Bowwowmeow

Crafting for Kids and Pets

“The way we view our pets has evolved to being similar to how we view our children.” — Michael Greenwald, Bowwowmeow

As a candidate for TDmonthly Magazine’s TOY FRENZY! documentary, Bowwowmeow’s Michael Greenwald shared how this pet-lovers’ company got off the ground:

We are a new company with a fantastic new product concept: Pet Crafting - Craft Kits for you and your pet.

We love kids and animals! They just kind of go together (not just because we are always cleaning up after them).

ARE THEY PETS, OR KIDS?

We had the idea because we saw the changing relationship people have with their companion animals. The way we view our pets has evolved to being similar to how we view our children. This is reflected in the boom in pet products and in the pet industry as a whole.

That notion got us thinking that perhaps there is some crossover potential between the world of toys and the world of pets. We set out to develop a line that would be suitable for both toy stores and pet stores. So far, nine months into it, it seems to be working.

We've done our homework and have launched a seven-product line that has a kid-friendly, yet sophisticated, elegant, cohesive branded look.

MULTI-STORE CROSSOVER

We've exhibited at several pet industry trade shows and have met an enthusiastic response. Our line does not represent the traditional pet store item, but those retailers looking to try something new and different have embraced our concept.

We are a mother and son team with experience, passion and know-how. My mom and business partner (Evelyn) co-founded Creativity for Kids, and in doing so practically created the category of arts and craft kits. I grew up working in the family toy biz and have designed/developed many toy products and concepts.

CRAFTS AND FAMILY MAKE THE GRADE

We have experience and know how to make craft kits; we also love kids and animals and wanted to find a business that would speak to this connection. I think we are unique for a number of reasons: We are a mother and son team and are, as far as I know, the only company whose products seem to be equally at home in both toy and pet stores.

At Toy Fair we are introducing our company and brand, Bowwowmeow, to the toy industry. We feel confident and hopeful that we will be eagerly embraced.

Make Your Dog a Party Collar by BOWWOWMEOW

For special occasions your dog will look splendid in a dress-up party collar, especially one made lovingly by you. There is enough material in this kit to make one collar for a bull mastiff or several for a toy poodle. You can even make a matching bracelet or ponytail holder for yourself or a friend. Everything needed is included in the kit. ( Watch Video) 9/27/2007 (MSRP: $14.99; Age: 8 and Up)

Make Shrink Art Jewelry and Tags for Your Pet and You Too by BOWWOWMEOW

Create shrink-art jewelry that any pooch would be proud to wear, and while you’re at it why not make a coordinating piece for yourself. Includes enough material to make more than 20 charms and tags. Also includes alphabet beads to further personalize, cord, ribbon and “s” hooks to hang ID or charms from a collar, and even a hole punch. 9/27/2007 (MSRP: $17.99; Age: 8 and Up)

My Cat Scrapbook by BOWWOWMEOW

This kit allows one to create a scrapbook as distinctive as his or her cat by adding personal photographs, drawings, stories and creativity. It includes a fabric-covered scrapbook, colorful papers, stickers, deckled-edge scissors, a glue stick, double-sided tape, markers and pages to fill in the blanks. All of the materials are acid free to ensure that the scrapbook lasts for years to come. 9/27/2007 (MSRP: $21.99; Age: 8 and Up)

My Dog Scrapbook by BOWWOWMEOW

Celebrate a dog by creating a treasured memory album. Add personal photographs, drawings, stories and more. The scrapbook kit Includes a fabric covered scrapbook, colorful papers, stickers, deckled edge scissors, glue stick, double sided tape, markers and blank pages. All of materials are acid-free, ensuring a long life for the book. This product is a 2008 National Parenting Center Seal of Approval Award winner. 9/27/2007 (MSRP: $21.99; Age: 8 and Up)