Tag Archives: inexpensive

Affordable Pet Portraits + A Giveaway

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Disclaimer: This post and giveaway is brought to you by Paint Your Life. All opinions are my own, and I only share products I think you and your pets will love.

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As many of you may recall I spend most of my week working at mom’s custom picture frame shop. So over the years I’ve developed a love of the arts. So when my new friends over at Paint Your Life offered to do an oil painting of yours truly I said “why of course the world could use more paintings of me!”

Affordable Pet Portraits + A Giveaway from Paint Your Life

Over at Paint Your Life they have a whole variety of different art mediums you can choose, and not only can you commission a painting of your pet, but they can even paint people too.

Affordable Pet Portraits + A Giveaway from Paint Your LifeFor me the hardest part was then choosing what photo I wanted them to paint my portrait from. Goodness knows my mom has thousands of pictures of me from over the years.

So the really neat part is you can actually send Paint Your Life several photos and they can recommend which one would make the best paintings (but ultimately the decision will be up to you).

I combed through years worth of pictures and picked out a few that I thought would be fun to hang on my bedroom wall.

 

Affordable Pet Portraits + A Giveaway from Paint Your Life

After sending them off to Paint Your Life they recommended I get my portrait painted from the one of me sleeping on my dog bed. Which is great, because that was actually my top pick too!

Affordable Pet Portraits + A Giveaway from Paint Your Life

A couple weeks later they sent me an online proof to approve, which I could either accept or even request additional changes to be made. As I suspected though, it came out fantastic from the start so I had them ship it to my door right away!

Affordable Pet Portraits + A Giveaway from Paint Your LifeWhile I certainly knew I’d love my painting, it’s great to know that Paint Your Life offers a 100% Money Back Guarantee. So if you aren’t happy they will redo it or refund your money in full.

Shipping is also always free, and you never have to pay for your painting in full up front. (just 20% down).

Regardless you always have plenty of time to request changes and review your painting before it even ships to your door, and the whole process is extra simple through their website!

Affordable Pet Portraits + A Giveaway from Paint Your Life

The likeness is uncanny don’t you think? (It’s even more beautiful in person!)

Affordable Pet Portraits + A Giveaway from Paint Your Life

When you order your painting from Paint Your Life you can even choose to have it framed or stretched onto stretcher bars, however since I do work in a picture frame shop I decided I could do that part for myself (well at least make mom do it for me). So once my painting arrived I set out to pick out a frame!

Affordable Pet Portraits + A Giveaway from Paint Your Life

I narrowed my frame picks down to two…but I can’t decide! So you’ll just have to help me choose by leaving a comment below on which one you think I should put on my painting – the grey frame or the teal with grey liner?

You can grab your very own pet portrait (or any portrait for that matter) from Paint Your Life, and as a bonus save 40% off your next order with code AMMO40

You can even ENTER TO WIN A CUSTOM PAINTING FROM PAINT YOUR LIFE! (a $299 Value)

To enter simply use the widget below. This contest is open to Worldwide readers too!

Ammo the Dachshund

Never want to miss any of the adventures (or giveaways) on my blog? Make sure you sign-up for e-mail updates! 
Ammo the Dachshund // Blog Signature // Celebrity

 

Birthday Week: DIY Dog String Art

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DIY Dog Nail Art // Woof // Ammo the Dachshund

Since I’m celebrating Birthday Week on the blog, I thought it would be fun to share a fun DIY for some dog inspired artwork! You’ll love this fun tutorial to add a little extra woof to your own home!

String Art isn’t a new concept, all you have to do is search pinterest and tons of examples will pop up. After seeing lots of fun renditions on the web I thought it would be fun to create my own design, with man’s best friend in mind!

DIY Dog String Art

DIY Dog Nail Art // Woof // Ammo the Dachshund

Supplies:

DIY Dog Nail Art // Woof // Ammo the Dachshund

Step 1: Tape your printed type onto your block of wood. You can really use anything from shapes to various words and even logos.

DIY Dog Nail Art // Woof // Ammo the Dachshund

DIY Dog Nail Art // Woof // Ammo the Dachshund

Step 2: Nail your brads along the inner and outer edges of your text.

DIY Dog Nail Art // Woof // Ammo the Dachshund

Step 3: Remove the paper.

DIY Dog Nail Art // Woof // Ammo the Dachshund

Step 4: Tie your string to one of the nails and begin winding around them in every which direction. It helps if you outline each of the letters with string before filling them in.

DIY Dog Nail Art // Woof // Ammo the Dachshund

Step 5: Continue this process for each of the letters until they are all filled in with string.

DIY Dog Nail Art // Woof // Ammo the Dachshund

Congrats! You now have some fun dog-inspired string art!

DIY Dog Nail Art // Woof // Ammo the Dachshund

I think it turned out pretty fantastic, and I can’t wait to come up with some more fun designs!

DIY Dog Nail Art // Woof // Ammo the Dachshund

DIY Dog Nail Art // Woof // Ammo the Dachshund

DIY Dog Nail Art // Woof // Ammo the Dachshund

I can’t wait to see what fun string art you come up with! Be sure to share your String Art projects on my Facebook page! Ammo the Dachshund

Friday Fetch: Iota GPS Pet Tracker

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My mom has been on the lookout for a GPS tracker for me for a long time. I’ve yet to make the plunge into having my every move tracked 24/7 (aside from mom and dad keeping a hawks eye watch on me at all times), mostly because mom claims she hasn’t found the perfect one for me yet.

Then I stumbled across the Iota on Kickstarter, which is the smallest, longest-lasting GPS tracker in the world with a lure of a new nationwide network with no monthly fees (unlike most of it’s counterparts). With only 5 days left to help push the Iota into production on Kickstarter I think I might be ready to take the plunge into having my every move monitored (if only to help my mom and dad sleep sounder)!

Check out the video to find out more about the Iota.

Friday Fetch: Iotera GPS Pet Tracker // Ammo the Dachshund

Friday Fetch: Iotera GPS Pet Tracker // Ammo the Dachshund

Friday Fetch: Iotera GPS Pet Tracker // Ammo the Dachshund

There are only 5 days left to get your hands on a pre-ordered Iota on Kickstarter.

Disclosure: This post is not sponsored by Iota, nor do I own any of their products. Just simply wanted to share my latest find!Ammo the Dachshund

12 Days of Cheer! DIY Easy Gold Dog Ornaments

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With Christmas just around the corner Mom and I decided to add a little bling to our tree! (inspired by this tutorial) This super easy DIY is also great to use as gifts for all your doggie friends! So easy your could make these this weekend as gift toppers for all your gifts!

12 Days of Cheer! Easy DIY Gold Dog Ornaments // Ammo the Dachshund

12 Days of Cheer! Easy DIY Gold Dog Ornaments // Ammo the Dachshund

Materials:

12 Days of Cheer! Easy DIY Gold Dog Ornaments // Ammo the Dachshund

 

Optional Supplies:

12 Days of Cheer! Easy DIY Gold Dog Ornaments // Ammo the Dachshund

Step 1: Lay out a sheet of wax paper and using your rolling pin flatten out a piece of model magic that is large enough to fit your cookie cutter. Keeping it about 1/2″ to 1″ thick.

12 Days of Cheer! Easy DIY Gold Dog Ornaments // Ammo the Dachshund

Step 2: Press your cookie cutter into the model magic.

12 Days of Cheer! Easy DIY Gold Dog Ornaments // Ammo the Dachshund

Step 3: Tear away the excess and poke your bamboo skewer into the spot where you want the string for hanging to be.

12 Days of Cheer! Easy DIY Gold Dog Ornaments // Ammo the Dachshund

12 Days of Cheer! Easy DIY Gold Dog Ornaments // Ammo the Dachshund

Step 4: (optional) You can stamp a name or word into your ornament using the rubber stamps if you choose. It’s a great way to personalize them for all your friends! (no ink required as you will be painting them later)

12 Days of Cheer! Easy DIY Gold Dog Ornaments // Ammo the Dachshund

Step 5: Allow the model magic ornaments to dry for several days so that they harden. (they will harden faster if you set them near a heat source (not on it!) and remove them from the wax paper)

12 Days of Cheer! Easy DIY Gold Dog Ornaments // Ammo the Dachshund

Step 6: Once your ornaments have hardened you can add a few coats of gold spray paint (or really any color you like). Optional – add some glitter by sprinkling it on while your paint is still wet.

12 Days of Cheer! Easy DIY Gold Dog Ornaments // Ammo the Dachshund

Then just add some twine and your ornaments are ready to hang on your tree or gift to a friend!

12 Days of Cheer! Easy DIY Gold Dog Ornaments // Ammo the Dachshund

12 Days of Cheer! Easy DIY Gold Dog Ornaments // Ammo the Dachshund

Only thing that would make these better is if they were actually edible (which sadly they are not), paws crossed for edible dog bone ornaments for next year! Ammo the Dachshund

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DIY Dachshund Cork Board

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When I came across this DIY project on pinterest, it inspired me to create something similar for all the dog (and dachshund) lovers out there! So I enlisted the help of my mom and whipped up this fun DIY project…

DIY Dachshund Cork Board via Ammo the Dachshund

DIY Dachshund Cork Board

This project can be made using any dog shape (not just a dachshund), so have fun, be creative, and create something unique!

DIY Dachshund Cork Board via Ammo the Dachshund

Materials:

*links contain affiliate links

Step 1: Adhere your cork onto a piece of cardboard using glue or a spray adhesive to make it a bit sturdier.

Step 2: If you would like to make a dachshund cork board download and print my dachshund shape, then cut it out. Otherwise you can print out a photo of your own dog (making sure to enlarge it) and cut out around the shape.

DIY Dachshund Cork Board via Ammo the Dachshund

Step 3: Using a sharpie trace around your stencil on your cork board.

DIY Dachshund Cork Board via Ammo the Dachshund

Step 4: Cut out your cork board shape using an exacto knife.

DIY Dachshund Cork Board via Ammo the Dachshund

Step 5: Place your frog tape in a striped pattern along the cork.

DIY Dachshund Cork Board via Ammo the Dachshund

Step 6: Paint onto the cork between your tape with acrylic paint, when it’s dry peel away the tape.

DIY Dachshund Cork Board via Ammo the Dachshund

Step 7: Cut a strip of ribbon to be used as a collar and staple or glue it to the cork on the back.

DIY Dachshund Cork Board via Ammo the Dachshund

Now you’re ready to hang your cork board up and enjoy!

DIY Dachshund Cork Board via Ammo the Dachshund

I’ve now got the perfect place to pin photos of all my girlfriends! Ammo the Dachshund

Friday Fetch: Smart Cookie Dog Treats

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One of my number one missions in life is to eat – my mom’s number one missions is to make sure I eat healthy. We may not always agree on what makes for a tasty snack (horse manure on the farm comes to mind), but when I came across Smart Cookie Dog Treats, I knew my mom couldn’t argue!

This new start-up company’s goal is simple, to make healthy dog treats customized for your dog. On their website you can choose the ingredients, and Smart Cookie will bake and ship them to you. Pick your protein, carbs, and fruits & veggies – then they’re baked with some of the freshest ingredients from local farms in Colorado and sent to your doorstep!

Friday Fetch: Smart Cookie Dog Treats // Ammo the Dachshund

Friday Fetch: Smart Cookie Dog Treats // Ammo the Dachshund

Friday Fetch: Smart Cookie Dog Treats // Ammo the Dachshund

Friday Fetch: Smart Cookie Dog Treats // Ammo the Dachshund

You can fetch your own custom dog treats from Smart Cookie for $6 per twenty pack! Ammo the Dachshund

DIY: Build Your own 2×2 Agility Weave Poles

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You might remember that back in November I posted a tutorial on how to build your own agility weave poles with the help of my friends at the Dog Agility Shop.

Well when winter rolled around I had to pack up my poles since it was just too cold to practice outdoors. That was until my dad surprised me for Christmas with a set of homemade 2×2 Weave Poles.

DIY 2x2 Dog Agility Weave Poles // Ammo the Dachshund

I’ve been using my set all winter, and I’m proud to say I can now weave, but I completely forgot to share how they were made with all of you! So better late than never – here’s my tutorial for building your own set of indoor 2×2 Weave Poles!

DIY Dog Agility 2×2 Weave Poles – Set of 6 poles

Supplies Needed:

Step 1: Cut your 3/4 inch PVC pipe into 6 pieces that are 38 inches in length. Then place the PVC caps on one end of all your poles. Then you can stripe your poles with colored duct tape to make them more visible.

DIY Dog Agility Weave Poles // Ammo the Dachshund

Step 2: Cut your Steelworks Plated Slotted Flats into three 36″ length pieces and six 9″ length pieces.

Step 3: Drill a hole the same size as your carriage bolts into the bottom of the PVC Plugs.

Step 4: Place the 9″ Slotted Flat pieces on opposite sides and 6 inches from either end of your 36″ length slotted flat pieces. Place your carriage bolts through from underneath to hold them together, with the PVC plugs on top. Add your washers and hex nuts to the inside of the PVC plugs and tighten to hold them together.

DIY 2x2 Dog Agility Weave Poles // Ammo the Dachshund

DIY 2x2 Dog Agility Weave Poles // Ammo the Dachshund

DIY 2x2 Dog Agility Weave Poles // Ammo the Dachshund

Step 5: Slip the PVC couplings onto the bottom of your poles and then slide them into the PVC plugs that are attached to the Slotted Flat pieces.

DIY 2x2 Dog Agility Weave Poles // Ammo the Dachshund

Step 6: Lay out the Weave Pole Placer as a guide as to where to place your poles (you can opt to leave it under the poles or remove it after they are placed). Your poles will work best on a carpeted surface.

DIY 2x2 Dog Agility Weave Poles // Ammo the Dachshund

DIY 2x2 Dog Agility Weave Poles // Ammo the Dachshund

For a quick tutorial on how to teach your dog the weave poles using the 2×2 method check out the video HERE. You may want to find a dog agility trainer or class in your area for more detailed instructions.

If you would like to make a set of outdoor weave poles, check out my tutorial HERE. Ammo the Dachshund

12 Days of Cheer! DIY Christmas Eve Outfit for your Dog

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Yippee, it’s Christmas Eve! If you’re anything like me you are getting out your best Holiday Outfit to wear to all of the upcoming Holiday parties and festivities.

This year I decided to whip up some special festive wear – a simple DIY to make you look oh-so-spiffy this Christmas.

Disclaimer: this post does contain some affiliate links

12 Days of Cheer! DIY Christmas Eve Outfit for your Dog via Ammo the Dachshund

DIY Christmas Eve Outfit for Dogs

Materials:

  • Clip-on Tie or bowtie* (I got mine from goodwill)
  • White Collared Shirt* (I also got this from goodwill)
  • Velcro
  • Scissors
  • Hot Glue

12 Days of Cheer! DIY Christmas Eve Outfit for your Dog via Ammo the Dachshund

Step 1: Cut just the collar off of the shirt.

12 Days of Cheer! DIY Christmas Eve Outfit for your Dog via Ammo the Dachshund

Step 2: Cut the collar in half at the back of it.

12 Days of Cheer! DIY Christmas Eve Outfit for your Dog via Ammo the Dachshund

Step 3: Glue velcro to the back of the collar, you may need to measure your dog’s neck to see where to position the velcro.

12 Days of Cheer! DIY Christmas Eve Outfit for your Dog via Ammo the Dachshund

Step 4: Take your clip-on tie and shorten the length of the tie to an appropriate length for your dog by pushing the excess fabric up and through the knot of the tie.

12 Days of Cheer! DIY Christmas Eve Outfit for your Dog via Ammo the Dachshund

Step 5: Cut off the excess tie fabric at the top, leaving enough that you can glue it later.

12 Days of Cheer! DIY Christmas Eve Outfit for your Dog via Ammo the Dachshund

Step 6: Hot glue the ends of your tie back into place.

12 Days of Cheer! DIY Christmas Eve Outfit for your Dog via Ammo the Dachshund

Step 7: Clip the tie onto the collar and you’re ready for a festive night!

12 Days of Cheer! DIY Christmas Eve Outfit for your Dog via Ammo the Dachshund

I must admit, my festive Holiday outfit makes me so ridiculously good looking! Not the DIY type? Don’t worry, you can snag a festive pre-made bowtie for your pup* for any occasion!

So what will you’re pets be wearing this Christmas? Holiday bowtie, Christmas sweater or maybe – dare I say it – your birthday suit? Do tell!Ammo the Dachshund

 

 

DIY Weave Poles with the Dog Agility Shop

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DIY Dog Agility Weave Poles // Ammo the Dachshund

I’m at the point in my Dog Agility training that I’m going to start learning how to do weave poles. Learning to do weave poles is one of the most challenging things in Dog Agility, so mom says it’s important that we have our own set at home to practice in between classes.

So when my friends over at the Dog Agility Shop offered up a set of Spikes and Pole Placers, I knew it was time to jump right in and DIY a set of weave poles!

Building your own set of weave poles is super easy and cost effective (about $25) with the help of the Dog Agility Shop. Here’s what you’ll need…..

DIY Dog Agility Weave Poles // Ammo the Dachshund

DIY Dog Agility Weave Poles

Supplies Needed:

  • A set of 6 or 12 Spikes from the Dog Agility Shop (I used 6 since I’m a beginner)
  • Weave Pole Placer from the Dog Agility Shop
  • 3/4 inch PVC Pipe (total of 228″)
  • Six 3/4 inch PVC caps
  • PVC cutting tool
  • Duct Tape

Directions:

Once your Spikes and Pole Placer arrive from the Dog Agility Shop you will need to cut your 3/4 inch PVC pipe into 6 pieces that are 38 inches in length. Then place the PVC caps on one end of all your poles and attach the other end to the Spikes. Then you can stripe your poles with colored duct tape to make them more visible. Once your poles are done, lay out the pole placer, and place your poles into the ground through the grommet holes in the placer. Now you’re ready to learn weave poles!

DIY Dog Agility Weave Poles // Ammo the Dachshund

Inexpensive, easy to set-up, easy to transport, and oh so much fun – these weave poles are looking great in my backyard!

DIY Dog Agility Weave Poles // Ammo the Dachshund

Sadly there are no super cool photos of me weaving through these poles like a pro (yet), because I’ve only just begun my training.

DIY Dog Agility Weave Poles // Ammo the Dachshund

DIY Dog Agility Weave Poles // Ammo the Dachshund

Having these bad boys in my back yard will give me no excuse to not show up everyone in my class when it comes to the weave pole training.

DIY Dog Agility Weave Poles // Ammo the Dachshund

DIY Dog Agility Weave Poles // Ammo the Dachshund

My classmates are gonna be sooooo jealous! Ammo the Dachshund

For more agility tutorials check out my post on Building your own Dog Agility Jumps.

Disclosure: I received a set of spikes and pole placer from the dog agility shop for review. However, all opinions are entirely my own.

 

DIY $5 Rope Dog Leash

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So mom noticed lately that I’ve been ooh and ahhing over this trendy rope leash from Mungo & Maud. And while I’ll always think it’s super stylin’ – $110 for a new leash for me just wasn’t in the budget.

Instead, on a recent trip to a tack shop in Delaware – mom came up with a plan to make me my very own Rope Leash. For $5!

D.I.Y. $5 Rope Dog Leash

Supplies: cotton horse lead rope, hammer, rope clamp

Step One: You will need to obtain a cotton horse leadrope. I got mine at a horse tack shop for $3. You can also get them online* and at most tack supply places. Or check your local horse supply store.

*affiliate link

Step Two: You will need to buy a clamp to make the end of your rope into a handle. I bought a package of two (you know, incase I need a rope leash for my best pal Trooper) for $4.39 (about $2 for each one) at the local hardware store. Most hardware stores should carry them in the rope section, and you can find them online*.

*affiliate link

Step 3: Figure out how big of a handle you want at the other end and adjust your rope into the clamp accordingly. It also helps to have a cute little dachshund around for supervision.

Step 4: You will need the help of your dad to hammer the clamp shut around the rope.

Then Tada! You are ready for your next walk in your stylish dog leash!

If you don’t have access to a horse lead rope, you can also use any cotton rope. You will just need too metal rope clamps and a snap for the end – all supplies can be found at the local hardware store.

Yeah, you know you want to beg your mom or dad to make you one of these bad boys!

I think I need one of these in every color! Almost as good as the real thing…..

Rope Leash from Mungo & Maud Ammo the Dachshund // Blog Signature // Celebrity