Blog entry

Make It a Handmade Christmas 2021 - Week 2

Week 2 of the Countdown to Christmas 2021 has already come and gone . . . and unique artisan handmade items have been left in its wake.  According to the ever ticking Christmas clock, there are only 87 days until Christmas is here . . . once again!   Need a perfect start to your Christmas shopping? The Countdown is the place to do just that!  An excellent motto to follow is: SHOP EARLY, SHOP OFTEN.  And, most of all, SHOP HANDMADE to support small indie businesses!

Every Flower - Artisan Jewelry by Shadow Dog Designs

EVERY FLOWER IS A SOUL BLOSSOMING IN NATURE

Gerard de Nerval

Anyone who knows me well, knows that I love growing flowers.  Since moving to the Desert Southwest, it has been a long experiment to see what survives and what doesn’t.  Not only does the summer heat make some plants struggle, but we had an unexpected deep freeze this past winter.  But since the monsoon season has arrived early this year with much needed rain (yay!) and cooler temperatures (yay!), my flower beds are thriving.  The zinnias that were grown from seed have just started to bloom - they are an experiment so we’ll see how they do.  Grandpa Otts morning glories and sunflowers are aso blooming, along with the yellow and native lantana (which started back in March) and cheerful moss-rose purslane.  And, of course, the bright fuchsia pink Knockout roses keep chugging right along.  An all-time favorite flower, hollyhocks, are just about bloomed out.  I've been taking photos and hope to share some in a blog later on.  I revel in the beauty of flowers!

Eleven New Necklaces and Earrings Handmade by Shadow Dog Designs

It has been quite a while since I shared new jewelry designs found in my SHADOW DOG DESIGNS shop.  It seems the days . . . and the weeks . . . . and the months just speed right on by.  I've been spending a LOT of time outside working in flower beds and just sitting and enjoying all the birds and other animals that come to the back yard.  And watching Seamus be his goofy dog self.  The weather has been absolutely gorgeous so the pull to be outside is greater than the pull to be in front of the computer.  Today I'm sharing eleven new designs in my shop, all one of a kind jewelry.  As you can see there is a wide range of desgins:  some simple and some more comlicated, some small and some big and bold.   And there are several new animal rescue designs which, when sold, one-half of the purchase price goes to an animal recue organization.  I hope you enjoy these pieces.  And be sure to visit my shop to see other unique jewelry:  SHADOW DOG DESIGNS.

Make It A Handmade Mothers Day - Week 8

If you haven't started shopping for Mother's Day gifts, you are quickly running out of time!  Just a little less than two weeks and the big day for Mom will be here.  To help you out, check out the Countdown to Mother's Day 2021 - Week 8, a cllection filled with unique artisan items, most of them handmade from the heart.  Hosted by Julie and Harry of Blue Morning Expressions on their Blu Print blog, each of the unique items, 33 beauties from 11 artists, will make a memorable gift for Mom on her day.  This is the perfect time to start buying a gift(s) for your Mom - and, perhaps, for yourself!  These items on the Countdown go quick, and, since many are one of a kind, don't miss out.  Browse all the wonderful handmade shares for Week 8, visit the shops of the artists featured and buy your Mom a beautiful gift that was HANDMADE.