Collars & Leashes & Clothes, Oh My!

[Dori & Rua]

As many of you know, last summer I talked about making collars & leashes, agility items, clothing & blogging.  I bought several domains (after input from all of you).

My blog is www.lifewithrua.com.  I have tried to post a couple of times per month.  It is a way for me to exercise my right brain, and because there are only 8,000 plus DK members, I figured I wasn't reaching enough people to brag share about my Life with Rua.  LOL

I also bought a domain that I intend to sell collars, leashes & agility equipment on.  It is www.KangaRua.com.  It is a work in process.  I will start with collars & leashes since they are the easiest to ship, and go from there.  I have a ways to go, but I am making progress.  I had sewing machine issues and bought the wrong size plastic slides.

 

Had to set up "shop"...when I buy my next house, I will turn one of the bedrooms into a real sewing room...right now, with my house for sale, I am limited.

 

New Janome Serger & Janome Professional Sewing Machine.

 

The below is a matching leash & collar set...Spring Stripes!

 

Above is a collar (will be making a leash, too)...Pink Horses!

 

At the same time, I also bought the domain www.BellaRua.com because I just loved the name, but I didn't know what I was going to do with it.  But, after making Rua several cheerleading outfits (also make some for Ellen's two girls http://www.doodlekisses.com/profile/EllenSutton), Rua's Halloween Costume (Mimi Linna has put in an order for one for Lilly), and a number of other items, I have decided that BellaRua will be for clothes.  

 

Gotta have fleece wear..

 

And who girl wouldn't want a wool pink & black plaid coat.

 

So, here is where I need some advice and I couldn't think of a better place to go than here!

I want to "brand" what I sell, so I thought woven labels would be the way to go. I really love the look of this site and the logo...http://www.lolaandfoxy.com/.  I wish I could come up with a cute little logo, but that would hugely increase the price, and after how much work it was to come up with DK logo, I am not sure I want to go there.

I found a place that will do simple ones for a reasonable price for small quanity.  I like the cream background with pink (of course) text - 1/2" labels so they fit on a collar. 

http://www.everestlabel.com/product/half_personalized_labels.php 

 

1. So, do you think it should be just larger font size "KangaRua" or two lines that include website (I would order the same style for BellaRua)?
2. If you were in the market to buy a collar, would the pink text deter you from buying a collar for your male dog?
3. If yes, would a simple white or cream background with grey or black text be better? 
4. Or, black background with Pink & white (I do like this actually better than the cream label - but perhaps this should just be for BellaRua - black & pink have always been my favorites for Rua).
5. Is it better to have a logo from the very start (I would have to have someone create it) and brand that way or start out with just the plain labels and change later)?
6. Anybody have an idea for a logo? When we had the DK contest, Camila made this logo of Darwin which I liked (I bought a decal & several mugs)  http://www.cafepress.com/+sticker_oval,551576209.  Perhaps a logo like this...an outline of Rua?
7. What should I charge for a 1" collar?
8. What should I charge for a 5' Leash?

 

I appreciate your input!  Thanks so much.

 

Dori & Rua

 

 

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

Later I'll post a picture of the boys modeling their new leashes and collars (can't ever really see the collars for all the hair).  Let me add the real male doods DO wear pink & red - lol!!!!  Valentine's Day is also my anniversary so the boys and I are always extra festive!!!!  LOL.

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Jane,  these are very cute!! Can't wait to see them strutting their pink!!

[PJ and Zach]

Dori, this is such a neat thing to throw yourself in to. I love the cover picture on your kangarua.com home page. Priceless! I hope this project is going forward for you. I'll keep checking back so I can see and use a shopping cart for your cute stuff. Zach wiould proudly wear a matching collar and leash. He's never had such a thing before... He's only worn a raincoat. :)