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.