Halicat: New card collection launches at artisan boutique in Halifax

A made-in-the-Maritimes card collection just might steal your heart.

Made in the Maritimes, an artisan boutique in Halifax, has launched a new card collection featuring their Halicat – known as “the coolest cat in Halifax.”

“We thought of the cat from Halifax, people like cats, Halifax cat, so let’s call it Halicat,” says Mark Smith, Halicat creator and co- owner of Made in the Maritimes.

The idea came back in November when the team at the boutique decided to create a unique line of cards exclusively for their store.

“The drawing began and I was just testing myself to see what I could draw, and I drew a cat and this conversation with Joel, the other owner, and we just decided on the term Halicat,” adds Smith.

They launched the first collection at Christmas, and the cards were more popular than Smith expected.

“People were coming back to buy more cards because they had given a Christmas card and they said I gave these as a Christmas card and now I want one for myself,” adds Smith.

The interest sparked the creation of a range of cards for every occasion. Smith has made between 10 to 15 different types so far, featuring everything from birthday greetings to wedding wishes and now Valentines Day.

“We have people coming in looking for them. We even have a set of 27 little Valentines’ cards that kids can give out in their classroom with a little game on each one, like a maze or what balloon is Halicat holding,” says Smith.

Smith never thought he would see his own work for sale at the store. He enjoys writing funny jokes and seeing the customers smile when they read each card. He plans to continue to make more Halicat pieces and is excited for the future of this potential new Halifax mascot.

“We want to create more birthday cards, get into graduations and throughout the year you will see new things, might move into prints, posters, maybe a stuffy Halicat. You never know where you will find him in Halifax,” says Smith.

Halicat cards are sold at both Made in the Maritimes locations as well as online.

But if you are looking to keep tabs on Halicat, you can also follow along on his Facebook page.

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