Fly Away Little Birdies

I love little birds, I love watching them in my garden, and I love birdy accessories even more. I have a few bird themed items in my shop, (and a few planned for the future) but yet again the wonderful makers and crafters of Folksy out-do me with their amazing items. Here's some of my cream-of-the-crop.The lovely SleepDreamPlay is currently offering buy one get one free on ALL her items! So if you like this bird necklace you'd better snap it up quick! There's also a rather fetching bird brooch too.I came upon the Molly's Mum shop some time ago, and was very pleasantly surprised with the amazing stitching of all the items. So much lovely stuff! But this Owl brooch is such a cutie;The bird in this stunning illustration from Sooziebee looks like he's deciding wether or not to fly away, or perhaps he's looking for rain? Anyway this original artwork would make a great edition to your walls, prints are available too.This colourful Owl has been made by Paper Owl. The pattern on his chest reminds me of harlequin patterns and carnivals. He's one of a kind, and ready to fly.Needle felted birds have such a unique charm, and here's a great example from Fibrespace. Adorably delicate, and in need of a home, this birdy's legs are made from wire, allowing you to adjust him as you like.Another fabulous example of fantastic stitching from ilovemysewingmachine. This Owl clutch even has an Owl print lining! This bag is too gorgeous.I love Lucky Bird, the detailed hot foil prints are so effective on brown paper. These gift tags feature three of my favorite Lucky Bird designs, This piece from Fickle is a real stunner. This necklace is available in two colourways on an antique copper chain, I love how this necklace is bold and delicate at the same time.Lot of birdies waiting to fly away home, and available from fab Folksy crafters. Leave a comment if you can, and I hope all of these birdies find new loving home soon.Article by Aleximo, xXx

Fake Food

My random browsings of Folksy have unearthed another micro trend. One that I will soon be indulging in myself (with a soon to be delivered package from Japan), food inspired items. Fake food to be precise, food as inspiration. At one time or another most of us will have drawn a bowl of fruit, usually in an art lesson where the teacher forgot their notes. Many of us adore the artistic qualities of gigantic gâteaux and delicate cupcakes. Below is a crafty celebration of items inspired by all things foody.Warning: Don't read on an empty stomach!First a true English dinner, a felt sculpture of fish fingers and chips from British Cream Tea. Just look at the details on the fish finger texture and little dollop of ketchup!I couldn't resist squeezing one cupcake in! And this adorable specimen comes from Funky Cinderella, I love all the neat little stitches and beading detail.One of my all time favourite biccies, the Jammy Dodger. Now in amazing acrylic jewellery form from Biscuit Boutique.I know the Summer is nearly over, but there's still time for one last ice lolly. Feel Fab (bad pun I know!) with this felt creation from Ridgeon Originals.Mini food! Twice the cuteness of regular size, better yet these gorgeous veggie plates below are buttons! From vInTaGe VioLeT's BuTtOnS.Gift tags are one of those things I always forget to buy when wrapping a special present, you could always be a little fruity (yet another bad pun!) with these from Ditzy Creations.Even though this pie looks angry, I like to think he's misunderstood - even if he is a Pirate. Naturally a Pie-rate (not one of mine this time!) from SewSew.Thus concludes our food foray into another batch of delights from Folksy. Leave a comment below and let me know what you think, I hope I didn't make anyone too hungry!

A little birdy told me

One of two things always inspire me; Bunnies and Birds. I've talked about bunnies in several previous articles on another site, so now it's time for the birds! Once again Folksy makers and sellers have outdone themselves with amazing birdy related items. Here's a selection of my favorites;Below is an amazingly beautiful and detailed clutch purse from notes, in a super summery sunshine yellow.These super kawaii Birdy Amigurumi Toys from Owl on the Sill are so adorable! Love their little birdy quiffs;Jiji Kiki comes top trumps again with this vintage love birds necklace. Look at the cute heart beads detailing;I'm a big fan of papercraft, and Under the Stairs Studios creates some of the most inventive paper circuses I've ever seen. Would make a great deluxe birthday card!Molly's Mum is a shop that's been on my radar for a while now, everything is so wonderfully made with fabulous fabrics and attention to detail. Make sure you check out the owl brooches too;Who doesn't love Jemima Lumley's Jewellery? I bet these earrings look stunning on, and even better with one of the matching birdy necklaces also available;For all of us who have a button stash, these would make a welcome addition I'm sure. Handmade by Mollimoo (aka Chumley) these buttons are also available in blue;Upcycling is everywhere, even this article can't escape it! Here's the upcycled item for this selection, check out the cute ribbon tails; from Kerli;I truly admire ceramists, as my clay creations are truly horrendous! This pair of lovebird bowls from Prince Design UK would be a simply stunning wedding gift, timeless and elegant.Now I realise this is a little cheeky, but what the heck. For the first (and most likely last) time here's one of my items. Understand that this is mearly to prove the point I stated at the beginning of this article, that I gain inspiration from birds. So to the point, here is a set of my birdy badges;Aside from my shameless self promotion at the end (feel free to ignore it) I hope you like my selection of beautiful birdy items fresh from the pages of Folksy this month. Since I found so many wonderful bird based items I intend to follow this artilce up with a 'part 2' sometime in the future. But for now, don't let these unique handmade creations fly away without you. Many thanks to all those who suggested items,Aleximo, xXx

Rainbow Brights

After sitting in my back room watching the prisms in the window shining rainbows all across the wooden floor I knew what I wanted to write about this week. So lets kick off my Folksy Rainbow with RED.Pure Beeswax Candles (only �3.00 for 2!) from the BeeShed. I love the texture of beeswax candles, and the delicate scent that reminds me of my Auntie's house, lovely.Richard of York may have gave battle in vain, but this cute ORANGE brooch will definately be a winner pinned onto your cardigan or jumper. Love the vintage button detail, from seventyseventydesign.Save the planet one bag at a time and learn the amazing art of furoshiki. I love this technique so much, I often go out wearing a desert scarf, and now I know how to turn it into an extra carrier bag with just three knots! Here's a beautiful YELLOW example from My Furoshiki;I very rarely wear rings, but I don't think I'd ever take this one off. So elegant and classic, real sterling silver and beautifully made by Murano Silver. Matching GREEN earring also available.This clutch is beyond cute, and would make a great going-out bag with it's handy removable strap. The lining is a wonderfully contrasting shocking pink, this BLUE clutch is from Cosy, who has many other highly desirable bags too.In with the INDIGO from The Juzzard. These hair clips are so adorable! Make sure to check out the zines and bow headbands also available in The Juzzard's Folksy shop.Here's the VIOLET ending to my Folksy Rainbow, with this mini vintage button brooch from Lovely Pigeon. I love the worn look of the buttons, a great piece that will just get better with age.A last rainbow item with this amazing piece from Mystic DNA. All the colours of the rainbow and a whole lot of detailed beading work make this a real statement piece. I love how even the bar clasp fades into the closing ring to make a full circle of rainbow.Lots of bright cheery colours to brighten up the last of the summer, I hope you like! All items available right now from the lovely sellers on Folksy, just click the shop name above each photo.Article by Aleximo, xXx

Raining in Manchester

It rains a lot in Manchester, but that hasn't dampened this Mancunians spirit, I'm sat watching the rain come down and I've found a few things that reflect the best bits of Manchester on Folksy.The signs might say 'Manchester Central' but all true Manc's know it as the G-Mex, there's a lot of Manchester love from Purple Pixie.Love this photographic print from MojoSteph, it sums up the Manchester I knew in the 90's, before all the fancy glass and brushed steel buildings.Lil Sonny Sky makes lovely prints, this print is hand-screenprinted with lots of loving care and from a limited run of 15.One of Manchester's favourite sons, Morrissey. Show some Smiths love with these earrings from Voodooville.Made in Manchester by Queenie O'Coco, this raincloud brooch has a mirror finish and a great graphic style.More cute wearable raindrops with these vintage style peacock pearl drop earrings from JimJams Jewellery.The rain had stopped now and a blue sky is peaking through, and I remember why I love Manchester so much. I hope you've enjoyed my Manc-rain themed Folksy selections, and keep buying handmade.Article by Aleximo, xXx