| Fashion News South Dakota |
Pets clean up at Christmas
By Lynn Taylor Rick, Journal staff
When it comes to her six dogs, Heather Schuller of Wall makes sure they have the very best.
Schuller’s dog, Leya, might just be the only weimaraner in town who sports nail art, or in this case, claw art. Leya also owns four coats for
different occasions, as well as several other outfits.
“They’re part of the family. They sleep on the bed. They’re spoiled,” Schuller said of her canine companions.
For Christmas, Schuller makes sure her pets have plenty of gifts. She buys the pooches chew toys, knotted rawhide bones, balls and various other
toys. She always wraps the gifts so the dogs can smell what’s inside.
“I usually let them unwrap their own presents,” Schuller said.
Schuller is hardly alone in either her pet-spoiling habits or her plan to holiday shop for them.
Americans will spend an estimated $40.8 billion on their pets this year. Much of that tab will cover veterinary care and food, but a healthy portion
of it goes toward things such as cashmere beds and monogrammed toys.
Black Hills pet owners aren’t quite so elaborate in their pet gift giving, but they spend on their pets nonetheless, say local pet store owners.
Barb Paur, owner of Paws in Rapid City, said pet clothing is a hot item this holiday season and all year long.
Paws stocks a wide variety of jackets, from bomber jackets to wind breakers to barn coats. The coats go for about $20 and sell consistently. “With
this burst of cold weather, a lot of people are coming in to buy their (pets) winter coats,” she said. “The pet-related clothing line … it’s real hot in
the market.”
Rick Wiese, manager of PetSmart in Rapid City, sees the same shopping trend at PetSmart. But during the holidays, the Christmas-themed clothes
are extra popular.
“We had an end cap full of Santa Claus costumes,” he said. “All that Christmas stuff … it’s gone already.”
Peggy Brugger of Rapid City buys clothing for her dog, Tasha, a 17-year-old poodle, but it has far more to do with Tasha’s well-being than her
style. She’s an older dog with closely cropped hair, so Tasha needs the added warmth, Brugger said.
Brugger suspects that most Black Hills pet owners are like her — more interested in keeping their pets healthy than in making a fashion statement.
“We’re not the Paris Hilton types (in South Dakota)” she said. “I think we’re more reasonable. We do it more for their comfort.”
Still, Brugger admits she spoils her dog, cats and horses. “They’re pretty pampered,” she said.
Specialty treats are another big seller this season. Laura Sumner, manager at Pet Pantry in Rapid City, said the major pet shopping doesn’t kick
into high gear until closer to Christmas. When it does, the treats are one of the biggest sellers for her.
“They just kind of fly off the shelves … the little goodies,” she said. “Anything Christmasy, I think, catches their eye.”
One of the hot holiday pet gifts at Paws this season isn’t for dogs and cats but for birds. Paur sells bird pinatas, filled with fruits and other bird
food, in the shape of Santa or a candy cane.
When it comes to holiday shopping, Wiese thinks pet owners get a lot of satisfaction in shopping for their pets.
Something about it feeds their holiday spirit. And he doesn’t see it slowing down any time soon.
“People almost take more time shopping for their pets than they do for their kids,” said Wiese, who would probably know. His last job was at
Toys R Us.
Make it a handmade holiday for gifts
By Janna Farley
jjfarley@argusleader.com
Published: November 30, 2007
In a day and age where everything is mass produced, plastic or (gasp!) from China, handmade gifts can be a special treat.
There's just one hitch. You have to actually make something.
For the naturally creative and motivated, this is not a problem. These are the people who did not shutter when Hobby Lobby and
Michaels were advertising Christmas arts and crafts supplies in July. For the procrastinators (like me) or those whose ideas are often
bigger than their skill level (also me), the idea of a handmade holiday just might not be in the cards.
But all hope is not lost.
To paraphrase an old adage, those who can't create, buy. Because whether you spend the time making gifts yourself or purchasing
something from a local artist, you know you're giving a one-of-a-kind item. Here are some great ideas I found around Sioux Falls.
¥ Pottery is, by far, my favorite medium of art. It's beautiful, but many pieces are also functional. I've tried throwing pots myself, but
instead of ending up with something stunning, I get lumps of clay that couldn't even rightfully be called paperweights. So instead, I
collect work made from others.
This raku pot by University of South Dakota art professor Michael Hill ($80 at Rehfeld's Art and Framing Gallery) caught my eye
because of its stunning orange color, which I'm told is one of the harder colors to achieve when glazing.
¥ Beading and jewelry making is an incredibly popular pastime these days. But it can be incredibly and painstakingly frustrating -
especially when you're working with the tiniest of materials. So sometimes, it's best to leave the beading to those who do it best, like
Sam McGinnis, a regional artist whose work is new at Rehfeld's.
This hand-embroidered and beaded pin ($65) is gorgeous. Looking for something simply chic? You can't go wrong with these earrings
($38) and bracelet ($78) from Wings Studio. Wings jewelry is carried at several local stores. Check the Web site at www.wingsstudio.
com for a store.
¥ I first ran across Laurie Bertrand's handiwork when surfing the Internet, looking for a little creative inspiration. A few months later,
I found out that she'd just moved to Sioux Falls from Houston. What fun! And so are her intricately designed, whimsical stuffed
creatures, like this floppy-eared bunny ($55) and cute little dog ($35), and her magical elves ($75 each). You can find - and buy - all of
Laurie's work on her Web site: www.moddots.com.
¥ My sister and I took a knitting class a couple of years ago. Learning was easier than I thought. But after I tried knitting again at home
- without any of our wonderful instructors nearby to help me fix my mistakes - I quickly got discouraged.
The pretty handmade scarf I had envisioned was more akin to a Barbie doll blanket, and it had taken me hours to complete. I haven't
picked up my knitting needles since. Fortunately, other people are much better at the art of knitting than I am, and they can create
wonderful and warm mittens and hats ($20 each at Yarn Knit).
¥ Fashion dos and don'ts are always changing, but one thing will always, always remain true: a girl can never have too many bags. If
only I had an unlimited budget - or could make my own.
Fortunately, I don't have to learn how to thread my sewing machine any time soon. There are plenty of crafty women around Sioux
Falls who already make and sell terrific handbags, like this one by Stacie Fletcher ($58 at Archival Elements). Stacie uses a lot of
recycled materials and vintage fabrics in her work. In this bag, the shoulder straps are made from vintage ties. Very cool.
By Lynn Taylor Rick, Journal staff
When it comes to her six dogs, Heather Schuller of Wall makes sure they have the very best.
Schuller’s dog, Leya, might just be the only weimaraner in town who sports nail art, or in this case, claw art. Leya also owns four coats for
different occasions, as well as several other outfits.
“They’re part of the family. They sleep on the bed. They’re spoiled,” Schuller said of her canine companions.
For Christmas, Schuller makes sure her pets have plenty of gifts. She buys the pooches chew toys, knotted rawhide bones, balls and various other
toys. She always wraps the gifts so the dogs can smell what’s inside.
“I usually let them unwrap their own presents,” Schuller said.
Schuller is hardly alone in either her pet-spoiling habits or her plan to holiday shop for them.
Americans will spend an estimated $40.8 billion on their pets this year. Much of that tab will cover veterinary care and food, but a healthy portion
of it goes toward things such as cashmere beds and monogrammed toys.
Black Hills pet owners aren’t quite so elaborate in their pet gift giving, but they spend on their pets nonetheless, say local pet store owners.
Barb Paur, owner of Paws in Rapid City, said pet clothing is a hot item this holiday season and all year long.
Paws stocks a wide variety of jackets, from bomber jackets to wind breakers to barn coats. The coats go for about $20 and sell consistently. “With
this burst of cold weather, a lot of people are coming in to buy their (pets) winter coats,” she said. “The pet-related clothing line … it’s real hot in
the market.”
Rick Wiese, manager of PetSmart in Rapid City, sees the same shopping trend at PetSmart. But during the holidays, the Christmas-themed clothes
are extra popular.
“We had an end cap full of Santa Claus costumes,” he said. “All that Christmas stuff … it’s gone already.”
Peggy Brugger of Rapid City buys clothing for her dog, Tasha, a 17-year-old poodle, but it has far more to do with Tasha’s well-being than her
style. She’s an older dog with closely cropped hair, so Tasha needs the added warmth, Brugger said.
Brugger suspects that most Black Hills pet owners are like her — more interested in keeping their pets healthy than in making a fashion statement.
“We’re not the Paris Hilton types (in South Dakota)” she said. “I think we’re more reasonable. We do it more for their comfort.”
Still, Brugger admits she spoils her dog, cats and horses. “They’re pretty pampered,” she said.
Specialty treats are another big seller this season. Laura Sumner, manager at Pet Pantry in Rapid City, said the major pet shopping doesn’t kick
into high gear until closer to Christmas. When it does, the treats are one of the biggest sellers for her.
“They just kind of fly off the shelves … the little goodies,” she said. “Anything Christmasy, I think, catches their eye.”
One of the hot holiday pet gifts at Paws this season isn’t for dogs and cats but for birds. Paur sells bird pinatas, filled with fruits and other bird
food, in the shape of Santa or a candy cane.
When it comes to holiday shopping, Wiese thinks pet owners get a lot of satisfaction in shopping for their pets.
Something about it feeds their holiday spirit. And he doesn’t see it slowing down any time soon.
“People almost take more time shopping for their pets than they do for their kids,” said Wiese, who would probably know. His last job was at
Toys R Us.
Make it a handmade holiday for gifts
By Janna Farley
jjfarley@argusleader.com
Published: November 30, 2007
In a day and age where everything is mass produced, plastic or (gasp!) from China, handmade gifts can be a special treat.
There's just one hitch. You have to actually make something.
For the naturally creative and motivated, this is not a problem. These are the people who did not shutter when Hobby Lobby and
Michaels were advertising Christmas arts and crafts supplies in July. For the procrastinators (like me) or those whose ideas are often
bigger than their skill level (also me), the idea of a handmade holiday just might not be in the cards.
But all hope is not lost.
To paraphrase an old adage, those who can't create, buy. Because whether you spend the time making gifts yourself or purchasing
something from a local artist, you know you're giving a one-of-a-kind item. Here are some great ideas I found around Sioux Falls.
¥ Pottery is, by far, my favorite medium of art. It's beautiful, but many pieces are also functional. I've tried throwing pots myself, but
instead of ending up with something stunning, I get lumps of clay that couldn't even rightfully be called paperweights. So instead, I
collect work made from others.
This raku pot by University of South Dakota art professor Michael Hill ($80 at Rehfeld's Art and Framing Gallery) caught my eye
because of its stunning orange color, which I'm told is one of the harder colors to achieve when glazing.
¥ Beading and jewelry making is an incredibly popular pastime these days. But it can be incredibly and painstakingly frustrating -
especially when you're working with the tiniest of materials. So sometimes, it's best to leave the beading to those who do it best, like
Sam McGinnis, a regional artist whose work is new at Rehfeld's.
This hand-embroidered and beaded pin ($65) is gorgeous. Looking for something simply chic? You can't go wrong with these earrings
($38) and bracelet ($78) from Wings Studio. Wings jewelry is carried at several local stores. Check the Web site at www.wingsstudio.
com for a store.
¥ I first ran across Laurie Bertrand's handiwork when surfing the Internet, looking for a little creative inspiration. A few months later,
I found out that she'd just moved to Sioux Falls from Houston. What fun! And so are her intricately designed, whimsical stuffed
creatures, like this floppy-eared bunny ($55) and cute little dog ($35), and her magical elves ($75 each). You can find - and buy - all of
Laurie's work on her Web site: www.moddots.com.
¥ My sister and I took a knitting class a couple of years ago. Learning was easier than I thought. But after I tried knitting again at home
- without any of our wonderful instructors nearby to help me fix my mistakes - I quickly got discouraged.
The pretty handmade scarf I had envisioned was more akin to a Barbie doll blanket, and it had taken me hours to complete. I haven't
picked up my knitting needles since. Fortunately, other people are much better at the art of knitting than I am, and they can create
wonderful and warm mittens and hats ($20 each at Yarn Knit).
¥ Fashion dos and don'ts are always changing, but one thing will always, always remain true: a girl can never have too many bags. If
only I had an unlimited budget - or could make my own.
Fortunately, I don't have to learn how to thread my sewing machine any time soon. There are plenty of crafty women around Sioux
Falls who already make and sell terrific handbags, like this one by Stacie Fletcher ($58 at Archival Elements). Stacie uses a lot of
recycled materials and vintage fabrics in her work. In this bag, the shoulder straps are made from vintage ties. Very cool.
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