Sterling Silver Butterfly Bangle from Akino Jewellery

It's been a little while since Bling and Buy was last updated, due to a few other work commitments, but I've still been keeping an eye out for beautiful jewellery pieces. This butterfly bangle above caught my eye late last week. It's a delicate butterfly design from Folksy-based Akino Jewellery. The Japanese designer creates each piece by hand, so you might want to allow a couple of weeks delivery, but I think it's worth it for such a unique piece.

Like it? It's yours for 80 of your English pounds.

Do you think it's worth paying a little more for a handmade design?

Capture the tooth fairy with Ich Bin

Recently, the good name of the Tooth Fairy has come into disrepute.

Yup, Dwayne Johnson (AKA The Rock) I'm looking at you. I implore you, put down the tutu and wand and leave the tooth harvesting to the experts.

Tooth fairies are supposed to be pretty, itsy bitsy and magical. Folksy designer Ich Bin has expertly recreated those qualities in this plastic charm necklace, complete with baby tooth. Compared to all the sparkly Tinkerbell necklaces doing the circuit at the moment, this is a welcome alternative.

At £4.50, you'll only have to lose five teeth to save up enough for it.

P.S If you're viewing this in a reader, you might not have noticed our little makeover! Come check out the blog and let me know what you think.

Father's Day inspiration from Folksy

Got your Father's Day present sorted yet?

*Cough* me either.

In a time-honoured tradition, I've left it right to the last minute. The traditional options (socks, ties, mass-produced Father's Day compilation CD full of cheesy 80s ballads) are leaving me a bit cold this year, so I had a little snoop around Folksy for some inspiration.

Hurrah! Food-based cufflinks, personalised manly jewellery and some seriously cool greetings cards. What more could a son or daughter need?

Below are a few of my favourite options from the handmade marketplace.

• Vodka Tonic with Ice Cufflinks, Top left, Buff Cuffs, £12.99
• Bacon resin cufflinks, Top middle, Handmade by Birdcage Creative, £11.90
• Imprint Me Silver Cufflinks (personalised with fingerprint), Top right, Ali Bali Jewellery, £50
• Passport holder-vintage comics, Large left image, Bookity, £13.50
• Stacking Lyric Rings, Large right image, Spots & Stripes, £35
• Dad, You're The Best keyring, Bottom left, Jupiter Rocks, £9.99
• Dad You Rock Hand Cut Card, Bottom middle, StoreyShop, £4.95
• Egg & Chips Cufflinks, Bottom right, Candy Jewels UK, £10.99

Seen something even better? Let me know in the comments below...

London loves retro pin from Fluffs Stuff

I don't often get a chance to make it into London, which means I still retain an appreciation for the charm of all of the capital's tourists spots, famous icons and...shops. Obviously. So, I often find myself drawn to objects that pay tribute to our great city.

I've seen Fluffs Stuff featured quite a bit on Folksy recently, and I love their fabric 3D take on a brooch. This London-based pin would look amazing on a blue or red pea coat, or simply pinned to a plain handbag.


Purchase the pin for £10 from the Fluffs Stuff Folksy shop.

Folksy Find: Ship Picture frame with Fish and Chips Detail

This may just be the most British piece of jewellery we've ever featured on Bling and Buy.

At first glance, I thought Folksy designer Cream Tea Jewellery had simply decided to use this picture frame as a quirky way to showcase the tiddly fish and chips brooch. On closer inspection, it became apparant that the frame WAS the brooch!

Featuring a swashbuckling ship, the frame is just 2.5 by 3 inches, and the fish and chips charm is fixed to the outer frame. I have no idea what you'd wear it with, but I'm pretty sure it would be a unique icebreaker wherever you go.

Fancy a bit of British charm? The brooch is £13.50.

Floral flurry: Flower cuff from Nuada Accessories

There's a fair few must-have pieces on Folksy from Nuada Accessories. The Sterling Silver Large Button necklaces and silver teapot ring have both made it onto my favourites list. But in the spirit of the spring sunshine we've been enjoying this week, I wanted to show you this pink and purple felt flower cuff bracelet.

The cuff would make a girly addition to a wedding outfit, or a kitch twist to a not-quite-spring outfit. Love it too? You can buy it for £9.50.

Hello Sunshine "Tea Time Stud Earrings"

These 'Cheeky Lil' Studs' from Folksy designer Hello Sunshine have arrived in perfect time for the release of Alice in Wonderland (surely the must-see film of 2010?).

The tiny little teacup and teapot are made from laser cut acrylic, and the classic white colouring makes this a versatile piece of jewellery. They're £4.50, and they're available in a hanging earring style too.

Butterfly Flower Hairband from Lupin Handmade

And so, the butterfly obsession continues...

Observe the butterfly flower hairband above. It's from Folksy designer Lupin Handmade, and I'm completely and utterly in love with it. Having auburn hair and pale skin often means I struggle to find pieces that don't clash or blend in with my colour. This particular design comes in several summery colours to compliment all hair tones, and I particular love the green and purple pairing.

I plan to wear it with loose curls and a summer dress, when the sunshine finally comes out. Fancy adorning your hair (or wearing it as a oversized bracelet)? It's only £9.

Trinket Box: Big pearl drop necklace

Sophie from Trinket Box recently got in contact about her range on Folksy, and I can happily confirm that the range is indeed full of trinkets!

The big pearl drop necklace on the right really stood out for me, but there are plenty of pretty and girlie items available. This beautiful jewelled necklace is only £8, much like the rest of the purse friendly range.

You can check out the rest of the range here. These heart earrings in particular are well worth a visit!

Very Vintage™ Designs: Walkin' In A Winter Wonderland Teeny Tiny Snowflake Studs

Last night, I pulled on a pair of extra thick socks, some fleecy pjs, and popped an extra blanket on the bed. Why, you ask? Because summer is finally over and I can indulge my inner child with thoughts of morning frosts and winter snow. Plus I live in a really old farmhouse with rubbish central heating...

Anyway, the reason I'm telling you all of this is because I came across these snowflakes for £3 on folksy and fell a little bit in love. They're by Very Vintage™ Designs, who has a really cute range of stuff including these "Kiss Me" Bobby pins for £3.25.

All of the range is available gift wrapped in a little bag, so it's a treat for yourself or a loved one this Christmas!

Max's World: Green Knitter's Brooch

Recently, I've been meeting a lot of people who are really into knitting and stitching, and it's got me kinda interested. It's so big now that there's even groups for people to get together and knit together, known as Stitch and Bitch. I'm tempted to get involved but fear my chubby fingers might prevents me creating some of the amazing creations they showcase.

For those that can actually knit/stitch, you might like this knitter's brooch from Folksy designer Max's World. The brooch is only £6.50 and comes in a variety of colours, as well as options including earrings and necklaces. The brooch features a tiny pair of knitting needles and ball of wool. Adorable, no?

Alix Swan: ‘Story Badge Set’ The Frog Prince

I discovered Alix Swan's store on Folksy a couple of days ago and became enamoured with her beautiful fairytale stories and gifts. Her range includes miniature zig zag books and little accessories to act out the stories to a little one. The product I really fell in love with though was this little set of badges that tell the story of 'The Frog Prince', one of my favourite childhood stories. Each badge tells a different section of the story, and there are a quite a few whimsical stories available.

You can buy the set for £15 and decorate your cosy winter coat with a happy ending!

Bbel: Fox Stole Silver Necklace

This stole silver necklace from Folksy seller Bbel is more than a little foxy. Priced at £56, it not only has the really unique design of a fox's head and stole, but it's easy to wear too.

The necklace itself wraps once around your neck, rather than connecting at the back, so you can adjust the height the charms sit at. I'd love to wear this backwards with a low backed dress for a different look.

The range is created by designer Bethan Carr, who has created a gorgeous range of silver necklaces, bracelets, brooches and earrings. She also does custom orders if you wanted something completely individual.

Josephines: Pink Birdcage Necklace

How pretty is this pink birdcage necklace on the right? There are lots of birdcage necklaces around at the moment, a side effect of the popularity of vintage at the moment, but I love the details on this one. The gingham bow, brass bow and acrylic rose & stem cabochons add a different spin to the look. The necklace also comes in a white version.

This delicate vintage piece is from Josephines, who has a Folksy shop full of vintage goodies, and it's £19. Buy it and float around like a 40's screen siren.

LaurasJewellery: Available/Taken Necklace

Imagine the scenario. You fancy a night out with the girls, but you're not so keen on getting hit on by random guys who just don't get the message. What's a girl to do? Take a big stick out with her to keep them at bay?

How about grabbing this gorgeous little necklace, which does the talking for you? Created by LauraJewellery, who has an Etsy store and a Folksy store, the necklace features a tiny lock and the word 'Taken'. The necklace is £7, and has another added benefit. Turn the necklace over, and the other side displays the word 'Available'. The perfect necklace for that friend of yours who changes their facebook relationship status as often as their clothes :)

The Etsy store also features some kitch items, including this Red Heart Necklace, and this Martini Menu Necklace. You can follow LaurasJewellery on Twitter here.

Nelli D: Kissing boy and girl

Folksy, the UK craft site similar to Etsy, is turning up all kinds of talented jewellery designers at the moment. A recent visit to the site showcased the work of Nelli D, an artist who seems to specialise in resin based designs. The "Kissing Boy and Girl" necklace on the right is a highlight of the range. Featuring a little girl and boy holding hands, this kitsch necklace is only £12.

Browse the rest of the range and you'll find rings, necklaces and brooches, all easily within budget. I've got my eye on a couple of the necklaces for Christmas, and it's worth noting that (like a lot of the jewellery designers featured) a bespoke design service is available.

p.s, if anyone wants to buy me this brooch, I'll love you forever!

FinestImaginary: Pink Teapot Heart Necklace

Tea lovers, listen up: This necklace is calling out to you! Designed by Folksy resident Finest Imaginary, the pink teapot heart necklace is an original design made from 3mm acrylic on an 18 inch silver chain. The teapot design features a cut out heart detail, and will only cost you £4.99.

The teapot also comes in white or black if the pink is too girly for you, and it's worth checking out the site for a few other tongue in cheek designs.

Finest Imaginary is on twitter too! Follow them here.