The New Victoriana

We are told we are living through another Age of Austerity. I don't know how that's supposed to feel, what exactly it means. Perhaps now it just means we aren't using our credit cards so much, to buy overpriced handbags and shoes, now that we can't afford to heat our homes. I wonder, are we at all reverting to Victorian values? Will we be wearing high collars, stifling ourselves in overtight corsets, and spending our time putting dead animals in glass jars? And are we secretly becoming rather naughty, darkly obsessed with freakishness and gothic horrors? Only time will tell! But trawling through Folksy Folks' wares for sale, it seems apparent that the taste for Victoriana remains strong, so here are a few of my picks of the day.I don't seem able to create a FOF post without including some sort of pants. So I'll get it out of the way first. I, of course, adore these stripey Victorian bloomers by Gaia Noir...more from there later.
This sepia and gold toned, darkroom photo print is part of 'an ongoing exploration of Victorian process and aesthetics' by Rachel's Darkroom. I love the botanical subject matter and it certainly is most atmospheric.Stitched in Stone has made this beautiful patchwork cushion, inspired by a Victorian postcard. The image has been transferred onto the fabric and she's used vintage lace trim. Perfect for your vintage style home. one sugar hill was inspired to paint this 'Fabled Fox' by a taxidermy fox he once saw. There's some other great work in his Folksy shop, so check it out.
Milly Maybe? creates made to measure, steel boned bustle petticoats, using an original Victorian sewing pattern. I say ditch the gym and hold it all in with some steel boning and corsetry.The Victorians loved all things ghoulish...and in honour of that The Grimm Exhibition has created this glass art decoration using Dracula film images.
I think these upcycled Victorian style boots by Gaia Noir are wonderful. With lace and ribbon and tea-dyed for an authentic look. For steampunk ladies, or perhaps a vintage inspired wedding outfit.
Get creative with one of these ghostly digital collage sheets from Rowan Tree Design. Just don't get too scared if you're crafting alone at night!Coucou Heart has made this Victorian gentleman fox pendant using a vintage illustration. I imagine he's sitting on a horse, hunting humans.

Pretty muslin printed bags are ideal for favours, soaps and gift giving. Hand transferred by Vintage Dreams.Relive the Victorians' love of exploration and travel with this colourful, hand drawn hot air balloon brooch by flonightingaleUp, up and away!

Happy Campers

The British weather's about as good as it's going to get (sorry!) & it's festival time, so pack some of these fab camping must-haves found on Folksy & hit the road for a weekend of wilderness! Not the outdoorsy type? Folky's got that covered too, with camping inspired home decor to bring a little of the outdoor spirit indoors ;-)

Pink patchwork squares blanket or picnic rug by Rainbow Fairy Dust

Aromatherapy Citronella Candle In A Jar by Handmade Bramley

Green Wooden Campervan by Hutchpotch

Horseshoe Trivet - Bushcraft fire Camp Cooker, Camping Stove by Handmade Matt

Caravan Classic Stained Glass Suncatcher by Joys of Glass

Mug Cosies Lemonade and Lamingtons

Le Camping Cushion by Edamay

Festival Beanie by Birdie knitwear etc

"Survival" Bracelet by Be Knot Afrayed

VW campervan wine glass by Rose Petal

Happy Camping! - Jane.x

Can't see the wood for the trees

I don't know about you, but I love trees. I love trees at any time of year, but when they are bursting with life and luscious greenery at the height of summer - well, they just make me very, very happy! So here are some wonderful tree-related finds from the talented people at Folksy - and next time you walk past a tree, take a moment to marvel at how wonderful trees really are.

Cherry trees papier machie bowl by ameliagreenheart

stained glass leaves by Stable Cottage Glass

Framed textile "Oakfrith wood" by Tyger Tyger

Fairy Moss by Kagoo Katy Handspun

Natural wooden buttons by originalDOLLYmadness

'Garden Foliage' printed notecard by The Little Bird Press

Polymer Clay Earrings Handmade Green and Brown Leaves by Averilpam Design

Organic Tree Bark Vessel by Charlotte Hupfield Ceramics

Natural edge Cherry Bowl by The Turnist

Unique Driftwood Mobile with Love Message by Natural Wood

Dogs like gifts too....

I do hope that I am not alone in buying gifts for my pets' birthdays... am I ?? No, of course not, there are plenty of other silly people like me out there! Recently, my dog Oscar turned 9, and I wanted to get him a special little gift - here are a few of the offerings I could have got him from Folksy...

First of all, a birthday card of course!

Cute dog Shaped 3D Card

by Best Wishes Cards

Now the first thing every dog wants is a smart new collar: 

Paracord Dog Collars

by Be Knot Afrayed!

And of course a snazzy lead to go with it:

Suki Narrow Dog Lead

by Funky Mutts

And when you're out and about, don't forget the treats:

Pet Treats Pouch

by Max and Molly Designs

And if there is one thing my Oscar loves, is to wear a trendy bandana:

Polka Dotty Doggy Bandana

by handmadebyheartfelt

Of course, he will need somewhere to keep all his new accessories tidy:

Dogs Lead and Collar Holder

by Klara's Craft's

And then after an exhausting day, he may be in need of a bath:

Doggie Shampoo Bar

by Bits n Bobs

Which means that a special towel would be in order:

Personalised Doggy Towel

by Made With Love X

And then he will probably snuggle down for a snooze,

this cushion would be perfect:

Set of Two Sausage Dog Cushions

by Amelia Sunshine

(the other cushion is the back end of the dog - isn't that cute!)

Finally, with all his fun and adventures, he will want somewhere

to record all his favourite memories:

Personalised Pet Dog Memory Book

by Dottie Designs

So there you are - you need never be at a loss when it comes to your pooches birthday!