In addition to the many holiday accessories commercially available for pets, there are several ways you can dress up your pet inexpensively. You can find a simple red bandanna and tie as a scarf around your pet's neck. If you have more than one pet, try getting scarves in the same theme as your holiday colors. You can toss them in the wash as needed - these tend to get dirty quickly!

You can make a collar cover out of red and green felt (or any color you wish!). Cut two pieces of felt 2" in length shorter than the length of the pet's collar and 3" wide. (Example - for a 10" collar you would cut pieces 8" X 3." Seam the long edges by machine or by hand OR you can glue the edges together with washable fabric glue. Decorate the collar cover with sequins, jingle bells, beads, anything you like! You can even write the pet's name on the collar cover in Elmer's glue and glitter it! You can make a really neat collar cover for less than two dollars.

If you crochet or knit, make a miniature scarf with a hood for your pet to wear. Make the scarf 5" wide and long enough to go around your pet's neck and tie, plus about 10" or so for the hanging ends. Then if you wish, add a section for the hood to the center of the scarf working upwards until the hood lays just above your dogs eyebrows. Add a drawstring around the face if you wish. Slip stitch the top hood seam. And voila! Fido is stylin.'

The whole idea is to have fun without a lot of cost. Your creation may just turn into a cherished pet heirloom and of course your holiday pet photos will be priceless!

Article submitted by: Sheila Talley, ButYouDontLookSick.com, © 2006