Classic Hound

ClassicHound in the Front page TREASURY!

noreply@blogger.com (Classic Hound) — Thu, 15 May 2008 11:55:00 +0000

The title was "charCOOL" and designed by kimiko611. Unfortunately it was featured in the middle of the night, so I slept right through it. I woke up to a message this morning - thank you Crafterall for telling me about this - otherwise I would have never known! I feel honored to have been featured.

Handmade4Hounds

noreply@blogger.com (Classic Hound) — Thu, 08 May 2008 02:03:00 +0000

Hooray! Handmade4Hounds has been featured on Etsy's front page in the Storque. Our street team is still young and wet behind the ears, but we are gaining momentum! You can read the article for yourself here.

May's Photo Contest Winner!

noreply@blogger.com (Classic Hound) — Fri, 02 May 2008 13:49:00 +0000

May's Photo Contest Winner!, originally uploaded by ClassicHound.

Congratulations to our May winner, Ramona the Greythound! She is one hip hound in her red hip star design! Ramona is definitely a head turner - with or without the collar! She's also Classic Hound's May Photo Contest Winner! Ramona will enjoy a $20.00 Gift certificate that she can use towards any Classic Hound Purchase! Learn more about Classic Hound's photo contest by clicking here.

For pet photography tips, go to this post to learn helpful techniques to help you get that perfect shot!

Sweet Dreams Designs

noreply@blogger.com (Classic Hound) — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 13:50:00 +0000

How lovely are these prints? They make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside! This UK artist has whimsical down to a "T". I'm in love with her work. Her guinea pig images brought me back to my teaching days, when my 1st grade class had a pair of cavies - Rosie and Bob - who were quite the amorous pair! It was a lot of fun for the kids (and me!) when Rosie gave birth to the cutest little piggies we'd ever seen! Just little golf ball sizes of fluff running around the cage! What fun!!

Check out her watercolors, originals, prints, and ACEOs.

For those of you who aren't sure what ACEOs are (like me until this post), here's a definition I found on Etsy: ACEOs (Art Cards Editions or Originals). Right now a lot of people are starting to collect ACEOs. They are collectible miniature artworks that can be created in any variety of media - originals or prints. The main rule is that they measure 3.5 x 2.5 inches. They are small, low cost examples of artists' work so this allows people to collect a variety of different types of art. You can put them in a photo album on your living room table , frame them or leave them in a basket for everyone to enjoy. The hope is that when someone sees a sample of an artist's work they'll be inspired to purchase a larger piece for their home or as a gift.

For more information on Sweet Dreams Design's website,Watercolors; Originals, Prints, and ACEOs check out her Etsy Shop. For greeting cards and key chains go to her ZoZo Etsy shop. And for 3D textiles, checkout this one. I almost forgot to mention that SweetDreamsDesigns is also a member of Handmade4Hounds,so she's an artist who gives back! And you've gotta love that!!!

Art of The Greyhound

noreply@blogger.com (Classic Hound) — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 15:04:00 +0000

One of my favorite greyhound artists is a fellow Etsian and also a member of handmade4hounds! Let me introduce you to you Sarah Regan Snaveley and Art of the Greyhound:

Sarah's website explains that in 1995, Sarah called the Greyhound Pets of America 800 number for the nearest Greyhound adoption group. She drove a ten hours drive to meet Sterling, a fawn-colored male who had flunked off the track before he turned two years old. Sterling graciously modeled for many of the art works created while Sarah earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at Minnesota State University - Moorhead. It was this amazing breed with the sensitive and gentle nature that captured Sarah’s imagination.

Sarah’s work focuses on the rich, often subtle, body language of her subjects: the ear carriage, the tightening of facial muscles, the incline of the head. All are used as tools to invite the viewer into Snavely’s vision of the Greyhound soul. Whether the medium is two or three dimensional the connection between the Artist and the Greyhound is always evident.

My mother was a sculptor and ceramicist (she preferred to be called a potter) and I've spent years with my mother in her studio playing in the clay. Which makes my appreciation of Sarah's work all the more great - from the molding and rolling of wet clay to the firings and glazing, this is not only hard work, but takes an incredible amount of talent to do what Sarah does! Her work is truly unique and flawless.

Sarah’s work is displayed in public and private collections in fifteen countries as well as all fifty United States. She regularly exhibits in juried art shows nationwide and has received numerous honors including an award at the prestigious Art Show at the Dog Show. Sarah and her pack of Greyhounds live in a small town in southwestern North Dakota. You can find out more about Sarah by visiting her Website and Blog (which is fantastic! I've added her to my blogroll). I also suggest checking out her Etsy Store as well!

April Doggies

noreply@blogger.com (Classic Hound) — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 14:43:00 +0000

ToadBriar

noreply@blogger.com (Classic Hound) — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 13:13:00 +0000

Welcome to the whimsical world of ToadBriar! I get lost in the magic of these amazing paintings. Take this Cozy Fairy Tale Thank You Toad Firefly painting for instance. It is so lovely and immediately takes me back to the days I would sit on my mothers lap as a child and we would read together.

"Under the hedgerow, a little toad reads his Fairy Tale book about The Frog Prince. Night is falling, light is fading .... until a firefly casts his warm light for Toad to read by. This is a warm cozy painting that says "thank you".

The artist, Kim Parkhurst's love of greyhounds (and perhaps whippets too) is apparent in these gorgeous portraits. I feel like I could sit down to drink a cup of tea and engage in witty conversation with this guy:

Parkhurst, makes all sorts of art, from paintings and prints to dolls, vintage style teddy bears, and sculptures. She even spins wool on her very own spinning wheel! (Something I grew up doing as well with the wool shorn from our own sheep, small world)! You can find more of her work, including card sets, in her ToadBriar Etsy Shop.

BowWowBeds

noreply@blogger.com (Classic Hound) — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 15:04:00 +0000

BowWowBeds are incredible! An innovative design that has No Zipper! It's Durable! Unique! Practical! Completely Machine Washable & Dryer Safe! The creator and owner of BowWowBeds is also a member of Handmade4Hounds, so she gives back to the doggies she makes beds for!

BowWowBeds are dog bed covers custom made from durable Duck Canvas. Same TOUGH material used Sails, Humvee Tops & Backpacks! Makes a wonderful comfy bed for your pet! Beds come in four colors: Hunter Green, Jet Black, Drab Olive & Natural.

And the best part is that the designer will personalize your Bow Wow Bed by painting your Dog’s Name, Paw Print or Dog Bone for FREE! The letters measure 2 inches. The paw & bone measure about 1.5 to 2 inches. Once painted (non toxic, permanent) the fabric can then be washed 72 hours later.

Look how well they fit into the back of your car for easy traveling!

And look how comfortable and relaxed these hounds look on their new BowWowBeds!

You can find out more about these fabulously durable and chic beds by visiting BowWow's Etsy shop and website.

Isabell

noreply@blogger.com (Classic Hound) — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 01:53:00 +0000

Isabell, originally uploaded by ClassicHound.

How cute is this little Iggie? Not only is she looking absolutely fabulous in her new Chocolate Blossom martingale, she's also Classic Hound's April Photo Contest Winner! Congratulations to Isabell and her family! Isabell will enjoy a $20.00 Gift certificate that she can use towards any Classic Hound Purchase! Learn more about Classic Hound's photo contest by clicking here.

Dobé and Fiebe

noreply@blogger.com (Classic Hound) — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 15:47:00 +0000

One of my most FAVORITE blogs ever! The most amazing photographs of whippets anywhere, can be found in Belgium. Two whippets, Dobé and Fiebe, are two gorgeous, happy, and well-loved pups. This site is definitely worth checking out for the phenomenal pictures and amazingly video clips of the girls as well.

Whippets are such fun, agile, FAST little creatures - and Dobé and Fiebe really exhibit all these traits to the max! Get lost in this site and watch these two whippies (they are actually sisters) grow up from puppyhood (sooo cute!) and see what their up to today at dobe.com!

Oprah Exposes Puppy Mills

noreply@blogger.com (Classic Hound) — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 12:09:00 +0000

Bill Smith, founder of Main Line Animal Rescue, pleaded with Oprah last month through a billboard just off the Kennedy Expressway in Chicago that read, "Oprah: Do a show on puppy mills. The dogs need you."

"Every year, Bill and several volunteers rescue hundreds of abused, unwanted or abandoned animals, rehabilitate them and adopt them out to families. Many of the animals Bill rescues come from puppy mills, which he describes as places where bad breeders care more about the profit they make from puppies than the health or welfare of the animals. He says the dogs in puppy mills face deplorable conditions including inbreeding, minimal or no vet care, limited shelter and overcrowded cages" (oprah.com).

Oprah along with Lisa Ling and Bill Smith exposed the horrifying world of puppy mills on her show yesterday. Why are we supporting a trade that pumps out little puppies, when there are SO MANY dogs in shelters just waiting for good homes? Not to mention the thousands that are euthanized every day? We do have a responsibility to protect these animals and it just makes me sick to know this is not only happening but LEGAL too.

Check out these beauties! Rescued from certain death and here they are thriving! These three doggies were saved by Bill, who says several of the dogs he and Lisa rescued were named in honor of their appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show. "We have a 'Gayle' (pictured, on the right)and we have an 'Oprah' (left) and we have a 'Stedman (middle),'" he says.

Resources from Oprah's site to help us fight puppy mills:

Main Line Animal Rescue
The Humane Society of the United States
Lange Foundation
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Petfinder
Adoption service associated with the Animal Planet television series, including links to shelters across North America.
Dogs in Danger
Pets 911
Features searchable lost and found dogs and information about neutering, adoption and training.
World Animal Net
Search for local shelters and adoptable pets.
PetHarbor
Search for local shelters, rescues and adoptable pets.
Best Friends Animal Society
Largest no-kill animal sanctuary in the country

Visit Oprah's website for more information.

Home of the Life Size Crocheted Greyhound

noreply@blogger.com (Classic Hound) — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 20:43:00 +0000

I would like to introduce AerieDesigns to all those who may not already be familiar with Lenora's amazing work. The ultimate in crocheted greyhound art! I can't even imagine how long it must take to crochet one of the life size greyhounds, or how long it must have taken to actually DESIGN THE PATTERN. Wow! I just LOVE the snoods and sweaters too. A wonderful resource for all those crocheters out there!!

I really admire Lenora's dedication to such a worthy cause - a portion of every purchase is donated to benefit greyhound adoption. By collecting all of Aerie Design's crochet patterns you are supporting greyhounds!

If you don't crochet (like me) but love the designs, sometimes patterns can be found in Greyhound Adoption Fundraising auctions. Items made with Aerie Design patterns can be sold to raise money for non-profit dog rescue ONLY. For more information visit Aerie Designs's Blog and Website. To buy some of these amazing patterns and products, visit her Etsy Store.

Classic Hound loves Aerie Designs!!

Apparently I'm a Kooiker...

noreply@blogger.com (Classic Hound) — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 01:44:00 +0000

I took this test to find out which breed of dog matches the type of human I am.....it was really fun! Select the "Game" tab on the left hand side of the screen at gone2thedogs. Enjoy!!!

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Dewey and the Babe

noreply@blogger.com (Classic Hound) — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 12:10:00 +0000

My little guy and I have a routine we do every morning (really our whole day is about routines!) - I read the paper while Rowan plays. Lately he has been infatuated with Dewey. Throwing the ball for Dewey is a sure fire way to stop Rowan from crying. I took these pictures the other morning, trying to take advantage of the sunlight streaming in through the front window.

Handmad4Hounds

noreply@blogger.com (Classic Hound) — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 21:23:00 +0000

We're official! Handmade4Hounds is an Etsy Street team 11 members strong! Check out our Etsy Badge on the bottom of the page for a sample of our work. We'll be opening a shop soon with the majority (if not all) of the proceeds going to greyhound adoption groups.

Here's our mission statement: We have two primary goals: promoting the support of independent artists and to raise money to support Greyhound adoption. Many programs are in desperate need of funds in order to continue serving racers. Handmade4Hounds is a team of immense creative energy on a mission to invite people to open up their hearts and homes to this special breed of dog. Our members support a wide variety of Greyhound Adoption programs in the USA, Canada, the UK, Australia and Ireland.

Please visit our BLOG and WEBSITE for more information!

More coming soon from our new Etsy Street Team!

How cool is this!

noreply@blogger.com (Classic Hound) — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 23:23:00 +0000

I suppose there are a few instances when being short and squaty come in handy!

Who's Happier? You or Fido?

noreply@blogger.com (Classic Hound) — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 12:47:00 +0000

This is a fun and inspiring quiz. I don't want to give anything away, but we could all stand to learn a few things from our 4-legged friends (the kind that wag their tails and lick our faces).

TAKE THE QUIZ

Have fun measuring your contentment and happiness!

Meet Jaguar the Greyhound!

noreply@blogger.com (Classic Hound) — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 14:11:00 +0000

Jaguar!, originally uploaded by ClassicHound.

Doesn't he look handsome? He looks so confident and relaxed in his new Chocolate Blossom tag collar. Jaguar also happens to be Classic Hound's March photo contest winner! Which means that he and his family will enjoy a $20.00 gift certificate to use towards any Classic Hound purchase. Find out more about the photo contest here.

Introducing Fashion Hound Handbags!

noreply@blogger.com (Classic Hound) — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 11:51:00 +0000

Dewey's Story

noreply@blogger.com (Classic Hound) — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 02:29:00 +0000

This is the incredible story of how Dewey came to be. He is a sporty dog who enjoys a game of fetch now and then. He's working on his obsessive compulsive urinating habits, but knows that he will one day prevail against the urge to pee on every verticle object he comes across. Above all else, he loves quick runs in the morning and a good kong to chew on at night.

HE SEEMED TO FALL FROM THE SKY...

AND INTO OUR LAPS!

We were driving through the Deschutes National Forest for a family camping trip the night Dewey was rescued from the wilderness. 4 separate cars were caravaning to our family's favorite camp spot in central Oregon. My mother and brother were traveling together as the lead car when Dewey was first spotted. He appeared out of nowhere, literally, and darted across the road and into the headlights. "What the heck is a Chiwawa doing in the middle of the woods?!?" my mother exclaimed completely astounded. Mom stopped the car and when she and Lane jumped out and called out to the pitch black night, they heard nothing. Nothing at all. They pleaded for the little guy to come to them, when suddenly the sound of little dog toenails scraping against the asphalt could be heard, and very suddenly this little dog jumped right up into my brother's arms.

Dewey's poor nose was crusty and dry and his sides sunk in. He inhaled someone's leftover chicken sandwich and quickly slurped up some fresh water. He was so grateful and well behaved, we all found it impossible to believe that someone had abandoned him. Perhaps he somehow got loose, and was now lost. He had no collar or identification. We checked with rangers for a report of a lost dog, but none had been made. We camped for a full 10 days, and no one seemed to be missing this adorable little dog. It seemed that he truly had abandoned in the middle of the woods.

It only took us about 2 seconds to decide what to do with this dog. That whole week of camping he went everywhere that we did - he even slept in our tent. We were more than willing to keep him for our own.

Where did he come from? Why was he all alone in the wilderness? WHAT kind of dog is he? These are all questions that will never be answered for us. We lovingly refer to him as a Chiweagle - a Chiwawa Beagle Mix. Of course, we don't really know if this is true, but he sure looks the part!

Since he has become a member of our family, he has traveled with us on a x-country roadtrip and move from Oregon to New York. He's made friends in West Glacier, barked at buffalo and prairie dogs, visited Mt. Rushmore, and gobbled up some of the best BBQ chicken in Youngstown, Ohio. He spends many weekends with us in Connecticut to visit family, and absolutely loves life no matter where he goes. Now he's adjusting (extremely well!) to life with a baby in the house. He's a fantastic little dog! And we are so happy to have him in our family. Especially since he's practiced some self control, and only lifts his leg when out on walks! :)

Taking That Perfect Shot

noreply@blogger.com (Classic Hound) — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 23:01:00 +0000

photo and permission given by mommamia

Anyone who has ever tried to take a picture of their pet, knows that its a lot harder than it looks! One of my goals for 2008 is to become a better photographer, and that includes the pictures I take of my dog Dewey, and all the doggies I cross paths with. I would love to be able to capture a pet's personality in one amazing shot.

Let's take little Wilbur up above for instance. This is such a superb snap! Don't you feel like you know this pup, and what he's all about just by looking at this photograph? Mommamia, the photographer of this shot, really knew what she was doing when she snapped her camera into action. So how did she do it? What are the tricks of the animal photography trade? I've been doing some research.

For instance, did you know that it's best to take pictures of your pet after they've had something to eat, so they aren't distracted looking for food? Or that the closer you get to your pet when you snap that shot, the better you'll represent them?

Or how about that natural lighting is best? Perhaps the best tip I've learned is this one: GO TO YOUR PET - DON'T MAKE THEM COME TO YOU. You want them to feel comfortable so they LOOK comfortable in the picture, and a good way to do this is to go to THEIR LEVEL. I've been trying to refrain from taking shots of Dewey from up above (me standing looking down at him), but rather getting down at his level - even if that means laying down on the floor next to him. It really does make a difference!

Here are my two favorite links out of the MANY I sifted through:

How To Photograph Pets and 9 Pet Photography Tips

Visit them for not only amazingly helpful TIPS, but for INSPIRING PICTURES as well. Now go grab that digital camera, take an obscene amount of pictures (you can always edit and delete later) and get to work! Happy picture snapping!

Sneak Preview!

noreply@blogger.com (Classic Hound) — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 00:58:00 +0000

I have teamed up with my sister, Pam a.k.a PamelaSusan, who is a phenomenal artisan jeweler and is extremely talented in so many areas. A true handmade goddess! Together we have designed an exclusive line of charms for doggies and their people. Here is a sneak preview:

Custom charms with YOUR pet's name and contact info will not only be a cute adornment attached to their collar, but a SAFE and practical charm as well:

These are just a FEW of the many new charms that will be available at Classic Hound, VERY soon. We're both excited about it! You can see more of Pamela's work here!

The Daily Coyote

noreply@blogger.com (Classic Hound) — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 21:56:00 +0000

"Charlie came into my life when he was just ten days old, orphaned after both his parents were killed. He lives with me and a tomcat in a one-room log cabin in Wyoming".

Charlie and Shreve's story is an amazing one.....and one of my favorite blogs to read. And now I will pass this gem along to you. One reason I love this site so much is that its easy on the eyes. There are some amazing photographs to behold here. I'm in love with the pictures.

Pictures like these:

If you have ever wondered what life might be like living with a wild animal - this isn't it. Charlie is as tame as can be. He even sleeps every night next to the woman who saved him. Get lost in their amazing story and learn more about Charlie at the The Daily Coyote

All About My Dog - Marimo

noreply@blogger.com (Classic Hound) — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 20:19:00 +0000

"I am sorry I hid your red shoes... But they were tresures to me."

This little video brought tears to my eyes. Very well done. This is one of my favorite little snippets to watch. When you have a few minutes, grab a handkerchief, a cup of tea, and enjoy.

How Much Do You Love Your Dog?

noreply@blogger.com (Classic Hound) — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 03:02:00 +0000

Tattoo, originally uploaded by briggs5mary.

This is just one of four beloved pets, briggs5mary from flickr, has tattooed on her back. I think they look great! I've seen more than a few bad "pet" tattoos, but briggs5mary's tattoo artist has really done a fabulous job here. Briggs says she's not done yet with her tattoo. With a few names to add and the inclusion of a frame, this tattoo will be complete.

While I love my doggies, those living and those passed, I don't think I have the kahunas or resolve to make that trip to the parlor. Plus I don't think I have enough canvas to fit them all! So. We can all see how much one woman adores her four legged friends. How much do you love yours? Enough to pay a tribute to them on your epidermis?