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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!

 

 

Buy Artisan Handmade for Mothers Day 2023 - Week 7

 

 

Week 7 of the Countdown to Mothers Day 2023 zoomed right on by . . . and in it's wake, 30 handmade items were left on the link-up by ten talented artists.  The Countdown is hosted by Julie and Harry of Blue Morning Expressions on their Buy Handmade from Makers blog.  Each unique item will make a memorable gift for Mom on her day.  Since Mother's Day will be here in about three weeks, on May 14, this is the perfect time to purchase a gift(s) for your Mom - and, perhaps, for other loved ones and 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.  And, when you purcahse from these shops, you are supporting small indie businesses! 

 

 

 

Buy Artisan Handmade for Mothers Day 2023 - Week 2

 

 

It's hard to believe that week 2 of the Mother's Day Countdown 2023, hosted by Julie and Harry of Blue Morning Expressions on their Buy Handmade from Makers blog came and went so quickly!  A total of 39 unique items were shared from 13 talented artists - each beauty a perfect Mother’s Day gift. Since Mother's Day will be here before you know it - on May 14th, less than 2 months from now - this is the perfect time to start thinking about and buying a gift(s) for your mom, grandmother, aunties and other loves ones.  Browse all the wonderful handmade shares for Week 2, visit the shops of the artists featured and buy your Mom a beauty that was handmade from the heart, many of which are one of a kind designs.  This year, please support small artisan handmade shops!

 

 

 

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!

 

 

 

Three for Thursday - Artisan Handmade Heart Jewelry - January 27, 2022

 

 

Valentines Day is just a bit over two weeks away, on Monday, February 14.  Since there is still plenty of time to order a unique artisan gift for your sweetie (but don't wait too long!), I decided to pull together a new Three for Thursday blog, featuring three items that feature hearts from three handmade.  Some of the jewelry highlighted are more of a traditional Valentine's design.  And some are definitely non-traditional in their colors and designs.  But ALL are handmade, one of a kind beauties.  The three artists featured are:  Linda of Victorian Style Treasures; Suzanne of RivendellRockSedona; and me, Catherine of Shadow Dog Designs.  I hope you enjoy this selection of earrings necklaces and bracelets . . and that one or more will become a treasured piece of jewelry for years to come.  

Happy Valentines Day - Artisan Handmade Gifts!

 

 

Valentine’s Day will be here before we know it.  Walk into a store shortly after Christmas and 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 Christian and ancient Roman traditions. 

 

 

 

New Jewelry Handmade by Shadow Dog Designs

 

 

This month, I want to share eleven new pieces of jewelry with you, seven pairs of earrings and four necklaces.  All are one of a kind pieces and all are designed and handmade by me, Catherine of Shadow Dog Designs.  I've somewhat grouped them according to theme, starting off with Halloween and Day of the Dead earrings, since those celebrations will soon be very here.  Then a pair of Christmas tree earrings (the holidays will be here sooner than we think!).  The last seven range anywhere between sweet and petite and fun and funky.  If something catches your eye, be sure to click the photo or the link below the photo to be taken to the item in the shop.  There you can read the specifics and browse more pictures.  I hope you enjoy these newest beauties!  

 

 

Perfect for Halloween and Day of the Dead / Dia de los Muertos celebrations:

 

 

Make It a Handmade Christmas 2021 - Week 2

 

 

Week 2 of the Countdown to Christmas 2021 has already come and gone . . . and unique artisan handmade items have been left in its wake.  According to the ever ticking Christmas clock, there are only 87 days until Christmas is here . . . once again!   Need a perfect start to your Christmas shopping? The Countdown is the place to do just that!  An excellent motto to follow is: SHOP EARLY, SHOP OFTEN.  And, most of all, SHOP HANDMADE to support small indie businesses!

 

 

Make It A Handmade Mothers Day - Week 2

 

 

Week 2 of the Countdown to Mother's Day 2021, hosted by Julie and Harry of Blue Morning Expressions on their the Blu Print blog, quickly came and went.  A total of 33 unique items were shared - each one a perfect Mother’s Day gift - from 11 handmade artists. Since Mother's Day will be here before you know it - about 8 weeks from now - this is the perfect time to start thinking about and buying a gift(s) for your Mom, Grandmother and other loves ones.  Browse all the wonderful handmade shares for Week 2, visit the shops of the artists featured and buy your Mom a beauty that was handmade from the heart.

 

 

 

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