I woke up this morning to 2 custom collar orders that came in overnight. Picture in comments of one of the collars I made & had in the mailbox before I was done drinking my morning coffee. So this got me thinking and I wanted to share this stat (it's truly mind blowing). According to the American Pet Products Association, in the United States alone, pet owners spent over $147 billion on their pets in 2023. Crazy amount of $$ and it grows every year! And a big portion of that spend is on accessories and “extras”. Makes sense, because our pets are family, and we want the best for them! This means that people are actively looking for products that are: → high quality → unique → thoughtfully made → and feel a bit more "special" than mass-produced options That's a big reason why handmade pet products can perform so well. They tap into something bigger than just function — they tap into emotion + identity. People really care about how the collar looks, feels, and even the story behind it. ~Ashley

Today’s tip: Focus on clean finishing techniques. A clean finish is one of the biggest factors of making a handmade collar look professionally crafted. When I first started, this was the part I underestimated the most — but it’s what people notice up close. Here are a few things to pay attention to: ✔️ Melted cord ends: The key here is melting, not burning. Use controlled heat and melt slowly. Some creators will use a small torch, however I have found that I can control a lighter with a low flame best. ✔️ Hidden transitions: Where your cord starts, ends, or changes direction matters. Tuck ends under knots and position them on the backside of the collar. ✔️ Even spacing & consistent braiding: Uneven braiding or spacing can make a collar look rushed or inconsistent. Focus on consistent knot tension (tightness), symmetrical spacing & braiding, and straight, aligned weaves. If you're just getting started, try practicing starting knots and the braid on scrap cord before making your first collar. ❓Question: What part of the process do you find the most challenging right now — the starting knots, the braiding, or the finishing? Let me know below! I'd love to give some advice. 👇

What’s your dog’s real name vs. nickname? My doodle is Ziggy - and his nicknames include: Zig Zag Ziggy-iggy-iggy Ziggy-zigg-zigg Sir Ziggleton of Zigglesworth (because he's very proper) Sir Zigs-a-Lot (after Sir Mix-a-Lot) Zig Zag Paddy Wag (after Knick Knack Paddy Whack) Let’s hear yours! And, hope everyone is having a nice Sunday! It's so gorgeous outside here today. Sunny and warm. ☀️

I’m curious where everyone is starting from. Vote in the poll below with which one sounds most like you. Bonus question: What kind of dog would your first collar be for? 🐕 I’ll go first — mine was for my doodle Ziggy 🐶 , who of course thinks every collar should be slightly bougie. Ashley