I have three bags of scraps from my cousin’s mask-making business. From medium-sized pieces to very tiny ones, I told him to give all to me. My first idea was to spin them into fabric twine or yarn, but my spinning skills need work. Still not to the point that I get enjoying it.

During the Christmas weekend, I watched handmade craft videos and happened upon DinLife . DinLife is a video from Japan. No one speaks, just background music. It’s very peaceful and calming watching her do her craft. Her stitching is so consistent and she makes these beautiful pieces out of scraps of fabric.

I decided to try my hand at making a doll. I used one of the large pieces of scraps from a Hot Wheels mask and started with the head. As this was the first attempt, I decided to go with the flow and see how it turned out before committing to a pattern and directions.

I turned a doll’s head into a dog’s head with that technique by adding a muzzle and ears. It reminded me of a German Shepard. I don’t know why I did the muzzle area and ears. It just happened, a happy accident.

This happy accident turned into a Christmas day project I finished up on Boxing day. Mom and Dad thought it was funny and cute. Now “Hot Wheels” the dog sits on the dining room table to keep them company.

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I think he’s more Poi Dog than German Shepard. Poi Dog is Mutt in Hawaii slang. His proportions are off, neck too long, ears too wide, and the stuffing of his leg needed to be firmer so he could stand up taller. But all in all, he is a pretty cute pup, if I say so myself. He makes you smile.

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