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A Fantasia of Flowers - Artisan Handmade Floral Gifts

 

 

Here in the Desert Southwest, you can feel that spring is not far off.  The days are getting longer and warmer, the winds are getting . . . . well . . . . windier, and, despite not having much rain in the last several months, flowers are beginning to stir and put on buds, a prelude to their much anticipated appearance before the heat sets in.  I saw the first swallows of the season yesterday, soaring and dipping through the arroyo that butts up against our back yard.  Other bird migrants will soon be here - some will pass on through and some will stay to nest.  Hummingbirds are greatly anticipated as are the butterflies, bees and wasps, all of which I hope will make good use of the new pollinator flower bed that has been a long, slow process in the making.  Life is good.

 

Thinking about flowers reminds me of a favorite floral quote by the Impressionist painter, Claude Monet, who painted many amazing floral landscapes and cultivated large flower gardens at Giverny:  

 

 

“I MUST HAVE FLOWERS, ALWAYS, AND ALWAYS”  

 

 

I TOTALLY agree with him!

 

The flowers shared below blossomed in the creative minds, hearts and souls of each artist featured.  I hope you enjoy browsing all these cheerful artisan handmade / designed spring beauties.  And be sure to visit the shops of the artisans featured for even more to choose from.  After all, Easter and Mother’s Day will quickly be here!

 

 

 

Gorgeous Gifts - Artisan Handmade for Valentines Day!

 

 

Valentine’s Day, February 14, will be here before we know it.  When you walk into most stores shortly after Christmas (or even sometimes before!), hearts, cupids and other items in pink and red will assail you from every direction.  Flowers, candy and gifts are exchanged between loved ones throughout the United States and in many other countries around the world . . . all in the name of St. Valentine.  Although the exact history of St. Valentine (or Valentinus) is shrouded in mystery (there are actually three St. Valentines recognized by the Catholic Church to consider!), February has long been celebrated as a month of romance.  Valentine’s Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both ancient Roman (Lupercalia) and Christian traditions, with a few other influences thrown in for good measure. 

 

This year for Valentine's Day, don't think abour buying mass produced from large companies.  Think, instead of supporting a small, indie business, people who actually make or design the items themselves.  Scroll down and you'll see 26 items, many are one of a kind and handmade from the heart!  Any of items highlighted will make a wonderful gift for a loved one.  Remember:  SHOP SMALL and support a small indie artist!

 

 

New Handmade Earrings and Necklaces - Jewelry by Shadow Dog Designs

 

 

Since the heat wave that set in about a week ago has not let up, I find it too hot to go outside and photograph new jewelry (which I normally do around noonish).  Photographing is something I really need to do, but I'll wait until it cools down a bit.  So I decided to pull together a blog that features the eleven newest jewelry designs in my SHADOW DOG DESIGNS jewelry shop,  three new necklace and eight pairs of earrings.  Each piece was designed and handmade by me and they are all one of a kind designs.  If something catches your eye and you would like to look at more photos and read more about the piece, please click on the picture or the description underneath to be taken to the item listing.  I hope you enjoy each and every piece as much as I love creating them!

Buy Artisan Handmade for Mothers Day 2023 - 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 from now and the big day for Mom will be here.  To help you in your search for the perfect item, check out the  Mother's Day Countdown 2023 - Week 8.  It is a collection filled with unique artisan items, all handmade from the heart and most one of a kind.  Hosted by Julie and Harry of Blue Morning Expressions on their Buy Handmade from Makers blogeach of the unique items, 29 beauties from 10 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!  Items on the Countdown go quick so 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.  Also you'll be supporting a small indie artist!

 

 

Gorgeous Gifts for Valentines Day - Artisan Handmade

 

 

Valentine’s Day will be here before we know it.  When you walk into most stores shortly after Christmas (or sometimes before!), hearts, cupids and other items in pink and red will assail you from every direction.  Flowers, candy and gifts are exchanged between loved ones throughout the United States and in many other countries around the world . . . all in the name of St. Valentine.  Although the exact history of St. Valentine is shrouded in mystery, February has long been celebrated as a month of romance.  Valentine’s Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both ancient Roman and Christian traditions, with other traditions thrown in for good measure. 

 

 

Make It an Artisan Handmade Christmas - 2022 - Week 12

 

 

 

Tick . . . tick . . . tick . . . tick . . . tick.   According to the Christmas clock, there is now less than 3 weeks (18 days!!!) until Christmas is here!  It’s hard to believe that almost a week has already gone by here in December, and, with it, the last week of the Countdown to Christmas 2022.  The Countdown has been graciously hosted all these 12 weeks (and many years) by Julie and Harry of Blue Morning Expressions on their Buy Handmade from Makers blog. Yes, Week 12 has come and gone and 30 artisan handmade items from ten artists were left in its wake.  Any of the beauties will be perfect for a Christmas gift, one that was carefully created from the heart.  Support handmade independent artists by helping Santa make it a HANDMADE CHRISTMAS this year! 

 

 

 

I'll Stop Wearing Black When - A Short History of the Non-Color Black

 

 

I’ll stop wearing black when they invent a darker color - Wednesday Addams

 

 

Writing about the history of black is probably a bit strange here in the middle of spring with flowers blooming up a storm in all sorts of beautifully varied and cheerful colors.  But just like Wednesday Addams of the Addams Family fame, black has always been a color (or non-color as it turns out) that I enjoy wearing.  Black has a very long and rich history, something I found most fascinating.  I kept reading and reading and reading some more:  interesting information and tidbits about black, both the elegant side and the more “evil” connotations.  So, I decided to share some of the information.  And also highlight unique handmade items from artist friends that feature black prominently in the design.  Other photos of interest about black are also scattered in.  All photos are linked.

 

 

 

Make It A Handmade Mothers Day 2022 - Week 9

 

 

Watch out!  Mother’s Day will be here very, very soon - in fact, this coming Sunday, May 8.  It’s still not too late to order a handmade gift (do it now!) from the beauties shared this week on the Mother's Day Countdown 2022The Countdown was hosted again this year by Julie and Harry of Blue Morning Expressions on their The Blu Print blog.  Hard to believe this is the last weelk of the Countdown!  Despite that, 9 handmade artisans shared a total of 27 wonderfully unique items. Browse the wide range of eye catching 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!  By shopping small, you'll also support a small indie business.

 

 

 

New Jewelry - Necklaces and Earrings Handmade by Shadow Dog Designs

 

 

It has been a very long time since I last shared new necklace and earring designs from my SHADOW DOG DESIGNS jewelry shop.  Between doing shows, the holiday rush and other commitments, I've had a hard time pulling anything together.  Until now!  Featured are a baker's dozen of new jewelry designs:  seven necklaces and six pairs of earrings.  They are all one of a kind designs.  If you are interested in anything and want more information, be sure to click the photo or the link below the photo to be taken to the item.  I hope you enjoy the new artisan handmade beauties.  

 

 

Christmas Earrings Handmade by Shadow Dog Designs

 

 

The Christmas holiday season will be here before we know it, when we are all searching for the perfect Secret Santa gifts, best friend gifts, Christmas gifts, stocking suffers, perfect jewelry for parties, etcc.  My SHADOW DOG DESIGNS handmade jewelry shop has a wide range of unique holiday earrings.  You'll definitely find something for your Chrustmas jewelry needs, whether for yourself or for others.  Some designs are one of a kind pieces - others are not.  I have them divided below so you know which is which.  I hope you enjoy this selection of an even dozen of sparkling holiday earrings.  To see even more, please click on this link:  ARTISAN CHRISTMAS JEWELRY

 

 

ONE OF A KIND CHRISTMAS EARRINGS DESIGNS:

 

 

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