Two New Options Added!

New and improved Bloodhound

          I want to thank everyone for bearing with me and waiting for me to finally get my website back up-to-date. This year has just be insanely crazy but so far things look like they might be getting back to normal (or semi-normal). Anyway there is just a little more tweaking I need to do on my website and then it will be good to go.

          Now to introduce my latest additions! If you love Bloodhounds you will be very happy to know that I have redone my pattern so now it is better then ever. I must admit I'm very pleased with how this one turned out. It took quite a long time to get this new pattern just so, particularly the ear which is my favorite part.

NEW Double Dappled color

          This year I had a lovely Dachshund costumer place an order for some new colors, which I was excited to do. Thanks to her I now have a black/tan dappled and double dappled in the Dachshund Longhaired to offer. I just love it when I get to work with a customer that is knowledgeable in their breed that they can give me feedback on how I can improve my pattern to get it as close to the breed standard as possible. I want to get each breed and color just right so that they pass muster with my customers who are very passionate about their particular breed.

NEW Dappled color

          If you are looking for a particular dog breed or even a coloration just send me an email with your request and I'll do my very best to make it happen.

New Dog Breed & Colors Added, Also Key Chains!

NEW Irish Terrier Key Chain

          Just as promised NEW STUFF! Took me much longer then I would have liked to of gotten posted but as you know "real life" likes to get in the way. So without further ado I present my new pieces! There are new color options for Collie Rough - tri color and Doberman Pinscher - dark blue. I also have added a new breed, you can now get the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno in a smooth coat and wire coat. You may also be interested to know that I'll been unveiling more later.

Tri color Collie Rough

          The new tri colored Collie was added thanks to a customer request. I know I've said this many times before but there are just so many breeds and colors of dogs that it may take me a super long time to get to your favorites, that is unless you ask me to make yours a priority.

A darker blue Doberman Pinscher

          I thought I was done with adding any more colors to my Doberman Pinscher line until I was contacted by a customer. They just recently lost their service dog and wanted my tag to memorialize the sweet angel. The current blue I had was a light color so they asked if I could possibly make it in a darker blue (as that was the color of the their dog). I was more then happy to oblige and this (see photo above) is the result.

NEW Portuguese Podengo Pequeno smooth coat

NEW Portuguese Podengo Pequeno wire coat

          In between me adding new colors for breeds I already have or reworking old patterns I like to add new breeds. I hope Portuguese Podengo Pequeno lovers will love my newly added designs.

          The most requests I've received has been for a key chain. I must admit I had originally turned down the idea because I had been much to busy. But more requests for it continued to come so I just couldn't ignore it any longer and begin sketching. Before I send out a key chain into the world I needed to test it to make sure it would hold up. I have a family member that carries more keys then any normal person would, they would become my Tester. I started making my designs but in the end each one proved to be flawed. Some designs lasted longer then others but they just weren't right and it was to bad as some were quite nice. I had one last idea but at the point I had spent a lot of time on the key chain project and the whole thing just fell to the wayside. Fast forward to earlier this year, a customer on eBay contacts me after seeing my Irish Terrier crate tag and asks if I happen to have it in a key chain. I did have that new design idea in the pipeline and I took this as a sign to give this project another shot. Well I stitched up the new design and put it through testing and lo and behold it worked! I do have to warn you that not all my dog designs will be suitable to be made into key chains. The dog designs with the long tails, thin legs, etc may not be sturdy enough to be made it a key chain. I'll be going through my dogs and making a decision on which breeds will be offered in the key chain design.

          All these new items will be added to my website, shops, and on eBay but please be aware that it may take me some time to do so. However, you are always very much welcome to contact me to request that I  list them quickly for you.

New Colors Added & an Updated Design!

          It sure has been a long time since my last blog post. During my absence I had be super duper busy filling holiday orders, wow it was a marathon of nearly non-stop stitching! Worked real hard but managed to get all orders filled and mailed without a problem. Orders are continuing to come in but at a much more relaxed rate. I greatly appreciate all my customers who made 2013 a wonderful year and I look forward to seeing what 2014 has in store.

          I had hoped to introduce these new colors earlier but I just couldn't get the time to do it. However now that the Christmas gift giving season has past I've got some time to catch my breath. Introducing 3 new colors that are now available for the Shetland Sheepdog!

Revamped Bluetick Coonhound crate tag.

          Just before my busiest stitching season hit I had been working on revamping a couple of my old hound tags. So far I only was able to get one completed and as time permits I hope to get the other ones done later. Hound lovers rejoice over the new and improved Bluetick Coonhound design! The old design is still available but only for a limited time, afterward it will be retired for good.

          Now for a bit of not so good news....I've once again run into the problem of yarn colors (that I use) have retired. The light brown and mid grey colored yarns that I had been recently using is no longer around so the hunt for suitable replacements is once again back on. I hate when this happens. So my game plan to fill the void left by the absence of the light brown color will for me to go back to Red Heart's Warm Brown. I had initially used that color back at the beginning but some where down the line Red Heart had altered the shade of the color. I'll keep my eyes peeled for better replacement but in the meantime Warm Brown should work fine. The mid grey color is going to be super hard to replace, I had a dickens of a time last time. The good news is I still have a decent stock of yarn for that color. I'm hoping that before I run out a good replacement color will be located. I do have a back up yarn but the color doesn't satisfy my standards, it is do able but I would be much happier with a better choice. Everyone please keep your fingers crossed for me, this is the toughest thing to do is to find just the right shade of color in yarn.

Welsh Springer Spaniel Redesigned and More

NEW pattern for the Welsh Springer Spaniel crate tag or magnet

          It took me almost a whole month to find enough time to rework my new pattern for the Welsh Springer Spaniel. In between orders I like to add new dogs, colors, or re-make old patterns. Normally it doesn't take me quite that long but I had loads of orders that came in and I also had to tweak this pattern three times. But as they say good things come to those who wait.

          The weather forecast for this whole week is off and on rain, what rotten luck. I had hoped to get my outside photos done Tuesday but when I woke up it was lightly drizzling. Fingers crossed that I will be able to get my outdoor shots done soon.

2 NEW colors added to the Havanese

           Thanks to a customer requesting more colors for the Havanese, I can now offer Solid Chocolate and Chocolate/White. That means that you have a total of 5 Havanese colors to choose from, super! But don't forget that I am always open to new color requests.

New Releases - Miniature Schnauzer with Undocked Tail and More

Miniature Schnauzer with natural ears and tail.

           It is that time again my friends, so without any further ado here are my first releases of 2013! They are Miniature Schnauzer with natural (or full) ears and tail, a new color for the Pomeranian, a new look and color for the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, and Poodle in the sporting clip.

          I had a customer recently contact me about placing an order for a Miniature Schnauzer. The pattern I had was for the American version with cropped ears and a docked tail, but in many countries they no longer crop or dock. So with this being the case for this customer I was more than happy to oblige and add this new pattern. If you are looking to place an order for a dog without a docked tail just send me an email so I can include that dog to my line of needlepoint dogs.

Pomeranian, New color

          The Pomeranian now has two color options, yay! Most of the new items add are customer requests, so don't be shy and tell me what you want to see.

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

          The current pattern I have for the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever had its tail down, the new pattern now features an alert tail. At the moment I will offer both patterns. However, if customers seem to only like the new pattern then I will discontinue the old. What do you think, do you like the new pattern over the old tail down look? Leave me a comment below and tell me about it.

Standard/Miniature Poodle in a sporting clip

          And my last introduction is the Poodle in a sporting clip. I think this look is going to be very popular with most Poodle owners.

          Most of these new piece can be found in my Etsy shop, I still need to list the new Pomeranian color there so please check back later or send me an email. I will be getting these new items up on my website and in my other shops as soon as I can.

New Foxhounds and More!

English Foxhound



Soon to be released!       

New: American Foxhound, English Foxhound, and Harrier.

Improved design: Bull Terrier in two colors.

Improved design and new color: Border Collie in two colors.

          The two Foxhounds and Harrier I had designed years ago but I didn't like the way they had turned out, so I discontinued them. Recently, I had a chance to revisit these three breeds. And I must say I am very happy with these new designs, a great improvement from my last attempt.

Harrier

          Once I have finished with the photos for all these new crate tags I will release them for sale. I am hoping to have that done within a week or two. Keep watching my stores and Twitter for when they will be for listed for sale.

American Foxhound

         I had sometime back introduced my Border Collie design, but it just wasn't quite right to me. So after much hemming an hawing, I said what the heck and gave another stab it. My original design made the dog look like it had not enough neck. After I fixed that problem I thought to myself, seeing as how I had the pattern for Border Collie out why not add a new color as well!



Border Collie



          From time to time, I like to look back over my older designs and see if I can improve upon them. This time I took aim at my Bull Terrier. I beefed up the outline of the body and gave the head a more egg shaped appearance. I am so satisfied with the new design, I wont need to improve upon it again for a long time to come. Yeah!



Bull Terrier

Here is what I've been up to...

          Oh my, I didn't realize how long it has been since my last post. Here is an update on what is going on at Barlee Creations.

          At the end of September, I will be closing my ArtFire shop. Anyone who orders from me through that shop can rest assured you will be taken care of. Once that shop is closed, I will still be here to take care of those customers.

           Currently BarLee Creations can be found on Etsy, Bonanza, Zibbet, eBay, and of course directly. I am also contemplating opening a shop on eCRATER. Why so many shops you ask, well that is easy to answer......it gives my customers options! Who doesn't love options?!

          I have new crate tags coming soon! Check back to my blog either tomorrow or the following day to see them before they are listed.

          If you have visited my website recently you will see that it is much need of a makeover. It is on my to-do list, my apologies but sadly at the moment it is at the bottom of that list. I can't give a specific time frame when it will be up-dated, because I just don't know. However, when it is ready I will let you know.

          Have you seen that Tophatter auction site? Wow, that place can be addictive! I was toying with the idea of listing something there. First, I have to get a better feel for site. If I do ever decide to go for it what would you like to see me list? Have any ideas please leave them in the comment section below.

9 Updated Designs - Find Out Which Dogs

          I know it has been a while since the last time I posted. Well that is becuase I have been busy, look......updated crate tags! Sure I still have not gotten to the about 36 recognized AKC dog breeds I am missing, but I just felt compelled to revisit a few breeds to make them better. Artist, we are our toughest critics and are never satisfied with our work. Always looking for ways to improve our art so it matches what we see in our minds eye.

          Are you excited to see what I have done? Then lets get to it! First up is the Afghan Hound. I have fixed the color for the Afghan Hound to look more realistic. I think you will find it a much more pleasing color now. This design is without a beard at this time but I do plan on offering a bearded version later.

          The Ibizan Hound I redid the color and design. Now it looks more like a sleek sighthound then my previous design. New Ibizan Hound colors will come later. Like I have stated before, sooner or later I will get around to making a design for each of a breed's colors.

          This next breed I have previously made several different design improvements. But I just wasn't completely satisfied with the results, until now. The Pharaoh Hound didn't need any color tweaking so I only needed to redo the design.

          The Australian Terrier I have been wanting for a very long time to redo. This breed was part of the first batch of crate tags I had originally done. I thought it was high time to revisit this little terrier. I redid both design an color.

          The Border Terrier is another breed I have been wanting to redo from my original crate tags. I tweaked up the design and redid the coloring. Later I will do the Border Terrier in a red like I had in the previous version of this crate tag.

          Yet another breed long over due for a make over. The Norfolk Terrier has a new design and coloring. I revamped the look of this breed's ear and I think the result looks very good. In my opinion it gives this breed kind of a cute look. What do you think?

          The Norwich Terrier I cleaning up its design and give it a new color. Not to fear later on I will bring back a red colored Norwich Terrier. I just figured this color would be more popular with lovers of this breed.

          This next crate tag I redid wasn't because I was unhappy with its looks it is just I thought I could do it much better. I wanted the Rottweiler to look more mature and and filled out also to improve its stance. So I redid the design and only tweaked the coloring.

          The Samoyed I wanted to do away with the tongue showing in the old design so that is what I did. I also greatly improved its overall shape and made changes to the coloring. No I didn't do away with the white, you silly. But I did rework the dog's colored shading.

          There you have it! The nine updated crate tags, improved for the better. The next batch of designs I will be working on are a few breeds that I currently have patterns for but have not been listed for sale in ages. I will give them their over due makeover so I can at long last offer them for sale once again.

See what will be listing soon

          I know it has been quite some time since my last post. Sorry about that but things have been hectic around here. However during that time I have managed to make a load of new dog/pet collar charms and owner & pet sets, along with a couple of surprises.

           As I was taking all the photos for these new pieces it hit me, why not post my photos for all you lovely people to view before I write the descriptions and list them. Not a groundbreaking revelation but still a fabulous idea none the less. Until now I have only been using my Flickr account for personal use, however starting today my customers can view a Set entitled "Jewelry to be listed". Also when I have new photos for my crate tags or other dog art I will then put together a Set entitled "Dog art to be listed".  (Link will be live as soon as I have something to post to it.)

           It will take me some time to get the prices and descriptions done for these pieces. But once I have them I will remove or move the photos of those pieces I get listed from the To Be Listed albums. Check back periodically to see what new items are coming.

What is new? English Setter & Scottish Terrier that's what!

The New & Improved English Setter

          Long time lovers of my work will remember the original pattern I had for the English Setter, but everyone will be happy to learn that I have improved it for the better. I had not listed the original pattern for some time because it very much needed a make over and its size was way to big. The new English Setter pattern is now the right size and with a much improved color pattern.

New Scottish Terrier color black

          Now you have two color options for the Scottish Terrier. I know many will be surprised that I didn't already offer a black Scottish Terrier. Sadly it was true and to fix this over sight it has now being added to my line. It is a long slow process at times but I am working on adding new breeds and new color options. I keep a running personal list of dogs and colors I would like to work on, but new items requested by my customers take precedent over my list and get added to my line first. If there is something you would like to see add you are always very welcome to put in a request.

          Thanks to another customer request Smooth Dachshund has a new color a dark red color. This and the above mentioned other newly added items are currently only listed in my ArtFire shop, as soon as time permits I will get them listed in my other shops.

Improved Bearded Collie & Borzoi Designs

          As time progresses on and I look back at some of my very first dog breed patterns, I realize that some can do with some improving. My skills and eye for how I create my all breed dog items have matured over the years. I know that there are many more dog breeds and colors I have not yet gotten to but I just can not help but want to revisit some of the earlier designs. It is not that I think they are bad, it is just I have this nagging compulsion that says "I bet I can do that even better".

          In between filling orders (which recently has left me very little down time) I managed to rework the Bearded Collie and Borzoi. More times then I can count did I have to either stop in the middle of sketching or stitching both of these dogs, but I somehow found enough time to get them done.

          The Bearded Collie proved to be the easier of the two for me, although I did have to only rework the size of the head from my first attempt at redoing this design. Unlike drawing or painting, needlepoint on plastic canvas deals with squares and it can prove to be problematic at times.

         The Borzoi on the other hand was giving me quite the challenge, mainly becuase of the head. I think I tried six different head versions before I ended up with the one you see now. I am so very happy with the way it looks that now I may redo a few of the other sighthounds. But of course that is all for another time.

          Like one of these or any of my other dogs but you don't see your color, then please contact me. I am more then happy to add new breed colors.

NEW Matching Pet and Owner Jewelry Sets

          I am very pleased to announce my latest line in doggie jewelry...... matching sets, for you and your canine companion. I have made my pet jewelry with dogs particularly in mind but please don't let that stop you from using them for other animals. Any animal that wears a collar, harness, or similar tack can easily wear my pet charms.

          My new sets will include a collar charm for your pet and either matching earrings or pendant for you. I will have styles for men, women, and unisex just as I do for the collar charms. My sets are a lovely symbol of the special bond you both share.

          I was reluctant to get into making jewelry for people as there are so many great artisans out there already. I've had several people look at my collar charms and tell me that I should make matching sets for people. The thought had been kicking around in my brain so I took this as a sign to make a move on this new endeavor. I must say that I really am glad I did.

          Right now I only have three sets currently listed, but I have loads of ideas floating around in my head. Keep watching my ArtFire store, Twitter, and my blog for updates on newly listed jewelry and other items. Who knows, perhaps for a future giveaway I will offer a special set for the occasion.

I Just Listed Some New Dog Collar Charms

          In between my down time from stitching I have been making some more Pet Collar Charms. Keep check back on my ArtFire store for more newly added Charms.

          Ever since I learned how to wire wrap I have been having such a great time making my Dog Jewelry. I have been refining my skills and scouring the internet for new techniques to learn. Some of the new techniques I have learned came from some super talented artists on ArtFire. And of course catinalife has helped me the most. She is just the kindest person and the most incredible craftswoman.

          In the beginning I had a limited amount of supplies but since then it has been slowly growing. Every time I am on the computer or at a bead supply store I have been keeping my eye out for special supplies. I don't really plan in advance what I want to make, although there are sometimes I do. I like to look at my beads and findings and let them "speak" to me. Often times I will sit down with all my beading supplies surrounding me and I will look for that one focal piece. I will then lay it out before me and contemplate for a little while while I envision what the piece "wants" to be.

          I still have a few more supply orders to place before I sit down and start making more Doggie Bling. Although I will have to admit I was getting itchy fingers the last two days so I made three new pieces. Unfortunately for you they wont be released until later. Don't be to sad, at least I am listing 10 NEW Dog Charms now. (Keep check back at my store to see when they all have been finished being posted.)

          Before I end this post I want to give you a little teaser of what I will be listing very soon. Well, I have been wanting to do something special with my Dog Collar Charms. I will leave you with one word.............Sets.

What Dog Breed Should I Make Next?

          I am looking for your input! I want you to tell me what breed of dog would you like to see me make next. You can look through the breeds I currently make by clicking here. Do you like Herding breeds, Sporting breeds, or perhaps Toy breeds? It can be any AKC recognized breed from any group or any breed of dog recognized by any other registry. If the dog breed you pick comes in multiple colors please also include the color you would most like to see.

          On September 19, 2011 I will pick a dog from your suggestions. You can suggest as many different breeds as you like but I ask that you please post each breed separately. If by the Sept. 19th I don't have at least 5 different people's suggestions to pick from I will extend the search till the end of September.

Will your favorite dog breed be next? It could be!

The New and Improved Cairn Terrier

          I have redesigned the Cairn Terrier for the better, I am sure you agree. I am quite thrilled with the way it turned out. It started out as a bit of a challenge to get the look just right. When working in a plastic canvas medium, which is basically working in squares, can at times make the end result not exactly turn out as you see in your minds eye. However this design hit everything right and turned out exactly how I envisioned it.

          If there is anyone out there that liked the old design you still have some time to buy it. It has been moved to the Discontinue section in my ArtFire store. But dally to long or you will miss it. I will most likely have it posted in there for a week before removing it permanently.

          Do you see one of my dogs but you wish it had a longer coat or that it came in a UK style? Send me an email and ask. Recently I had a customer ask about getting their favorite breed with a longer coat and now it is part of my regular line.

Handmade Collar Charms are Finally Here!

"Fido" modeling a charm made of wire wrapped Mexican and serpentine jasper beads.

          My newest line of handmade dog art are collar charms, wearable art for man's best friend. They will be an item sold exclusively from my ArtFire studio. For some time now I have been wanting to make items for dogs as I have for their owners for years now. I was inspired and impressed by all the very talented jewelry artisans on ArtFire. Seeing what beauty they can make from a mere piece of wire into lavish rings, necklaces, pendants, and more is just incredible. With the help and guidance from catinalife (a talented artist on ArtFire), my books, and the internet I have made my own dog collar charms.

          Many of the charms I make are one-of-a-kind or made in limited quantities, this is due mostly in part to my bead supply and artistic muse. I buy beads in small quantities and in some cases singly. When I sit down to create a collar charm I don't necessarily have a "plan". I pull out the colors or bead shapes I want to work with and let them "speak" to me. 

Wire wrapped crystal bead.

          The beads I use vary from crystals, gemstones, to glass and the styles also vary from simple one bead charms to fancier wire wrapped pieces. I have charms that will fit every size of dog from tallest Irish Wolfhound to the smallest Chihuahua.

          I am really quite excited and proud to bring you my collar charms that I am sure will be a big hit with all my dog loving friends out there. What ever you and your pup's style glittery, earthy, fancy, unique I have a charm to fit.

New photo for Mastiff

          Little by little I am getting updated photos done for each crate tag that still needs it. The Mastiff is the most recent one with a brand spanking new photo. Now only 38 more to go! If stitching didn't take so long to do I am sure I would be almost done by now. Oh well, I will just remain positive and keep on plugging away.

          Many times I get to add updated photos thanks to an order one of my lovely customers have placed, which is the case here. So don't be shy, place your order and help push me to get more photos done. It is very fulfilling for me knowing with each new shot I take I come closer to my goal.


          Just to let you know coming soon I will have a new crate tag design listed. Do you want to know for which breed? Well you will just have to come back later to find out!

          Another new item I will soon be listing as soon as I get photos and descriptions written up are dog collar charms. That's right, I will now be selling bling for your pup to wear. I am really excited about this new line of dog jewelry. But more on this great news later.