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Heavenly Hollyhocks in the Desert Southwest

 

 

Hollyhocks (Alcea rosea) have always been a flower dear to my heart.  Can't explain why besides they have such a beautifully majestic look to them (at least to me) as they sway in the wind.  According to information I've read, they are biennials, taking two years to bloom (although you can't always believe what's written since these seeded last summer and are blooming now).  Hollyhocks are originally from Asia, grown in ancient China by wealthy people.  They spread to the Middle East through trade routes and then were carried to western Europe by returning Crusaders from the Holy Land.  The Latin name of the hollyhock plant, Alcea, is derived from altho the Greek word for healerIn Greek Mythology, Althea is a beautiful goddess of healing and compassion, family, marriage and protection.  The flowers were used as a diuretic, a laxative, an emollient and in anti-inflammatory treatments. Rosea is Latin for for rose, rosy or pink.  The common name, hollyhock, is a combination of two words — holy and hock. Holy refers to the healing powers of the plant and that it was brought to Europe from the Holy Land.  Hock is an Old English word which means mallow.  Hollyhocks made their way to the United States in colonial times in seed packets carried by immigrants.  They symbolize the circle of life and abundance and were traditionally planted near the front door to welcome prosperity.

 

 

 

Unique Handmade Necklaces and Earrings by Shadow Dog Designs - Jewelry

 

 

"Jewelry is a very personal thing . . . it should tell a story about the person who’s wearing it" 

Garance Daré

 

 

I love the quote above by Garance Daré since it is so true.  Jewelry IS a very personal thing.  It can range from very traditional jewelry to jewelry that is uniquely boho; from mass produced to individually handmade pieces.  I LOVE making unique jewelry!  Necklaces and earrings, as you can see in this post, that definitely lean to the fun, boho side and are mostly one of a kind (with the excepton of a few pairs of Christmas earrings).  Featured here are ten pieces of the newest jewelry in my SHADOW DOG DESIGNS, six pairs of earrings and four pendant necklaces.  If something catches your eye and you want more information and more photos, be sure to click the photo or short description to be taken to the item in my shop.  Enjoy!

 

 

 

One of a Kind Handmade Earrings and Necklaces by Shadow Dog Designs

 

 

Here it is already a week into the month of April, with Easter being celebrated soon (on April 17) and Mother's Day shortly afterwards (May 8).  With that in mind, I want to share eleven of the newest earrings and necklaces in my SHADOW DOG DESIGNS jewelry shop.  Each piece is designed and handmade by me mainly using components from individual artists located all over the world - making these beauties all one of a kind designs.  Why wear mass produced when you can wear something that only you have!?!   So, please, take a look.  You'll find styles for the woman with a boho flair, a wide variety of earrings for the animal lover, yoga jewelry and more.  If something catches your eye and you want more information or to look at more pictures, click on the photo or the description beneath the picture and you'll be taken to the item in my shop.  I also want to point out that for anything in my shop, there is now free shipping (U.S. only) running through Mother's Day.  I hope you truly enjoy the unique necklaces and earrings featured.  

 

 

 

Make It A Handmade Mothers Day 2022 - Week 4

 

 

It's hard to believe that week 4 of the Mother’s Day Countdown 2022 has come and gone and it's almost April and Easter will be here in three weeks.  The Mother's Day Countdown 2022, hosted by Julie and Harry of Blue Morning Expressions on their the Blu Print blog, is a place artistsans come together and share three of their unique items.  This week 9 handmade artists shared a total of 27 lovely items - each one a wonderful gift for Mother’s Day.  Since the big day will be here before you know it - about 6 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 4, visit the shops of the artists featured and buy your Mom a unique beauty that was artisan handmade from the heart.  This year, Make it a Handmade Mother's Day!  

 

 

 

Happy Valentines Day - Artisan Handmade Gifts!

 

 

Valentine’s Day will be here before we know it.  Walk into a store shortly after Christmas and hearts, cupids and other items in pink and red will assail you from every direction.  Flowers, candy and gifts are exchanged between loved ones throughout the United States and in many other countries around the world . . . all in the name of St. Valentine.  Although the exact history of St. Valentine is shrouded in mystery, February has long been celebrated as a month of romance.  Valentine’s Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman traditions. 

 

 

 

New Jewelry - Necklaces and Earrings Handmade by Shadow Dog Designs

 

 

It has been a very long time since I last shared new necklace and earring designs from my SHADOW DOG DESIGNS jewelry shop.  Between doing shows, the holiday rush and other commitments, I've had a hard time pulling anything together.  Until now!  Featured are a baker's dozen of new jewelry designs:  seven necklaces and six pairs of earrings.  They are all one of a kind designs.  If you are interested in anything and want more information, be sure to click the photo or the link below the photo to be taken to the item.  I hope you enjoy the new artisan handmade beauties.  

 

 

Make It a Handmade Christmas 2021 - Week 12

 

 

 

Tick . . . tick . . . tick . . . tick . . . tick.   According to the Christmas clock, there are now only 17 (!!!) days until Christmas is here!  It’s hard to believe that a week has already gone by here in December, and, with it, the last week of the Countdown to Christmas 2021.  The Countdown has been graciously hosted all these weeks (and years) by Julie and Harry of Blue Morning Expressions on their The Blu Print blog. Yes, Week 12 has come and gone and 27 artisan handmade items from 9 artists were left in its wake.  Any of the beauties will be perfect for a Christmas gift, one that was carefully created from the heart.  Support handmade independent  artists by helping Santa make it a HANDMADE CHRISTMAS this year!

 

 

 

Make It a Handmade Christmas 2021 - Week 11

 

 

It's hard to believe that Week 11 of the Countdown to Christmas 2021 has come and gone . . . . and there is only one more week left!  When the Countdown starts, the end of the twelve weeks seems a looooong way off. The - BAM! - here it is!  And Christmas is just a bit over three weeks away - 24 days!  Where does the time go? The ever ticking Christmas clock doesn’t let up - those seconds just keep ticking down until the jolly man in red and white leaves wonderful gifts or lumps of coal under the tree.  Just what is the Countdown? It’s a place for handmade artists to share three of their beautiful (often one of a kind) creations. Need a perfect start (or finish) to your Christmas shopping?  Shop the Countdown to Christmas and purchase that special piece for that special person! An excellent motto to follow this holiday season: SHOP EARLY, SHOP OFTEN!  And, most of all, SHOP HANDMADE to support small indie businesses! 

 

 

 

Make It a Handmade Christmas 2021 - Week 10

 

 

Wow!  Christmas Eve will be here in 30 days!  And there are only two more weeks left in the Countdown to Christmas 2021!  Where does the time go? The ever ticking Christmas clock doesn’t let up and keeps ticking down those seconds until Santa and his herd of reindeer make a nighttime visit to leave gifts or lumps of coal. The Countdown is the place for handmade artists to share three of their beautiful (often one of a kind) creations. Need a perfect start to your Christmas shopping?  Shop the Countdown to Christmas: browse and purchase that special piece for that special person!  An excellent rule of thumb to follow this holiday season: SHOP EARLY, SHOP OFTEN! And, most of all, SHOP HANDMADE to support small, independent artisan shops!

 

 

 

Christmas Earrings Handmade by Shadow Dog Designs

 

 

The Christmas holiday season will be here before we know it, when we are all searching for the perfect Secret Santa gifts, best friend gifts, Christmas gifts, stocking suffers, perfect jewelry for parties, etcc.  My SHADOW DOG DESIGNS handmade jewelry shop has a wide range of unique holiday earrings.  You'll definitely find something for your Chrustmas jewelry needs, whether for yourself or for others.  Some designs are one of a kind pieces - others are not.  I have them divided below so you know which is which.  I hope you enjoy this selection of an even dozen of sparkling holiday earrings.  To see even more, please click on this link:  ARTISAN CHRISTMAS JEWELRY

 

 

ONE OF A KIND CHRISTMAS EARRINGS DESIGNS:

 

 

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