Featured Etsy Designer -- Amy of Murphy & Gert -- plus a giveaway!

This one goes to all those furry little loves in our life -- because they have to be just as fashionable as their owner right? Well, lucky for you we came across a simply devine little shop for your loved ones. Murphy & Gert not only makes the coolest little goodies for your pets BUT they care about them too! Read on to see why we LOVE the owner, Amy and this Etsy shop so much and to win a FABulous giveaway -- any size Doggie Duvet Cover and collar of choice. How amazing are they? From this point on you won't be shopping generic for your lucky pet! 

{cupcakeMAG pick: the BUBBLES collar} 

{1} What made you begin your shop?

I was sick of looking at my dog’s not-so-cute bed.  However, I didn’t want to spend a bazillion dollars to replace the entire thing.   Since sewing is my hobby, I created an adorable Duvet Cover to hide the eyesore.  Friends and friends-of-friends began requesting my Doggie Duvet Covers for their pets and soon the Murphy & Gert shop was born.   Adding collars and leashes was a natural next step.

{2} What inspired the name, Murphy and Gert? 

I rescued a little calico named Gertie about 18 years ago.  Gertie is still happy, healthy and full of life.   I waited until the time was right to add a dog to our family and adopted Murphy the black lab in 2008. Murphy and Gert didn’t immediately get along.  Murphy had a bit too much “prey instinct” and spent the first year of our lives together chasing Gertie around the house.  She didn’t think it was funny.  About two years ago Gertie decided she was done fearing the Black Monster.  Little by little, she spent more time with us and after several months of “leave it!”...Murphy & Gert are best buddies!

Murphy is also the inspiration for my LUCKY DOG line of t-shirts.  Believe it or not, my sweet and lovable pup was found running the city streets.  He was skinny and scared and spent three weeks in the pound before the Central California Labrador Rescue sprang him loose.  The minute I met him, I knew he was my boy.  Now, he spends his days curled up on one of his four beds in the house, or having a sunbath in his big backyard, or heading to the dog park to play with his buddies.  He’s a very LUCKY DOG!  However, I consider myself luckier for having Murphy in my life and want to give back to the rescue organization that brought us together.  20% of the proceeds from every LUCKY DOG t-shirt are donated to the Central California Lab Rescue.  

{we LOVE this super soft Lucky Dog Tee to support a good cause} 

{3} What are some of your other favorite Etsy shops?

I absolutely LOVE the whimsical printwork of dearcolleen and rararpress. Middleburg does the most amazing paper mache creations.  I visit her shop often to see what’s new. My absolute favorite pet-related Etsy shops are doggonetags and geministudio.

{cupcakeMAG pick: the TRIXIE Doggie Duvet Cover}

{4} What is up next for you?

I’m currently working on a “limited-edition” line of up-cycled collars and leashes.  I’ve been combing the thrift shops for beautiful  houndstooth, herringbone and tweed to combine with colorful webbing for one-of-a-kind fido fashions.

{a sneak peek at the limited edition line, not yet available}

READ ON TO ENTER THE FABULOUS GIVEAWAY! 
Your dog or cat will thank us!

Giveaway: Doggie Duvet Cover any size and collar of choice! 

How to win: Let us know what you want to win. This comment is mandatory. You also MUST be a follower of cupcakeMAG and cupcakeMAG for Littles. 

For extra entries you can do the following below and leave us a separate comment for each letting us know. The more you comment the better chance you have to win!

1. Follow cupcakeMAG on Twitter

2. Make sure you "Like" us on our Facebook page

3. Make sure you "Like" Murphy & Gert on Facebook. 

4. Subscribe to our updates (top right corner above) - just sign up with your email!

5. Tweet about this giveaway and include @cupcakemag -- you must tweet, not just follow.

6. Write a blog post about this giveaway on your blog and send us the link.

We will select a winner via random.org on Wed., Feb. 23rd at 11pm. Please make sure you enter the mandatory comment first before doing the extra entries.