We have two cats, and a while back, I made them one cat bed, which, according to my advanced math skills, left us one bed short. I have heard that cats aren’t really great mathematicians, so maybe they don’t even care about a new bed. In my experience, they are much better at things like vandalism, holding grudges, neediness switching to aloofness in a nanosecond, and the occasional late-night make-things go boom and scare the human’s shenanigans.

And it is possible that one bed is sufficient. But on the off chance that there is ever a territorial dispute, I would like them to be able to retreat to their own private neutral corners. So here is my latest offering to our reigning cat deities.

Step 1 – Paper Mache Ball Shape

To make this cat bed, I started with a beach ball and wrapped it in plastic wrap.

Next, I started the paper mache process. I used Mod Podge as my glue medium, but any glue or paper paste would work. I worked in layers, alternating between brown packing paper and magazine paper so I could easily count my layers.

I ended up with eight layers to make the globe sturdy enough for a cat bed.

Step 2 – Shaping Entry/Doorway

Once all the layers were dry, it was time to make the doorway. For this, I used the metal ring from a large coffee can, which I removed with a safe-cut can opener so there were no sharp edges.

Using the metal ring, I traced the circle onto the paper globe, and then I used a pair of scissors to cut the entryway.

Then, I could deflate the beach ball and remove it from the project.

To finish off the edge of the opening, I used a strip of metal tape and then E6000 glue and hot glue to attach the metal ring.

Step 3 – Making Soda Can Tiles

Now comes the fun part or the completely tedious and repetitive part, depending on how you look at it.

It involves a whole lot of little tiles made from soda cans and pre-cut mounting tape. I got my mounting tape at Dollar Tree.

If you would like more information on how to make and use these tiles, watch the video below.

Step 4 – Applying Tiles

Once I had made a kazillion of these little tiles, it was time to start applying them to the globe.

The tiles are easy to cut and reshape as needed to fit tightly together on the object you are covering.

I worked for several hours peeling and sticking the tiles to my paper mache ball.

Step 5 – Finishing Tiles

I used silver dimensional paint to finish the edges of the metal and fill in any gaps between the tiles.

The bottle has a pointed tip, making it easy to draw with the paint.

As a final step to seal the paint, I brushed on a coat of Mod Podge.

Step 6 – Base

For the base, I used a metal ring from an old wok and my E6000, and hot glue combination to attach the globe to the ring.

Step 7 – Bed

To make the pad for the bed, I used an old T-shirt.

I quickly stitched the layers together using a blanket stitch.

If you want more information and tips on blanket stitching, watch the video below.

Next, I added some stuffing, finished stitching the pieces together, and the bed was ready.

He looks a little grumpy and unappreciative, don’t you think?

Happy Upcycling,

Cindy

P.S. If you want to see the first cat bed, please check it out below.