Wrapped up in a Bow

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.

Cute mini bags are useful for so many things, and these ones are exceptionally cute. Pick up singles or three packs from Asking For Trouble.

This is about the snazziest wrapping paper I've ever seen. One to wrap very elegant presents methinks. I'd personally hope to unwrap some diamond or plantinum jewellery from this wrapping paper (if only!). Available from Bookmarks and Giftwrap by Lesley Barnes.

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!) xXx

Article by Aleximo, xXx

Reused, recycled, remade Christmas Gift Guide

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 twig



Recycled 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

Treats for a Terrific Tree

I don't know about you, but I'm beginning to feel all festive. Perhaps it's because in my non-crafty existence I've been unpacking cages and crates full of festive themed sock, scarfs, gloves and perfume coiffery (fancy gift boxes to you and me) for a well known department store for the last three weeks. Or maybe it's because the spirit of Christmas has come knocking at my door. I know which I'd prefer.

So soon the Christmas tree will be forcefully pulled out of the hidden recess in my attic, and i'll get covered in glitter in the age old family tradition whilst decorating it. Plus some added swearing when I can't get the base to work. Ah! The joys of Christmas!

Well to get us all in the mood, try the handmade option for your Xmas dec's. Buy these now for keepsakes of the future.

I saw this little stocking a while ago, and since I can't cross stitch for toffee, it's gorgeous details really stood out to me. Snap it up quick from Sew Lovely.

This decoration from PrimChick has a wonderful New England feel to it, loving the little pink heart and vintage type set.

Inside the Wooden Box is offering a bumper pack of 5 ornaments of your choice, especially good - as I found it difficult picking just one for this article!

Need a more feminine Christmas pud? Then have at look at these pretty floral decorations from Miss Trim, the button holly berry is so cute!

One for the kids (or kids at heart!), a lovely plush reindeer from Monster Magic. Just look at his little nose!

Another bumper pack of decorations, this time from Snow Fish. These decorations are especially good for those with a button fetish.

Yay! This decoration from Monda Loves... has ric-rac on it! Such a great combination of textures and different stitches, also available in green.

Hot new Christmas temp in the office? Make sure you're always ready for a pucker with this adorable mistletoe brooch from Stitcher Scribbler.

Lots of beautiful decorations from the ever talented Folksters, I love them, and I hope you like them too. Leave a comment below and let me know what you think.

Article by Aleximo, xXx

I Love Red

"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.

Glassprimitif