Stamps

I love getting post, the allure of an unopened parcel, the excitement of tearing off the wrapping! My postie knows me by name now I get so much stuff through the post (not the best thing for my bank balance tho!). The Postcrossing Project has allowed me to get stamps from all over the world (even a holographic one from the Netherlands), and connect with all sorts of different people. A handwritten postcard is so much more special than an email or text, and so in honour of the post, here's some stamp themed items from the world of Folksy.

This stamp necklace is available in three different colours from Abilu designs.

Splurge on the three post cushions set from Karen Hilton Designs, of all the colourways this has to be my favourite.
Super cute little resin ring from Jings Things, if you like that then you'll like this and this.

Keep it simple and understated with these stamp studs from Sour Cherry.

The Copper Swallow does it again with these beautiful notecards.

Old stamps and scraps of envelopes make up these unique pin badges from Masie Lou.

Gorgeous vintage looking gift tags from Darling Dilly Dilly would spruce up any gift.

These adorable buttons could adorn so many things, available from She Draws.

Well if you choose to partake of any of the above items then you'll be getting a lovely post parcel sent to you! Thanks for reading, and keep buying handmade.

Article by Aleximo, xXx

Help an Artist in Need

The wonderful designs of Hidden Eloise have been plagerised by Paperchase. This is the news any illustrator, designer, crafter or maker dreads, a big company stealing your hard worked ideas.

The full details can be viewed on Hidden Eloise's blog here, when you can watch a short video and decide for yourself as to whether the design was stolen. If you, like me, want to help then send an email about the issue to Paperchase directly via their public statement here.

I find it difficult to understand how Paperchase is claiming no responsibility, here's a parallel scenario to explain my thinking.

-- A car dealership buys a car through a third party to sell on, it is the car dealership's responsibility to check that the car passes an M.O.T. and that it is not stolen. If the car dealership then sells a stolen car to a customer, it is the dealership and not the customer who feels the brunt of the law, as it is their legal requirement to check the credentials of the car. So why not for a stolen design? --

Shame on Paperchase for passing the buck all the way down to the bottom, take some accountability for your actions. Say you're sorry and admit the fault, perhaps then people would respect you more than they do now, and you could have saved yourself the barrage of negative press.

If we creative makers and designers can stick together and make enough noise, then we'll be helping ourselves in the future. Viva la Craft Revolution!

Aleximo, xXx

UPDATE: Paperchase accepts no responsibility, and the designer apologies here. This has now gone viral, and even Neil Gaiman twittered about it. Best of luck of Hidden Eloise, and you can view lots of other plagiarised works via the blog You thought we wouldn't notice, naughty, naughty Urban Outfitters.

Temporary Tattoo

Tattoos, the ultimate permanent form of self expression, clothes can change - tattoos are for life. Well some are, these wonderful tattoo inspired items offer a less permanent solution, whilst still being a form of self expression.

Don't forget to click the shop name in the description to see more about any of the items featured.

First in, a lovely Valentine t-shirt from Pidgeon Stitch, the scroll detail can be customised.

A little Demon Pin-Up girl of your very own, with this hand drawn pendant from Candy Apple.

Lost at Sea is rapidly becoming one of my all time Folksy favs, and this skull brooch is a great example of classic tattoo art.

Another customisable item on the menu today, this winged heart necklace can be personalised from KittyPink.

A Royal Skull pendant from Inks on Links is superbly hand drawn onto shrink plastic.

This cute trinket box from Juliet Killed Romeo is perfect for bringing a little retro chic to your dressing table.

Could come in handy to wear on Mother's Day, a superb cross stitch brooch from Magasin.

Put your hair up in a bouncy 50's ponytail and finish of with these cute hair slides from Very Vintage Designs.

Slightly different winged heart necklace to finish on, this one comes from KittyPink again, I just couldn't leave it out!

A little bit tattoo, a little bit Rock-a-Billy all these items are handmade by some very talented people, support crafters and buy handmade.

Article by Aleximo, xXx

This is Dedicated....

Stop Press! It's not too late to buy your Valentine's Card before the big day! Folksy has brilliant original art cards and designs and so much better than a store-bought card (no mass production, one of a kind design, personal service - you can't get that from Clinton Cards).



Valentine Card from Andy Lanham Art



Small Heart Card by The Mosaic Garden



Let Love Out Valentine Pocket moleskine cahier by Champignons



You Set My Heart On Fire Embroidered Valentine Card by Silver Birch Crafts

Appliqued Heart Valentines Card by Claire Hurd Design

Recycled Valentine Card by Nina Rowan Paper Boutique

Star Trek Meerkat Valentine Card by Nifty Knits

I Love You Card by Zebedee

Valentine Card by Lino King Cards

Amore Card by Sooziebee

Glassprimitif