Happy Holidays!

Well, another holiday season has come and gone. We were busy filling orders for the holidays, but have had some time to work on a few new things which we will have more details on soon...

We hope everyone had a wonderful holiday and that all your furry family members got some cool new toys to keep them busy this winter!

This will be a quick post as we just want to wish everyone well and let you know that we appreciate your support of Hound and Thistle this year!

We will post again soon with some details on some new products, so stay tuned!

Great Newsweek Article

I just read a great article in Newsweek about Pit Bulls and their owners...In fact, it applies to anyone thinking of getting a dog - any breed. We've got to educate people about getting breeds that are right for them, not something that's "cool", "chic", "tough", etc...That and PLEASE spay and neuter your pets! One day we might not have to worry about over-flowing shelters if we as humans start taking responsibility!

Owners, Not Pit Bulls, Are the Problem: http://www.newsweek.com/id/220497/page/1

Christmas Cards for Dog-Lovers!

Christmas cards are now in stock at Hound and Thistle! These particular designs are for dog-lovers, but you don't have to have a dog to get them...they're just plain cute! Don't worry, we're working on some Hanukkah designs as well and hopefully some that are not dog-specific. Oh, and stay tuned for gift tags to be available in the shop. They'll be ready very soon...and you will be so coordinated!

Let sleeping dogs sleep...

I wish I could take a picture...I'm sitting at the computer with 2 border terriers in my lap and I'm typing with one hand! They've both managed to squirm onto my lap as I work on holiday card designs. I think they missed me as I had been so busy preparing for the dog show with little time to play and cuddle...BTs love their people. Now my right leg is asleep and I'm sure the left arm is next!

Since there isn't a camera within an arm's length, I'll try to describe this sweet picture as best I can...Finlay is laying across my lap with his head resting in the crook of my left arm, snoring away. My legs are propped up on the desk and Riley has taken up a spot from my knees to my lap, her body and Finlay's making a "t". They seem just as comfortable as can be! Surely laying all over me is more comfortable than lying by my feet! ;)

Recap - Dog Show

How nice it is to take a break from all the craziness of preparing for and selling at the dog show! We worked for about 3 weeks straight getting ready for the show and that paired with full-time jobs is enough to wear a woman out!

The rain is back in Atlanta, so I'm taking advantage of a sleepy, rainy, southern day...listening to the rain and watching college football, that and the Real Housewives of Atlanta (I admit, a guilty pleasure!).

While we didn't sell as much at the show as we had hoped, we weren't the only ones. 4 straight days of rain kept spectators away and I was told the entries were down a lot this year - chalk that up to the economy. So, with those factors, I think we did well. We got a lot of great feedback and interest in our products.

I've re-worked a few of the breeds based on feedback by breeders who know their breeds best and I have a few more to tweak.

It was a great experience - I learned a LOT about dog shows! I don't think I full understood what a business it is, it's quite something. That and I had no clue that people dye their dogs so their coats look better!

We will let you know when we have another booth!

Dog Show Booth - Day 1

So, I wanted to share with you a photograph of our booth at the Classic Cluster dog show in Atlanta, GA. We're sharing it with a couple other ladies from the Atlanta Terrier Club and it turned out really nice. In fact, I would say it's probably the nicest booth at the show! The H&T items are mostly in the foreground...

I wish I had more energy to write, but after weeks of preparation and working until the wee hours last night, I need to put my feet up! If you're coming by, we've got a good location. It's straight to the back of the center and a little to the right (rows J&K if you look for the markers on the ceiling). Come on by and say hi!

I'll report more later...now on to cuddling with the dogs and eating some dinner!

Preparing for the show...

The big dog show is now one week from today! I've been working hard and can't wait to see how we do. Last weekend I packaged a ton of cards, had an incredible seamstress sew my pillows (I still have a lot of practicing to do before I can sell my sewn pillows), and firmed up the booth design. I hope I can get everything done in time! I still have to apply the appliques to the pillows, sew a couple of aprons, design a banner, create signage....Wow, I've still got a lot to do! I'll write more once the show begins to let you know how it's going! Gotta run...

H&T at Georgia Classic Cluster Dog Show!

Hi Everyone!

I've been working for the past few weeks to get things in order to secure a booth at a dog show and it's just been confirmed! Hound and Thistle will be at the Atlanta Exposition Center for a 4 day dog show - The Georgia Classic Cluster show. The dates are September 17-20 and the Expo center is located at 3850 Jonesboro Rd SE, Atlanta, GA 30354-3507. This is a big show and a great place to learn about breeds and potentially meet breeders if you are considering adding a dog to your family. We will keep you updated on the progress leading up to the show and of course, let you know how it went!

If you're in the neighborhood or looking for something to do, please stop by. Since there will be many dog breeds at the show, it's a great place to see lots of breeds up close and in person - especially those you don't see every day!

Playin' With The Queen Of Hearts...

Hey there!

Sorry it's been so long since I've posted...there's been a lot going on and we're just trying to keep up over here at H&T!

Recently, Hound and Thistle stationery has been set-up for sale in a booth at the Queen of Hearts Antiques in Alpharetta, GA! If you've never been there, it's a great place to find antiques and home decor items along with many other things. I swear there is a booth that has a bottle labeled "poison"...not sure what that's all about, but this place has it all! It's a really inspiring place for your inner designer as well. So many of the booths are decorated so nicely.

The booth is run by a company called Harvest and it's near the back of the space, I think in the middle section. It's on a corner and is so cute. I've attached a photo to this post and you can see the cards in a basket at the front corner. The booth changes all the time as items are sold and new things brought in and currently there is a beautiful green cupboard where the stationery resides.

If you're in the area, check out Queen of Hearts - you'll be inspired! Here are their details:

700 N Main St, Alpharetta, GA 30009-8341 (678) 297-7571

H&T at Fringe - Artful Goods

I am very pleased to announce that Hound and Thistle stationery can now be found at Fringe - Artful Goods in Canton, GA! I met with the owner, Katherine, on Saturday and she is such a cool person. Her shop features work by local artists along with creative fashions and home accessories. It's really a neat shop so if you're in downtown Canton, be sure to stop by. Not only is it good to support local businesses, but it's always good to support kind, nice people and Katherine fits the bill!

I have to say, one of the coolest things about starting my own business has been the support of women I know. A former colleague sells her items at Fringe (really cute baby blankets & toys along with dog blankets and fashions) and took my stuff in to see if they would be interested. It's amazing how much support you get from other creative women in your life.

You can visit fringe online at www.fringeartfulgoods.com, but you've got to pay a visit to the shop, they have some great stuff!

Pillow Talk

Sorry it's been a while since I've written, I've been busy and trying to get organized! My Friday night out at Candlebar was fun and successful. I got a total of 5 orders which was great, plus they asked for more cards last week! They are the nicest people. If you are in the Atlanta area, please pay them a visit. They have a shop in Midtown and one in Dunwoody. They have the coolest gifts and wonderful lotions and soaps.

So, back to the title of this post...I decided I would try to #1 sew a pillow and #2 sew an applique on said pillow. My dear friends just had a baby and since they are big dog lovers, I wanted to make them a unique dog-themed gift to put in the dog-themed nursery. I found a fun "kid" fabric, got some contrasting felt for a dog silhouette and got to work...Not only did I sew a pillow with a dog silhouette applique, I also sewed a zipper on the pillow! Now, it's not the most well-crafted pillow because I'm still learning (and a perfectionist and my sewing machine goes from 0 - 100 with no in between!), but they loved it and they are so fun to make (when my sewing machine cooperates). I've done a total of 4 pillows with dog breed silhouettes and I just love them! Hopefully it won't be long before I perfect these and can start selling them online.

I've included a picture so you can let me know what you think!

Hound and Thistle at Candlebar!

I've been a busy little bee this last week and that's why you haven't heard from me, I do apologize. The good news is, I was busy getting products ready to sell in a cool shop called Candlebar and More! Candlebar will be selling H&T stationery at their Dunwoody, GA location (and hopefully in their Midtown, GA location soon too!). Candlebar is a cool gift shop with lots of monogrammed gifts, candles, soaps, wine accessories, home decor and just some really great gifts.

Even more exciting is that Hound and Thistle has been invited to take part in a wine and cheese/ open house this Friday, May 8th from 6-9 pm! Not only can you see H&T items, but there will be a t-shirt designer there and Candlebar is offering 15% off their merchandise just in time for Mother's Day! Make sure to stop by if you're in the area. Also, check out Candlebar's website at www.candlebarandmore.com. They are super-cool folks and you've got to love that they support local artists!

I'm off to make more stationery for Friday...!

What Would You Like to See at H&T?

We'd love to know what you would like to see from us and what you think of our products. For those of you who are dog-aficionados, take a look at your favorite breed and let us know if we got it right! You know your breed, especially those of you who show dogs, so you can let us know if there are any nuances that need to be changed. For the men out there, we are working on some more masculine designs. ;)

We have other product ideas in mind and hope to roll out more later this year. We look forward to hearing from you!

Angus's Angels

I want to tell you a little story about a dog named Angus. Angus is a black, spaniel mix who lived in Augusta, GA with his mom for a long time. Angus's mom got sick with cancer and Angus was home alone, waiting for her return. Unfortunately, Angus's mom did not get better and passed away, so Angus was all alone and needed to find a new home. Angus's uncle had a friend who was determined to find Angus a home, knowing that none of the shelters would take such an old dog as Angus was believed to be 10 years old. After much distress, the friend-of-the-uncle had friends who agreed to adopt Angus - sight unseen. So, about a year ago, Angus drove with his uncle to Metro Atlanta to meet his new family. Angus was very shy and had terrible allergies - he had lost a lot of fur off his back and had scabs on his ankles. Ashley, Angus's new mom, didn't bat an eyelash. She graciously took Angus to her home (after a long walk and a visit to a nearby pet store for food, treats and toys!) to show him his new house. Angus was doing pretty well, but was still shy...when Jeff, his new dad, came home he was being really shy and unsure. Well, it didn't take long for the love from Jeff and Ashley to totally transform Angus. Love was all he needed.

After a visit to the vet, it turned out Angus was actually 12 years old (!) and he was put on a special diet to help some issues he has. The fur on Angus's back grew back and he was no longer biting at his paws and ankles - Angus really needed companionship and he was in the right home for that! He is so completely and utterly loved, it's wonderful to see. He looks like he's actually gotten younger since he's found his new home. It's not that Angus was not loved by his first mom, it's that he was lonely for a year and that really affected him.

Angus is super-sweet and super-duper-lucky to have Jeff and Ashley (and Cleo the cat, but I think they stay away from one another!). Oh yeah, and after being so shy around Jeff at first, now they are the best of buddies! If Jeff lays on the floor, Angus lays right on top of him to snuggle! It's so sweet to see the love they share and to see how love made Angus a happier dog.

Dogs are the most amazing creatures and have such a bond with the humans in their lives. We are so lucky to be able to share our lives with dogs, they give love unconditionally and teach us so much about ourselves. As all rescue dogs know, there are angels out there and they are forever grateful to those angels who rescue them.

The Genius of Bob Barker

When I was a little girl, part of the fun of staying home from school was watching game shows. Whether I was home sick drinking ginger ale (that cured everything, you know), home on a snow day, of just off for a teacher work day, TV game shows were always on. We would watch "Press Your Luck," "Card Sharks," "Let's Make a Deal," and of course "The Price is Right." "The Price is Right" was the most fun game show out of all of them and mostly because of the interaction between Bob Barker and the contestants. Bob Barker just made connections with his contestants and his audience.

Famously at the end of each episode, Mr. Barker would always say, "Help control the pet population, have your pets spayed or neutered."

As a kid, I just kind of thought that was funny but didn't really understand it. As an adult, I so appreciate that Bob Barker said that after every single episode, without fail. The reason I appreciate it so much is because there are way too many dogs and cats in shelters, so many right now that a lot of shelters cannot take any more animals. I receive countless emails from people who know I'm a dog-lover, telling me about dogs that have been found and need homes. It absolutely breaks my heart because it is so preventable. All you have to do is listen to Mr. Barker's words and have your pets spayed or neutered, it's that simple. Not to mention, there are shelters that offer low-cost spaying and neutering if the expense is the issue.

If you are going to add a pet to your family, that animal becomes your responsibility and you need to make smart decisions about the life of that pet. Did you know that spaying and neutering can actually lengthen the life of your pet? Studies have shown that they are less susceptible to cancers when they are spayed or neutered.

Pets are not simply here for our pleasure. If we take the big step to bring a pet into our lives, we need to make good decisions for that animal and for our communities. It's the responsible thing to do.
In Mr. Barker's words, "Help control the pet population, have your pets spayed or neutered."

In Support of the Little Guy

It's a beautiful day in my neighborhood, so I took the dogs for one of our nice 2 mile walks. It's a perfect Spring day, the sun is out, there is a crisp, cool breeze, the birds are making nests and the bees are starting to buzz around. It's one of those days you are so happy to be alive and well! On our walk, I heard a comment that inspired this post, but first I will give you a little background.

The largest dog we had growing up was a basset hound and that was my first dog, she was awesome! After that we had Yorkies, very small dogs of course, and all wonderful dogs. If you've been reading my posts, you know that I have two border terriers, not big dogs at all, but much hardier than Yorkies. If you've never seen a border, they are similar in size to a jack (parson) russell terrier, about 15 pounds. Also, my two borders became a little fearful after two aggressive neighbor dogs who used to attack our fence. So, I'm working with Fin and Ri, trying my best "Dog Whisperer" impersonation to help them realize other dogs are something they do not need to worry about.

So, back to our walk...We approached the tennis courts where there were matches going on. At the first court we approached was a yellow lab who I've seen watching tennis matches all the time; he's always off leash as he was today. Usually the lab doesn't even notice us, this time, however, the lab growled at my dogs. It was a deep, low growl too, which was kind of weird. Again, I was trying to do my best "Dog Whisperer" so we just kept walking. Quite frankly, I was surprised that this lab was growling at my two dogs who actually seemed oblivious to him; neither of my dogs reacted to the lab! Maybe all those darn Dog Whisperer episodes I've watched are paying off! ;) After the owner corrected the lab (who I should note, stayed by his owner and didn't come towards us), he then made the comment, "those are just appetizers," followed by a chuckle. It may have been because he was with his buddies and felt like he had to comment on the size of my dogs, but it really irritated me! Maybe he was embarrassed that his big lab was initiating something with two small dogs, I guess it's not the most macho thing. ;)

I can't tell you how many times I've heard that comment or comments like that. With the Yorkies I guess I understood it a little because they are so small, but my borders are tough! They aren't prissy-looking dogs, they are scruffy, tough, relentless terriers! The truth is, they could probably give that lab a run for his money! -Not that I would ever want that, but terriers in general are as tough as nails. Borders were bread to go into fox holes for crying out loud!

Maybe I shouldn't have been so sensitive, but today it just stuck in my head. When my dogs initiate a bark-fest, it makes more sense; today, they were angels and I was so proud of them.

Anyway, we finished our lovely walk and they couldn't be happier to be outside, enjoying all the scents and critters running about. Now they are feeling sleepiness set in and are ready for their afternoon naps...Oh, to be a dog!

HoundAndThistle.com is Up and Running!

Good Afternoon!

This is just a quick update to let you know that the Hound and Thistle web site just went live!!! Now, I'll warn you that there are a few things I need to tweak, so it's not perfect just yet...and I'm a perfectionist so we'll see if I can leave it be for a bit and take a break! I swear I've been looking at the computer for so long that my vision is blurry...good thing I picked up some eye drops yesterday. Anyway, have a look and I hope you like it! I do have a few files that need to be added, so if you see something missing, I most likely know about it already! ;)

Take care!

Hound and Thistle Update

I am beginning to learn how hard it is to juggle so many things! I have a full-time job, a part-time job and my new company, Hound and Thistle. Pair that with a house to run (with two dogs that shed a lot) and there just isn't enough time! Plus, I'm a girl who needs a lot of sleep so I can't cut out the sleep! ;)

I am still working on the Hound and Thistle website and I left the hardest part last...the shop. I've got the shop layout ready but now need to connect it to PayPal. I've done this before but with only one product so it's going to be a little more time-consuming this time around! The greatest part though is that I love it. Working on H&T is so fun and fulfilling that it doesn't really feel like work. I just want to offer great products that people will love and of course, I want everything, including the website, to look awesome!

OK, I'm off to work on the site...Wish me luck!!

Be Thankful

This is going to be a short one, but an important one...Things are tough right now for so many people and right now the biggest thing we hear about is the economy, however, I don't think it's all that important to worry about in the grand scheme of things. What?!!? You might think I've gone off my rocker, but I trust you, I haven't. I've been dealing with the economic thing a bit longer than most due to my full-time job and that of my husband and over the last year and 1/2, we've really realized how much we have and what to be thankful for. Don't get me wrong, the money thing is tough, but it's not everything. I know a couple of really special people who are going through medical issues and they amaze me every single day. They are so strong and positive and I just can't imagine how they do it, but they do and they inspire me more than they know. Now, I have my opinions on the economy and what our government is doing to "fix" it, but that's not important. What is important is to remember you have so many other things to be thankful for...your health, your family, your pets, your home, the fact that you can wake up each day, walk outside, breathe fresh air, and go about your day. So if you're feeling stressed about the economy, and I know so many of you are, remember all the little things that you take for granted each day. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other, work hard, pray a little (if you pray), and know that this too shall pass. :)

My Funny Little Dog

I have two border terriers, Finlay and Riley (right) and they are the funniest, happiest dogs, though a bit crazy, after all, they are terriers! So, I want to share a story about Riley who is my clown. She's always acting like a goof ball and seems to have a permanent grin on her face. This past Saturday was beautiful outside so we took a long walk. As I was picking up after Fin, Riley started rolling in the grass. She's kind of gross that way, she's the female dog yet she rolls in scents all the time while Finlay hardly ever does that. Go figure. Anyway, she was covered from head to tail in pieces of sod, I mean absolutely covered! She didn't bother to shake it off, just kept walking along like she was modeling the finest haute couture - head held high, prancing right along. That just got me to laughing. Here I am walking down the sidewalk just laughing literally out loud at my dog, telling her how funny she is. Anyone walking by would think I was losing my mind, but that's the beauty of dogs, they make you less self-consicous and more carefree. I can't tell you how many times these two get me to laughing to the point that my stomach hurts! It was my reminder to enjoy the beauty of the day and the comedy of my funny little dog.