Seeds of a Madness Flower

As a bit of a sci-fi geek (a dedicated Browncoat, amongst other things) I was shocked to discover that Cthulhu's had completely passed me by. For those uninitiated into this global geek cult a Cthulhu is a squid like creature created in the fantasy works of H.P.Lovecraft in 1926. But in modern sci-fi has become a jokey euphemism for horror and evil on a great scale. A recent Neil Gaiman short story piqued my curiosity even more.Cthulhu created a mini trend in the world of crafts, with squid and octopus creations becoming extremely popular in amigurumi and jewellery. Which led me to discover these cephalopod inspired creations on Folksy.First up is a stunning print from I Like It I Think Its Nice. The detail in this print is quite outstanding, and wonderfully fantastical at the same time.Here's some of that famous Octopus jewellery I mentioned, this one's on a lovely gold plated chain from Laura's Jewellery.As a lover of all things laser cut (I've even dabbled a little myself) this piece really stood out for me. Mirrored purple acrylic, with a delicate engraving, and Czech glass ink drops, lovely work from Tea Stained Jewellery.Although these little Jellyfish are not cephalopods, their little tentacles were too cute to be left out. Snap one up from Orangefishy Plush.Wear your Octopus love on your sleeve! Well, your hem if you buy this snappy t-shirt from Conkerlove. Loving the button eyes.Create your own under sea imaginary adventure with these Octopus finger puppets from MuNGBEANS. Or you could just wear them whilst reading a Cthulhu novel.Its amigurumi time from Ali's Crafts, a cute little child safe critter handmade with loving care.And finally, the more deadly side of Octopi in this recycled card depicting the venomous Blue Ringed Octopus. Wonderful hand stitched detail from Ethel & Iris.A slightly odd inspiration for this article, but I hope you've enjoyed reading it, and are now aware of the Cult of Cthulhu!P.S. I hope you're having a Happy New Year too.

Labels: Amigurumi, Cthulhu, Jewellery, Octopus, Print, Squid, Uk

Lets start with an apology, I'm sorry this post is so late. Having a hectic saturday craft fair, and spending the preceding week getting all my stock ready, I ran out of time to write my biweekly blog post. But on the upside - exhibiting last saturday, at the Handmade Vintage and Craft fair at Manchester Universities Student Union, gave me the inspiration for this post.So enjoy part deux of Neu Vintage, fresh from the pages of Folksy.These earrings from Love Ruby Red evoke memories of my Grandma's button box, that and they're so darn cute! Loving the heart shaped price stickers too.The perfect purse for a road trip - gives me a hankering to drive across America. Beautiful detail and quirky retro-ness from Workwise Textiles.Statement necklaces and ridiculously large beads are covering the high street right now for the autumn/winter season. So step away from the crowd and buy a handmade one-off from the lovely Chiyo.Cameo's are big this season too, but bet you've never seen a felt version before. The silver chain stitch round the edge really finishes these brooches off, get one quick from Zazar's Bazaar.I've recently learnt how to knit leaves, but IngridNation has come up with a very elegant solution of how to wear them - a classic corsage. Ingrid will also make you a custom corsage in a colour of your choosing.Get a kitchy fix - get a ceramic gummy bear pendant from Nifty Thrifty. Evocative of post school sweet shop visits and those mini packs of Haribo.Party season is rapidly approaching, go vintage this year and team a 50's style dress with this retro fascinator from Falcon. Or you could just wear it round the house when you need a bit of glamour.This Retro Mouse likes cheddar cheese, and how cute is the vintage flower fabric he's made from? Needs a good home, and cheese, from Needles and Buttons.Thanks to all the lovely sellers for being so creative, and thankyou to you for reading until the end. Not long now until its time for Christmas gift guides! But maybe some of these Neu Vintage items will make it on to your list?

Labels: Craft, Handmade, Jewellery, Neu, Retro, Textiles, Uk, Vintage

In my opinion it is a design fault in genetics that we weren't all born with pierced ears - we would have no excuse not to wear fabulous earrings. I love earrings - I can't leave the house with bare ears and I own hundreds of pairs. I also own hundreds of odd ones too! Folksy has a huge selection of quality jewellers and silversmiths so, to save you browsing, I have chosen a few of my favourites. Red Red Red by Ravenwolf DesignJellyfish Earrings by Felicity TaylorPaper Earrings by Crowns From AshesVintage Peacock Dangle Earrings by Decade DesignSteampunk Clock Hands Earrings by Mollie MagpiePink Sunrise reworked vintage earrings by Made With LoveLemonart Earrings by Lemon ArtJapanese Dragonscale earrings by Corvus ChainmailleHeart Studs ~ Fine Silver Earrings by Murano SilverGreen turquoise earrings by Blue Forest JewelleryPink Tourmaline Sterling Silver Hoop Earrings by YOSABeez Kneez by Lej JewelleryLego Spacemen Earrings by The Bothered Owl

Labels: Earrings, Hand Made, Jewellery

Well spring is on the way, so lets have some bright and cheerful Folksy items to chase the last dregs of winter away.This dreamy fascinator headband from Tied & Feathered would be great for a day at the races.This bracelet from Funky Button even has a super cute rabbit button ready for Easter!This gorgeous jewellery set from LAMdesigns is hand embroidered, in a very on-trend peacock blue.I love plushies! and this little guy is so cute and covered in springtime flowers. What's not to love? From Charley Dreams.This lovely needle felted brooch comes from the Felltop Felter, I love the little basket detail!Give a better than average birthday card this month, hand-stitched by K Handmade.Mixtapes are over, go digital and create a beautiful mix-cd for a loved one, with these beautiful illustrated cd kits from Atherton Lin.A yummy chunky cupcake pendant with lots of glitter. Yep, that ticks all the boxes, from Penny's Jolly Jewellery.. . . and finally delicately beaded heart earrings from Bluestar, what a way to cheer anyone up.Well thats my selection of everything bright and cheerful, hopefully the daffodils will be out soon and Spring will really start!

Labels: Bright, Bunny, Button, Cheerful, Colourful, Cupcake, Feather, Jewellery, Uk

Sometimes we all need to indulge, my overly-large yarn stash is proof of this! So this article is full of items that are thoroughly luxurious, and a little more than pocket money spending.I had the privilege of seeing this book in the flesh at the John Ryland's Library in Manchester, a wonderfully intricate piece, this book is a work of art, kept safe in its own custom case from Curiously Books.These lampshades by Jenny Bland are made using a unique thread and resin technique to create these stunning contemporary lightshades and fixtures. Make sure to check out the lablelamps also in her shop.Priscilla Morley Leather & Textiles hand make amazing bags using traditional leather stitching techniques. This fabulous bag is inspired by Grace Kelly, and is large enough to carry everything for the office, what a way to glam up office life.Handmade by Vanda has made this stunning coral reef crocheted bracelet. I love all the different colours and types of crystals and beads.Need a fab bag for a wedding? Made by Loulabelle has these gorgeous retro fold-over clutch bags in yellow and green. Super cute and fun, will brighten up any rock'n'roll dollies party dress!This knitted blanket from Smitten has a delightful strawberry theme, amazing quality of craftsmanship and is just so adorable! For today's final object of desire I'm featuring on of Bookity's brilliant book handbags. This one is even on sale.I hope you enjoyed these lovely luxuary Folksy Finds, leave a comment below and let me know what you think.

Labels: Bag, Book, Expensive, Jewellery, Luxury, Special, Uk

Sunday 24th April is Easter Day. I love Easter; it signifies the joy of Spring, marks new life, new beginnings, and when I was a child it also meant there were PRESENTS! I would also be bought a chocolate egg; my brother and I had competitions to see who could make theirs last longest (he always won, should you be interested; he could make an Easter egg last for weeks). Anyway, this week I've selected a few of my favourite Folksy items along an Easter theme; cue BUNNIES! Enter CHICKENS! Bring on the EGGS! Treat yourself, or your friends and family to something that's been handmade with care and...ahem...to the most egg-sacting standards (I'm sorry). Gorgeous rabbit cushion by Black Cactus in London Delicious bathtime fun with this bright yellow soap by Shoples Perfect for keeping your rings or bits and pieces in, or for using as a soap dish, Spring Chicken bowls by Prince Design UK Dress up for Easter! I am bewitched by this lacy, bunny ears headband by Talulah Blue A beautifully symbolic and grown up gift for someone very special, this silver 'Nest' by Pea Pod Jewellery is a truly special keepsake. These upcycled egg cosies by The Juicy Fig will keep your boiled eggs warm in pretty, vintage style! Keep your loose change safe in this cute as can be Blue Tweed Bunny Purse by The Linen Cat. Less calories than the real thing, but just as nice, knit yourself some Easter treats using this pattern from Craft Confections. Send a cool card, like this one by Ribbonreal, made using vintage kimono fabric. I love my kitsch...and this darling piece of jewellery is no exception! How nice is this vintage look chicken brooch by Silk Purse, Sow's Ear? Happy Easter, Folksy Folks!

Labels: Bunnies, Chickens, Craft, Decoration, Easter, Eggs, Fof, Handmade, Holidays, Jewellery, Knitted, Rabbits, Soap, Textiles, The Whistling Cowgirl, Upcycled