Seeds of a Madness Flower

argh!!! ........ Christmas!!!! I don't like to see the shops with goodies till about Christmas Eve. Only kidding! But now's the time to get that special, handmade, unique, one of a kind present for all the family. I think it makes it more thoughtful and precious to receive one that's been thought through and not bought at the last moment when M & S are about to shut their doors.That's why it really does need a little forward planning (as we all know) and a bit more time to get that special gift sent to you. So now's about the right time and I hope these sweet items will tickle your fancy.... or your mum .. or your Auntie Jean ... or cousin Carol!HutchPotchThe Whistling CowgirlGlassprimitifShellybobbinsBrushes and BodkinsMollimooiloveheartsStitchesfromWalesHandmaidRed Brick GlassQuernus CraftsFunky ShoesAleximo CroissantMax and Molly DesignsFortune Favours the BraveRachel HendersonSo don't delay and get your orders in on time - you won't be disappointed!

Labels: Christmas, Christmas Decorations, Green, Jay Anderson, Ooak, Party, Presents, Red, Redroaddesign, Xmas Theme

Looking for the perfect Christmas gift for the man in your life? Blokes can be notoriously hard to shop for, but whether it's your partner, friend or male relative, you'll be sure to find a novel gift on Folksy. Here are some of my favourite picks for the boys:Sausage and Egg Salt and Pepper Shaker by Sarah DesignsPlans for Global Domination Pocket moleskin cahier squared paper by The Breakfast of ChampignonsLego Cufflinks by Bits and BadgesThe Knitted John Tie in Grey Cashmerino Yarn by Dolly KnitsBlack Cardamon Natural Soap by Saffron BarrPenguin iPod / Phone / Gadget Case by MinifeltsSmall Bee Hotel by WudwerxJAY MANS RIBBED BEANIE in CHOCOLATE & CREAM by ARTESANAStrongman pill box by Kettle of FishHappy boy shopping!

Labels: Bloke, Boy, Christmas, Dude, Gift Guide, Guy, Him, Male, Man, Max And Molly Designs, Men, Thedoghouse, Xmas

Well there are plenty of Christmas gift guides out there, but what about the wrapping? I personally love wrapping presents, I try to do something new each year - this year I'm using tissue paper, heart stickers, organza bags with fabric cloth wraps. I'm trying to stay away from commercial papers and raid my fabric stash instead. I might as well do a little to save the planet whilst I'm taking my Handmade Pledge!Although why shouldn't your Handmade Pledge extend to the wrapping? Those talented Folksters have come up top trumps again, here are a few of my favs.A relatively new seller The Copper Swallow makes some delightful greetings cards and paper goods. These gift tags remind me of brown paper parcels and postcards from far away lands, available in packs of five.These pretty gift boxes from Bazzil's Great Adventure would be great to package up some special jewellery or a little bottle of perfume. Loving the chrysanthemum print too.I'd never thought of making the tape a feature of my wrapping before, well not until I saw this tape anyway! Would look great over silver, gold, brown or cream paper, pick up a roll from Magic Alice.These mini tins would be perfect for a teeny stocking filler, you could fill them with beads for a fellow crafter, a little bit of pocket money for an advent calendar, or even some sweeties. What ever you decide to use them for, you can get them from The Jazzy Jewelz Studio.I've already mentioned fabric wraps, but these ones are stunning. Made by, who else, myfuroshiki, these wraps can be used again and again. I think they'd look beautiful framed too.This luxury paper ribbon from Lupin Handmade would look fab around a home baked Christmas cake, or as the finishing touch to a pretty parcel.Each of these gorgeous manilla paper tags from Charlotte Macey Textiles is drawn and pained by hand. Now there's a truly unique tag for your pressies! Quite frankly these are so cute I'd be tempted to hang them on my tree as decorations.Hopefully your head will be brimming with festive and unique gift wrapping ideas ready just in time for Christmas. As always all items are available to purchase through Folksy, just click the shop name links, and let me know what you think with a comment below.Best of festive greetings to you! (even if it's still November!)

Labels: Christmas, Gift, Holiday, Present, Uk, Winter, Wrapping, Xmas

The final post in our Folksy Gift Guide is devoted to gorgeous gifts for HER ( I hope my other half reads this post hint, hint). Folksy is bursting with beautiful jewellery, crafts, textiles, gifts and practical stuff - here is a small selection....Printed Tights Small Art Nouveau Black and Silver from Teja JamillaCheery Florals Cakestand by Lou Peajeux IllustrationCupcake ~ pendant ~ fine silver by Trinket BoxVintage Fabric Birds and Nature, Green & Brown silky scarf from Sim JaTaRuby Ruby Ruby Coat hangers from The Orchid RoomROBE/DRESSING GOWN in Jade Green from ImaginAsian ClothingLily Vase by Caroline Green PotterySoap - Black Raspberry & Vanilla from Beautiful BubblesBaby Pink Tit Silk Satin Scarf by Handmaid

Labels: Bath, Book, British, Ceramic, Christmas, Craft, Crafts, Cupcake, Earrings, Exclusive, F, Gift, Gift Guide, Gifts, Xmas

Welcome to the first of our seasonal gift guides here on , we've started early so you can plan early! I've selected my favourite luxury gifts for you to drool over and covet madly, although I would love for a few of these beauties to end up under someone's tree (preferable mine).So enjoy these high end picks from the lovely makers and crafts people of Folksy, and leave a comment at the end if you have a moment.First up this amazingly gorgeous Mulberry chair from Bonnie and Jackson, isn't it just the picture of Christmas by a log fire with the scent of pipe tobacco and pine cones?In at two, a very unique idea for elegant jewellery from I can't remember my grandma's name. I love how you get the plate the pieces came from included to use as a display/jewellery keeper.A silver family book pendant from Ali Bali Jewellery would make a very special gift for Mum or Grandma, and a wonderful heirloom too.I've been fascinated with the papier mache bowls of Amelia Green Heart ever since I saw them on the front page, a wonderful piece of contemporary art for the home.I can't help but think of The Magicians Nephew and Narnia when I see the stunning apple with insect from Silverfruit. I don't know how its made, but I like it a lot.Awkward mother-in-law? Got a big budget but not sure what to buy? Then this beaded lace mohair shawl from The Crafty Bride could be in answer. Incredibly delicate and detailed, yet light as a feather, this shawl can not fail to impress.How about some craft based art to cheer up his study? This oak picture with spring flowers from Jane Blease Design is a lovely cheery piece, with a great sense of craftsmanship and detail.Teenage niece or daughter to buy for? These luminous peacock bright feather earrings from Still Tree are just the ticket. Metallic and rich colours are so on trend from AW2010 and SS2011 dah-link!

Labels: Christmas, Exclusive, Expensive, Gifts, Holiday, Luxury, Season, Uk

As Kermit says "it's not easy being green" but Folksy folk, more than any other, try their best. Here is a selection of reused, recycled and remade gift ideas to help us all feel a bit more "ethical" after our visit to the supermarket and department store. Confession - whilst I like to source hand made and recycled gifts I am also addicted to Muji, Monsoon and Paperchase - but we all have our vices! SEEDBOM by Kabloom. SEEDBOMs are the friendly bombs that grow, tools for Eco-Warriors and Guerrilla Gardeners.Mini Bunting Kit by Sew Recycled. What better way to occupy those little monkeys this Christmas with a Mini Bunting Kit!Christmas card crane by Origami. A christmas card to truly wish peace and joy!Driftwood Christmas Tree by Driftwood Designs.A perfect eco-friendly christmas tree - reusable and made from recycled, sustainable resources! Christmas robin by Kirsty Elson Designs. A charming Christmas decoration, this fabric robin has a star print chest and sits on a cinnamon twigRecycled gift box by Culture Closet. Small gift boxes made from 100% recycled paper! 5 Recycled Plastic Cards by Caroline Saul. Square cards made from recycled plastic milk bottles. Glassprimitif

Labels: Christmas, Festive, Gift, Recycled, Uk, Upcycled