Surpise the people at the TSA the next time they open your suitcase. Let them see the set of pet-print shoe bags and the matching book sleeve that protects your books on the go. Where to find such cute dog-themed travel gear perfect for you pet-loving lifestyle?

Welcome to my new store Tripping with Paw Prints: People Products for Pet People.

How did this evolve? Sewing has become my zen activity. Recently, I’ve gotten back into sewing again making quality handmade pet print travel stuff. I say ‘again’ because sewing craft items and participating in craft shows was what I did decades ago in my early teens. Yes, it’s been decades. I’ve almost come full circle. Eventually, I plan to make my teenage hobby, my retirement job. But I’m not there yet.

Pet Prints and Only Pet Prints

In the meantime, I’ve become obsessed with fabric stores, scouring rows of fabric bolts for pet prints – dogs, cats, horses, and even rodents. I’ve decided to only sew with pet prints. And in keeping with the travelling focus of dogtrotting.net, I’m sewing useful travel gear that’s both practical and fun.

What pet print travel gear have I created so far?

• shoe bags for walking shoes and flip-flops
• book sleeves to protect your books when travelling
• zipper bags in various sizes for whatever you need to pack
• cute flip bags for anything from personal items to dog treats
• pillowcases for … ok, this last one is primarily for home – unless you’re heading to the cottage

Travel Shoe Bags and Book Sleeves

Tripping with Paw Prints is the name of my sewing business. ‘People products for pet people’ is the concept. The first product I created is pet-print drawstring shoe bags. I swear by shoe bags to prevent my clothes from touching the bottoms of my shoes when packed. (Think about it). Each shoe bag has a single drawstring and is lined with a coordinating fabric. You’ll need a matching pair!

My favorite product is the book sleeve that keep paperbacks from getting dog-eared. Book sleeves are also made from pet prints – dog, cat, and equine options – and are slightly padded with an elastic loop and cute button closure. All have different, but coordinating linings. The generous size fits hardcover books easily.

Find Us at Ontario Craft Shows

Check out Tripping with Paw Prints shop on dogtrotting.net (no postal fee on online orders).

Or – if you live in Southern, Ontario, Canada see the merchandise in person at the following craft shows:

Saturday, November 2, 2024 – The Appleby Autumn Breeze Market, at the Appleby United Church, 4407 Spruce Ave., Burlington, Ontario. 10 am to 3 pm. Free parking and free admission.

Sunday, November 10, 2024 – Book Fair & Market, Ancaster Fairgrounds, 630 Trinity Rd S., Jerseyville (Ancaster/Hamilton), Ontario. 10:30 am to 4:30 pm. Plenty of free parking and free admission.

November 17, 2024 – Perfectly Pawsome Pawty, St. Mathew on-the-Plains Anglican Church, 126 Plains Road E., Burlington, Ontario. 9:30 am to 2:30 pm.

This one is a fundraiser for the Lions Foundation of Canada Guide Dogs. And guess what? It’s pet-friendly! Bring your well-behaved leashed dogs along, because there will be stuff for them too. Free parking and free admission.

November 30, 2024 – Craft Show, LaSalle Park Retirement Community, 18 Plains Rd W., Burlington, Ontario. 10 am to 2 pm. Free parking and free admission.

Sunday, December 1, 2024 – The 8th Annual Holiday Craft Show at Hespler Public School, 300 Winston Blvd., Cambridge, Ontario. 10 am to 3 pm. $2 admission.

Finally, if you’re in the area, please come check us out at any of these craft shows during November and December 2024. Otherwise, Tripping with Paw Prints online shop (on dogtrotting.net) will be updated regularly with new products and prints. Follow us on social channels because we’ll be promoting new products there too.

Here’s where to find all the craft shows listed above:

Writer bio: Sherri Telenko has been a professional writer for decades and a travel writer for the last two. She’s a member of TMAC (Travel Media Association of Canada) and Dog Writers Association of America and travels almost weekly with her canine companion, Victoria. Contact Sherri at dogtrotting.net here. All written content is original, written by a person, and based on experience and research. Please subscribe!