Folksy Handmade - Practical Hearts

Last year I did an alternative Valentine gift guide with roses that were practical, just as an option instead of getting flowers that wouldn't last long. So for this year I've gathered a list of Practical Hearts. They're like the card and gift in one. The heart design is the sentiment, and then the item can be used all year without it looking out of place.

I haven't included jewellery because I think that's an obvious one. Heart jewellery is always going to be practical all year. Some people don't wear jewellery though, so these might be good instead. And some people aren't really into 'in your face' hearts and flowers valentine gifts (like me) and I think these would be a good alternative for them too. The piggie purse is the most subtle of all. The hearts are on the lining.

I've gone for a range of prices and styles, so hopefully there's something here for all tastes, and budgets. If you see anything you like, click on the pic to visit the shop for more details, and to get the link to send as a hint to the other half. You know it's easiest. : )

Geometric Heart Cotton Tote Bag
Kikichoo

Fused Glass Heart
Fused Glass from the Glass House

Rainbow Heart Pocket Mirror
Fresh Creative Designs

Hearts Mug
Morning Star Designs

Glasses Case Valentine's Hearts
Kirstie's Allsorts

Scandinavian Style Hearts Notebook
Blue Anchor Bay

Heart Flowers Tote Bag
Justine and the Joybringer

Golden Flourite Heart Keyring
NOfkantsCurios

Naughty Piggies Clasp Purse
The Yellow House

Leather Bound Pocket Journal
Black Orchard Books

Hearts and Flowers Trinket Box
Celtic Wood and Art

Rustic Hearts Candle Holder Set
The Pink Tortoise

Folksy Handmade - Honey, Bees

The trees are getting their leaves, and the blossom is opening too. The bees will be getting busy pollinating the fruit and flowers. So this Folksy Friday is all about bees, and honey. I've got bumblebees, honey bees, beehives, honey coloured goodies, honey smelling goodies, and even a goodie to eat honey with. (Shop link menu under gallery, and ongoing Pinterest board link below.)

*** Folksy Handmade - Honey, Bees ***



Top Row (Left to Right) -
Hadrian's Wall Honey and Goats Milk Soap, by Oakwood Soaperie
Honey Scented Candle, by Mr Underwood's
Honey Bee Carnelian Glass and Gold Dangle Earring, by Green Bosque by Sally
Middle Row (Left to Right) -
Bee Photograph, by Claireberries Photgraphy
Beehive Lavender Bag, by Hattifers Hand Sewn Gifts
Shades of Honey, by The Moody Mouse
Bottom Row (Left to Right) -
Wooden Beehive Boxes, by RJF Turning
Honey Dipper, by Bodrighy Wood
Honey-Gold Czech Glass Bead Necklace, by Bonny Lass

Sea Glass Starburst

This handcast base with glass decoration is my lastest listing to my shop. You could use this ornament indoors, but I designed it for use in the garden. All the materials are weatherproof so it can be left outside all year (although I might just pop it under cover if it's going to be icy, just to protect the glass a bit). The design is a starburst of pale green, turquoise and deep blue sapphire pebbles. Which, because the surface they are on has a sandy texture, have the look of sea glass on a beach. When it's placed in sunlight the colours sparkle. There's an indentation in the centre that will take a standard size tealight, so it could be used at night too, with candlelight illuminating the glass. Perfect.

Folksy Handmade Christmas - Traditional






Stained Glass Look Mosaic Baubles



This is the latest in my Christmas decoration collections from Folksy.com. I've called the selection traditional. It kind of is because there's robins, candles, holly, an advent calender etc. But, the items are done in a contemporary way too.

There is a really good selection of crafts in this one as well - knitting, patchwork, paper quilling, sewing, modelling, florestry (I think you call working with foliage that too, don't you?), mosaic...  

See what you think -

Folksy Handmade Christmas - Traditional

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