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Every Flower - Artisan Jewelry by Shadow Dog Designs
Posted July 6, 2021
EVERY FLOWER IS A SOUL BLOSSOMING IN NATURE
Gerard de Nerval
Anyone who knows me well, knows that I love growing flowers. Since moving to the Desert Southwest, it has been a long experiment to see what survives and what doesn’t. Not only does the summer heat make some plants struggle, but we had an unexpected deep freeze this past winter. But since the monsoon season has arrived early this year with much needed rain (yay!) and cooler temperatures (yay!), my flower beds are thriving. The zinnias that were grown from seed have just started to bloom - they are an experiment so we’ll see how they do. Grandpa Otts morning glories and sunflowers are aso blooming, along with the yellow and native lantana (which started back in March) and cheerful moss-rose purslane. And, of course, the bright fuchsia pink Knockout roses keep chugging right along. An all-time favorite flower, hollyhocks, are just about bloomed out. I've been taking photos and hope to share some in a blog later on. I revel in the beauty of flowers!
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Oldies but Glorious Goodies - Artisan Handmade Gifts
Posted June 24, 2021
I don’t know about you, but whenever someone mentions “oldies but goodies,” most people flash back to an old song, maybe their favorite vintage car, possibly antique furniture or, (shudder) themselves after . . . ahem . . . reaching a certain age. “Oldies but goodies” can also refer to items in handmade shops that have been around for much longer than we would like them to be. I, for one, always hope that whenever a new beauty is created and then listed, it will sell right away. Sometimes they do. But sometimes, for whatever reason, the item sits there . . . and sits there . . . and sits there some more. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that particular piece - 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 shops that they considered “Oldies but Glorious Goodies.” Most of the items shared are one of a kind creations and would make a perfect gift for that certain someone for their birthday, anniversary, Christmas, Mother’s Day, or just because . . . I hope one of these “oldies” catches your eye. Please be sure to visit the artisan shops for even more exceptional handmade lovelies.
Christian Cross Jewelry - Artisan Handmade by Shadow Dog Designs
Posted June 13, 2021
To a Christian, crosses are a symbol of atonement and reminds them of God's love in sacrificing his own son for humanity. Despite being associated primarily with Christianity, many cross symbols were used as religious symbols pre-Christianity, especially in Europe and western Asia. Crosses can be found carved on rocks and in caves dating back to the Upper Paleolithic period, approximately 50,000 to 12,000 years ago. During the European Bronze Age (app. 3200 - 600 B.C), cross symbols seemed to carry a religious meaning, possibly a symbol of consecration especially during burials. For at least two centuries after the crucifixion of Christ, the symbol of Christianity (when it was depicted) was a headless T-shaped Tau cross. Gradually over time, the Tau cross was replaced by the Greek cross, with arms of equal length, then by the Latin cross (or Roman cross) with a longer descending arm, which is the most common cross used today. Crosses come in many different variants, all having a religious meaning. If you are interested in seeing some of the variants and what they mean, I find these two links to be especially helpful: Christian Cross Variants and Kinds of Crosses--What the Different Designs Mean.
Eleven New Necklaces and Earrings Handmade by Shadow Dog Designs
Posted May 13, 2021
It has been quite a while since I shared new jewelry designs found in my SHADOW DOG DESIGNS shop. It seems the days . . . and the weeks . . . . and the months just speed right on by. I've been spending a LOT of time outside working in flower beds and just sitting and enjoying all the birds and other animals that come to the back yard. And watching Seamus be his goofy dog self. The weather has been absolutely gorgeous so the pull to be outside is greater than the pull to be in front of the computer. Today I'm sharing eleven new designs in my shop, all one of a kind jewelry. As you can see there is a wide range of desgins: some simple and some more comlicated, some small and some big and bold. And there are several new animal rescue designs which, when sold, one-half of the purchase price goes to an animal recue organization. I hope you enjoy these pieces. And be sure to visit my shop to see other unique jewelry: SHADOW DOG DESIGNS.
Make It A Handmade Mothers Day - Week 7
Posted April 20, 2021
Week 7 of the Countdown to Mothers Day 2021 flew right on by . . . and in it's wake, 33 handmade items were left from eleven talented artists. The Countdown is hosted by Julie and Harry of Blue Morning Expressions on their the Blu Print blog. 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 7, visit the shops of the artists featured and buy your Mom a beautiful gift that was handmade from the heart.
Beautiful Flowers - Artisan Handmade for Spring
Posted February 25, 2021
Photo by James J. Shaw
I know a bank where the wild thyme blows,
Where oxlips and the nodding violet grows,
Quite over-canopied with luscious woodbine,
With sweet musk-roses and with eglantine.
William Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night's Dream
Let us dance in the sun, wearing wild flowers in our hair . . .
Susan Polis Schutz
Handmade Heart Jewelry for Valentines Day and Beyond
Posted January 19, 2021
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Valentine’s Day is less than a month away. It’s time to start thinking about what to get for your sweetie. One of a kind, handmade heart jewelry is always the best! And especially when the heart earrings and necklaces don’t scream just “Valentine’s Day" but can be worn year round. I chose an even dozen of heart designs from my SHADOW DOG DESIGNS shop. You’ll find heart jewelry for dog and cat lovers, women who adore flowers, cross earrings and many more. To see the full line of hearts, click here: Artisan Valentine's Jewelry or click here: Artisan Heart Jewelry. I hope you enjoy this unique selection of jewelry gifts.
Gotta Love Those Earrings! - Three for Thursday - November 26, 2020
Posted November 26, 2020
Not sure about you, but I adore earrings. If I walk out of the house and later find I forgot to put a pair on (which doesn’t happen too often), it seems as if the earth tilts a bit on its axis and the rest of the day seems kind of strange . . . until I can put a pair on. I especially love long earrings, the more boho the better, but will also wear shorter earrings. But rarely wear studs unless I put one in the second hole of my left earlobe (which normally has a small sterling hoop in it).
Because of my love of earrings, my Three for Thursday blog features just that: EARRINGS! I chose three pairs of earrings that I would definitely wear from three handmade jewelry artists. The artists are: Elaine of ELDumont; Julie and Harry of Blue Morning Expressions; and me, Catherine of Shadow Dog Designs. And I do want to confess that it's hard for me to let some of the earrings I design to be offered for sale in my shop. OK, a LOT of them! I hope you enjoy these selections:
Make It a Handmade Christmas 2020 - Week 8
Posted November 10, 2020
Already, week 8 of the Countdown to Christmas 2020 has come on gone! It’s hard to believe that there are only four more weeks left! The Countdown is a chance for mostly handmade artists to share three of their beautiful gift ideas and for all to browse and, hopefully, purchase. The ever ticking Christmas clock doesn’t let up - according to it, Santa will start his journey in only 44 days! Need a perfect start to your Christmas shopping? The Countdown is the place to do just that! A good motto to follow: SHOP EARLY, SHOP OFTEN! And, most of all, SHOP HANDMADE!
Make It a Handmade Christmas 2020 - Week 7
Posted November 3, 2020
Wow! We are already more than half-way through the Countdown to Christmas 2020 - only 5 more weeks to go! It’s hard to imagine that Christmas will soon be here. According to the ever ticking Christmas clock, there are only 51 days (when this bog was posted) until Santa Claus drops down that chimney and either leaves gifts or lumps of coal for deserving or not-so-deserving boys and girls. Since Christmas is looming, now is the perfect time to start your holiday shopping and the Countdown is the perfect place! Remember this motto: SHOP EARLY, SHOP OFTEN! And, most of all, please PURCHASE HANDMADE from small business owner!
