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December 2016

Handmade Beauties to Ring in the New Year

 

 

 

A new year is almost on us.  Which leaves me to wonder:  what the heck happened to 2016?  I don't know about you, but it sure zoomed by quickly!  Despite its swift passing, 2016 also witnessed exquisite handmade creations from a host of artist friends.  To help ring in 2017, I decided to share some of those favorites - many are one of a kind pieces - that would be perfect to wear to any New Year's Eve party.  Enjoy!

Earrings and Necklaces, New Handmade Jewelry from Shadow Dog Designs

 

 

Christmas has come and gone and a New Year is almost here.  And then on to Valentine’s Day with Mother’s Day not far behind.  Looking back on 2016, I find it has been a whirlwind year full of shows, jewelry making, photographing jewelry, listing and . . . sales.  Yay!  A year of double down hard work is paying off.

 

No rest for the weary, however.  This blog post features six new pairs of earrings, one new necklace and three “oldies but goodies” that are still looking for a loving home.  All of the earrings and necklaces featured here are handmade, one of a kind designs; a bit boho, a bit classic and all extremely in fashion.  When purchased, YOU will be the only one with such a unique piece.

Christmas is Almost Here! - Wonderful Handmade Wednesday on Indiemade

 

 

What more can I say, but “Christmas is almost here!”  Today I’m sharing some beautiful holiday cheer, many of which are one of a kind items, from a bevy of talented Indiemade artists.  I hope you enjoy these creations, any of which will make a perfect Christmas gift for that special loved one.

Christmas Jewelry Gift Ideas from Shadow Dog Designs

 

 

Christmas is almost here . . . but there is still time to check off those special gifts on your list. Artisan handmade jewelry is always a welcome treat, somethign that is not mass produced. Most handmade jewelry are one of a kind necklace and earring designs that come from the artist's heart and soul, such as the beauties featured below.  All of the jewelry below are unique - the wearer would be the only one with that design - except for the snowmen earrings with Swarovski emerald crystals.  Seven new designs can be found in my Indiemade shop since the last post sharing my jewelry.  The last three featured are oldies but goodies that are still looking for a loving home.

 

Think Green for Artisan Christmas Gifts - Wonderful Handmade Wednesday on Indiemade

 

 

 

Red and green are colors that are closely associated with Christmas.  Last week I shared how red became a Christmas color.  You can read that post here:  Think Red for Artisan Christmas Gifts.  This week, green, the other Christmas color, is explored mainly through the symbolism of holly, mistletoe and evergreen trees.

 

The color green and its association with the time around Christmas has a pre-Christian origin, more specifically tied to the Winter Solstice.  Evergreen plants, like holly, mistletoe and pine, spruce or fir trees have been used for thousands of years to decorate and brighten up buildings during the long, dark, cold winter when life could be very tenuous.  Ancient peoples were scared of the short days and freezing nights and mistakenly believed that the Sun might disappear altogether. Evergreens reminded people that spring would come and that winter wouldn't last forever.  Historical records show that the Romans wove wreaths of holly to hang on their walls and doors to celebrate the winter solstice / Saturnalia. They also exchanged evergreen branches as a sign of good luck. The ancient Egyptians would bring green date palm branches into their homes during their mid- winter festivals as a symbol of "life triumphant over death." To the ancient people, the color green represented life, nature, peace, eternity and the hope of the future.  

Countdown to Christmas - Week 12 - Wales

The Mari Lwyd entering a bar as part of Christmas celebrations in Llantrisant; photo by visitwales.com

 

 

 

Y Nadolig (Christmas) celebrations in modern times in Wales are similar to the celebrations in the rest of Great Britain. Several days before Christmas, a small tree (sometimes artificial) is hung with lights, ornaments and trinkets. Paper decorations and streamers often lavishly decorate the rooms of the house. Gifts are exchanged on Christmas Day. The Christmas meal traditionally consists of roast turkey with all the trimmings, a wide array of vegetables, followed by a Christmas pudding with brandy sauce.  BUT . . . it is the older traditions that are the most interesting to me, some of which are still practiced, some of which are making a comeback and one, thankfully, that has fallen by the wayside (for obvious reasons, as you will see). As with all traditions, the same tradition can be different in different parts of the country. I chose my favorite to share here.