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Artisan Handmade Gift Ideas - Tuesday Tag - August 6, 2019

Please share you tags on the host blog:  CHRISTIE COTTAGE

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): 

Donovan’s “Colours” 1965  

And here’s an incredible live version of the song with Pete Seeger sitting in on banjo: 

Donovan "Colours" 1966

New Jewelry From Shadow Dog Designs - Handmade Earrings and Necklaces

I like for jewelry to tell a story and to be able to tell a story about what I’m wearing.  That’s more important to me than a name, brand or label - Nikki Reed

I just love this quote because I love jewelry that tells a story, too.  And if you look at the jewelry in my Shadow Dog Designs handmade shop, many, many of the pieces have such interesting stories to tell.  Why buy mass produced necklaces and earrings when artisan handmade jewelry, often one of a kind pieces,has GREAT stories to tell!

Christmas in July - Artisan Handmade - Three for Thursday

All this month, merchants celebrate “Christmas in July.”  Believe it or not, the real Christmas will be here before we know it - yikes!  To celebrate Christmas in July, I decided to share items from three handmade artists that either have holiday items on sale or are offering free shipping.  The items range from sweet baby clothing, to unique ornaments, to fun Christmas art, and to sparkling holiday jewelry. The three artists are: Pamela of MagdaleneKnits; Jacki of Christie Cottage; and me, Catherine of Shadow Dog Designs.

I hope you enjoy these selections.  Don’t wait! Start your Christmas shopping early while there is a wide selection of unique handmade beauties.