A little note.... TOP
You will see a fabulous theme of handmade and uniqueness throughout my site. All of my items are either created by me, embellished by me. or are graphically designed by me, so no two items are alike and it gives it a bit of creative beauty. I ask that you please allow for slight variances from what is shown in the made to order photos.
Now...there are no collars or leash that is indestructible, so I ask that you regularly check your pet’s collars and leashes frequently for wear and tear and replace when necessary. I am a huge advocate of rotating collars to minimize wear and tear and washing and most fabrics can endure fabric protection such as Scotchgard.
Each consumer is responsible for determining the suitability of The Twisted Cow's products for their individual situation. The Twisted Cow is not responsible for individual interpretation of suitability that may result in damage. Each consumer accepts all responsibility by purchasing and using The Twisted Cow's products. I need it now...can you rush it?! TOP
Most rush orders are granted when requested, keep in mind that rush orders and shipping will incur additional fees.
Most items are designed, created, and packaged for shipping within 2 - 8 weeks (quantity and customization dependent) and then add 2 - 5 days for shipping. If you are working with a time crunch, The Twisted Cow is more than happy to work with you to handle the rush request so that your day is complete.
To request Rush Shipping, please do the following before selecting the upgraded shipping and Rush Order option:
1. Contact me directly using one of three ways: via email care@twisted-cow.com, sending me a message using the Contact Us page, or calling/text messaging 508-963-9858 to discuss your order and Rush availability.
2. Once we have agreed on pricing and shipping. Go to the "Extras" page and select Rush Order. This option will input the fee for the Rush order.
3. At checkout, select Express Mail for your shipment option and submit your order.
Remember to contact me first before completing your order. What are your collars and leashes constructed with? TOP
Here is one of my favorite things to talk about. It allows me and others who take pride in handmade to really let our clients know what we do to make our craft special.
Machine: First I would like to tell you that I DO NOT use a regular home sewing machine to lock your hardware into place. I utilize a heavy duty machine, upholstery grade thread, and a lock stitch to hold your collar and its coordinating hardware in place.
Thread: A nylon bonded thread that is designed specifically to stitch leather, upholstery fabric, canvass, and vinyl.
The Core: Each collars starts with an industrial / pet safe woven synthetic webbing. The synthetic webbing is chose because of the tensile strength (pounds of pull before it breaks) and its ability to withstand the elements.
Lining: The majority of my collars are wrapped in a crepe back satin. This type of satin is luxurious but washable. By wrapping the collars, my designs minimize chaffing (great for show dogs) and give it a more luxurious look and feel when the collar is worn. Some of the more specialized collars may be lined in a gorgeous imported Swiss velvet (it will be indicated in the description of the collar).
Hardware: This is always tricky. The hope is to find pretty hardware that is strong and accessible for multiple orders. I currently use some really "beefy" solid brass or nickel plated brass hardware as the standard; however, you can chose to have a lighter weight hardware for more delicate necks. Leashes have two options of a Trigger Snap or a Snap Hook (lobster claw). As of 1/1/2012, all leashes come standard with a trigger snap clasp.


Designs / Overlays: The designs and overlays vary in fibers and wear. My range of designs start at Duponi Silk and end at 100% cotton. All have a different wear strength and it is really hard to give care instructions for everything. I am more than happy to offer suggestions, but ultimately you will have to decide how to best care for your collar.
Then that satin base is adorned with a variety of designs that may be created from bright and bold fabrics, imported or domestic woven ribbons, or fancy schmancy trims. Finally, the stitching...it is locked into place by a coordinating bonded nylon thread and is heavily reinforced in the stress points for maximum safety and security.

The leashes are made the same way, but with a bit different flair. Leashes are not wrapped in satin, but instead lined with either velvet or a coordinating funky ribbon for effect. Either way, the leash will prove to be extremely pleasant to have and to hold. Did I mention that you can get one that adjusts?!

There is room and necessity for all collars at all price points on the market today, I do ask that you consider a Twisted Cow handmade collar when you are in the market for a unique collar that is made to order.
Wear and Tear...What exactly is wear and tear? TOP
If you have a party dog that believes in rough housing and rip running through the woods while it hunts for the famous and elusive Jack-O-Lope then wear and tear will show up more sooner than later. It can be in many forms...from frayed ends to exposed webbing. If a dog wears the same collar day in - day out, through all four seasons, and through all weather you would expect it to look weathered and worn sooner than a collar that is worn once a week or for outings. So, some suggestions to stave off the wear and tear would be to treat it with a fabric protector and rotate your dogs' collars. If you are looking for a collar to just hold the tags, I recommend our plain cotton webbing tag collars. My collar is doing something weird...how can I fix it? TOP
I have to say this before going any further: The collar care ideas are offered as suggestions and they will not work with every collar, so if you choose to utilize any of the suggestions I cannot be held responsible for the outcomes. Please use your best judgment when trying to repair collars at home. If you are unsure about part of the repair process (using ideas from this site or from friends/family), I suggest leaving the collar 'as is' rather than damage it further. Please remember that the suggestions come from the upkeep of my own collars and from past and present clients.
All designs have an Achilles Heel and sometimes they can be avoided or periodically repaired to allow your collar to maintain that pristine look. Below are the types of collars that are sold on this site and some suggestions on how and what to select. These are just my observations and some fixes that I have learned over the years from clients and my own dog's collars, so please use your best judgment before using any of my ideas and selecting a collar for pooch or kitty.
- Woven Collars. The woven designs are some of my best sellers, and they too have their "moments". Woven designs come in all kinds of tensions, very loose loops (some brocades and synthetic ribbons) and very tight loops (a tapestry design ribbon) and everything in between. To best find what suits your pooch or kitty you may need to really observe the behavior of your pet when they are wearing a collar. If your pet is calm and tends to be very easy on collars, then by all means buy the woven designs, but if you find that your pet is like a tornado in a fancy collar...I recommend fabric collars. And to throw you a really huge monkey wrench, if you are one of those folks that have a bucket/bin full of collars AND you rotate on a regular basis...you can probably get away with either the fabric or woven collar.
- Brocades and Metallic thread collars. These collars tend to attract all of us; they are beautiful and give a bit of refinement to our pets. However; they do have their downfalls. Metallics tend to get "brassy" after a while and Brocades tend to fray after an extended period of wearing. To stave off the "brassy" look of metallic thread collars, I suggest minimizing wear. There is nothing much out there to keep that "brassy" look from appearing in my collars and leashes since I do not have control of the materials that are used to create the particular designs. This factor does not just occur in my collars and leashes, but in all collars and leashes that contain those metallic threads.
- Fraying
The woven designs (including Brocades and Metallic threaded collars) will fray. I suggest taking a lighter and "quickly" flashing the flame across the fuzzy areas to burn off the stray threads and seal the design. DO NOT HOLD THE FLAME TO ANY AREAS, BUT INSTEAD JUST "QUICK WAVE" THE FLAME OVER THE COLLAR TO JUST CLEAN UP THE FUZZYS.
- Fabric Collars. These are the best! I just love the fabric collars because they are so versatile when it comes to durability and just ease of maintenance. Not only are the fabric collars colorful but they are versatile and a bit easier to maintain that the brocade and woven ribbons. I have found over the years that the fabric collars (cotton or blends) don't lend much to the snagging ability of the toe nail and they tend to do better for very very active pets. Fabric does have its "heel", it will fray with continuous use, meaning that it is worn 24/7/365 or if you dog is just really really hard on collars.
As with all collars, regardless of materials, should be rotated on a regular basis to keep them looking nice. If your pet needs to wear something 24/7/365 due to tags, I would suggest purchasing a plain tag collar or a cotton collar for this purpose. I like that fabric color...will it stain my dog's coat? TOP
Just like those new indigo jeans that we buy that may have to washed before they no longer stain our legs blue, your dog's collar may have to undergo the same type of process. Here are a few tips that you can consider before purchasing ANY collars: -- Consider a liner color that is close to your dog's coat. Lighter color fabrics and liners will minimize unwanted coat dying. -- Do not get the collar wet. Getting the collar wet may increase the chances of the color bleeding onto the coat. If getting it wet may be unavoidable, like you are planning a family vacation that involves swimming, camping, etc...you may want to consider a simple discount store collar for those occasions.
Since I do some light quilting, some of the "girls" suggested a product called Retayne(http://www.dharmatrading.com/). Retayne is a "anti-bleed" rinse for fabrics, I have not used it, but I have heard that it works. If you decide to use this product, be sure to contact the manufacturer with any questions prior to using it.
I use a high quality imported satin that is rated to be colorfast, however I will continue to stress that a dog wearing a wet collar will significantly increases their chances of having the color transfer from the collar to their coats. How do I care for my collar? TOP
Hand wash your collar by using cold water and a gentle detergent. Once the collar has been saturated, gently agitate the collar until clean. If you have a woven jacquard trim design, gently agitate in the direction of the weave design until all stains are removed. Most fabric collars can be placed in a pillow case with a tied top and wash in the gentle cycle. In either case, allow the collar to completely AIR dry before being worn again by your pet.
If your dog gets into “the fabulous funkies” and the collar holds the odor then prior to washing I recommend soaking your collar around 30 minutes in warm water and approximately a tablespoon of baking soda; after the soaking follow the previous washing directions.
Our liners are fully machine washable, however the ribbons may not be, so I continue to advocate hand washing.
New for 2012 - ALL COLLARS COME WITH A DUST BAG FOR STORAGE. How can I purchase my collar? TOP
You can pay by cash (at shows only), Visa, Mastercard credit/debit card, and Discover card. I accept cash on a face to face purchase only. I do craft, dog, and cat shows on occasion and I encourage you to stop by and visit with me. Click here for Event Calendar. As of 1/1/2012, The Twisted Cow will no longer utilize PayPal on this site.
Can I return my collar? TOP
Well, here goes…I changed my mind, I thought the color would be different, sizing is wrong, etc…not refundable. If YOU provided the sizing, you can exchange it for the SAME DESIGN in a different size for a $10.00 fee per collar. My operation is very small and all collars are custom measured and cut by me. Once your collar is completed I resize to ensure the minimum size is met and they are sent out. So, please take the time to measure sizes and choose complimenting designs carefully prior to ordering.
Swarovski collars or any special order items CANNOT BE EXCHANGED NOR ARE THEY ELIGIBLE FOR A REFUND. Please measure and choose designs carefully. You can always contact me for help when deciding on custom items.
What size do I order? TOP For all items, measure where the collar would normally fit snug but not uncomfortably and request that size. If you are between sizes, then get the next size up. If you have any questions, please contact me via e-mail or phone prior to ordering. Can you send me a catalog of your products? TOP
I do not have a printed catalog due to the constant changes in offerings and to help contain costs; however, I can send you an electronic copy of the catalog and you may print as many copies as you need.
Keep in mind that the webmaster has programmed the design of the catalog causing it to be rather large and kinda funky looking. I will do what I can from this end to 'unfunky' it for ease of use.
The catalog will be sent out as an HTML file (can be viewed on web only) with 48 - 72 hours after the request is received. Holiday Shopping Season...what is your policy? TOP
I love holidays or celebrations in general, especially if there is food involved. Alas, in this case it is simply accessories involved.
The holiday season means a few things for those of us in the business of creating products by hand and offer customization. It means 1) it is going to be the most stressful and crazy time of the year, 2) we are going to have a verbal altercation with every USPS worker in America, 3) we will not sleep, eat, or die until our last order is in the mail and on its way to its new home, and 4) see #3.
Most holidays/celebrations can be accommodated with short notice, but if you are planning a wedding please place your order ASAYSYD (as soon as you set your date) or at least 60 days out from when you need your items. I can make changes or add stuff, but it takes time and the more time you give me the better for both of us. I planned a wedding once and believe me...time lines are always key to a beautiful and successful ceremony.
Christmas is going to be a bit crazy for me and for my fellow Handmade Nation members, so the cut off date for Christmas orders will probably be the week before Thanksgiving. Although I have not set the exact date yet, but when placing orders for Christmas you have to take into account the USPS. They are totally swamped with the packages that we are going to be mailing out across the street, nation, and the world. So, I do plan on working like a mad women during the holidays so that I can get your orders out and enjoy time with my family.
Rush shipping is always available to domestic locations. How do you determine your quilt pricing? TOP
Quilts are one of those things that from the outside look simple enough to make until you actually start to make one. I tried my hand at quilting a couple of years ago and then decided that quilting was not for me and I moved on to other things. I have picked it back up again and then I remembered how difficult and time consuming they can be. Although I am not a super duper seasoned quilter, my times are comparative to those that have been quilting for 10 years or more. My taste in fabrics leans towards the modern side, so my youth will show through my quilting designs.
The price of each quilt is based on the difficulty of the design selection, fabric choices, customization (pictures, monogram, appliqués), shape cutting, ironing, component piecing (hand and/or machine sewing), and the actual quilting (stitching a design on the blanket). Now just looking at my list you would think that should not take that long (I thought the same thing!), however the simplest quilt can take between 10 – 12 hours to complete from start to finish. I take pride in my quilts because the goal is to create heirlooms and not a fleeting moment, so I work hard at my quilts to give you a quality product.
I price all my items fairly based on time, materials, and tool usage. I, like you, support the handmade movement and I understand that handmade items are special, have their quirks because of the human touch, and because of those attributes handmade will cost a bit more than those items purchased at a discount store chain.
Feel free to contact me regarding designs and pricing. Privacy policy & terms of use TOP
Privacy:
At Gordon Enterprises/The Twisted Cow we take privacy seriously. We do not sell or distribute any customer information. This information is only used to contact you if we have questions about your order and / or to ship your order to you.
Terms of Use: By viewing and/or ordering products from this website you are agreeing to comply with and be bound by the following terms and conditions of use, which together with our privacy policy govern the relationship between you and Gordon Enterprises/The Twisted Cow in relation to this website. The term "Gordon Enterprises/The Twisted Cow " or "us" or "we" refers to the owner of this website whose registered office is 8951 Town Center Circle #303, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774, USA. The term "you" refers to the user or viewer of our website.
The use of this website is subject to the following terms of use:
1. The content of the pages of this website is for your general information and use only. It is subject to change without notice.
2. Neither we nor any third parties provide any warranty or guarantee as to the accuracy, timeliness, performance, completeness or suitability of the information and materials found or offered on this website for any particular purpose. You acknowledge that such information and materials may contain inaccuracies or errors and we expressly exclude liability for any such inaccuracies or errors to the fullest extent permitted by law.
3. Your use of any information or materials on this website is entirely at your own risk, for which we shall not be liable. It shall be your own responsibility to ensure that any products, services or information available through this website meet your specific requirements.
4. As with each of the products that are sold on this website: each consumer is responsible for testing and determining the suitability of these products for their individual application. Under no circumstances is any product offered to be used for personal safety or protection. Gordon Enterprises/The Twisted Cow will not be held liable for any incidental, indirect or consequential damages arising from the sale, resale, use or misuse of its products. Consumer accepts all responsibility by purchasing and using these products.
5. This website contains material which is owned by or licensed to us. This material includes, but is not limited to, the design, layout, look, appearance and graphics. Reproduction is prohibited other than in accordance with the copyright notice, which forms part of these terms and conditions.
6. All trade marks reproduced in this website which are not the property of, or licensed to, the operator are acknowledged on the website.
7. Unauthorized use of this website may give rise to a claim for damages and/or be a criminal offense.
8. From time to time this website may also include links to other websites. These links are provided for your convenience to provide further information. They do not signify that we endorse the website(s). We have no responsibility for the content of the linked website(s).
9. You may not create a link to this website from another website or document without Gordon Enterprises/The Twisted Cow's prior written consent.
10. Your use of this website and any dispute arising out of such use of the website is subject to the laws of the United States of America.
Gordon Enterprises/The Twisted Cow.com is owned and operated by Linda J. Gordon of Maryland, USA. All content of this site is owned by Linda J. Gordon, unless otherwise noted. All rights are reserved.
You, as a visitor, have the right to view the information at this web site. You may not mirror this site. You may not make copies and further distribute any page, image, document or other media contained on this site without written approval. You may not take credit for any content or product on this site. You may not violate any copyright on any item, product or content on this site. We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone. We reserve the right to change our terms and the content of our site, without notice, at any time. If you believe any copyrights have been infringed upon, please contact us. Browsing and/or placing an order from Gordon Enterprises/The Twisted Cow.com assumes that you have read our policies carefully and that you agree to our terms of use and legal policy as stated above.
Remember that you will be required to acknowledge that you read and understand them prior to checking out.
Lets talk Client Privacy... TOP At The Twisted Cow, I firmly believe that everyone deserves the highest level of privacy available whether you are swiping on site or clicking on line. When you graciously supply The Twisted Cow Name, Address, E-mail, phone numbers, etc., this information is only used to ensure the sales transaction can be completed. I have never and will never re-sell, or re-distribute any of your private information to any party for any reason. Wedding Cancellations, Returns, and Exchanges TOP
The Twisted Cow will automatically delay order creation for 72 (this includes holidays and weekends) to allow for any changes or cancellation order from the client. After 72 hours, there will be a $20.00 or 15% restocking fee (whichever is least) charged for cancellations. Please use this time to make any color, design, or quantity changes (includes increases and decreases).
Custom orders: This includes special color combinations or mixtures, crystallized products, monograms, item placement, or any request that is made by the client or their representative that was created especially for/by the client are NOT refundable or exchangeable.
Changes: The client is allowed three (3) modifications to design details as long as no permanent markings, embroidery, painting, or cuts have been made. Once any permanent actions have been taken, changes will be made on a case by case basis. Any changes after the three (3) allowable will incur a $5.00 fee per change that must be paid before any modifications are made (if applicable).
Pre-approval of all returns and exchanges are required. To request or exchange authorization and receive return instructions, e-mail me at care@twisted-cow.com.
Listed below are helpful hints or information that you should know prior to ordering for your wedding, formal event, or special occasion Be advised that you can send an email, text message, or leave voicemail when notifying or initiating the return request; as such the five (5) days DOES include weekends and holidays.
- All shipped items will require a signature confirmation at delivery. This is to give both of us piece of mind that your items arrived in a timely manner and to the right people and place.
- All return requests (if applicable) must be received within five (5) business days of receipt. All returns must be postmarked within seven (7) business days of receiving return authorization and it must be returned in its original packaging and in new/salable condition. Please be sure to enclose a copy of the original invoice
- Merchandise must be unused, undamaged, and in salable condition. Be advised that it is the sole discretion of Gordon Enterprises/The Twisted Cow to determine if returned goods are in salable condition. Merchandise that is returned in non-salable condition will be returned to the customer and no refund or credit will be issued.
- Gordon Enterprises / The Twisted Cow does not accept authorization request after five (5) days from receipt of shipment and does not accept authorization requests after seven (7) business days from return approval, unless prior arrangements have been made. Postage, shipping, & handling charges are not reimbursable. Return shipping fees are the customer’s responsibility.
Gordon Enterprises / The Twisted Cow does not accept return requests made after one’s wedding, formal event, or special occasion date.
Gordon Enterprises / The Twisted Cow does not accept returns postmarked after one’s wedding, formal event, or special occasion date.
Gordon Enterprises / The Twisted Cow does not accept returns if the wedding, formal event, or special occasion is cancelled.
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