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.
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?
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
Red alert is the color of Panic.... I love red, I love it with a passion so I have been searching out red Folksy finds this week so that you can share my enjoyment of all things red. 
Red Racoon by Wollies. The Racoon is back! He is dashing and dazzling in red and would look striking pinned to a jacket or a satchel.
Red and Black Punk Scarf by Wild Cat Designs. Perfect for any punk moments which come over you - for instance, when you feel like Dennis the Menace or Minnie the Minx! 
Upcycle Christmas Red Stocking by The Posh Scarecrow.This is an entry for the Sue Ryder - Folksy Upcycle Christmas Competition, have a look at the blog for details.
Cute Red Felted Tub by Snowdrops and Daisies. Crocheted in organic wool and felted. 
Lambswool Red Pencil Scarf by Sara Carr. have designed and knitted this scarf using 100% lambswool, so it is lovely and soft. The pencil is a beautiful bright red colour.
Red plant Cards by Lou Weasel Designs. Set of 2 notecards with red plant illustrations. Both cards are landscape format. 
Red Beaded Cuff by Hooked Yarn. This is a real statement piece! A wide cuff, crocheted in wire with a variety of red beads, with a ring and bar fastening. 
Scandinavian Red Hare by Dee Beale. 'Scandinavian Red Hare' was hand printed by myself on a Japanese B5 Gocco Machine.
Red as Red can be Newborn Fiery Cotton Pixie by Cheese at Four Pence. This is an all-cotton, anti-itch, super-cute hat that will last well into the spring. Who could resist? So, tell me about your favourite red item on Folksy and I'll go check it out. Post the link to it in the Comments box.
Red Racoon by Wollies. The Racoon is back! He is dashing and dazzling in red and would look striking pinned to a jacket or a satchel.Red and Black Punk Scarf by Wild Cat Designs. Perfect for any punk moments which come over you - for instance, when you feel like Dennis the Menace or Minnie the Minx! Upcycle Christmas Red Stocking by The Posh Scarecrow.This is an entry for the Sue Ryder - Folksy Upcycle Christmas Competition, have a look at the blog for details.Cute Red Felted Tub by Snowdrops and Daisies. Crocheted in organic wool and felted. Lambswool Red Pencil Scarf by Sara Carr. have designed and knitted this scarf using 100% lambswool, so it is lovely and soft. The pencil is a beautiful bright red colour. Red plant Cards by Lou Weasel Designs. Set of 2 notecards with red plant illustrations. Both cards are landscape format. Red Beaded Cuff by Hooked Yarn. This is a real statement piece! A wide cuff, crocheted in wire with a variety of red beads, with a ring and bar fastening. Scandinavian Red Hare by Dee Beale. 'Scandinavian Red Hare' was hand printed by myself on a Japanese B5 Gocco Machine.Red as Red can be Newborn Fiery Cotton Pixie by Cheese at Four Pence. This is an all-cotton, anti-itch, super-cute hat that will last well into the spring. Who could resist? So, tell me about your favourite red item on Folksy and I'll go check it out. Post the link to it in the Comments box.
I am working on a sheep sculpture community project at the moment so I have an obsession with our woolly friends. Luckily, there are plenty of sheep related goodies on Folksy to satisfy my craving so I hope ewe enjoy this flock I found (feeling rather sheepish now)! 
Lily Jade Ewe by Hooray 4 Clay 
Little Sheep Clutch Bag by Girl of the Sixties
Primitive Sheep Cushion by The Lazy Cow Company 
Cute Sheep Buttons by Snow Queen Trinkets
Bob and Daisy Crochet Pattern by Reenee Gurumi 
Fleecy Sheep Scarf by Raffique
Wee Sheep by Quernus
Sheep Resin Necklace by Penny Dog Jewellery
Sheep Sweater Knitting Pattern by Northern Lace 
S is for Sheep by Nell 
Little Lost Sheep by Dosie Rosie 
Stanley Sheep by Careford Creations
Lily Jade Ewe by Hooray 4 Clay Little Sheep Clutch Bag by Girl of the SixtiesPrimitive Sheep Cushion by The Lazy Cow Company Cute Sheep Buttons by Snow Queen TrinketsBob and Daisy Crochet Pattern by Reenee Gurumi Fleecy Sheep Scarf by Raffique Wee Sheep by QuernusSheep Resin Necklace by Penny Dog JewellerySheep Sweater Knitting Pattern by Northern Lace S is for Sheep by Nell Little Lost Sheep by Dosie Rosie Stanley Sheep by Careford Creations
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!)
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
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!
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