3 days to Christmas

Alternative wrapping

Following on from yesterday’s Countdown to Christmas of 4 days to Christmas, I thought I would let you know about an alternative method of wrapping presents – furoshiki.  Furoshiki originates from Japan, and uses beautiful neck scarfs and knots to wrap a gift, instead of using paper, boxes, bags, and sticky tape.

I first came across the concept of furoshiki at a Lush shop (national chain of handmade cosmetics shops).

But after a browse on Folksy, I have found myfuroshiki‘s shop where they print and make some of their own fabrics for furoshiki wrapping and giving.

Photo from Myfuroshiki Folksy shop - Purple Reindeer Wrap

One of the best things about furoshiki is that you are giving two presents instead of just one, as the wrap can be used afterwards too as a little scarf, or used as a bag tie, or wall hanging… very eco friendly.

You can find out more about Myfuroshiki and ideas on how to use furoshiki by having a peek at their blog.

(Original Minnie is not responsible for the content of other websites)

7 days to Christmas

With the last weekend of shopping until the big Day, how about these recycled notepads as a stocking filler gift, or even to use yourself to jot down those last minute bits and bobs you still need to buy.  Just as useful all year round too for shopping lists, doodles, song lyrics, poems…

Original Minnie © Hand stamped Notepad

Original Minnie © Hand stamped Notepad

Find a selection on my Folksy SHOP.  If you would like a special one making up with a different message, let me know and I will see what I can do…

18 days to Christmas

We are getting closer every day, so if you haven’t got all your Christmas Cards written yet, today might be the day to sort the last ones.  If you are buying handmade presents this year, there’s no need to stop with that – you can find loads of lovely handmade cards on Folksy.com, all made in the UK by independent designers.

I have my own new designs for 2010 for sale in my Original Minnie Folksy SHOP.

© Original Minnie Have a Berry Merry Christmas card 2010

Original Minnie © Season’s Greetings Christmas card 2010

Original Minnie © Seasons Greetings Christmas card 2010

Original Minnie © Very Berry Christmas Card 2010

Original Minnie © With Love Christmas holly card 2010

Each design features pretty varigated holly photos taken by me, printed, cut, and then finished with a juicy red berry button.

Every card comes with an envelope made from recycled paper, and packaged in an eco-friendly ‘compostable’ clear bag made from corn starch, NOT plastic!

Handmade for £1.50 each, or buy in bulk and save money with 3 cards for £4.  If you would like to mix and match designs just message me and I can sort it for you!

Ahoy There!

UPDATED AT LAST!

After hours of fighting with the camera and computer, I’ve finally finished updating the Original Minnie Folksy shop with some of the new designs I’ve been creating over the past few weeks!  The photos are still not great unfortunately, but heres hoping I will sort the technology out in the future…

Firstly, I’ve added a couple of Wedding Cards – it was fun to do some new card designs, and to spend some extra time on each one.  I even got the sewing machine out (inspired by the lessons I’ve been attending), and have incorporated some stitching into the card.   Note to self – metallic thread is more difficult to work with!

Wedding Card Lilac © Original Minnie

Secondly, and for something quite different – here is a selection of some of the new ‘Ahoy There’ jewellery range – a fun take on this summers trend for all things nautical…

Ahoy There Seaside Necklace green © Original Minnie

Ahoy There Necklace blue & yellow © Original Minnie

Ahoy There Brooch anchor button © Original Minnie

Ahoy There Bracelet blue fish © Original Minnie

And finally, here are a few piccies from the ‘Tribal Ribbons‘ and ‘Tribal Knots‘ ranges – made with this summers other trend in mind – for ‘tribal’ style accessories.

Tribal Knots Necklace pink © Original Minnie

Tribal Ribbons Necklace brown ribbon © Original Minnie

Its quite a ‘loose’ subject description, and in a change with tradition (as with the ‘Ahoy There‘ range), the pieces I’ve made have mostly NOT used buttons…!  I have however kept with Original Minnie tradition by using a combination of new materials, with reclaimed pieces – by dismantling and reusing beads/stones/pendants from other jewellery, accessories, and clothing to create new, more interesting pieces.  It is more eco – friendly after all!

For more Original Minnie jewellery and cards, have a look at the Original Minnie Folksy Shop (opens a new window), or if you have any questions, please get in touch.