Blog entry
Colors for Autumn - Artisan Handmade - Three for Thursday
Despite the days still being in the mid- to high-90’s here in the Borderlands (unusual here for this time of the year), the last few mornings have had a tinge of autumn in the air. I’m definitely ready for the cooler breezes and being able to leave the windows open. Purple asters will bloom and the cottonwoods will turn a glorious golden yellow. Fall will soon be here (I hope!).
With autumn in mind, I decided to choose handmade beauties in fall colors for this Three for Thursday titles, appropriately enough, Colors for Autumn. The artists today are: Kathy of KatsAllThat; Pamela of MagdaleneKnits; and me, Catherine of Shadow Dog Designs. I hope you enjoy my autumn inspired picks and will visit the shops of the artists for more wondrous handmade fall elegance.
Colours by Donovan - Three for Thursday
A couple of days ago, while I was picking up some veggies and fruit from our local Whole Foods, I keyed in on a song that was playing in the background - a song I loved waaaaay back when. When I got home, I looked it up on YouTube, played the video and then let the mix of music from the mid-60’s to early 70’s continue playing. Brought back to many happy, and some sad, memories. One of the songs that played was Donovan Leitch’s “Colours,” a song I adored then and still adore now. I get lost in the peaceful lyrics, the lovely simplicity of the folk guitar accompaniment and Donovan's hauntingly beautiful voice. The song was released in 1965 and, 54 years later, is still a classic. I have played it over and over since “rediscovering” it. The lyrics are shared near the end of the post.
Here’s a link to the YouTube video (version without harmonica):
And here’s an incredible live version of the song with Pete Seeger sitting in on banjo:
Autumn Artisan Handmade Gift Ideas - Three for Thursday
According to the calendar, we're about ½ way through autumn, the favorite time of year for many people. I live in the Desert Southwest and most people don’t associate the desert with fall color. But we have it! Granted not as eye catching as the forests in along the East Coast or the aspens in many places in the Rockies. Color is here, nonetheless: glowing yellows and reds and purples of the deciduous trees. And my amazing cosmos are looming up a storm with carmine reds, pale pinks and glowing white. The hummingbirds left about a month ago (always sad to see them go) but new migrant birds are showing up, especially the cheerful little juncos. Am waiting for the beautiful blue scrub jays with their raucous calls and jaunty attitudes to show up under the bird feeders.
Artisan Handmade Gift Ideas - Three for Thursday
“I work to provide symbolic reminders of our connection to the earth and beyond.”
I love this quote from Christine of beadfreaky, one of the artists featured in this week’s Three for Thursday blog. I firmly believe a large majority of handmade artists feel that way since since each piece created has a bit of the maker’s own heart and spirit captured in it. Each handmade piece of art is as meaningful and unique as the person who created it.
New Artisan Handmade Jewelry at Shadow Dog Designs
I love this quote by J. Donald Walters:
When you buy something handmade by a person, there is something special there, and you do feel it. The consciousness with which the thing is made is often more important than the thing itself.
First - Wonderful Handmade Wednesday on Indiemade
It’s been a while since I featured a full Wonderful Handmade Wednesday on Indiemade post on my blog. The month of April was filled with 2 day shows on the weekends (sales were excellent for two and good for two) and I had to take a couple of unexpected short trips. So last week's post was postponed until this week. It was good to take a short break. Now we are into the second week of May! Where does the time go?
Today’s blog post, First, features ten items from ten handmade artists. The items chosen are the very first one in the shops (as of when this blog was written). I hope you enjoy the varied items from these talented artists.
Gift Ideas for a Handmade Mothers Day - Week 2
What wonderful handmade beauties were shared this week on the Mother’s Day Countdown 2018 - Week 2, hosted by Julie of Blue Morning Expressions on her The Blu Print blog. Since Mother's Day will be here before you know it, on May 13, this is the perfect time to start thinking about (and buying a gift) for your Mom. Browse all the wonderful handmade shares for this week - many of them one of a kind designs - visit the shops of the artists featured and buy your Mom something that was handmade from the heart.
New Handmade Earrings and Necklaces by Shadow Dog Designs
It has been several months since I last shared a blog of my newest handmade jewelry. Between participating in art shows, traveling, my birthday, our anniversary, other commitments and trying to stock my Indiemade shop for the Christmas buying season, the time just sped right on by. Seems time goes quicker and quicker each and every year! Whew! Anyway, I finally pulled together this post to share of my newest earrings and necklaces, six of each. They are all one of a kind pieces and handmade from the heart. If a piece catches your eye, please click on the photo or the live link below the photo to be taken to the item for more information and pictures. I hope you enjoy the beauties below:
Autumn Inspired Handmade Beauties
The cooler temperatures of autumn have arrived here in our area of the Desert Southwest. It still gets into the high 80’s or low 90’s during the day but drops down into the high 60’s at night. The monsoon season has pretty much ended, the horrid humidity mostly gone, and our drier air has been welcomed back by everyone. It is so nice to turn off the air conditioner (at least until early afternoon) and open windows and doors to allow fresh desert air to blow through. While I don’t see any trees changing colors yet, the desert is extremely green after the above average rainfall we received the last two months. Maximillian sunflowers can be found all over, as well as masses of small yellow, purple and terracotta colored wildflowers that I don't know the name of but enjoy immensely nonetheless. My favorite time of the year!
New, One of a Kind Handmade Jewelry by Shadow Dog Designs
It has just been over a month since I shared the newest handmade jewelry in my Indiemade shop. I usually try to share once every two weeks. But between traveling and getting ready for my first big show of the season (Labor Day weekend), I finally found time today to share my newest earrings and necklaces, all handmade, many with a boho flair and all one of a kind creations. If something catches your eye, please click the photo or the link below for more information and pictures. I hope you enjoy each and every one as much as I enjoyed creating them.
