Slugs

This morning whilst putting on my Wellie boot to go out and get some coal for the fire I squished a big leopard slug. It had slimed into my Wellington boot some time in the night and sadly for it, my big cheese foot came down and squished it. Poor little slug. I'm not the worlds biggest fan of slugs as they eat their way through loads of the veggies, but that has to be a really horrible way to die. In honour of the dead slug I decided to find some handmade items that celebrate slugs.

Bianca Venice photograph shows off this European slug in all it's glory. You can see all the amazing details and texture of it's skin. This one is a really dark black colour, the one I squished was a light tan colour with dark spots, hence the name Leopard slug.

Late Night Knitting has come up with a pattern to knit this cute little slug. I've never seen a slug with such big lips and even if I did I don't think I'd want to kiss it. This cutie is sure to get many cuddles and kisses.

I've never thought of giving a slug as a Valentines gift before but Mathaland has made me think what a great idea it would be. A "love U" and a pretty little card would be a fabulous gift for a loved one that isn't into all that schmaltzy lovey dovey stuff. It's sure to raise a smile.

Odd Imagination has created this vibrantly coloured polymer clay slug. This one is more like the poor departed slug, well it is except for the colours. It was less vibrant than and more camouflaged. I think this one might get spotted by the birds too easily.

I love the work of Loopy Boopy and have featured her work before but Slug Boy was a must for today's feature. Sadly Slug Boy doesn't have many slug friends, so he hangs out with the worms. Now they are a whole other kettle of fish. Worms help the soil and that helps the vegetables to grow, which I guess makes the Slug Boy happy.

Slugs are the bane of most gardeners lives. They nibble their way through everything and can decimate big leafy green plants in a night. They chomp their way into lettuces, cabbage, hosters... well anything juicy really, but despite all that I still feel sorry for the one I squished. I guess I'm just a big softy.

Written by Lynne of PiratePixieCrew and Hyperloop Hoops

Flickr Friends

The Flickr group has come up top trumps again. I love looking through the photo in the group and then following those photos back to peoples shops. It turns up so many beautiful artworks and handmade goods. If you are a flickr user come along and join us. You can get to chat to the people behind the goods shown and maybe find a whole new bunch of very talented friends.

Miss Gina Designs made this beautiful custom burp cloth and bib. What a gorgeous gift to give to a new born. You can have them made with a letter of your choice. Individual and handmade, the perfect combination.

This photographic collage by LD Photography is so stunning. The two giant redwood trees some how make me feel secure. All that age, strength and natural beauty make me feel very grounded. I admit it I'm a bit of a hippy.

Cute huh? This small earthenware clay pendant is so simple but very eye catching. The maker, Winchell Clay Works, has a shop full of pretty clay pendants and beads of various shapes and sizes. Check out her shop to see them all.

I love this collage from Vantiani. I can't even explain why. The colours, the elephant, the map, everything really. It just gives me a warm giggly glow looking at it. This is just one collage in a series called Origami Balloons. The others are in her shop if you fancy taking a look.

Vintage Gal Design made this adorable handbag. It's unusual colours and pretty fabric design make it stand out from the crowd. Inside, it has useful pockets to keep your keys, phone and purse all safely stashed. It's a lovely design, good size and very pretty. All you need in a bag.

I'm so glad I started the flickr group to run along side this blog. I think it gives even more artisans the chance to get their goods seen and boy are there many talented artisans out there that deserve to be seen. Please take a look over there and join in the chat. We'd love to have you join the group.

Written by Lynne of Hyperloop Hoops and PiratePixieCrew