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Just Who Is "Shadow Dog Designs?"

My name is Catherine and I create unique, mostly one-of-a-kind jewelry using semi-precious stones and sterling silver. But I also love to integrate bone, copper, brass, polymer clay, lampwork and many other different non-stone components in my handmade work. Also incorporated into many designs are pendants and beads from my wide range of artist friends, making a piece designed with them that much extra special.  I have fun “working” at what I love!

My business was named Shadow Dog Designs about 15 years ago to honor Chase and Loki, the two rescue dogs my husband and I had the privilege of sharing a life with at that time. Later on came sweet Mesa, who, with her cone, is my easily recognized avatar that can be seen all over social media sites. The Shadow Dogs followed me everywhere; naming the business after them seemed the most logical choice. I am an ardent supporter of adopting dogs from shelters and donate ½ of the purchase price of my “dog rescue” jewelry line to the local Humane Society, where we adopted our newest Shadow Dog, the lovable goofus, Seamus.

My Masters is in Science Education and I taught science and math for 12 years in Texas, but because of my husband’s job, we began to move every couple of years. Right now, we are living in El Paso, Texas, fondly called “Last Texas” because it’s right on the western tip of Texas.  Just a bit further west is New Mexico and not too far south is the border with Mexico.

I try to create jewelry that is like a dear friend, pieces that you will reach for over and over again and enjoy each time they are worn. Nature is always a huge inspiration; I revel in the colors, shapes and textures that I see all around me. The desert is subtle in its absolute beauty and something always triggers an idea and the need to create. For example, after coming back from three weeks in the Australian Outback, most of what I designed for months afterwards was inspired by the trip, stones of a rich earthy red color that mimicked the soil of the Red Centre.  I still find myself reaching for those colors.

I am a self-professed science and nature geek. When I am not doing things related to jewelry design, you can quite often find me lying on my stomach in the grass looking at an insect, with binoculars in hand watching birds in the arroyo behind our house, or hiking with our current Shadow Dog, Seamus, and picking up about every sparkly, interesting rock I see.

The journey of making jewelry seems to have started from an early age. I have a life long love affair with stones. As a kid, I was always picking up rocks to put into my treasure box. (To tell the truth, I still do that!) If I found stones with holes in them, I would tie them on fishing line or string and give them to friends.

When visiting during the summer and holidays, my Grandmother always had necklaces for me to re-string. I remember spending many happy afternoons with her wonderful old beads. In college, I created simple leather chokers strung with African trade beads and sold them for a little extra spending money. It wasn’t until much later, however, that I became hopelessly addicted to the whole process.

 

A friend and I walked into a newly-opened bead shop in Warrenton, Virginia, and were dazzled by the possibilities: there was a whole wall of amazing gemstones waiting for me! My friend and I signed up for a basic jewelry-making class before we left the shop that day, and I took other classes over the course of several years. The shop owners at the time, Norma and Nick, gave me invaluable advice when I first started selling my jewels at shows and in galleries.  They are still very supportive to this day and I value them as long time friends.  

          

Besides taking classes, I read a lot and browse the internet to learn new techniques and keep up with the newest stones. Going to gem and mineral shows is also invaluable – I love hanging out and talking with the vendors, especially the ones that make their own pendants and beads to sell.  I also like to study about stones, their geological formation, their history through the ages, and so on.

Sometimes when I am out shopping for stones or other components to add to my already hefty stash, I instantly see a design and can’t wait to get home to make that piece of jewelry. I’ll collect my supplies, sit down and make it without many deviations from what flashed in my mind. Other times, I might play with the stones for hours or days (or months . . . or years) stringing and re-stringing, adding and taking off and re-arranging, until the Muses tell me it’s done. Even though I keep up with current trends, I definitely create what is right for me.

    

One of the bedrooms in the house we’re renting became my studio, and I spend a lot of time creating and looking out over the amazingly colored desert and the mountains beyond over into Mexico. The play of light over the land is such an inspiration and it is definitely showing up in my jewelry designs.  

    

Mother Nature is my biggest inspiration, but sometimes the Muses go on vacation and I hit a creative block. During those times, I can’t push a design, or else I invariably end up taking it apart. To help boost me over that, I load Seamus into the Dog Mobile, drive out to a hiking trail and just look at and breathe in and feel what’s around me.

I have two short and sweet pieces of advice, given to me when I was first starting out. The first is, “Make what you feel.” And the second is, “Do NOT undersell your jewels.” I think both of those are invaluable, and have followed them as best as I can from Day One.

  

 

Thank you for letting me share a little of myself with you.  And thank you for getting this far!  If you would really like to make my day, please leave a comment (even it is to say what a handsome companion Seamus is) - it will be greatly appreciated!

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Comments

Great to get to know you!

Wonderful job Catherine. I loved reading all about your journey to where you are today. I really loved the part about hanging with your grandmother stringing beads - precious moments that I'm sure you treasure.

I'm insanely jealous of the views you have currently - it looks spectacular!

I'm so fortunate that our paths have crossed and I'm the owner of a number of pieces of your artwork - I wear them all proudly (not at the same time though!).

Good luck with your next chapter in life.

Lisa

Thank you, Lisa!

I hope you don't mind me nicking your idea of a rewrite of a previously published post! I do greatly appreciate you stopping in and commenting. I truly value our continued friendship, both personally and as artists, although I'm not 100% sure the two can be separated. And the BEST to you on this new endeavor. As we keep supporting each other, it WILL work! Peace and joy and thanks again, Catherine.

I thought I knew you so well.....

But in reading this bio I see there is so much more about you than I ever knew! I think this is wonderful....almost feel like I am there with you. You open yourself up in such a colorful way and draw us in to share your world. I just love your workspace...so bright! Thank you so much for sharing your journey and your story of your rescue dogs. Lucky Seamus!

Thank you, Kat!

Thank you, Kat, for stopping in and commenting. Hahaha! Well, if you could see my work space now - looks like a tornado hit! Still nice and bright with all the windows, but . . . ! I think we are lucky to have Seamus in our lives. He brings so much joy and laughter (:

Wonderful job, Catherine!

Wonderful job, Catherine! You did an amazing job. Your enthusiasm for stone shopping is only matched by you kind heart for recues like the handsome Seamus. You just shine!

Thank you, Cathy!

Thank you for your kind words, Cathy! Only wish I could do more for rescues - like rescue all of them. But we do what we can! You have a kind heart, too, with your pack of four footed friends!

This is sooo sweet!

This is really a beautiful introduction to you - and Seamus too. :) It was wonderful to see your workspace again - and the glorious mountains. (I sure feel like I know them myself from your banner.) And, of course, the marvelous creations you bring into the world. I wish you such good luck with your new additional shop, and am very envious! Your shop here is super gorgeous! Will be stopping by again ... and again .... :) Treats to Le Moosie from Le Gonze!

Thank you, Mary!

You, know, you are so right about the mountains. Was looking at the flipped design just yesterday from the photo you used. You KNOW how much I love my banner - you did a perfect job on it, my friend! Thank you for the well wishes. Le Moosie sends many tasty kitty treats to Le Gonze, and some extra pounces on the wee mousies (:

I enjoyed learning a bit more

I enjoyed learning a bit more about you, Catherine! Your photos are beautiful and illustrate your story well. What a wonderful view of the mountains and the ever changing colors and shadows you see daily from your home. Having a fine furry companion to accompany you throughout the day must add even more pleasure to your life! I wish you continued success as you expand your brand to another venue.

Debbie

Thank you, Debbie!

Yes, Seamus does add so much pleasure with his wonderfully big heart and goofus personality. We are so lucky to have found this Shadow Dog . . . although I really think he found us (: Thank you for your well wishes! It's exciting to be here on Indiemade.

Nice to know more about you

Nice to know more about you ...Amazing post

Thank you, Imane!

What a wonderful surprise to see your comment, Imane. Thank you so much!

Who is ShadowDogDesigns?

What an inspiring blog, Catherine. This is so much better than a curriculum vitae page to engage your buyers. I know you will be 'the Bomb" on Indiemade, just as you are on AF.

Thank you, Anna!

Coming from someone I consider the "queen of bloggers", I truly appreciate your kind comments and your encouragement, Anna. Thank you so much!

Who Is Catherine?

Catherine, I loved reading your post and finding out who Catherine is! You can tell just by looking at your jewelry that you love dogs, nature and designing jewelry! You truly have a gift with words as well. Thank you for sharing another part of you with us. Sharon

Thank you, Sharon!

Think you hit my favorite three on the head: dogs, nature and designing jewelry. I guess my DH should be in there somewhere, too - LOL! Thank you so much for stopping by and leaving a comment!

Inspirational

Your jewelry is always so colorful and unique, and when you share your view with us, I can now see where all those gorgeous colors come from. Great post and it's always a lot of fun to visit with and get to know those who we connect with on a daily basis. Blu sends his regards to his fuzzy internet friend, and I wish you great success and prosperity in your new shop.

Thank you, Julie and Blu!

You know, I hate doing things like these, but thought it was a good intro to my new Indiemade shop. I'd MUCH rather be promoting other artists' works - like on the Countdown! (: Seamus gives many tail wags and a few tasty treats to his long time friend Blu. And thank you for stopping by and commenting, Julie!

It always warms the cockles

It always warms the cockles of my heart to meet a fellow dog-lover (addict?), and you are certainly no exception, Catherine! What a treat to read more about your process, your motivators and your inspirations. I love your new shop. It's very 'you' and showcases your gorgeous creations beautifully. I'm right behind you. Just a few more tweaks and I'll announce the reveal. Even though it's new, it feels so comfortable here because of all the familiar faces! Jecca and Suzu wish goofy scamp Seamus many tasty goodies as he goes on this new adventure with you :)

Thank you, Mary Beth!

Oh!!! I can't wait to see your new Indiemade shop! Yay! Yes, it's so nice to know a fellow dog addict - amazing how quickly they worm their way into your heart and become such a large part of your life! Thank you for the kind words and I can't wait to see your new shop!

Have Friends will Travel

What a truly nice introduction to your new shop and old work! Not that your current work is old but the years of experience in jewelry making show beautifully in your creations! It seems that your life path has been full and will continue to meander towards new destinations and creative sharing. That gorgeous view may well offer you, husband and Seamus some wonderful adventures! Best of luck and so glad that we have ended up in this new venue together!
Jo

Great Job on your Intro

Great job on your introduction. Nice to get to know more about you. Your are a very talented jewelry designer and a great blog writer. Your photos are inspirational and beautiful and the mountain views are spectacular.

It all makes sense now!

I so enjoyed reading this, Catherine! Your science background, love of stones, inspiration from nature, and love of your Shadow Dogs, all come together so well! You know I love your jewelry. The pieces above are just marvelous! Enjoyed getting to see your studio too!

Thanks for sharing! All the best! --Sharyl

Thank you, Sharyl!

What a wonderful surprise to have you stop by and comment, Sharyl. You know I love using your pieces to design with. In fact my first sale here was the turquoise scalloped hoop earrings (: I llok forward to using more of your work in my designs. Thanks, again!

What a beautiful studio you have!!

I loved learning more about you! Thank you so much for sharing! I have always found the desert to be my biggest source of inspiration! I wish I lived there. It is so beautiful! You have a lovely work space and a beautiful view. I love the pictures of your jewelry you shared. Very nice pieces!

Amanda
Tortuga Soap Company

Thank you, Amanda!

Am glad you share a love of the desert, such a sereneness to it. Maybe one of these days you'll be able to live in it. Thank you for stopping by and commenting, Amanda. I truly appreciate it!

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