Geek Crafts

As soon as I saw these little guys, I feel in mini-robot love. Though probably not technically robots, I’m sure you’ll agree they’re quite lovable. Hand-crafted by self-proclaimed “wood butcher” Colin Johnson, these pieces are made of reclaimed cedar wood and dolls’ eyes. Would you have guessed they were made from wood?

They make me think of little Minions from Despicable Me, or even the little alien dudes from the Toy Story trilogy. What do they make you think of? How would you use or display them?

• Eyebots by Colin Johnson
• More Eyebots pics on Flickr
• More robot crafts on GeekCrafts

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I love everything about this set of hand-painted Harry, Ron and Hermoine dolls by dangercatdolls on Etsy – especially the tiny hand-pained Gryffindor stripes on their ties. You can also request other characters from the books if you have another favorite… very cool!

I also liked the description:

Dolls are made of wood and stand approximately 3.5 inches tall. They are lovingly hand painted and sealed in acrylic. While they are considerably sturdy little fellows (and ladies), they are not toys and should not be given to children, regardless of how much they love 5000 page novels.

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If the San Diego Comic-Con is the arena rock star of the convention world, then San Francisco’s WonderCon is the concert-hall favorite. It’s not nearly as big, but much more manageable, and (in my humble opinion) just as much fun.

I attended two days of this year’s Con, where I met numerous writers, artists, and geek icons. My favorite folks to talk to, though, were the hard-working crafters tabling throughout the Con.

Some had made items to promote books and webcomics, others were devoted to selling thier handmade crafts. No matter the reason, though, they were always happy to stop and share a little about their creations.

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Hobbits, wizards, elves, and kings.
What’s not to love about Lord of the Rings? 

Many a crafter has been so inspired,
to knit, sew, or sculpt from this story admired.

But some feel the need to go a bit further,
to celebrate this story with a touch of odd fervor.

So check out these crafts, both geeky and unique,
and I promise I’ll stop rhyming in faux-Tolkien speak.

Eye of Sauron Journal

Etsy seller ArtBug offers this one-of-a-kind Eye of Sauron journal, perfect for scribbling down all your evil plans. What I love about this most of all is that the eye friggin’ LIGHTS UP.

Hobbit Feet Baby Booties

I’ve seen various incarnations of these crazy hobbit-feet slippers, but none so cute as these wee baby booties. Knit some up for your own little hobbit with this free pattern offered by Penwiper. Grown-ups can also get in on the hairy foot action with this Hobbit foot pattern from The Unique Sheep.

Door of Durin Beaded Necklace

It took Etsy seller Whitestar Jewelry 15 hours to hand-bead this striking Door of Durin necklace.  What impresses me more is the story behind the store, as the maker uses beadwork as a way to soothe her bipolar disorder.

Frodo Plush

Craftster member MumbleFord wasn’t content to simply buy a plush Frodo from a store. She had to make her own! I think he turned out even cuter than the original. She was also generous enough to share her pattern, so you can make your own hobbit.

Map of Middle Earth Cigar Box

The latest LOTR swap on Craftster yielded some amazing projects, from replica cloaks to an amigurumi Bilbo. What impressed me the most, though, was this map of Middle Earth burned into a cigar box, made by Craftster Gommeriffic. Perfect thing for hiding your Old Toby in, eh?

Eye of Sauron T-shirt

Throw Led Zepplin’s “Ramble On” on the turntable and rock out with this crazy Eye of Sauron tie-dyed T-shirt, available from Portland-based Etsy seller Tie Dyed Monkeys.

Miniature J.R.R. Tolkien Art Doll

The man himself, adorably immortalized in clothespin-doll form. Debbie Ritter (Etsy’s Uneek Doll Designs) also has a little C.S. Lewis doll. Makes me wish she had a dollhouse version of the Eagle and Child pub they used to meet in!

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I’m a little behind on my movie watching. I finally rented Kick-Ass this past weekend, fully expecting a comedy-action popcorn flick. Imagine my surprise to find out Kick-Ass is (arguably) one of the darkest and most brutal superhero films since Watchmen.

Needless to say, I’ve fallen in love, and a trip to the comic book store is definitely in my near future. Meanwhile, I had to check out the related offerings on Etsy, and came across these little hand-painted Kick-Ass peg people by Mia, aka Giddy Girlie.

I love how they resemble those Fisher-Price Little People I used to play with as a kid. Except they’re…well, more kick-ass!

• Kick-Ass Peg People on Etsy
• Giddy Girlie

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If there is one thing I love, it is a great Doctor Who craft, and as I anxiously await Matt Smith‘s premiere as the new Doctor next month, Kim2.0 is filling the void left by Tennant‘s departure with this great Wooden TARDIS she made from birch & balsa wood and posted on her blog.

• Wooden TARDIS

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