Blog entry
'Twas the Thursday Before Christmas - Three for Thursday - Handmade
Posted December 19, 2019
Here it is, the Thursday before Christmas with one more weekend to do holiday shopping. Shopping online is still doable if you order now and have the package sent out by USPS Priority Mail. The deadline for Priority Mail shipping is December 21, this Saturday. To help you with those last minute purchases, I wanted to share three unique items from three handmade artists: Mary of PrettyGonzo; Jacki of Christie Cottage; and me, Catherine of Shadow Dog Designs. I hope you enjoy the items chosen today.
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Affirmation and Inspiration - Artisan Handmade Three for Thursday
Posted August 15, 2019
“More smiling, less worrying. More compassion, less judgment. More blessed, less stressed. More love, less hate.”
― Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart
In these days which seem filled with words of hate and division, it’s sometimes hard to remember that there is MUCH more good in this world than there is bad. We just have to be aware of it. The smile of a friend or stranger. An unexpected helping hand. A kind word. Being strong in the face of adversity. That’s why I love the quote above . . . and sometimes use it as my mantra while doing some deep breathing to slow down my sometimes very active monkey mind.
Hot, Hot, Hot Dogs Days of Summer - Artisan Handmade
Posted July 11, 2019
The dog days of summer are here and the temperatures have gotten hot, hot, hot. It seems heat records have been shattered worldwide, especially in places that normally don’t get that hot. Weird weather all over. Climate change is real, folks!
So, just how did the term "Dog Days of Summer" come about? Depending on latitude and longitude, the Dog Days usually start the beginning of July and end the beginning of September in the Northern Hemisphere and between early January to early March in the Southern Hemisphere. Most people believe the phrase "dog days" developed by observing domestic dogs (such as our Seamus) laying around in shady areas during hot days. Another old myth, first attributed to Pliny the Elder, a Roman naturalist, stated in his Natural History that rabid dogs are supposed to be more common during this time of the year because the heat drives them mad. He advised feeding dogs chicken manure to curb the tendency!!!
New Artisan Handmade Earrings and Necklaces by Shadow Dog Designs
Posted October 7, 2018
Autumn has finally made its way here to the Borderlands. Am enjoying the cool wind blowing through the window as I sit and type this or as I create new necklaces and earrings. It’s wonderful to be able to turn off the AC, open the windows and screen doors and air out the house. Better sleeping weather, too. Autumn is the best!
Speaking of Autumn, the handmade show season continues. My next is the Western Hills Fall Bazaar, a 41 year tradition. It’s a new show for me. Am trying it out because other artist friends kept saying how good it was. LOTS of foot traffic, I’ve been told. Have LOTS of new earrings to take and some new necklaces. We’ll see.
Because of shows, I haven’t listed a huge amount of new items in my Shadow Dog Designs jewelry shop since the last time I shared, almost a month ago. But here are the handmade beauties: six pairs of new earrings, two new necklaces and two oldies but goodies to make the count an even ten. Enjoy!
First Page, Sixth Item - Wonderful Handmade Wednesday on Indiemade
Posted August 7, 2018
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Lately, the days just seem to drift one into the other and I sometimes don’t remember which day it is. Like today! Since I have a whole host of arts festivals to participate in this fall, I was creating some new jewelry late this afternoon. Then I suddenly realized it was Tuesday . . . and I needed to pull together a Wonderful Handmade Wednesday blog. Yikes! But never fear, it got done. With the help of my trusty “numbers bowl,” today’s theme is “First Page, Fifth Item” (as of when the items were added). You’ll find a wide range of unique items in this post, something just waiting for the woman who adores artisan handmade beauties. Also, browse more of the items in the artist's shops. You'll be glad you did! Enjoy!
Blues, Turquoise and Teals - Wonderful Handmade Wednesday on Indiemade
Posted May 23, 2018
According to scientific studies, blues, turquoise and teals have been found to be some of the most relaxing colors, both mentally and physically, especially the lighter shades. Peaceful, calm and gentle, these colors have tremendous power to manage stress. They are very soothing colors that help calm the mind, slow down the heart rate, lower blood pressure and reduce anxiety. From home decor to clothing to jewelry, the colors are favorites.
Today’s Wonderful Handmade Wednesday on Indiemade features beautiful items created by handmade artists in the three colors: blue, turquoise and/or teal. I hope you enjoy these choices . . . and feel a bit more relaxed after looking (and perhaps purchasing)!
First - Wonderful Handmade Wednesday on Indiemade
Posted May 9, 2018
It’s been a while since I featured a full Wonderful Handmade Wednesday on Indiemade post on my blog. The month of April was filled with 2 day shows on the weekends (sales were excellent for two and good for two) and I had to take a couple of unexpected short trips. So last week's post was postponed until this week. It was good to take a short break. Now we are into the second week of May! Where does the time go?
Today’s blog post, First, features ten items from ten handmade artists. The items chosen are the very first one in the shops (as of when this blog was written). I hope you enjoy the varied items from these talented artists.
Handmade for Mother's Day - Three for Thursday
Posted April 26, 2018
Being a handmade artist myself, I have always loved this quote:
You can't buy LOVE, but you can buy HANDMADE . . . and that's kind of the same thing.
Handmade artists put a great amount of heart and soul and love into their pieces. So, in my humble opinion, you ARE buying love. Each of the three items from three artists featured below put a LOT of themselves into each piece. I hope you enjoy these fabulous beauties. And remember: Mother’s Day will be here soon!
What a Spooky Halloween, Deux! - Wonderful Handmade Wednesday on Indiemade
Posted October 19, 2016
Halloween is just around the corner. Small goblins, vampires, fairy princesses and superheroes of all sorts will soon be appearing at your doors! In honor of this spooky holiday, I browsed the studios of Indiemade artist friends to find orange and/ or black handmade items that are perfect accessories for your Halloween costume. And there is even something for your best four-footed friend! Enjoy these selections:
What a Spooky Halloween! - Wonderful Handmade Wednesday on Indiemade
Posted September 21, 2016
With the last days of September rapidly approaching, Halloween and Day of the Dead festivities will arrive before we realize it. With that in mind, I decided to browse the studios of Indiemade artist friends and pull together a variety of spookily fun handmade items: some in oranges and black, some with skulls, one with spooky black cats and a set of ever watchful owls. Any of these mostly one of a kind handmade beauties will be perfect for the other side of life parties. Enjoy!
