Momma Told Me: D.I.Y. Silhouette Pet Treat Jar Tutorial With #NaturalBalance

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D.I.Y. Silhouette Pet Treat Jar Tutorial With #NaturalBalance

This post is sponsored by #NaturalBalance, and the BlogPaws Professional Pet Blogger Network. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Natural Balance® Treats, but Momma Told Me only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Natural Balance® is not responsible for the content of this article.
D.I.Y. Pet Silhouette Treat Jars Tutorial featuring #NaturalBalance pet treats. (ad)
Momma Told Me: Don't spoil the kids!

Half the fun of having kids pets is getting to spoil them rotten. It's no secret that Truffles, the tuxedo cat, and Nora, the morkie, are pampered with the most trendy and fashionable toys (and clothes) as well as the very best treats. When we first became pet parents, we weren't too discerning. We'd feed Truffles anything with a flashy package and catchy jingle. After all, the cats in the commercials seemed to love them just fine! Today we still sneak some of those treats in when it comes to Truffles- consider it her 'triple scoop fudge covered sundae before bed on a school night.' Most of the time, however, we're checking labels and making sure that the kids have a well rounded diet, even when  scarfing biscuits and chews.
#NaturalBalance nutritious rewards and quality pet treats (Ad)
In our house we're a big fan of Dick Van Patten's Natural Balance® Treat line, which features a wide variety of soft, crunchy, and chewy treats for both cats and dogs. And, while we're crazy about the premium quality proteins, lack of artificial colors and preserves, and even grain free options- it's the sheer variety of healthy treats and nutritious rewards that keep up stocking the treat jars with favorites like Semi-Moist Belly Bites and Duck Formula Mini-Rewards. In fact, we keep so many different treats on hand that we have at least half a dozen treat jars displayed throughout the house! And, like any decor savvy pet parent, each and every one says something about the pet they're intended for.
So, without any further ado, I'm excited to share with you a simple tutorial for D.I.Y. Silhouette Pet Treat Jars we recently made to house Nora's favorite Natural Balance® treats. First, begin by picking an image or two that shows a strong profile of your dog's full figure and/or face. Try to find an image that doesn't have a lot of busy background. Images with backgrounds that contrast well from your dog's natural coat will also be easier to modify for the purposes of this project.
Next, open your images in a photo editing program, such as the free Pixlr.com online editing application. Anything with a basic eraser function will do, as it's likely you will be lucky enough to have a photo of your pet on a solid background (in which case you could magic select and cut the background instantly!) Carefully trace a border around your pet's profile with the eraser.
Once outlined use the Eraser to remove all of the photo's contents, except your dog. Take this time to enhance any features of your dog which might help define their character or breed. Nora was a little shaggy in one of our photos so I rounded out her face and tail a little bit.
Creating a silhouette for custom treat jars.
Next, go into your photo editor's 'Brightness/Contrast' function and adjust the contrast all the way to the left (negative,) and the Brightness all the way to the right (positive.) This will give you a solid 'silhouette' of your pet. Print the images out and use the scan/copy feature on your printer to adjust them to the appropriate size for your treat jars. Keep in mind, when choosing jars, that jars with a more flat face/surface will be easier for this project, while rounded surfaces will prove a bit more tricky.
Custom pet treat silhouette jar supplies.
Gather all of your supplies to being the treat jar decorating process. You will need Clear/Transparent Magic Cover (transfer) paper- you will find this at the craft store near the drafting supplies. You will also need an Exacto style straight edge, a safe cutting surface, spray paint in the colors of your choice, and a face mask (to wear while spray painting to protect against fumes.) I also like to spray paint IN old boxes so I don't have to worry about misting or laying down papers.
Prepare your treat jars for painting by ensuring that they are clean and dray. Next, take your transfer paper and set it over the printed silhouettes. Trace the outline of your pet's silhouette onto the paper, then use the razor to cut the silhouette out. If you are placing the transfer onto a rounded treat jar you will want to cut a few crease lines into the joints and edges of your stencil. Then, peel the backing off the paper and you should have a clear sticker of your pet's silhouette. Firmly press the sticker down onto your treat jar in the desired place, taking time to run any bubbles to the edge, and score any creases.
In a well ventilated, and surface protected, area spray the entire jar with a coat of spray paint. Do not spray heavy or too close or you will get streaks and drips. This part takes patience, especially if you are painting a glass or enamel surface. For our jars I put on 5 coats of color, and 2 coats of clear glaze. Allow the jar to dry a minimum of 30 minutes between coats. Once you are happy with the color, and the jar is dry, carefully peel off the silhouette stencil. Pay attention to any areas where the paint may have gone one thick and cause peeling- go slow. Once the stencil is off, apply a few coats of clear enamel to the entire jar. This will help prevent peeling at the edges of your silhouette in the future.
As you can see, I decided to give our jars a matching ombre paint job by taking the opposing color and misting a light coat of spray paint across the top and lids. These D.I.Y. Silhouette Treat Jars match Nora's nook and bed cabinet perfectly! The whole project (both jars total) cost us under $20- and I consider that a deal since I can make many many more treat jars with the leftover paint and supplies- These will be great for holiday gifts chocked full of Natural Balance® treats!
D.I.Y. Pet Silhouette Treat Jars Tutorial featuring #NaturalBalance pet treats. (ad)
Not only do these pink treat jars have a lot of flair and personality, but I love being able to see the fun and healthy treats inside! We're just lucky niether of the pets have figured out how to open them on their own yet! You may think this looks like a lot of treats for one tiny 4.5lb Morkie, but Nora is a very hyper active dog, and she also loves to share with her cousins when they visit. We'll be stocking up on Natural Balance® treats in no time- and definitely in time for the holidays! For more great treat time ideas, and fun pet content, check out Natural Balance on Facebook! Now, tell me, where do you store your pets treats?

What Daughter Says: I feel better about treating the fur-kids when it's with high quality nutritious rewards.

21 comments:

  1. I feel so lame because I just keep my dog's food in the bag. You are so creative and have inspired me to store his food in a cool jar and ditch the bag :)

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  2. I think it is super cute that your dog is the star of this jar! The vibrant colors are also super attractive to me!

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  3. What a fun way to personalize the jars to your own pooch!

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  4. This is so cute! I need to make two of these for my kitties! They love treats, too!

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  5. What an awesome DIY tutorial! I am in dire need of time to learn more about editing my photos as I could see using this same process to do silhouettes of the boys' faces.

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  6. I love that! I need to make some for my Teddy - he LOVES Natural Balance treats!

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  7. This is an adorable craft to do for your pets. I love it!

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  8. Natural Balance treats sound like they are very healthy! I keep my cat treats in the bag BUT after seeing this jar tutorial I'm thinking that might just have to change! ;)

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  9. This would be fun to do as a gift idea for Christmas. It's not more than I can handle either! Love the snacks as well.

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  10. You are so creative! What a great idea for a treat bowl. The possibilities are endless.

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  11. What a fantastic idea. I am going to make some for gifts this holiday season. I have a few friends that have pets and I know they would love one of these/

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  12. Oh my gosh these jars are so cute! These would be cute decorations for the house as well as storing pet treats.

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  13. Those jars turned out awesome! Who knew it was that easy to make something so awesome!

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  14. This is adorable! I would love to have a silhouette. I would make all.the.things.!

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  15. I have a silhouette and it's literally starting to collect dust (I haven't used it in a year because I am un-creative). I have a kitty and I think this is perfect for her. I am going to give it a try. Thanks!

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  16. I will definitely give this a try! Thanks for the tips!

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  17. These treat jars are gorgeous and so creative! I'd love to make one & fill it with healthy Natural Balance treats, my dogs love them!

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  18. No dog can resist the taste of Duck, especially in VitaLife Sweet Potato and duck jerky dog treats. This tasty combination is a true treat and is sure to be a favorite of for your dog. Best of all, it’s simply made, with only two ingredients: Sweet Potato and Duck, oven baked to chewy perfection. Vitalife duck and sweet potato dog treats

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