Blog entry

Make It an Artisan Handmade Christmas - Week 6 Favorites - 2025

It’s hard to believe that we’re already half-way finished with the twelve week Countdown to Christmas 2025!  That means Christmas is bearing down on us and will soon be here.  Yikes!!!!  According to the ever ticking Your Christmas Countdown Clock, there are only 64 days (as of today) until Santa and his merry herd of flying reindeer arrive once again.  With the rapidly approaching holiday season in mind, Julie and Harry of Blue Morning Expressions have for years now hosted a twelve-week Countdown to Christmas 2025 promotion of artisan handmade / designed items on their Buy Handmade from Makers blog.  Start your holiday shopping now on the Countdown - a perfect place to buy unique gifts!  This week, 24 items from 8 artisans were shared in the wide-ranging gift collection: jewelry of different styles, note cards, Christmas stickers, Hannukah napkins, printable art, giclee prints and more!  A wonderful motto to follow: SHOP EARLY and SHOP OFTEN!  And, most of all, SHOP HANDMADE to support small indie businesses.

In addition to sharing each handmade item from the 12 week Countdown collection to this Pinterest board and to my Twitter feed,  I pick a favorite item from each artist (hard to do!) and feature them here on my blog.  Here  are my favorites for Week 6: 

Hot Summer Fun 2025 - Artisan Handmade - Week 2

Week 2 of the "Hot Summer Fun blog is here!  In it, you'll find a large selection of summery items: hot colors, beachy vibes, flowers, sun designs, tropical themes, ocean colors, etc.  Some items shared are more on the blazing summer side and some represent a more calming summer.  However, ALL are artisan handmade / designed and many are one of a kind pieces.  So if something catches your eye on this Hot Summer Fun 2025 - Artisan Handmade - Week 2 blog, please click the photo or the link below the photo for more information and more pictures of the individual item.  And to see the entire collection click here's a link:  Hot Summer Fun - Artisan Handmade Gifts   Hopefully one or more of these beauties will make it into your shopping basket.  Treat yourself or a loved one to a unique artisan gift!  And remember: SHOP SMALL, SHOP HANDMADE!

New Jewelry at Shadow Dog Designs, Handmade, One of a Kind

It has been a good while since I shared any new jewelry here on my blog.  Spring is always busy with planting flowers.  I choose mostly native plants that are proven to attract pollinators:  hummingbirds, butterflies, bees and/or wasps.  A hearty dose of cosmos, zinnias and sunflower seeds are planted also planted, all also very attractive to pollinators.  Another dust is brewing outside, so I decided to pull togther a blog of the eight newest pairs of earrings along with two of the newest necklaces.  If something catches your eye, please either click on the photo or the link and you'll be taken to the item in my SHADOW DOG DESIGNS shop for more information.  All of the jewelry is handmade and are one of a kind designs.  Thanks for stopping by!

Artisan Valentines Gifts for Loved Ones - Week 4 - 2025

Just a warning:  Valentine's Day is only 1 week away, this coming February 14!  In case you still need a gift for the big day, Week 4 of the Valentine’s gift blog on Shadow Dog Designs features artisan handmade / designed beauties.  Each piece makes a wonderful gift for your loved one.  Traditional and non-traditional Valentine's designs are included.  Many of the artisan items can be worn / used all year long!  If something catches your eye, be sure to click either the photo or the description below the photo to be taken to the artistan's shop.  To see all of the gift ideas in one place, here’s a link: Artisan Valentine's Gifts for Loved Ones - Week 1 - 2025.  ALL of the gifts shared here were created by small business owners.  Please be sure to SHOP SMALL this Valentine's Day and support an indie artist.  We will certainly appreciate that!!!