Blog entry

A Lot of Boho, a LOT of Fun - Artisan Handmade Three for Thursday

The term “boho” gets thrown around a lot these days, but what exactly does the word actually mean?  Short for “bohemian,” boho as a style is most closely associated with the free spirits and hippies of the ‘60s and ‘70s - but also the pre-Raphaelite women of the late 19th century.  It embraces the carefree, the relaxed, and the unique.  But, truth be told, it borrows from the fashions of many cultures and time periods through the ages that almost anything can be "boho" if it’s styled right.  

With that in mind, I decided this week’s Three for Thursday would embrace boho,” specifically with fun, unique necklaces.  Featured in the A LOT of Boho, a LOT Of Fun are three necklaces from three handmade three artists.  The artists are:  Mary of PrettyGonzo, Jacki of Christie Cottage; and me, Catherine of Shadow Dog Designs.  I hope one of these catches your eye!  Be sure to visit the shops of the artists for more amazing jewelry.

Make it an Artisans Handmade Valentines Day!

Valentine’s Day, February 14th, will be here before we know it with cupids, hearts, pink and red found everywhere.  Across the United States and in many other countries around the world, candy, flowers and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine.  While there was a St. Valentine (the Catholic Church actually recognizes three saints named Valentine or Valentinus), the “day of love” was declared the day before the pagan celebration of Lupercalia, celebrated at the ides of February or February 15.  Lupercalia was a fertility festival dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, as well as to the Roman founders Romulus and Remus. Valentines Day was officially declared on February 14th by Pope Gelasius at the end of the 5th century in an effort to Christianize the Roman celebration, declaring Lupercalia as “un-Christian.”

New Jewelry Handmade by Shadow Dog Designs - Christmas Gifts

It has been quite a while since I shared my newest  designs. I've been so busy adding new items in my Shadow Dog Designs handmade jewelry shop to take the place of all the necklaces and earrings sold at shows, that I haven’t even thought about blogging about them  . . . until now. You’ll find a wide range of one of a kind designs, including four new pairs of Christmas earrings. I hope you enjoy these new pieces . . . and that one (or more) of them might end up under the Christmas tree for a loved one - or for yourself!

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.