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The Magical Color of Purple - Wonderful Handmade Wednesday on Indiemade

Posted January 11, 2017

 

 

Since purple is a fairly rare color in nature, an almost magical aura has been associated to it throughout human history.  The first historical record of a purple dye, called Tyrian purple, indicates that it began to be manufactured in the Phoenician city of Tyre in the eastern Mediterranean in the 14th century BCE.  The dye was extracted from the glands of several types of shellfish, but especially the Murex brandaris.  The process to extract the dye took about three days.  Thousands of putrefied, crushed shellfish were left to bake in the sun.  Salt was then added and the mash of glands were boiled down.  (Can you imagine the overwhelming stench of the process!!!).  It took about 12,000 shellfish to extract 1.5 grams of the pure dye, barely enough to dye a single garment the size of a Roman toga.  In 301 A.D. during the reign of Roman Emperor Diocletian, one pound of purple dye cost 150,000 denarii or around three pounds of gold. This is the main reason the purple color was reserved for emperors or individuals with titles of royal authority.

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» Tagged: butterflies, cards, ceramic, copper, dichroic, dog bandana, earrings, Easter, flowers, gemstones, handmade, Indiemade, jewelry, knitting, lampwork, necklace, pendant, purple, Shadow Dog Designs, ShadowDogDesigns, shawl

Valentines Day Gift Ideas! - Wonderful Handmade Wednesday on Indiemade

Posted January 4, 2017

 

 

 

Valentine’s Day will be here before we know it.  It is a day that started with pagan roots, associated with the Roman festival, Lupercalia. Celebrated at the ides of February (February 13-15), Lupercalia was a fertility festival dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, as well as to the Roman founders, Romulus and Remus.  Lupercalia survived the initial rise of Christianity but was outlawed around 496 A.D. when Pope Gelasius declared February 14 as St. Valentine’s Day. It is not known, however, which of three St. Valentines (all of whom were martyred) Pope Gelasius was honoring.  In 1381, Geoffrey Chaucer, a famous English poet, first associated St. Valentine's Day with romance in a poem he wrote in honor of the engagement between Richard II and Anne of Bohemia.  The engagement, the mating season of birds, St. Valentine’s Day and true love were all linked . . .  and it’s been a day for lovers ever since.  

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Handmade Beauties to Ring in the New Year

Posted December 30, 2016

 

 

 

A new year is almost on us.  Which leaves me to wonder:  what the heck happened to 2016?  I don't know about you, but it sure zoomed by quickly!  Despite its swift passing, 2016 also witnessed exquisite handmade creations from a host of artist friends.  To help ring in 2017, I decided to share some of those favorites - many are one of a kind pieces - that would be perfect to wear to any New Year's Eve party.  Enjoy!

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» Tagged: boho, bracelets, dichroic, dog bandana, dogs, earrings, handmade, jewelry, knitting, necklaces, New Years, New Years Eve, Shadow Dog Designs, ShadowDogDesigns, shawl

Earrings and Necklaces, New Handmade Jewelry from Shadow Dog Designs

Posted December 29, 2016

 

 

Christmas has come and gone and a New Year is almost here.  And then on to Valentine’s Day with Mother’s Day not far behind.  Looking back on 2016, I find it has been a whirlwind year full of shows, jewelry making, photographing jewelry, listing and . . . sales.  Yay!  A year of double down hard work is paying off.

 

No rest for the weary, however.  This blog post features six new pairs of earrings, one new necklace and three “oldies but goodies” that are still looking for a loving home.  All of the earrings and necklaces featured here are handmade, one of a kind designs; a bit boho, a bit classic and all extremely in fashion.  When purchased, YOU will be the only one with such a unique piece.

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» Tagged: boho, classic, dog rescue, dogs, dragonflies, earrings, fashion, flowers, gemstones, handmade, hearts, jewelry, lampwork, necklaces, one of a kind, owls, Shadow Dog Designs, ShadowDogDesigns, Valentines Day
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