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HoofPrints Newsletter
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May 5, 2015
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Pony Girl Rides again!
This cute little silver pony rider has been inspiration for all sorts of products
here at HoofPrints.
The appropriateness of her nudity (or not) was discussed at length on our Facebook page here:
from "Put some clothes on her." to "I like her naked." and everything in between.
I can't say enough good about the cute Pony Girl necklace and earrings. I like jewelry that is comfortable, and these fit the bill. Just a little bit of flash - they can go from work to the barn and not be out of place. They're sterling silver, MADE IN USA, and inexpensive enough that you won't be worried about losing them. To order those click here
 This painting by Edward Robert Hughes serves as inspiration. He titled it: Dream Idyll (A Valkyrie) but she looks like the Pony Girl to me, right down to the wild, wavy hair. Reviews of the watercolor are disappointingly stuffy - "Against an indigo sky, a nubile rider grasps the black wings of a flying steed, her body gleaming in the moonlight, her golden tresses let loose in the wind as she peers down at the stony structures of a city built along a river many miles below. Is this a goddess of antiquity, a fairy, a captured princess? This allusive, seductive, strange, Symbolist scene by Edward Robert Hughes immediately captivated audiences upon its 1902 exhibition at the London's Royal Watercolor Society." There's more info about the work here
Pony Girl's latest appearance at HoofPrints has been on the extremely popular fleece vests.
Paired with the words LIFE IS SHORT - RIDE YOUR HORSE, she embodies a sentiment that horse women all share. Every time you turn around I am singing the praises of vests.
Vests are the best because they give you so much more freedom about the arms than a regular coat. Paired with the sweatshirt or longsleeve T of your choice, you've got more options for climate control, too. If you start to overheat (as often is the case with me) you can take off the vest without getting chilled until you cool down. This is not really an option with a heavy coat as then you get too cold.
 My vests are a wardrobe staple that are with me almost year 'round. This soft fleece vest has a flattering, slimming cut and lots of details; zippered pockets, adjustable elastic hem, longer tail in the back for better coverage. With the fluctuation in weather we've been having here lately, our 1880's farm house has been more than chilly. Pair that with a thermostat war of sorts as propane prices have skyrocketed - and I am throwing vests at everybody in the house. "Here, put this on. It'll solve everything." and it does. Vests are a better solution than piling on another long-sleeve layer. The biggie for me is the collar. If my neck is cold then the whole rest of me is cold. But, being of a certain age - wearing a turtleneck is NOT the answer. Because in 5 minutes I may be overheated. This radical temperature fluctuation is easily solved with the stand-up (or not) vest collar and zipper. In two seconds I can be wearing a turtleneck of sorts - or a v-neck - depending on whether I am chilling or sweating. This fleece vest is only $29.95 - pretty cheap really, for personal climate control. It's available in 3 colors here. ***NOTE - be sure to check the size charts to verify that you're getting the perfect size. These tend to run a bit on the small side***
LOOKING FOR A BARGAIN?
It's no secret that around here we are sometimes frugal to a fault. Anyone looking around the place might wonder why we're holding onto all this weird stuff. Heck, we even tore down an old barn to repurpose the wood (which was a success - details here) and now we're trying to figure out what to do with all the scraps instead of throwing them away (that's here)
Sooo - what does this have to do with Pony Girl Vests?
I had a rather serious issue this fall with vests and armholes. I received a large shipment of Mediums from the manufacturer with arm holes that are slightly too small. The problem was not discovered until after customers received their orders and complained of armholes being too snug. Once I realized there was a problem I commenced to measuring each vest's armholes before I shipped to ensure customers didn't receive the too-small versions. I was left with a distressingly large pile of vests that I can NOT return because they've already been embroidered. These vests are perfectly good except for this one problem - so I got my scissors and commenced to hacking on one... I soon discovered that this is a solveable problem for someone looking for a bargain on a cute vest. I took a pair of sharp scissors and trimmed a small sliver off the bottom of each arm hole. This removes one of the contributors to the problem - a bulky seam intersection that adds to the smallness. Because this is fleece, I don't expect it to ravel when worn/washed, but I could be wrong, so don't hold me to it. (Shown above is the results of my own effort to enlarge the arm holes. If you order this vest, you'll receive an un-cut version.)
That's the quick and dirty solution. If a person (not me) were seamstress-ly inclined, they could trim the entire armhole to the perfect, comfortable size and then sew a nice ribbon edging (maybe in a contrasting color that goes with the embroidery?) around there to neaten things up. Heck, you could even do the same thing around the edge of the collar and be totally coordinated.
Experiment however you want! Just know that these are NOT returnable. Only $9.95 while supplies last here Remember, there's only one size available at this cheap price: SIZE MEDIUM - They measure about 24.5" tall x 20" wide x less than 6.5" wide arm hole. This is roughly the equivalent to a Womens size 8. They are too small for me; I wear a size 10.
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I get lots of comments on the stories that I share.
Often folks tell me that a particular story had a message that arrived to them at the exact time that they needed it.
I have a large file of stories and links that I have saved for many years. They are in no order whatsoever - appearing to be a jumbled mess. But the right thing always comes to the front - and this week it's spider webs.
The picture here is a dreamcatcher that I had woven from the hair of a dog that we loved for many years. Paws' story is here.
Then I found a story I had saved: God & The Spider's Web about a young soldier saved from certain death by the web of a spider.
After that, the perfect Dream Catcher story to sum it up and tie it all together, thanks to Joseph J. Mazzella:
 On the wall above my bed, there are two very beautiful dream catchers that my wife bought. They are red and brown willow hoops decorated with feathers, horse hair, and beads. They have a wonderfully delicate, spider web design in the middle of them. At the very center of the web, in the very middle of the dream catcher, there is a round hole. The Native American Lakota Tribe believes the dream catchers represent the web of life. Their people believe that hanging them above your bed or in your house will sift your dreams and visions. The good in your dreams will be caught in the web and carried with you, but the evil in your dreams will pass through the hole and no longer be a part of your life.
I enjoy looking at these lovely dream catchers, because they always remind me of what I want to do in my own life. I want to catch only the good within myself. I want to capture only the highest, wisest, best, most loving, most giving, and most joyous part of myself and let the rest fade away. I want to become the person God meant for me to be and live the way God meant for me to live. I want to become a wonderful part of the web of life and share only love and joy with others and the world.
The glorious truth is that you, I, and everyone else in this world can do this too. God loves us all so much and God gives us the strength and ability to become our highest selves. We can choose to be the person God meant for us to be. We can fill ourselves with love, joy, and light and then share them with the world. We can capture the angel within and allow the worst parts of ourselves to fade away. We can live as a true Child of God sending smiles, giving love, offering joy, scattering sunshine, and creating laughter wherever we go. We can catch the dream of the person we always wanted to be and make it a reality.
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Hand Tied Gemstone Shamballa Bracelets
I'd been hoarding these sweet bracelets - thinking I'd come up with just the right charm or element to make them horsey. Seems like a couple years should have been enough time... so in the spirit of Spring Cleaning, I'll clean up the corner of my brain that was supposed to be working on this (maybe it's better suited to another task). You will know I am serious when you see the price = $3.95!
The word "Shamballa" translates to "Pure Land" in Tibetan culture, a place of peace, love, and purity that only people with great karmic connection can find. These gemstone bracelets feature nylon cords woven into knots in a fashion similar to macram�. The weaving includes your choice of four different gemstones. These stones, and their sequence in the weave, supposedly have a spiritual meaning and perhaps even healing powers.
Strung on sturdy braided nylon cord, hand knotted with an adjustable macram� closure (adjusts from about 7" - 9") Beads* are 7 mm., these bracelets great for both men and women. To order click here
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Thermal Sherpa Lined Hood gets rave reviews
We are so excited about these details that I didn't picture here the embroidered horse logo that's on the left chest, but instead a closeup of the wonderful textures that this jacket has.
This heavy hooded sweatshirt could double for a coat on all but the coldest days. The outer shell is constructed of thermal fabric, and it's lined with plush sherpa throughout. The seams are fashioned so that a bit of sherpa peeks through, for a casual, two-tone effect. It's cotton/poly blend so no shrinking, and it washes and dries beautifully with no special attention (yes, we tested it). The neck is taped to hold it's shape and minimize scratchiness against your neck. Zipper and eyelets are metal, and the drawstring on the hood is beefy enough to stay tied. We've embroidered it with our wind horse logo. Sizing on these is very generous - so those of you who were needing larger sizes than we normally offer may want to give this one a second look.
HoofPrints customer Jessica P. loves hers:
I received my jacket just 1 day after it was shipped! Awesome!! It looks sooo great and is absolutely the warmest, softest, and best jacket I have ever ordered! Thank you so much! I will be keeping the catalog that was sent to me and placing more orders as needed. I love this jacket! Have I said that before? Lol. Anyway...thanks again and remember you can't always make everyone happy, but you sure made me happy!!"
To order the Turquoise version (shown), click here here. Wildberry is here
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MOTHER'S DAY IS MAY 10
Here's a great gift idea:
A Woman's Place is on A Horse!
What mom doesn't want to get out of the house and onto a horse?
This sparkly pink gift bag is sturdy, durable, and UNDER $5.00! It measures a handy 9 "x 4" x 12" (not counting the handles) When I posted a picture of it on HoofPrints Facebook page, a customer immediately chimed in: "I love this bag! It's just the right size for my lunch, or shoes + a big bottle of my favorite flavored water. And, since I carry a giant tote anyway, it takes up no room to have it folded and available when I need it, Plus -- it's pink; what more needs to be said?" ~Jenne
You can see this, and a sweatshirt that matches, along with all our other Horsewoman products here .
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EVEN MORE ITEMS ADDED to HALF PRICE SALE!
Clutter busting continues at HoofPrints
My efforts to clear the warehouse (and my house) of accumulated oddball products continues to gain momentum. I've written about it before. The point continues to be, sometimes the space becomes more valuable than the items that are occupying it. So this is where most places say... "our loss is your gain!" Well, check out this super-cheap stuff and BUY IT. And your gain will be my gain, too. Because I need that space on the shelf.
The Half Price Page is here - check this often as they're one-of-a-kind things that will sell quickly and be replaced with whatever else starts to get on my nerves. I am currently going through a large stash of samples* - so many wonderful things, it's hard to choose just a handful for the website/flyer. And the rest have got to go! Only one of each available so act fast if you see something you like. The image shown here is what was available at the time this newsletter was sent. All prices on this page are at least 50% off retail. The red SALE! tag doesn't show if a product has size or color options. Don't know why. Don't know how to fix it...
*A note about the samples - Someone made a comment on the HoofPrints Facebook page that the samples are free to me and implied should thus be priced accordingly. Just to set the record straight - I pay for almost every sample I acquire. Occasionally an author or publisher will send me a book unsolicited, but I prefer to buy these anonymously so if I review and don't think it is a good fit for the product line, I don't feel guilty about not including it.
Half Price PRINTS are here - there are a lot of lovely prints languishing in drawers here that really should be hanging on folks' walls making them smile and beautifying their homes. Fall/winter is busy season here and I don't encourage print sales then - I don't have the extra time it takes to wrap these carefully for safe delivery. Now that Christmas is past, I've marked them way down now to sweeten the deal.
Half Price JEWELRY is here
The more I got to digging, the more I found. Jewelry doesn't take up much room - suffice to say there is a LOT of lovely stuff that needs to find a new home. Then there's that whole problem I have with the beads. It's getting worse. Stay tuned for details on that.
Half Price BOOKS & Magazine Back Issues here
This represents a major turning point for HoofPrints owner Gina Keesling. This treasure trove of magazine back issues has been lovingly collected and hoarded for many, many years. It's getting to be a space problem, keeping them all stored AND due to the sheer volume of them, along with my busy schedule, they rarely get any attention. But even now, as I go through them to write sales descriptions, I am feeling sad at the prospect of letting go of this vast collection of pictures and articles about all the things I love - Horses, Dogs, Farriery and Blacksmithing, The West, Pretty Western Clothes and Jewelry, Awesome Country Homes, Recipes for Hearty Food, Healthy Living, Spirituality and more. I'll do my best to mention the content that stands out to me in the descriptions. Prices on these back issues reflect the fact that I am still very much in love with them, however they are at or below what the publishers are charging. The current sales list is small, but I'll be adding more as I am able; going through these is a slow process, as you can imagine, I get sidetracked frequently by all the fascinating content that lead me to hoard these in the first place.
The Closeouts Page is here
It features overstocks, items that are being phased out - still lots of good deals to be had there, too
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Here's what we talked about last time
Last newsletter is here ALL newsletters are here
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PONY GIRL'S ON THE LABEL!
Horse Woman's Balm
A great product that DOES WHAT IT'S SUPPOSED TO!
Order here
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The Doctor is In Horse Thermometer
Measures a big 17" tall and under $15.00! Order here
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DON'T do it yourself
FARRIER COASTERS
No farriers were harmed in the making of these coasters. To order click here
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GINA'S BLOG
Fun on the Farm
read the latest happenings in the Keesling household, involving construction, destruction, remodeling adventures and general wreckage here
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MADE IN USA
Don't Sell Your Saddle
Don't give up on dreams.
Take time to see 'em through.
There are no easy trails.
Hard work makes dreams come true.
You'll make it through tough times.
Friends will stick like glue.
Don't ever sell your saddle,
Dreams won't give up on you.
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Mule & Donkey items
Check out this brass longear charm and more here
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MADE IN USA:
DC Metals Steel Cross Pendant
 This makes a great gift for a man, but it's not too big for a woman to wear, either. To order click here |
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MADE IN USA
Secret Box
Nifty little wood box has a lid that fits so neatly that it's virtually invisible when closed. A real deal at only $19.95 here
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COFFEE & DOG HAIR
I NEVER LEAVE HOME WITHOUT THEM
16 oz Ceramic Travel Mug with leakproof lid only $16.95 here
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MADE IN USA:
A CRAPPY MUG!
Same sh*t different day
mug here
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SPRINGY HORSEY Ts
3 Springy Horsey T-shirts less than $15 each here!
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Horsewoman's
HAIR CONTROL IDEAS
Sunny yellow embroidered HORSES LEAVE HOOFPRINTS ON YOUR HEART Cap here
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MADE IN USA
Riding for a Cure
See HoofPrints breast cancer awareness products here |
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MADE IN USA
Tooled Leather Bracelet
Features braided rawhide, engraved heart and fancy buckle. Only $19.95 here
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INSPIRATIONAL
Stretch Bracelets
Four fun styles to choose from here
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HoofPrints
BARN BLADE
Never ride faster than your guardian angel can fly
Order here
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HALF PRICE AND PRINTED IN USA: "Pharaoh's Horses"
20x26 Print with history and trivia article included is available here
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PRINTED IN USA:
This Hug's For You
Equine Sympathy Cards here
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Copper HoofPrint Bracelets in 7 colors!
Hand tied right here at HoofPrints - see them all here
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Silver Dog Whistle
Solid Sterling Silver Whistle on waxed cotton cord here
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Message
I love hearing from customers. You can contact HoofPrints owner Gina Keesling via email at gina@hoofprints.com |
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Find us on facebook
Be sure to LIKE our facebook page - it's where we announce special sales, breaking news and everything else we find interesting. To see it go here |
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ABOUT THE COMPANY AND THIS NEWSLETTERFarriers Greeting Cards was started by Gina Keesling in 1986 (in a very small way) to provide helpful promotional materials for farrier husband Rob. Along the way the company became HoofPrints.com, too, adding a selection of fun horse and dog products geared toward women of a certain age. This newsletter is emailed to subscribers a few times a month, depending on how often I have something to share. Watch for special sales, interesting stories, uplifting quotes and more.
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Share our emails
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Viral marketing... it sounds bad, doesn't it?
You can ask my husband - a frequent topic around here is that of forwarded emails - and the psychology behind them - just WHAT prompts people to decide; "I am going to send this to everyone I know!".
We receive a lot of them. Some are pretty good, and others are dumb. Dumb in a myriad of ways... Alarmist email rumors that have been around forever - that folks keep sending "just in case it's true" Pictures of someone's butt (or worse) - don't even get me started about the firecracker butt - but at least that one was timely when it showed up around July 4. Christian messages that are uplifting - until you get to the end and you're threatened "if you're not ashamed that you love Jesus, forward this - if you are, then delete." Pictures of cute puppies and kittens (awww)
I enjoy writing these newsletters - and sharing all this stuff with you all. But the fact is, it's also a way to help us stay connected with customers and sell products during the time between catalog mailings (which is only once a year) So I really, really like it when someone new stumbles upon the newsletter and is excited to "discover" our company and the products we offer.
In all my efforts to make the newsletter interesting and forward-worthy - it never occurred to me to JUST ASK you all to send it! Duh. Sometimes the obvious is elusive, I guess. So here goes - my request to ask you to forward our email newsletter to your horsey friends. All we ask is that you please be judicious and only send to folks who might be interested. Otherwise we are no better than the "firecracker butt". Click to get started. (please note - using this form does NOT subscribe anyone to our list - it is a one-time only forward)
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