Blog entry

Christian Cross Jewelry - Artisan Handmade by Shadow Dog Designs

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.

Red, White and Blue, Happy 4th of July to You - Artisan Handmade

It’s hard to believe that it’s already the first day of July (when I wrote this) with the 4th of July just around the corner.  When you mostly are self-isolating, one day looks pretty much like the next.  But July 4th will be here this Saturday and I’m looking forward to sitting on the upstairs back porch and watching at least three fireworks shows from the comfort of our own house.  Seamus the Moose Dog will sit out there with us - fortunately he is not bothered by the booming noises fireworks can make.  

Since the 4th will be here very soon, I wanted to feature three red, white and blue items from three artist friends.  The artists are;  Charlotte of Covergirlbeads; Pamela of MagdaleneKnits; and me, Catherine of Shadow Dog Designs.  I hope you enjoy this selection of patriotic colored items and will visit the shops (and hopefully purchase) a beauty there.

Make It a Handmade Mothers Day - Week 3

It's been over a week now since my husband and I decided to really get serious about social distancing due to COVID-19.  I keep hearing how people are bored and have nothng to do.  Not true in my case.  I keep VERY busy!  Now that we're in the Upside Down, I realized - except for yoga and working out at the YWCA for an hour each weekday, eating out with friends now and then, and doing art shows - my life, once I started creating jewelry and selling online, always had a lot of social distancing.  And I bet a lot of my artist friends are the same way.  OK, enough of that.    I just want everyone to stay safe and healthy out there!

Week 3 of the Mother’s Day Countdown 2020 seemed to blow right by.  Hosted by Julie and Harry of Blue Morning Expressions on their the Blu Print blog, 30 unique handmade items were shared from 10 artists - 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 beauty that was handmade from the heart.

Saturday Shopping Spree - Artisan Handmade - January 25, 2020

Please share your items on the host blog:  CHRISTIE COTTAGE