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HoofPrints Newsletter
June 29, 2016
HoofPrints is SO SMALL...  
well, it couldn't BE any smaller than it is (one person)

Farriers Greeting Cards was started by Gina Keesling (me) 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. Long story here. For years I tried to make the company seem bigger - so as to compete with the thick horsey catalogs that showed up in my own mailbox almost daily.

But I finally stopped trying to be something I am not. As I have gotten older and less energetic, it's been of paramount importance to streamline the operation so that I can continue to focus on procuring the unique and inspirational products that you all love. Special thanks are in order, also, to my husband Rob and his mom Judy - who help me get the products onto the shelves (folding and packaging) as well as back off and into boxes on their way to customers during busy holiday season.

The all new website is the latest (and one of the biggest/scariest) steps in that direction. It streamlines a lot of data entry that previously took hours, freeing me up for more important tasks. But the "smallness" doesn't stop in the HoofPrints warehouse (which is a pole barn behind my house in the middle of a cornfield). I use an outside call center to answer my order line 24/7. Call Center Plus is not some detached entity in a foreign land that can't do much but frustrate callers. No, CCP is a small business success story of it's own. This company began as a home-based business in a Utah bedroom loft by a single mom with zero business experience - as a means of supporting her children while still being home with them. The odds of succeeding suggest that any one of those factors would be cause for failure. However the odds of success never went up against someone with as much faith, determination, and imagination as Ilene Christensen.

When her business outgrew the loft, in order to still be home with her children and to keep overhead low, Ilene converted part of her garage into office space. With shear grit, determination, and prayer, she continued to grow the business. A call center requires the use of sophisticated equipment, so out of necessity she also learned about computer hardware, software, and servers. She became an IT specialist as she learned to build, troubleshoot, repair, and program computers. You can read about the latest news at CCP here.

And the "smallness" doesn't stop here, either. It continues with many of the products that HoofPrints stocks on our "middle of a cornfield" warehouse shelves.

So, instead of offering discount prices to entice you all to buy, I'd like to share some of my favorite products that come from companies as small as mine, and encourage you to support them with your hard earned shopping dollars. ~G 
Best Homemade Fly Repellent Recipe
2 cups white vinegar
1 cup Avon Skin So Soft Bath Oil (original scent)
1 cup water
1 tablespoon eucalyptus oil
Mix all ingredients in a spray bottle and apply as needed 

Click on the picture below for more pages from this classic book, all packed with fun and handy ideas for creative horse keeping
 
The Ultimate Guide to Pampering Your Horse was written by June Evers, and the first time I saw it, I must admit, the title was a bit off-putting to me. My horses have it made. They live a life of leisure, the best food, farrier and vet care, etc. If I read this book... then I might discover more things I was NOT doing for my already-pampered equines. Then I would have to feel guilty. 
Instead, I was pleasantly surprised. Interspersed among the goofy Birthday Party Ideas, and the Homemade Horse Treat Recipes, were practical, useful tips and hints that could be implemented by the average busy horse owner. Things like keeping a toilet brush in the barn to scrub water buckets... (and I'd been skinning my knuckles using a regular scrub brush... duh!) This ended up being a fun little book full of both silly AND useful info. It's profusely illustrated in black and white, hardcover, 168 pages. It's part of the Horsewoman's Pampering Set or you can order it alone here - in doing so, you'll be
SUPPORTING A SMALL BUSINESS

Horse Hollow Press has been in business for 26+ years. Founder June started out life as a city girl, though she rode and took lessons from an early age. When she wasn't riding horses, she was drawing them, which eventually lead to a degree in illustration from the prestigious Rhode Island School of Design. Before the days of the internet, landing an Art Director job in New York City was considered the pinnacle of success for any designer. But June is not just any designer. She pined for the horses, and ultimately applied her talents to create products for other horse lovers. She started Horse Hollow Press in her tiny NYC apartment and hasn't looked back since.

Horse Hollow Press owner June Evers (left) with Kristen Snook Lacy of The Distance Depot at the AETA Trade Show
Along the way, she studied with renowned equine artist Sam Savitt, and published numerous books, including the one above. June's products are all made completely in the USA. She is active in equine product marketing groups; her smiling face is frequently seen at various events. Because she's a horse owner, a trained illustrator, AND an art director, her products are a virtual trifecta of horsey coolness. Correctly rendered equines are paired in elegant layouts with clever wording and perfectly orchestrated typography. It makes this horsey business owner fairly swoon...

June left the New York City apartment as soon as she could, eventually she and her husband landed in an 1810 historic home on a farm in Goshen, New York. Horse Hollow Press now resides with her horses in a massive poultry barn - converted to horse facility. How appropriate, that after all these years, June can look out of her office window and watch her horses (all rescues) graze.

Most small business owners wear many (if not ALL) of the hats needed to make things happen, and June is no exception. Here she is sporting her signature smile, while caulking her roof!

HoofPrints is proud to offer Horse Hollow Press products to our customers. Stay tuned, as there are some brand new items on June's drawing board...

This copper Etruscan-style coin looks great with the translucent glass beads I had in my stash. See closeup pictures here
SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESS IDEA #2
HoofPrints' own Hand Tied Jewelry

Like almost all HoofPrints' products, these have a lengthy, convoluted story behind them. I make them myself. Now, I am NOT a jewelry maker by trade, in fact, I am far from it. With no formal training, I had no clue what I was doing when I first started. I love-love-LOVE the Sundance catalog jewelry, and found myself perpetually wishing for horsey (and less expensive) versions of their lovely stuff.

The first step down a slippery slope was when I discovered that there are literally MILLIONS of choices of beads and pendants and cord/chain available at a myriad of suppliers at very reasonable prices. All one has to do is figure out what looks good together, procure the stuff, and set about assembly. This, however, is much easier said than done. After many unsuccessful attempts to make some pretty jewelry, I was left with an embarrassingly large accumulation of beads and components. Frustrated at my lack of success, I gathered them all up and stuffed them in a drawer, where they languished for a couple years at least.
Then, in a fit of clutter-clearing frenzy, buoyed by folks buying some other closeout stuff I'd offered, I revisited the bead dilemma. This time, things went a little better and I was able to eke out a series of chunky, pony bead bracelets that was surprisingly well received by my dear enablers (I mean customers)

Copper HoofPrint Pony Bead Bracelets - colors
 The first set of four Copper HoofPrints Pony Bead Bracelets
was created exclusively to USE UP a stash of beads that I found in a drawer; beads that I had originally purchased for another project. The resulting bracelet was really popular and I did, indeed, use up all the beads. Except then I went and bought MORE BEADS so I could fill all the orders I got. And then, while I was at it, I bought MORE COLORS of beads. I just couldn't help it. They were so pretty, and they coordinated with the copper charm so beautifully... So I am right back to having a drawer full. I don't know whether to tell you all to buy them or not. It'll just cause me to buy more beads and add to the clutter problem I am trying to solve. In fact, I am still carrying on about the clutter problem.
Copper HoofPrint Bracelet Earth tones They are available in 8 Different Colors!
This is a less organic version of the original yak bone, turquoise and coral Copper HoofPrint Bracelet. They are hand tied right here in the shop using glass pony beads and brown waxed cotton cord. The copper charm is made in Pennsylvania by a skilled artisan who specializes in equestrian designs. The cord adjusts to fit most wrists (about 7" to 9.5") and this is bargain priced at just HALF what the Healing Bracelet below sells for. The top picture shows the COLORS - consisting of TEAL, RED, LIME and COBALT. Below that is the EARTH TONES - it's TOPAZ, IRIDESCENT MULTI, LIME and SPECKLED BROWN. Newest is FUCHSIA, you can see them all here.
Copper Bracelets in progress
Illustrating the "bead saga"... 
I have accused everyone of being enablers, and told how a simple project designed to use up excess jewelry components got completely out of hand.  Shown above are some completed bracelets, along with some in progress, and tools, components, etc.


SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESS IDEA #3
Vicky Kaseorg's I'm Listening With a Broken Ear
This book has all the makings of a modern classic. It's so good I think it'd make a great movie. It's 426 pages, and once I started I couldn't put it down (except for essential distractions like work and animal care) until I was finished. It's that good. In a nutshell, the author finds a pathetic, nearly dead dog abandoned in a parking lot. She brings her home and nurses her back to health. Somewhere along the way the family realizes they are in way over their heads as the dog has behavior issues that they can't manage. Dangerous behavior issues. It's hard enough to find homes for dogs who behave perfectly, so rehoming this one was NOT an option.
Vicky spends a lot of time online trying to solve the problem, and ends up getting hooked up with a rescuer named Malta. Malta supplies Vicky with a horse whip.  And teaches her how to do the "alpha roll" when the dog gets out of line. Now, before you run screaming, thinking you totally don't want to waste your time reading a work written by someone who keeps a whip in hand and rolls her poor dog - give this one a chance. You WON'T be disappointed. I guarantee it. It's thoughtful, spiritual, laugh out loud humorous - and the ending is so very good you will probably cry. Or cheer. Or both. There's a more detailed description and a couple excerpts to read here.
This book, along with Vicky's others, is self published. That means the whole load was (is) on her to decide if a story merits the idea that others would like to read it. Then to type out and edit all those pages, clarifying and refining the story as you go... And then send it off to a publishing house that facilitates such projects - before she ever knew for sure that anyone would buy a single book. That takes some real guts. She took her "good deed" (rescuing a stray dog) and documented how it all went wrong, multiple times, as well as sharing her own role in the goings-wrong... and turned it into a story that makes you want to cheer - well that's a "small business" endeavor that's well worth appreciating. To order click here

Forged Steel Cross Necklace
SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESS IDEA #4
DC Metals' Forged Steel Cross

This pendant is hand forged by an Ohio blacksmith. He takes a single piece of recycled 1/4" square stock, splits it in two different directions and hammers it into this unique cross shape. The result is lightly wire brushed to maintain the unique quality of the steel, then coated with automotive clear for durability.
If you look carefully at the picture - the different planes will remind you of one of those brain-teaser pictures that can't physically exist - like the works of M.C. Escher as seen here.
The cross is 1 1/2" tall, leather cord is hand tied with a special adjustable knot system that lets you choose your perfect fit from choker length to about 26". Click here to watch a video showing the forging process (beware - he makes it look EASY!)
This makes a great gift for a man, but it's not too big for a woman to wear, either. To order click here 

SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESS IDEA #5
Lizabettas Vintage Jewelry
This unique and lovely jewelry is made one piece at a time. The glass dome covering the picture is NOT a separate component that's fastened into the bezel. An assembly process that, at first blush, might seem rather simple. On the contrary - it's actually a special resin compound that comes in liquid form - and Tiffany pours the exact correct amount into each one - to encase and preserve the picture permanently within the pendant. I can't imagine how messy this process could be - she must have it mastered as I have never, ever received a piece from her that wasn't absolutely perfect. Shown above is the lovely Found Vintage Necklace, featuring Walter Hunt's image of the print by the same name. You can order that here.
Lizabettas also makes three other necklaces for HoofPrints:
Vintage Indian Horsewoman sold here
Pharaoh's Horses sold here
KEEP CALM AND RIDE ON sold here
Horse Eye Necklace and matching Earrings in four colors here
In This Issue
Here's what we talked about last time
What Did I Miss? graphic
Last newsletter is  here    
ALL newsletters are here
These just in...

Check out new products here
When they're gone - they're gone...

Don't miss one you've been wanting - sadly, some favorites have been discontinued with no replacement - see them here
MADE IN USA
Secret Box
Horse 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
MADE IN USA
Horse Woman's Balm
Horsewoman's Balm
A great product that DOES WHAT IT'S SUPPOSED TO!
Order here
MADE IN USA
Tooled Leather Bracelet

Features braided rawhide, engraved heart and fancy buckle. Only $19.95 here
HANDS ON GROOMING GLOVES

The scrubbing nodules on the fingers and palms provide a deep thorough clean and are the best de-shedders on the market today. Another added benefit is hair does not stick to HandsOn Gloves; just a simple flick of the wrist and the hair instantly releases!
To order click here
ADULT
COLORING BOOKS

Art Nouveau Animal Designs Adult Coloring Book here
NEW - IMPROVED

Horse Woman's LONG TALL LIST of things to do here
It's Back! HOLLYWOOD HOOFBEATS

New updated version
includes 10 more years of horse movies - to order click  here
BEST NEWS EVER!

BEAUTIFUL JIM KEY movie is in the works! Morgan Freeman has signed on as the star! This TRUE STORY is a fascinating feel-good tale that's loaded with accurate historical details from our country's history. Make sure you've read it before you see the movie! Order here 
Horse Lovers Bible
Horse Lovers Bible
Leather bound Bible is gift boxed - it's the bestselling NIV version with additional 12 pages of horse photos accompanied by inspirational thoughts and scripture verses.
Bible Pocket Partners
Bible Pocket Partners
31 days of meaningful devotional pages - perfect for cowboys and cowgirls of all ages! HoofPrints Christian products are  here
3rd in the Series!

I Make Horse Calls, More Horse Calls & Call Dr Tebow - She Makes Horse Calls (new) Books about living a dream with horses here
HoofPrints
BARN BLADE
Barn Blade Pink Knife
Never ride faster than your guardian angel can fly
Order here
PRINTED IN USA:
This Hug's For You

Equine Sympathy Cards here
GINA'S BLOG
Fun on the Farm

read the latest happenings in the Keesling household, involving construction, destruction, remodeling adventures and general wreckage here
Message
Gina Keesling with Clydesdale
I love hearing from customers. You can contact HoofPrints owner Gina Keesling via email at [email protected]
 
Horse Eye Necklace from Lizabettas

Available in four colors here
Find us on facebook
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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
 
Rob shoeing Rocky
ABOUT THE COMPANY AND THIS NEWSLETTER
Farriers 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.
Share our emails
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)