Things You'll Need
Women's nylons
Chia or wheatgrass seeds
Soil
Small pot or containter
Googley eyes
Hot glue
Glue gun
Permanent marker
String
Rubber bands
Tips
Try a caterpillar or similar shape for your first chia pet. This is an easy shape to make and children can do it, too.
Use feathers, rhinestones, felt and other accessories to dress up your pet even more.
Cut off chia or wheatgrass sprouts and add them to salads or sandwiches for a nutritional boost.
Unique shapes that can be made using this method include penguins, sharks, lions, snakes and alligators.
Since the mid-1970s, Chia Pets have been providing those with not-so-green thumbs an easy way to grow miniature home gardens in an original and entertaining fashion. While Chia Pets come in a variety of styles, you don't have to be restricted to those sold in the store. It is actually quite simple to make your own unique Chia Pet using just a few basic household items.
Buy chia seed, or wheat grass seeds. The "fur" on an original Chia pet is made from sprouting the chia seed, which is full of soluble fiber and used as a supplement in some people's diets. Wheatgrass, which is also known for its health properties, is a great alternative for your chia animal.
Purchase nylon stockings. You will need a pair of women's nylons or nylon knee highs for this project. Choose whatever color you prefer.
Get the stocking wet. The moisture will help your seeds to stick to the inside surface of the stocking. Sprinkle your seeds into the end of the wet stocking, rolling them around to cover where you want "fur" to grow. Fill the end of the stocking with approximately 1 cup of gardening soil. Fill it loosely, to allow you to shape your animal.
Twist off and tie small sections of soil and seeds using rubber bands or string. Form legs, a head, body sections and whatever else you need for your pet by manipulating the location of the rubber bands. Once dry, you can even join different sections of nylon together using hot glue.
Glue on googley eyes or other accessories for your animal with a hot glue gun once the nylons are dry. Use a permanent marker where desired to draw features.
Find a sunny spot for your homemade chia pet. If your finished project is more round, such as just the head of an animal, you can place it in a small clay pot. A small saucer or shallow bowl will work for most everything else.
Keep your pet watered and watch it grow and take shape.
References
Tips
- Try a caterpillar or similar shape for your first chia pet. This is an easy shape to make and children can do it, too.
- Use feathers, rhinestones, felt and other accessories to dress up your pet even more.
- Cut off chia or wheatgrass sprouts and add them to salads or sandwiches for a nutritional boost.
- Unique shapes that can be made using this method include penguins, sharks, lions, snakes and alligators.
