Luxury Purchases

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.

This necklace from Made With Love is a very special piece, containing vintage elements, Swarovski crystals and semi-precious stones. Can be worn in several different ways, and is the perfect colour palette for the upcoming spring fashions.

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.

Like the Japanese I also share an great love of the Cherry Blossom, Sakura Jewellery makes a wonderful range of made to order sterling silver blossom and pearl inspired pieces like this one:
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.

Article by Aleximo, xXx

We Won An Award!

A huge thank you to Noodle Bubble for nominating us for this award!



The conditions when accepting this award:
* Put the logo on your blog or within your post.
* Pass the award onto 12 bloggers.
* Link the nominees within your post.
* Let the nominees know they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
* Share the love and link to the person from whom you received this award.

Our nominated blogs are:

Kitty Eden

Custom Made UK

Chiyo Bex

Dolly Doos

Teasemade

Creative Glass Guild

Hot Dog and Me

I Love Handmade

Quernus Crafts

Swirly Arts

Zur Designs

Widget and Friends

Body Parts - Ears!

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 Design



Jellyfish Earrings by Felicity Taylor



Paper Earrings by Crowns From Ashes



Vintage Peacock Dangle Earrings by Decade Design



Steampunk Clock Hands Earrings by Mollie Magpie

Pink Sunrise reworked vintage earrings by Made With Love

Lemonart Earrings by Lemon Art

Japanese Dragonscale earrings by Corvus Chainmaille

Heart Studs ~ Fine Silver Earrings by Murano Silver

Green turquoise earrings by Blue Forest Jewellery

Pink Tourmaline Sterling Silver Hoop Earrings by YOSA

Beez Kneez by Lej Jewellery

Lego Spacemen Earrings by The Bothered Owl

Glassprimitif

Invasion of the Octopi!

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, xXx

Article by Aleximo, xXx

Wood is Good

We are definitely in an age of Hand Made and re-discovered crafts with an emphasis on natural and sustainable and you can't get more natural the wood!
Folksy has a great selection of artisans working in wood, whether it's carving, turning or decorating. Natural wood has such a warmth to it and has the appearance of being only one step away from its source. I hope you like this selection.

Scottish Oak wood bracelet by Eastfield Design.



Brown Wood Bracelet by Happy Beadz



Handmade wood hearts by Cookies Corner



Pedestal Clock by Inglecraft



Red Wood Jasper and Brecciated Jasper Necklace by McPherson's Miscellany

Hand turned ball point pen in Lime wood,with green hardware by Pens of Perfection

Tree by Portraits in Wood

Ceramic creatures on wood by Wiktorski Ceramics

Apple wood Potpourri bowl by Turning-time

A ring in a Harlequin of wood by Tree Gems

Set of Three Rustic Natural Wood Candleholders by The Log Basket

Hurricane Keyring in Roupala Lacewood by Wood Jewellery



Glassprimitif

The Keys To Many Doors

Since my sister frequently 'forgets' or loses her keys so often, I suggested that her New Years resolution should be to remember her keys, with a visual trigger like a key charm on a necklace. To any other persistent key-forgetters here's a great selection of handy memory triggers.

I love the use of an old key in this necklace by Mymiyel. The grey pearls and black beads give this piece a great vintage antiquey look.

This necklace by Pouss is a bit of a stunner I'm sure you'll agree. The butterfly locket is so cute, and its on a lovely long chain too.

This necklace is currently on sale from the lovely NelliD, a brilliant simple statement piece for the whole year round.

An adorable heart shaped key pendant from Much Too Fun. Nice and simple, perfect for everyday wear.

Another sale item from She Draws, pick up a bargain before its gone! I especially love how the bookmark flap is in the shape of a shield.

Finest Imaginary has created this great metallic gold acrylic key necklace, would look great over a black top to really make it shine.

This trinket bracelet from Magic Alice is full of keys, locks, crowns and other goodies. A choc-full charm bracelet in gorgeous tones of silver and blue.

Another adorably feminine key pendant, this time from Loutique, the little stripy bow really finished this piece off. Also comes fully gift wrapped.

Create your own custom keyring from Lush & Lovely by choosing from 8 different stone cabochons and 5 different charms to go with a hand cast key.

Well hopefully no-one will lose their keys now! Thanks again to all the lovely Folksters for being so creative, and thank you for reading until the end.

Article by Aleximo, xXx