Blog entry

Make It a Handmade Mothers Day - Week 6

Where did Week 6 of the Mother’s Day Countdown 2020 go?  It was here . . . and then was gone.  The Countdown is hosted by Julie and Harry of Blue Morning Expressions on their Blu Print blog.  This week, 36 handmade items from 12 artists were shared.  Each unique tem will make a memorable gift for Mom on her day.  Since Mother's Day will be here before you know it, this is the perfect time to start thinking about and buying a gift(s) for your Mom - and, perhaps, for yourself!  These items go quick, and, since many are one of a kind, don't miss out.  Browse all the wonderful handmade shares for Week 6, visit the shops of the artists featured and buy your Mom a beautiful gift that was handmade from the heart.

Flaunting Flowers - Artisan Handmade Three for Thursday

"If we could see the miracle of a single flower clearly, our whole life would change" – Buddha

Spring is in full swing here in the Desert Southwest.  Since there was more rain than normal during the winter and on into spring, the flowering trees and the wildflowers, especially the poppies in the Franklin Mountains, have been spectacular.  The various cacti and succulents haven’t started blooming yet with all their sometimes garish colors, but they should be extra pretty, as well. This time of the year, my thoughts always turn to working in the flower beds, trying to decide where to put “just one more” plant.  Watching plants reawaken and start their flowering is indeed a miracle . . . and does change my life for the better.

With flowers in mind, I decided this week’s Artisan Handmade Three for Thursday would feature flowers.  Three floral inspired handmade pieces, which turned out featuring mostly pink flowers, were chosen from the shops of handmade artisan friends.  The artisans are: Jacki of Christie Cottage; Roxanne of watercolorsNmore; and me, Catherine of Shadow Dog Designs. I hope you enjoy the handmade beauties.  And be sure to visit the shops of the artists for even more gift ideas - for someone you love or for yourself.

Shadow Dog Designs - New Handmade Jewelry

It has been a good while since I showcased my newest jewelry designs - since December, methinks.  Wow! Where does the time go? Here it is already March. I picked out a baker’s dozen of new earrings and necklaces, not everything that’s new in the shop, but ones that certainly draw my eye - and hopefully yours.  Please stop by to see all the jewelry, both new and old, at SHADOW DOG DESIGNS. I hope you enjoy this selection of new beauties.

Perfect Pink Pretties for Valentines Day - Artisan Handmade

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, in just over a week, and the colors of Valentine’s Day - red, pink and white - are seen everywhere.  Why these particular colors ??? Through the ages, red represents passionate love, beauty, courage and respect. White symbolizes true love, innocence, purity and charm.  Since pink is a combination of red and white, taking the properties of both colors, it reveals a gentler, kinder love, perfect happiness, tenderness and grace.

Since pink is such a beautiful and meaningful combination of red and white, I decided to pull together a blog, “Perfect Pink Pretties for Valentine’s Day,” featuring a wide range of handmade gifts using pink as a major palette in the designs.  You'll find most of these items are not your "traditional" Valentine's inspired gifts.  And that's OK!  It means they can be worn longer, sometimes year round, and not just for Valentine's Day itself.  I hope you find something for your loved one . . .  something that's a perfect pink pretty!