastic bags for clean-up duty, or you can use the pouch for cash when you're off to lunch with your pup. Whatever the use, Fido will be the talk of the dog park with his new handmade accessory.

By Anna Sattler

Little ones like to get in on the action when it comes to giving gifts. As much as they like to open a present, I always watch in delight when I see how happy a child is to give a grown-up a present, especially if they made the gift.

You can watch in delight too when your child makes the perfect Father's Day desk accessory for the special dad in their life. All you need is cardboard, craft sticks, acrylic paint, glue, and alphabet foam stamps, and of course, a willing child or two. This project is geared towards younger children, so you will have to help them cut out the cardboard that is used in making the letters, and also help them with the gluing of the letters.

Dad will love his new desk accessory, but if he doesn't have a desk, the cardboard decoration will sit perfectly among pictures of his loving family at home. Best of all, he'll get a charge out of knowing that his little DIYers made the Father's Day accessory themselves, just for him.

Little ones like to get in on the action when it comes to giving gifts. As much as they like to open a present, I always watch in delight when I see how happy a child is to give a grown-up a present, especially if they made the gift.

You can watch in delight too when your child makes the perfect Father's Day desk accessory for the special dad in their life. All you need is cardboard, craft sticks, acrylic paint, glue, and alphabet foam stamps, and of course, a willing child or two. This project is geared towards younger children, so you will have to help them cut out the cardboard that is used in making the letters, and also help them with the gluing of the letters.

Dad will love his new desk accessory, but if he doesn't have a desk, the cardboard decoration will sit perfectly among pictures of his loving family at home. Best of all, he'll get a charge out of knowing that his little DIYers made the Father's Day accessory themselves, just for him.

What are we trying to achieve when we express our individual style? I'm typically looking to show off a bit of my own flair, letting the world in on who I am and what I'm about. Adding one-of-a-kind accessories is a great way to do this.

If over-sized diamond-encrusted initials aren't your idea of personalized style, then this recycled book handbag might be just the expressive piece of fashion that you're looking for.

There isn't much that says more about us than the books we read and the classics we've enjoyed. Take one of those old favorites, and turn it into a funky handbag. I'm excited to try out this project because it looks relatively straightforward, and the final handbag is sure to be a piece that gets people talking.

Scrounge the thrift stores for a copy of your favorite book, or find an interesting classic. Match it to your fabric of choice, and some purse handles. With these personalized pieces, follow the instructions in the video, and enjoy your newest and hippest accessory.

The iPod case has become a fashion accessory of its own. If you're looking for a cute, custom, handmade case then follow this tutorial and craft your own. The felt case has buttonhole stitching and is adorned with a precious sheep character. The great thing about these tutorials is that you can follow it exactly or use your own creativity. Add your own characters and change the colors for a truly custom look. You can make one to match every outfit! Once you've made one for yourself, make them for friends and stock up as stocking-stuffers.

You'll find all the materials and instructions in this easy to follow tutorial.

LED technology is everywhere. It's cheap and easy to use for any project, and particularly fun for Halloween creations. If you're looking for a frightening costume accessory try the LED eyes. If you're thinking of something a bit less haunted, but still in the Halloween spirit, this LED hat is just the right fit.

This project is not a simple one, and you could probably find something similar (though not quite as cool) at the store, but if you have a good understanding of microcontrollers and a lot of time to spare before Halloween, give this a try. Here are the construction notes to help you build the LED creation.

If the project is a bit too complicated for you, start now and make a St. Patrick's day hat, or an accessory for next Halloween.

LED eyes, the perfect accessory for your Halloween costume. You'll look like a demon wearing these frightening lights over your eyes. The best part is, it only cost $1. Here's what you'll need:

Materials

1. 330 ohm resistor (any 200-500 ohm will work)
2. 2 Miniature LED - red
3. Battery adapter
4. 9 volt battery
   
5. Crimp connectors
6. Velcro strap
   

Take a look through the full instructions and accompanying pictures. It's really interesting to see the actor wearing the headband in light contrasted with how frightening she looks in the dark.Sit at your front door to terrify trick-or-treaters, or wear them as an original accessory to your Halloween party. It is a quick and cheap Halloween trick that sure to be a popular DIY hack this year.

[via: Hacked Gadgets]