FAQ's
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 hand or are embellished by hand, 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 pets 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 (fabric protection is available here or you can purchase any fabric protection spray from your local discount store).
Each consumer is responsible for determining the suitability of these products for their individual situation. Manufacturer is not responsible for individual interpretation of suitability. Consumer accepts all responsibility by purchasing and using these products. 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.
The dog collars start with a satin wrapped webbing core. This is done to help minimize chaffing (great for show dogs) and give it a more luxurious feel when the collar is worn. 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. The hardware can either be the light weight stuff or my beefy stuff (the standard is always the beefy stuff!). 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?!
I know you can always find a collar "cheaper" someplace else (and it will look like it!), but would you really want to once you have come over to the "handmade side"?! 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 protectant 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 judgement 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 judgement 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 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.
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 versitile when it comes to durability and just ease of maintenance. Not only are the fabric collars colorful but they are versititle 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 continous 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 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 fabric collars:
-- Consider a 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.
Iuse 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. Or put the collar in a pillow case, tie the 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.
How can I purchase my collar? TOP
You can pay by cash (at shows only), check, money order, Visa and Mastercard credit/debit card, or emailed invoice from Propay or Paypal. 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.
Please send all checks and money orders to:
The Twisted Cow
8951 Town Center Circle #303
Upper Marlboro, MD 20774.
All checks and money orders are subject to a clearing period prior to merchandise being shipped out. 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 kina 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. Okay...can I search by color or size? TOP
Yes. At one time I used to separate my products by color and size, but over time I have found out that it does not always work well when it comes to keeping the site looking "sleek".
So, if you find that you are looking for a particular color, simply use the Search** feature and type in what you are looking for. So, if you are looking for a more narrow collar (cat and 3/4 in - 19mm) simply type in narrow or cat and all the collars that are available in those sizes will appear.
**the descriptions are constantly being updated for better search function 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 accomdated 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 2010 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 first week of Christmas. 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. Are your quilts handmade? TOP
Yes, I do use a machine to piece and quilt, but my quilts are made from start to finish by my hands. I do perform some hand quilting when appliquéing or where the hand quilting technique is best suited. 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. I am a good quilter, but I am a bit slower than those with 5 – 10 years of quilting experience but my times are around average once the sewing begins!
The price of each quilt is based on the difficulty of the design selection, fabric choices, shape cutting, ironing, component piecing (hand and/or machine sewing), and the act of 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 5 – 8 hours to complete from start to finish.
I price all my items fairly based on time, materials, and tool usage (they are actually a little lower than what they should be…sssshhhhh!). 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. 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. Sizing Information TOP
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