Blog entry

Make It a Handmade Mothers Day - Week 6

Where did Week 6 of the Mother’s Day Countdown 2020 go?  It was here . . . and then was gone.  The Countdown is hosted by Julie and Harry of Blue Morning Expressions on their Blu Print blog.  This week, 36 handmade items from 12 artists were shared.  Each unique tem will make a memorable gift for Mom on her day.  Since Mother's Day will be here before you know it, this is the perfect time to start thinking about and buying a gift(s) for your Mom - and, perhaps, for yourself!  These items go quick, and, since many are one of a kind, don't miss out.  Browse all the wonderful handmade shares for Week 6, visit the shops of the artists featured and buy your Mom a beautiful gift that was handmade from the heart.

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.”

Halloween and Day of the Dead Handmade Jewelry - Three for Thursday

Halloween and Day of the Dead will be here very soon.  Halloween is the last day of this month, October 31, when ghouls and goblins and vampires and princesses and more show up at your door for tricks or (preferably) treats.  Day of the Dead is actually celebrated on two days: November 1 for Dia de los Angelitos (Day of the Little Angels - for deceased children) and November 2 is Dia de los Muertos (for spirits of all the dead).  Women who celebrate these holidays definitely need unique handmade jewelry! To help with this, three jewelry items from three handmade artists are featured in this Halloween and Day of the Dead Jewelry blog post. The artists are: Mary of PrettyGonzo; Linda of VictorianStyleTreasures and, me, Catherine of Shadow Dog Designs.  I hope you enjoy the earrings, bracelet and necklace that are showcased. Please visit the artists’ shops for more wonderful handmade jewelry, many one of a kind designs.