Winter is rapidly approaching here in Montana -

And with it comes the bitter cold. Being cooped up can without a doubt produce cabin fever, but having homey accommodations can make all the difference in mood through the winter. While some companies will try to market some really snazzy pet beds to you for hundreds or thousands of dollars, you can actually make a pretty nifty pet bed or critter motel with cheap materials and little skill.

Many ideas actually repurpose old materials, and have the added benefit of being eco-friendly.

1. Tire Beds

Our favorite idea that is perhaps the easiest for those of us with very little construction skill, and also gives a great purpose for old, used tires.

To execute the bed, first wash an old tire until it’s squeaky clean. Then paint it with your preferred color scheme and let dry. Finally, stick blankets, a pillow, or some other comfy medium inside to make sure your dog or cat has soft place to rest.

2. Pool Noodle

Source: www.instructables.com — *Source: www.instructables.com*

This pool noodle bed is also super easy for even the most mechanically challenged.

In order to make it work, bend a pool noodle in a circle and tape together. Then cut two identical layers layer of fleece in a circle greater than that of the pool noodle by about two inches. Cut the outside of the circle into wedges that extend two inches in, to where the pool noodle will sit. Finally, sandwich the noodle so that one layer of fleece is on top and the other is on bottom. Put some batting inside the pool noodle, and start tying the strips together until you have a beautiful bed.

This bed is great because you can untie some of the ties, pop the flexible pool noodle out and flip it in the washing machine.

3. Pallet Beds

Photo source: www.hometalk.com — *Photo source:* *www.hometalk.com*

Pallets offer a plethora of options for beds and are also great because you can usually find them for free relatively easy. You will likely need a few more tools, including reciprocating saws, nails, a sander or a drill. Here’s a blog that has a dozen ideas and instructions.

http://www.99pallets.com/pallet-projects/11-diy-pallet-dog-bed-ideas/

But what if you don’t have a traditional pet?

Critter motels can also be DIY fun!

4. Plywood Aquarium

Want to make your fish feel like a king or a queen but cringe at the price of a stand aquarium? Make your own! We found a series of online videos that teaches you how here:

5. Bee Hotel

Do you really want a pet, but not have time to commit to bringing one inside your home? We’ve got a solution! Build a bee hotel. This cute outside addition give bugs like mason bees a place to live. Don’t worry, mason bees don’t sting. They also are great, beneficial pollinators.

See the tutorial here: https://gardentherapy.ca/build-a-bug-hotel/

6. Indoor Bunny Hutch

Hutch is one of the least glamorous words in the dictionary, but they can be made glam. Just watch how this china cabinet that was made into a swanky critter home. Bunnies deserve luxury too, don’t they?

Learn how here! http://www.goodshomedesign.com/10-diy-rabbit-hutches-from-upcycled-furniture/

Cute critters come in all sizes and so do their homes. Get out your paintbrush and see what magic you can make for your beloved animal friend!

Six Fabulous DIY Pet Beds (And Critter Motels!)