Easy Clean DIY Dog Bed – Upcycled Foam Mattress
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I don’t know about you but I think the world has literally gone to the dogs. I mean if anyone is making out right now it’s got to be the canines. Right? With their people home more and all the restrictions on human interaction who do we turn to for outdoor activities and social contact?
The dogs of course.
Our four furry friends are getting more walks and more treats and more attention in general. And since they are such loyal companions and I have some extra time on my hands not to mention some extra foam from an old mattress, I figured I would make them another dog bed.
A few years back we got a new foam mattress but I just couldn’t bring myself to throw the old one away. If you have ever priced pieces of foam you may understand my reluctance to toss out the old mattress.
Anyway, I am embarking on a quest to use up the old pieces of foam mattress, my last project was to make a silly frilly cushion for my craft room chair and I have a few other projects in mind as well. But a dog bed seams an obvious choice for a foam project so here we go.
The first step was to cut the foam to the correct size.
To do this I used a bread knife but a small hack saw probably would have worked as well.
I used an old sheet to make a cover for the bed.
Once the cover was pinned in place I hand stitched the pieces of the cover together.
I guess I could have left the dog bed flat on top but I thought it would be fun to stitch a design into it.
So I used a sharpie to sketch out a dog bone design.
Then I used some cording to stitch out the design.
This was not the easiest step but I like the way it added some dimension to the dog bed.
Once I was finished stitching I used some red house paint to finish off the dog bed.
It takes a few coats (3-4) to get to a sort of leathery finish. A few months ago I painted our couch with this same technique.
The best thing about this finish is that it is very easy to clean.
Here is the list of materials that I used for this project.
- Piece of foam mattress
- Old sheet or scraps of fabric
- Sewing needles (regular size and large upholstery)
- Cording
- Thread
- House paint
- Paint brush
- Spray bottle
- Straight pins
- Bread knife
- Scissors
You can find the detailed video tutorial below.
Or if you would just like to check out the 2 minute mini movie version click here.
Thanks so much for stopping by.
Happy Upcycling,
Advertising Disclosure: Upcycle Design Lab may be compensated in exchange for featured placement of certain sponsored products and services, or your clicking on links posted on this website
Cindy, that came out so nice. Makes me think of I had foam I’d make some for the grand puppies. But I’d be afraid the bull mastiff might eat it. He eats everything. The Shar-Pei would enjoy it though.
I love your blog. You have some great ideas. Wish I could be as dedicated to my blog as you are and as creative.
Hi Katie, I am not sure how long the bed will last in our house either. Our two puppies (who aren’t actually puppies anymore) are still a little more destructive than they should be.
Thank you for your comment I know it can be hard to stay motivated and to be honest sometimes I feel like there isn’t much of a point to blogging or even crafting. But thankfully those times are outweighed by the times that I enjoy creating.
Your blog has really thoughtful and heartfelt post and I hope you will continue as long as you find joy or peace or release in the words that you share.
It is is impossible not to compare your blog (and by extension yourself) to others trust me I know but the other thing I know is that you have to do you. If you know what I mean. You can learn from the advice and guidance of others but in the end it just has to be what works for you.
Thanks again for your kind words and encouragement.
Nice job Cindy! Would love to do this for my two hairballs but one eats the beds when she gets anxious, Yes EATS them as in finding pieces while cleaning up the yard! Anyway not worth all that work on my part. Your ‘kids’ are so cute ☺
BTW, I always get two notification emails from you that come about 18 minutes apart. How can I stop one without risking unsubscribing both? Thanks
Hey Susan – Thanks for your comment. Hope you are doing well through all this craziness. I am not sure why you would be getting two notifications my only guess was that you follow the blog on wordpress and also are a subscriber. But I don’t see your name under my followers list. Sorry I don’t think I was much help.
Thanks Cindy, actually you did help. I never realized one came from wordpress & the other from the blog. I just unsubscribed from wordpress in hopes that helps but I don’t miss any of your posts.
I don’t know why I’m not on your subscribers/followers list, can that be fixed?
Still healthy here in my little spot in PA, just getting fatter every day☺. Hope you and yours are all well also ♥
Hi Susan I think you should be good if you unfollowed the blog you should still be on the subscription list. I try to walk the dogs more but I am probably eating more to make up for it.🙃
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