Blog entry

Every Flower - Artisan Jewelry by Shadow Dog Designs

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!

Roses in the Desert - Julia's Beauties!

My good friend, Julia, has spent many years creating the most amazing rose garden in her backyard.  Before she bought her house, someone had planted a rose garden along the back rock wall.  But when she bought the house, only a few sad bushes had survived.  Over the course of the next several years, Julia replanted the roses . . . . and what beauties they are when they bloom!  The roses are her “babies” and she spends many enjoyable hours working in the garden, talking to the roses and inhaling their heady scents when they are blooming.  She also communes with the wondrous animals that come to visit, especially with the Gambel's Quail and the Greater Roadrunner, her favorites

Miracle of a Single Flower - Artisan Handmade - Three for Thursday

If we could see the miracle of a single flower clearly our whole life would change. – Siddhartha Gautama Buddha

Flowers are one of my favorite things.  I wander the yard several times each day, visiting all the flowers I’ve planted and feel at peace and happy (even when I see the leafcutter bee has been at work).  The types of flowers are varied.  Knockout roses, verbena, gold columbine, geraniums, hollyhocks, sunflowers, zinnias, larkspur and more have all been planted (some from seed, some from bought plants) and are in various stages of growing / blooming.  I'm also enjoying the mimosa tree which has just started to bloom with it's wispy pink flowers that are visited by countless pollinators and hummingbirds.  And the bottlebrush tree survived the deep freeze we had here this winter, and even though it lost some limbs, there are a few blooms on it!  Flowers are definiey miracles.

So, with all this blooming beauty (or blooms to be anticipated), I decided this week’s Artisan Handmade - Three for Thursday would be about flowers.  I’ve chosen three floral items from three handmade artists: notecards, baby items and jewelry.  The artists are:  Roxanne of watercolorsNmore; Pamela of MagdaleneKnits; and, me, Catherine of Shadow Dog Designs.  I hope you find joy in these picks!

Make It A Handmade Mothers Day - Week 6

Where did Week 6 of the Countdown to Mother's Day 2021 go?  It was here . . . and then was gone.  The Countdown is hosted by Julie and Harry of Blue Morning Expressions on their Blu Print blog.  This week, 30 handmade items from 10 artists were shared.  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 6, visit the shops of the artists featured and buy your Mom a beautiful gift that was handmade from the heart.