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

Here are some pictures of neutral collars I've previously made for customers. They may not be as eye-catching and bright and bold color combinations, but neutral colors do tend to feel more timeless and versatile, and match most dog coats. Tips regardless of the color scheme you're going with: → Pick complimentary colors: if you're braiding with 2 colors, use one darker color and one lighter color that compliment each other well. → For a 3 color braid: Add in a patterned cord. You can see in 2 of my pictures the cords with the diamond pattern. This adds some extra contrast without looking out of place. Happy Friday! ~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. 👇

"Hi! I'm Katia, and I'm happy to be part of this community. I have a question: where can I buy a BioThane adapter, or how can I make one? I currently only have buckle collars, but I really like BioThane."