Blog entry

Make It an Artisans Mothers Day - Week 3 Gifts - 2026

Where did Week 3 of the Countdown to Mother's Day 2026 go???  The weekend was here . . . and then, too quickly, it was gone.  The Countdown is hosted by Julie and Harry of Blue Morning Expressions on their Buy Handmade from Makers blog.  This week, 30 handmade / designed items from 10 artists were shared.  Each unique item will make a memorable gift for Mom on her day.  Since Mother's Day is quickly approaching, on May 10 this year, this is the perfect time to start thinking about and buying a gift(s) for your Mom . . . and, perhaps, for other much loved women in your life.  Pssssttt, by the way, don't forget about a gift for yourself!  These items go quickly, and, since many are one of a kind, don't miss out!  Browse all the wonderful handmade / designed shares for Week 3, visit the shops of the artists featured and buy your Mom a beautiful gift that was handmade from the heart.  Since you'll be supporting a small indie artist, the purchase will be GREATLY appreciated!  Remember:  Shop Small for Mother's Day this year!

Here are my "favorite" picks (hard to pick a favorite from each artist!) from all the wonderful items shared: 

Make It an Artisans Mothers Day - Week 1 Gifts - 2026

Julie and the Handsome Harry Dog of Blue Morning Expressions are once again hosting the ever popular “Mother's Day Countdown.” Last year's Countdown was a resounding success . . . so the 2026 version is up and running.  Be sure to check out the Mother’s Day Countdown 2026 Week 1 on Julie and Harry's Buy Handmade from Makers blog. Since Mother's Day will be here before you know it - on May 10 - this is the perfect time to start thinking about buying a gift(s) for your mom, grandmom, aunts and/ or other beloved women.  Ten artists shared thirty unique items;  many are one of a kind designs.  Browse all the wonderful shares, visit the shops of the artists participating in this week's Countdown and buy your mother a beauty that was handmade / designed from the heart!  When you do that, you support a small, independent business (which makes us do a happy dance)!  Be sure to #ShopSmall for Mother's Day this year!  To show off some of the wonderful shares from this week's Countdown, I've shared a favorite item from each artist below:   

Valentines Day Gifts: Artisan Handmade or Designed - Week 2, 2026

Valentine's Day will be here before we know it, February 14, less than a month away.  Since the day is drawing nearer, a collection of wonderful Valentine's Day gifts was pulled together, 4 items from each artist.  Each week of the 4 week promo, a blog will be posted on Shadow Dog Designs' site to share one artisan handmade / designed beauties from each participant.  There are plenty of Valentine's Day themed items, but also ones that are not so distinctly traditional Valentine's gifts.  Many can be worn / used all year long.  If something catches your eye, be sure to click either the photo or the description below to be taken to the artisan's shop.  To see all of the gift ideas in one place, be sure to click this link: Valentine's Day Gifts: Artisan Handmade or Designs - 2026.  All of the gifts shared here were created by small business owners.  Be sure to SHOP SMALL this Valentine's Day and support an indie artist.  It will certainly be appreciated!

Hot Summer Fun 2025 - Artisan Handmade - Week 3

The last week of the “Hot Summer Fun 2025” promotion is here . . . the three weeks seem to fly by.  ALL the beauties featured on the new  “Hot Summer Fun - Week 3”  blog are artisan handmade / designed and many are one of a kind pieces.  So if something catches your eye, please click the photo or the link below the photo for more information and pictures of the individual item.  Hopefully one or more will make it into your shopping basket - treat a loved one (or yourself!)  to a unique artisan gift!  And remember: SHOP SMALL and SHOP HANDMADE!  Small indie shops will definitely THANK YOU!