Blog entry

Make It an Artisan Handmade Christmas - 2022 - Week 6

It’s hard to believe that we’re already half-way finished with the twelve week Countdown to Christmas 2022!  Yikes!  That means Christmas is bearing down on us and will soon be here - two months away!  According to the ever ticking Christmas clock, there are only 60 days until the jolly ho-ho-ho-ing Santa and his merry band of clattering reindeer arrive once again.  Now is the perfect time to start your holiday shopping and the Countdown is the perfect place to buy unique beauties!  Remember this motto: SHOP EARLY, SHOP OFTEN!  And, most of all, SHOP ARTISAN HANDMADE to support a small indie business!

Oldies But Goodies - Unique Artisan Handmade Gifts

Whenever someone says “Oldies But Goodies,” most people think of old songs (especially from a jukebox - remember those?), vintage cars, lots of items on the Antiques Roadshow or, possibly, themselves (after . . . *ahem* . . .  a certain age).  However the term, “Oldies But Goodies,” also refers to items in our artisan handmade shops that have been around for longer than the artist who made it would like.  Whenever something is created and then listed in our shops, we always think it will sell right away.  Some do.  But, for whatever reason, some beauties sit there . . . and sit there . . . and sit there some more. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that particular item - not at all!!!  It just hasn’t found that forever person to give it a forever home.

I asked artisan friends to share two items from their handmade shops that they considered “oldies but goodies.”  Many of the items are one of a kind creations and would make a perfect gift for a birthday, an anniversary, for Christmas, or just because . . . I hope something catches your eye and that you visit the shops of the artists below.  And that many of the “oldie” items find a loving home.

Unique Handmade Necklaces and Earrings by Shadow Dog Designs - Jewelry

"Jewelry is a very personal thing . . . it should tell a story about the person who’s wearing it" 

Garance Daré

I love the quote above by Garance Daré since it is so true.  Jewelry IS a very personal thing.  It can range from very traditional jewelry to jewelry that is uniquely boho; from mass produced to individually handmade pieces.  I LOVE making unique jewelry!  Necklaces and earrings, as you can see in this post, that definitely lean to the fun, boho side and are mostly one of a kind (with the excepton of a few pairs of Christmas earrings).  Featured here are ten pieces of the newest jewelry in my SHADOW DOG DESIGNS, six pairs of earrings and four pendant necklaces.  If something catches your eye and you want more information and more photos, be sure to click the photo or short description to be taken to the item in my shop.  Enjoy!

Make It A Handmade Mothers Day 2022 - Week 3

Week 3 of the Mother’s Day Countdown 2022 seemed to blow right on by (where do the days go???).  Hosted by Julie and Harry of Blue Morning Expressions on their the Blu Print blog, 27 unique handmade items  from 9 artists were shared on the Countdown - each one a wonderful gift for Mother’s Day.  Since the big day will be here before you know it - about 7 weeks from now - this is the perfect time to start thinking about and buying a gift(s) for your Mom.  Browse all the wonderful handmade shares for Week 3, visit the shops of the artists featured and buy your Mom a unique beauty that was artisan handmade from the heart.  Be sure to buy handmade this Mother's Day and support a small indie business!