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.

I've Reopened my Etsy Shop

          I know I have been sort of missing in action as of late but with good reason. As of the beginning of this year I have reopened my Etsy shop, I figured it was time I gave them another try. I am also in the process of restocking my Zibbet shop. Also if every thing goes to plan and time permits I will most likely open a shop on two other venues.
         
          Now I know what your thinking, why some many different shops why not just sell at one place. That is a great question and there is reasoning behind my actions. First like the old saying goes never put all your eggs in one basket. This doesn't mean that I believe that any of these selling platforms will go belly up, but it could conceivably happen. I don't have any control over the workings of the different selling platforms and it is always best to be prepared. (As a side note if in the unlikely event that one of the places I sell from happens to disappear that does not mean I have disappeared. All my customers will still be able to find me through my email, blog, Twitter, website, etc. I will be there for my customers.)

          Each selling platform has their own pluses and minus to using them such as seller and buyer tools they offer, the functionality of the site, and so forth. Another reasoning for multiple shops is that lots of people may have loyalty to certain websites while others may just prefer one website over another. This way my customers can shop were ever they are most comfortable. Give the customer what they want, right? I want to make my customers happy.

          In each of my BarLee Creations shops (including on eBay under barleespringers) you will always be able to buy my single sided all dog breed crate tags. However each shop may or my not have some of other items I make, it will vary from shop to shop.

          To spice things up a bit I have decided that I will be selling my handmade dog/pet collar charms and pet & owner sets in my ArtFire and Etsy shop. Each shop will have different charms, so you will never see the same charm offered on both sites at the same time. (I will amend this to include my other new shops if and when I get them open.)

Enter to Win One of 4 Pet Collar Charms

          Recently FamilyStitchery contacted me about hosting a giveaway for me. I hadn't planned on another giveaway not until sometime next year. But I thought why not, besides you are all worth it!

          To enter go to FamilyStitchery's blog, there you will find multiple ways to enter. Don't worry entering is simple. The giveaway runs from now until December 12th. Tell everyone you know to enter, the more the merrier.

          The winner will get to choose from one of four dog/pet collar charms. Why four choices? Because it is more fun that way! Besides that way whether you have a male or female pet the prize with fit either. Hey, after all who here doesn't love having options. Even if you don't own a pet these can be used as a decorative zipper pull on a jacket, purse, or anywhere. Or better yet the holidays are coming and this would be great to give as a gift.

          Don't forget that when you are done entering my giveaway Family Stitchery is host many other giveaways for you to enter. Someone is going to win, shouldn't it be you? So get in there and good luck!

Seasonal Pet Collar Charms Now Available!

          Get these cute Seasonal Doggie Charms before someone else does! Only 2 available, the snowflake and candy striped charm, so once they are gone they are gone for good. These are perfect for dressing up your pet for all those holiday parties and get-togethers. They are not tied to any one specific holiday (such as Christmas) which makes them very versatile. Even if you don't observe any of the up coming holidays who can resist celebrating and enjoying the crisp winter season.

          I actually didn't set out to make Holiday Collar Charms, but sometimes with the mixed supplies I buy little fun surprises like these crop up. Because I buy my supplies in either mixed lots or limited quantities I am often unable to produce more than one piece. Any time you see a piece of jewelry you like of mine I suggest that you purchase it right away before you miss out.

          I do have a few more of the red striped bead if anyone needs more then one charm for their furry companions. However I don't have anymore of the smaller red beads but I should be able to find some other beads that should look similar.

          Have any questions about these pieces or anything else I make please feel free to leave a post on my blog or contact me directly. Want to see more jewelry for dogs/pets then please visit my store on ArtFire.

Thanks for stopping by!

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.

My Very First Giveaway!

          I am very pleased to announce my first Giveaway! I thought now is a great time to do this as I have reached over 200 Twitter followers. How exciting is that, right? So let's celebrate and get this giveaway rolling....whoop, whoop!

          The prize is one of my Handmade Dog Collar Charm that I made special just for this giveaway. It is made of two wire wrapped agate beads that measures (not including the split ring) about 1 1/4" or 31.75mm. That makes it perfect for practically any size dog or pet. A good unisex style, not to glitzy for male but at the same time stylish enough for a female. The really neat thing about the charm is that it has a slightly different look from every angle.

          Now onto how you can enter to win it. Entries will begin on Friday May 20, 2011 and will end on June 3, 2011 12:00PM CST. On the following day I will randomly pick a winner from all the entries and announce the winner on June 5, 2011, at which time the winner will have three days to claim the prize. I will make every attempt to contact the winner. However, if the winner can not be reached I will redraw for an alternate winner until the prize has been claimed. I want this to be fun so I am going to give you multiple ways to get entered in the giveaway. Here is how:


1. Leave a comment here on my blog. One entry
2. Follow my blog and let me know by leaving a comment. One entry
3. Promote my giveaway on Facebook and post link in comments. One entry
4. Tweet my giveaway and post a link in the comments. One entry each
5. Blog about my giveaway and post a link in the comments. Two entries each
6. Purchase an item from my Artfire store. Ten entries per item
7. Post a link in the comments of your favorite item in my ArtFire store. (Maximum one link per day.) One entry each

Good Luck!



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.