Haute Couture for Pixie and Hazel: TAG Pet Artisans

Anyone who knows me, knows I love my Pixie and Hazel. Although I know they conspire to drive me crazy, like the time they dragged that dinosaur bone into the house. Or rolling around in the manure of some unknown beast, and coming in wagging their tails, as if nothing were wrong. Here they are, Pixie, my Maltese, and Hazel my Yorkie:

Pixie, don't let her cute face fool you...

Hazel, left. the mastermind of the operation, and Pixie, the first lieutenant

Me and Hazel, who is looking at Pixie, giving her the signal to grab the dinosaur bone...

Don't they look all cute and innocent??? Ha! Anyway, I do consider them my babies, and yes, I do dress them up for Halloween and Christmas, and other special occasions, they have winter jackets and sweaters (winters can be brutal in New England). Yes, I'm one of THOSE pet owners...that's right...I said it!

Where does one go to find Haute Couture for ones furry loved ones??? Well, look no further than The Artisan Group's very own Sophisticated Pup, owned by the gorgeous Michelle Cleek O'Halloren. Michelle's designs are sported by the pets of celebrities, and it's no wonder...they are amazing!! Much higher in quality, and unique than other pet clothing, Sophisticated Pup has been getting alot of media attention...

I asked Michelle to tell me a little about herself and her business, and here is what she said:

"Sophisticated Pup was started in January 2006 in Chicago, IL.  It was started shortly after getting my little pug, Penny.  Penny has always been the muse of my product line.  As a sufferer of Canine Liver Disease, she is a really special pup and one that is a constant inspiration and a pretty darn good model too!  

Our Mission:

Sophisticated Pup’s mission is to create truly unique, sophisticated, handcrafted pet apparel, furniture and accessories for the most lovable of dogs- which in our eyes is all dogs!  The products are not mass-produced, and due to the handcrafted artistry that goes into every piece of clothing, furniture or accessory, only limited amounts are created.  Sophisticated Pup uses only the highest quality materials in our designs.  

Sophisticated Pup is active in giving back to animal rescue groups and we make it a priority to donate product whenever possible to animal rescue groups in Chicago and the Midwest.  I pride myself in having unique products that are high-quality and beautiful.  Pet apparel should be both beautiful and functional.  We never want a dog wearing anything that will make it uncomfortable.  We dress our dogs to make them feel special, never to embarrass!

Through our affiliation with The Artisan Group, we have been fortunate enough to include our products in the celebrity swag bags at the 2012 MTV Movie Awards.  We have also gifted our products to celebrities Tori Spelling, Bethenny Frankel and Amy Poehler."  

The lovely Michelle Cleek O'Halloren at a trade show.

Actress Deborah Craig holding Sophisticated Pup at the 2012 GBK MTV Movie Award Gift Lounge

Courtesy Sophisticated Pup

Courtesy Sophisticated Pup

Michelle at one of her many TV appearances with reality TV star Teresa Guidice

I need to start my Christmas shopping early...

Thank you Sophisticated Pup!!

http://sophisticatedpup.com

http://facebook.com/sophisticatedpup

http://twitter.com/Soph_Pup

The Artisan Group...Who Needs To Leave The House To Go Shopping?

You've heard me mention TAG in previous posts, and although I'd like to say it stands for "Talented and Gorgeous" (which is true), it stands for The Artisan Group, an amazing and exclusive organization of gifted artists, founded by graphic designer and powerhouse Valerie Guerrero. This group is juried, so only the creme de la creme are admitted. They are so good, in fact, they regularly participate in GBK Production Gifting Lounges for events such as the Emmys, Oscars, Golden Globes, MTV Movie Awards, and this year, the CMAs (Country Music Awards). It's members are also accomplished authors, having published in books and magazines, winners of prestigious awards, participants in New York City Fashion Week, and their products can be found in retailers across the country. Most importantly, they are the loveliest, most supportive group of artists I know. How do I know? I'm blessed to be a member.

Now, anyone who knows me well knows I hate shopping, especially the mall. Maybe I'm just a lazy ass. Maybe I'm claustrophobic. Maybe I hate being attacked by salespeople with samples (reminiscent of my days as a physician, when the drug reps would interrupt my day to hawk their drugs du jour). Not only that, the products out there are kind of....blah. Ok, there, I said it!! I could shop for hours, and search through aisles and aisles of mediocre merchandise, and out of desperation, have to buy a birthday gift I wasn't completely satisfied with. I hate that.

Then, one day, I started perusing the shops of my fellow Tagsters...and guess what? I struck a goldmine of quality, unique, beautiful, merchandise that I would not only be proud to gift, but have now bought for myself, time and time again. "AAAAAAAAhhhhhhh' the angels are singing!

I am dedicating a biweekly series of my blog to the talented and gorgeous TAG artisans:) They produce a variety of merchandise (art) such as stationery/paper goods, bath/body products, jewelry, photography, fiber goods, clothing, baby products, shoes, art pens, dog products, paintings, toys.

This week, I'm starting with our stationery/paper goods "department". It never fails that whenever I need a greeting card, no matter how far in advance I buy it, it's never quite right. The words are too sappy, or the picture is too creepy. The words are too creepy, and the picture too bizarre. You feel my pain?

The talented artisans at TAG that specialize in stationery and paper goods have made my dilemma a thing of the past!! Their talent, imagination, quality, and enthusiasm is reflected in the work they produce.

Jessica Gattone, Owner and Creative Director of Sparetire Design,  http;//sparetiredesign.com, based in New Jersey, offers custom design solutions for every graphic design need. Personal and everyday stationery, as well as custom wedding invitations.

                                                   

Photos courtesy of Sparetire Design

She also has a shop on Etsy http://etsy.com/shop/sparetiredesign.

Jess' work is so amazing, it's been gifted to celebrities such as Hillary Duff,  Zooey Deschanel, and Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes! It will also be gifted to the nominees and recipients of the Country Music Awards, later this year!!

Laura Hudson, Owner and Designer at Simply Paperie,  http://simplypaperie.com and http://etsy.com/shop/simplypaperie,  based in Missouri,  designs custom wedding and event invitations, as well as beautiful stationery and custom journals. Her gorgeous work has been featured at the 2012 GBK Production Golden Globe Gift Lounge, and has been gifted to celebrities like Ryan Gosling, and Trista Sutter!! 

Photos courtesy of Simply Paperie

Laura's amazing journals are sold on http://etsy.com/shop/studio827kc

Danielle Goff, Owner and Designer at Stampin Crazy in Texas http://etsy.com/shop/stampincrazyintx,  based in Austin, is one talented lady!! Her business was featured by Office Depot in their Thursday Business feature, and her handmade cards, invitations and gifts have been gifted to celebrities such as Vanessa Lachey and Kaley Cuocco. 

Photos provided by Stampin Crazy in Texas

This is just a taste of the talent in the Stationery/Paper Goods "Department at TAG...these three artists were kind enough to participate in my blog series, but there are many others in TAG not featured here today. Many thanks to Jess, Laura, and Danielle!!

In my next TAG feature, we will visit the Bath and Body Department...stay tuned!!!

I WANT MY MTV!!!

The MTV Movie Awards are coming up soon, and thanks to The Artisan Group, once again, I have the honor of participating in GBK Productions Gift Lounge. Work, work, work...usually, I'm so busy, I end up procrastinating, but not this time, baby!!! Ha! I am gifting my Luxury Silver Beaded Rings to the nominees, the press, and those present at an industry mixer (that's 120 rings), yes, that's right, 120!
Then there's the tiny issue of the table display, what to do?  BAM!! DONE!  Three ethnic fabric, hand beaded cuffs. Take a look:

Now it's time for a nap:)

SariBlue...There's Nothing Evil About It, That's For Sure!

I just received my Byzantine Beauty earrings from an artist named Sari from her Etsy store, SariBlue http://www.etsy.com/listing/94224003/byzantine-beauty-earrings-handmade-glass.  Now, I am an avid collector of evil eye jewelry, not because I am superstitious, but because there is something so beautiful and mystical about the eye in art. These earrings, are, by far, the most beautiful works I have ever owned!!

They are so luxurious, and old world...so high quality, with real glass handmade in Turkey, and sumptuous silver beads in Mediterranean motifs. The artist, Christine Lorenzo, is a true gem, tucked away in her studio in Stow, Massachussetts, but she has had her jewelry featured at the Golden Globes Luxury Gift Lounge, and will also have it featured at the MTV Movie Award Luxury Gift Lounge.

               
                      Christine Lorenzo, the genius behind SariBlue
Don't forget the name ...I'm sure you'll be hearing alot of wonderful things from this fabulous artist!!!!

                     Me wearing Sari's Byzantine Beauty Earrings

What's Next????

I want my MTV!!! Details to follow!