Houndstooth Design

You know how great it is when you find something cool, unique and amazing? We felt that way when we discovered Josh Hoffman's brilliant chalkboard horses and his company Houndstooth Design and Mercantile.

As a kid, Josh always loved horses, but the closest he ever came to owning one was a Breyer unicorn from the JCPenny catalog. “I remember staring at the page for hours deciding which one I should choose,” he says. A few years later, his brother broke its horn off. "I still remember that first horse," Josh says. "Santa brought more horses that year and I was hooked. I've been collecting ever since!"

Fast forward 20 years and Josh bought a horse online that arrived terribly scratched. He sanded it down to the natural plastic, primed it and at a friend’s suggestion, covered it with chalkboard paint. At first he thought it was a strange idea, but it turned out pretty cool - it was a unique, sculptural piece of art that was both useful and functional.

Josh had heard of Etsy and thought it would be the perfect place to sell his horses. He bought a few more "bodies" and finished them with chalkboard paint. In April of 2010, he set up shop on Etsy under the name Houndstooth Design and Mercantile (www.etsy.com/shop/HoundstoothDesign). Why Houndstooth? "I love the look of the fabric," says Josh. "It was either that or something with herringbone. I have two great danes (the closest I will ever get to real horses), so houndstooth was my choice.

Josh's horses have been featured in the pages of Weddings Unveiled, among other publications and have been mailed all over the globe, to countries like Australia, Greece, the United Kingdom, Chile, Japan and Canada to name a few. We love to see them used in place settings, as table numbers, as place markers or in event decor. They also make great cake toppers! "I have my own collection of chalkboard horses started (20 strong)," says Josh. "I can't wait to see what the future holds for me, Houndstooth Design and my horses.

We've included images of some of our favorite horses from Houndstooth below, including a unicorn identical to Josh's first one. Be sure to check out the Houndstooth Design and Mercantile Etsy shop to find your favorite. In addition, Weddings Unveiled readers will receive a special discount of 15% off their entire purchase through February 14th, 2102!! Just enter the code WEDDINGS15 at checkout.

Brooklyn Arts Center Wedding Show This Weekend!

The Brooklyn Arts Center Winter Wedding Show is this Sunday, January 29th, 2012, from 1-4pm at The Brooklyn Arts Center at St. Andrews in historic downtown Wilmington, NC. The first 75 brides to purchase a ticket will receive a swag bag filled with local goodies and all attendees will have the chance to win fantastic giveaways! Don't miss this opportunity to connect with some of the region's top wedding professionals! Sip lovely refreshments from the BAC cash bar, taste fabulous food, hear live music and find all the latest wedding fashions, trends and styles presented as actual weddings throughout the spectacular venue.


To purchase a ticket, please visit the Brooklyn Arts Center Winter Wedding Show's website.

Brooklyn Arts Center Winter Wedding Show
January 29th, 2012
1pm-4pm
516 North 4th Street
Wilmington, NC

The Paper Nickel Stamp Company

We adore wedding papers of all kinds and if you’re like us, details matter. Of course that includes the postage needed to mail your save-the-dates, invitations and thank you notes. Count on The Paper Nickel Stamp Company to seal the deal with authentic, ultra-cool vintage stamps. Owner Holly Bedell, a graphic designer and former art director, handpicks collections of stamps for every single order, pulling from an enormous inventory that spans decades - from the early 1900s through the late 1980s. You can choose a completely random assortment or customize your order within a certain color family.

“I like to think of stamps as tiny little posters,” says Holly. “Each is exceptional and individual and provides the ultimate finale to your mailing.”

For more information, visit The Paper Nickel Stamp Company’s website.

The Frosted Petticoat

We’re so excited to introduce you to The Frosted Petticoat, a brilliant, whimsical chocolate company started by the mother-daughter trio of Roberta, Trish and Sam. Chocolate making and hand-painting with edible glimmers is a tradition that has been passed down in their family for generations and as children, Trish and Sam would sit intently next to Mama Petticoat (Roberta) for hours, learning and watching her create edible masterpieces. It wasn’t until Trish’s own wedding 10 years ago that the dream of company started to develop. Trish couldn’t find a favor she fancied, so the three women put their heads together and designed and handcrafted 500 chocolate wedding favors themselves. The favors were such a hit that they began taking orders for family and friends’ events.

Still, the threesome didn't make The Frosted Petticoat official until after Sam’s wedding. They designed elaborate chocolate boxes dusted in amber gold glitter mimicking 1920s Art Deco architecture and decided that they could no longer deny their calling. The glamorous chocolate favors were an epic hit and The Frosted Petticoat was in business.

“We believe that weddings should be fun and full of the couples' personalities, while still being tasteful," say these lovely ladies. "Marrying vintage and modern styles, we want our favors to add whimsy and a nostalgic tip of the hat to an elegant affair. We stray away from the common, stay ahead of the trends, and like to put a fresh twist on traditional notions.”

We've included images below of some of our favorite chocolates by The Frosted Petticoat, but be sure to visit their Etsy shop to see all their yummy designs or visit The Frosted Petticoat website for more information.

Modern Trousseau Charleston Evening Wear Trunk Show

Don't miss this opportunity to preview the elegant evening gown collection from Modern Trousseau, only available for a limited time. Perfect for the Mother of the Bride, Mother of the Groom, or woman looking for an entrance-making, custom-made dress. Coordinating jackets, separates, and accessories also available.

These gowns are available during this exclusive trunk show only. Call early to schedule your appointment for a private trunk show viewing, or email charleston@moderntrousseau.com. For more information, visit the Modern Trousseau Charleston website or call 843.722.6300.

Modern Trousseau Charleston Evening Wear Trunk Show
January 20th & 21st, 2012
418 King Street
Charleston, SC
843.722.6300