Hello Crafters!

This week we’ll be looking at a few ways we can help our furry friends in need locally. I have been an animal lover since I was young, the proud caretaker of three yellow labs, an orange tabby, and a plethora of freshwater fish. Being around animals makes me feel safe and comforted, and they deserve the same love from us. One organization working to bring caretakers and animals together is the Tri-County Humane Society, located right here in St. Cloud!

The Tri-County Humane Society is a temporary home for cats, dogs, and other furry (and scaley) friends, most of which have been surrendered by their previous owners. They have placed over 5,000 animals in new homes and even have foster volunteers who care for animals in their own homes while awaiting placement. That being said, they can’t do it without help from dedicated volunteers and community support. That’s where we come in!

Currently, TCHS has a long wish list of items, a few of which can be handcrafted with love. I thought one was especially neat, though, and have decided to share it with you.

Cardboard Cat Scratchers are an easy DIY for the whole family that can be made using only cardboard and glue! Julie created this tutorial for Crafting a Green World that sums up the project into easy-to-follow steps. The reason this particular project is so great is because it is made of recycled/waste materials and can be recycled when the kitties are finished up wreaking havoc on it. My personal recommendation when looking for the corrugated cardboard you will need for the project is to stop by a grocery store like Aldi. Aldi recycles their boxes and with bins full of them all over the store you can take your pick! Here is a picture Julie shared of her cat enjoying his own DIY scratcher:

Additionally, TCHS is looking for dish scrubbies and will periodically take handcrafted donations for their live and silent auction fundraisers. These donations can be anything from a quilt, to embroidered tea towels, to a stylized portrait of your own or an adoptable pet! This is a great opportunity to create most anything you want, and have the satisfaction of knowing the proceeds will help animals in need. If you want to get more involved with TCHS (or take a look at their adorable selection of adoptable companions) you can reach out through their website for more information.

Stay Crafty,

Brianna 🐾