November 21, 2020 by Gina Keesling |
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Christmas card orders are EARLY this year!
Looks like many designs may sell out.
It seems folks may be planning to send thoughtful written correspondence in lieu of in-person gatherings this holiday season. Card sales have been early and robust, and I am honored that my creations are being chosen for such a memorable year.
HoofPrints cards are created by me and printed here in Indiana. Here are the stories behind a few favorites
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If you can't beat 'em - join 'em - the story of the new barn chores card
Last year at Christmas time, I started seeing the image below shared all over social media. The traction it gained was incredible; people loved it, and I. WAS. TICKED.
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You see, I wrote "As you go about your chores in the barn, remember that the place God chose for the birth of His only son was not a church, or a palace... but a stable."
I appreciated that my words were deemed shareworthy, but I was upset that the positive social media reception was not leading to any measurable sales of HoofPrints' own Christmas card with the same verse. I dutifully commented on every share that I could find (and there were a lot)... "HoofPrints has a Christmas card with this verse available here" but it didn't bring the hoped-for sales. It was a head scratcher for sure, and I stewed about it all summer as I was working on the catalog. Ultimately, I decided to make a second version of my barn chores card, using an image flavored more like this one.
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Below is the result, and I am loving how it turned out |
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With black and white photos, it's always a little worrisome that they might be received as "less than" when compared to their full color counterparts, so I was looking for a way to make this one over-the-top nice... That way turned out to be the paper it's printed on. It's a special pearlized finish card stock that adds depth and a bit of ethereal iridescence to whatever image is printed on it. And what could be more ethereal than the thought of baby Jesus nestled in a snug manger bed, surrounded by wise, dark eyes, steamy puffs of breath, and the soothing, rhythmic crunch of hay being eaten?
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Here's the original Barn Chores card |
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It marked a historic moment - the first card I'd ever offered without a horse, dog or something farrier-related on it. I still think it is a perfect choice for anyone who can identify with farm life and it's chores; during winter especially. |
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Happy Holi-Neighs Horsey Christmas Party by Lesley Bruce |
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was originally created to help rescued old horses cared for by UK's Veteran Equine Trust - the horses are all real, and the text on the back of the card tells about them:
Timmy and JimBob are pulling the cracker, Simon in his splendid brown and white coat is the ladies man, behind him bucks Penny as always doing her own thing. Drinking of the Late Bottled Beet are two shy little girls Topsy, Toffee with bold strong Harry (he looks after everyone). Little silver Fifi just can't resist pausing to kiss Simon, Misty who loves Fifi is kissing her. Sweet gentle Melody is also kissing Simon, with her is totally blind Jez, she is his eyes. Giving crazy playmate Tommy a ride is fun loving gentle giant Hercules. Next to him Alibi plays with tinsel, she loves to fetch sticks. In the middle Coddles the Shetland is 50 years old and never stops playing, glossy black Milly is at the trough, living for food, Vicky loves (you guessed it) Simon, has Sylvia on guard to see who's kissing him now. At the Conga over the rainbow bridge are the original horses of the veteran horse welfare they are Minty, Soda, the wonderful Badger and his soul mate Tiny. Order Happy Holi-Neighs Horsey Christmas Party here
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Shown here is one of my favorites, and one of the few dog Christmas cards that HoofPrints offers. May all your Christmas prayers be answered features a lovely vintage photo of a little girl and her dog saying their prayers.
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This image came from a now defunct publisher, and I was never able to find any information about it. Then I stumbled upon this. There are subtle differences, but it's obviously the same photo. It says Russia, Circa 1908, but I don't know how to tell if the photo was taken in Russia. No matter where it was taken, it looks like a sweet, old-time bedroom, and I paired it with Laura Ingalls Wilder's words:
Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmastime.
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O Holy Night is a photograph by Christina Handley
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On this particular day it was snowing hard, and capturing the snow, while keeping the camera dry and the lens clean was a challenge. But Christina was prepared, with the skills and equipment to photograph this lovely winter scene - each snowflake as if carefully placed by the hand of God, echoing the same snowflake pattern in the coat of His most wondrous creation, the horse. Christina tells me that this picture has had no Photoshop editing done to it, and that it had been previously rejected by other photo buyers because they thought it had been artificially augmented! To order this one, click here
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Mrs Claus Upgrades to a More Powerful Ride... Most horse people have at least some degree of interest in automotive power, if only to ascertain that the truck they're contemplating can pull a loaded horse trailer with ease. |
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So the idea that the Mrs is thundering off on a powerful Belgian, leaving Santa behind with a bunch of dinky reindeer is sure to incite a chuckle. You can't see it very well here, but rider Nancy Robertson has an enormous smile on her face. She's obviously a very competent rider; her mount is showing an impressive display of power - that's apparent in the taut reins and the keen expression. Even the non horsey people on your list (if there are any) will get a kick out of this one. To order click here
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May your neighs be merry and bright |
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Ex-racer Thoroughbred Lincoln now events at Training/ Prelim. level with Nicole Robertson. He lives at (I couldn't make this up) Caberneigh Farm in Ontario. The falling snow was a challenge again during this session also. But the very last shot of the session, Lincoln looked back at Christina, with an impish gleam in his eye and a big snort of frosty breath. This spontaneous capture proved to be one of the very best out of hundreds taken that day. To order click here
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Putting Heart & Sole into Happy? Holiday Wishes
This one was a little tricky because I had mixed feelings about picturing a situation where somebody could get hurt. However, the story behind this dog and his relationship with Harry the Belgian really wanted to be told.
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I figured you all could weigh in your vote by your purchasing decisions anyway. Here's the story:
Photo is also by Christina Handley - At first blush, it might seem that Border Collie/Heeler Dingo may be headed into something serious, but Christina tells me that Harry the Belgian's threatening gestures are just an act, and that the two of them have carried on like this for years. Originally a rescue, Dingo has honed his skills through his job as Handley Acres' chief herd dog - helping to move cows between pastures, and being a top hand when calves are doctored or weaned.
At eight years old, Dingo's role on the Handley farm is a productive one. But it didn't start out that way. As a feral puppy, he had to be trapped in order to be rescued. He'd missed the socialization opportunities that are so important for a dog to learn how to get along with humans; he was both fearful and aggressive. Boyd and Christina patiently worked with him, gave him a job and now he is a well-adjusted, happy farm dog!
Inside the card features a photo of Dingo and Harry taking a break. It says: If the holidays start to make you cranky, find a friend & kick up your heels.. or take a nice break instead! You can see that photo and if you're so inclined, order the card here.
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Christmas on the Farm
is a Collection of Favorite Recipes, Stories, Gift Ideas and Decorating Tips from The Farmer's Wife magazine.
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Christmas was the be-all, end-all celebration on the farm. Pages and pages on the topic appeared in The Farmer's Wife (published 1893-1939), and these pages weren't just about food-although (vintage) recipes are abundant.
The magazine's experts expounded on the best and latest ways to decorate home, tree, and parcels and to create homemade gifts for family and friends. In short, The Farmer's Wife presented its own opinion-both grand and humble, broad and minute, and always, always bearing in mind the idea of community among its readers-about the ways in which Christmas should be celebrated.
You'll find in this book a smattering of that opinion. Here are recipes to see you through the entire Christmas season; gift ideas guaranteed to get your creative juices flowing; tips for decking your halls; and even a few stories to delight both the young and the young at heart.
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Even though this excerpt was first published in 1911, it's words are still relevant today:
"Do's and Don'ts for Christmas" Pledge
Do, if you can keep it, sign this pledge. It was circulated by some enthusiastic young reformer and called "Yours for a courageous, sincere, and Christly Christmas" -
I will give no gift which I cannot afford.
I will give no gift which has not love behind it.
I will give some gifts which shall not be exchange gifts at all but genuine generosity to someone to whom it will mean very much.
Don't do up a parcel in such poor wrapping paper or in such a flimsy manner that the wrapper may easily be torn and separated from the contents.
Don't fail to put your name and address, preceded by the word "from", on the upper left-hand corner of every piece of mail.
Don't forget to mail parcels early.
Don't say that you expect nothing. You know that would not be so.
Don't sigh for a baby grand piano if a barrel of flour would do you more good.
Don't go around complaining that the true spirit of Christmas has departed. That is not the way to bring it back.
Don't forget you were a child once yourself.
Don't give simply for the purpose of showing that you can afford to do so.
Don't value the gift by the amount of its cost.
Don't put aside until tomorrow the good cheer you may spread today.
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Kick off (or finish) your holiday shopping with deluxe horsey gift wrap |
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This awesome gift wrap collection was designed by a lifelong horse owner, whose career happened to be in packaging design - so all the details are just right!
The gold foil harelquin horse pattern assortment includes 8 pieces; everything you need to wrap up a hoard of gifts in horsey style.
Regular price is over $30 - ON SALE for just $21.95
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HoofPrints is your source for unique horsey products available from no other company. HoofPrints' gift recipients are always surprised and delighted by these obscure items. Biggest selection of Farrier Business forms on the planet. All items are personally created or curated by owner Gina Keesling. Check back often as products are always being added. |
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ABOUT THE COMPANY
Gina Keesling started HoofPrints in 1986 to provide helpful promotional materials for farrier husband Rob. Along the way she added a fun selection of horse and dog products geared toward women of a certain age. This newsletter is emailed to subscribers a few times a month. Watch for sales, stories (including dog-bathing instructions) and more.
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Follow HoofPrints on Facebook |
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I have awesome customer service reps available 24/7 to take your order or answer questions at 765-724-7004, or email gina@hoofprints.com |
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