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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!

Make It an Artisan Handmade Christmas - Week 10 Favorites - 2025

Wow!  It's pretty amazing that we are already at Week 10 of the Countdown to Christmas 2025 with only 2 more weeks to go!  Time sure can fly by.  The ever ticking Your Christmas Countdown Clock doesn’t let up: only 36 more days until Santa and his herd of flying reindeer make a nighttime visit to leave welcome gifts or lumps of coal. Since the holiday gift giving season is lurking just around the corner, Julie and Harry of Blue Morning Expressions are once again hosting a twelve-week Countdown of artisan handmade / designed items on their Buy Handmade from Makers blog.  The Countdown is the place for artists to share three of their beautiful (often one of a kind) creations. This week eleven artists shared 33 items, a wide range of wonderful gift ideas:  many styles of jewelry, Christmas ornaments, lampwork beads, Christmas notecards, art prints, photo albums, keychains, and many other unique items.  If you need a perfect start or end to your holiday shopping, please shop the Countdown to Christmas; browse and purchase that special piece for that special person!  An excellent rule of thumb to follow this holiday season: SHOP EARLY, SHOP OFTEN!  And, most of all, SHOP HANDMADE to support small, independent artisan shops!

In addition to promoting each handmade item from the Countdown collection to my "Countdown to a Handmade Christmas 2025" Pinterest board and on my Twitter feed, I decided to share one item from each of the artists who participated this week.  Here are my "favorites" picks of the items - hard to chose!  I hope you enjoy these unique items!

Hot Summer Fun 2025 - Artisan Handmade - Week 2

Week 2 of the "Hot Summer Fun blog is here!  In it, you'll find a large selection of summery items: hot colors, beachy vibes, flowers, sun designs, tropical themes, ocean colors, etc.  Some items shared are more on the blazing summer side and some represent a more calming summer.  However, ALL are artisan handmade / designed and many are one of a kind pieces.  So if something catches your eye on this Hot Summer Fun 2025 - Artisan Handmade - Week 2 blog, please click the photo or the link below the photo for more information and more pictures of the individual item.  And to see the entire collection click here's a link:  Hot Summer Fun - Artisan Handmade Gifts   Hopefully one or more of these beauties will make it into your shopping basket.  Treat yourself or a loved one to a unique artisan gift!  And remember: SHOP SMALL, SHOP HANDMADE!

Artisan Valentines Gifts for Loved Ones - Week 4 - 2025

Just a warning:  Valentine's Day is only 1 week away, this coming February 14!  In case you still need a gift for the big day, Week 4 of the Valentine’s gift blog on Shadow Dog Designs features artisan handmade / designed beauties.  Each piece makes a wonderful gift for your loved one.  Traditional and non-traditional Valentine's designs are included.  Many of the artisan items can be worn / used all year long!  If something catches your eye, be sure to click either the photo or the description below the photo to be taken to the artistan's shop.  To see all of the gift ideas in one place, here’s a link: Artisan Valentine's Gifts for Loved Ones - Week 1 - 2025.  ALL of the gifts shared here were created by small business owners.  Please be sure to SHOP SMALL this Valentine's Day and support an indie artist.  We will certainly appreciate that!!!