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!
My friend Jenn of justJENN Designs is one of the biggest Star Wars geeks I know and is quite crafty with food items. She threw The Ultimate Star Wars Party this past fall and it was mind blowing. The extensive menu included creations such as the Death Star Watermelon, Princess Leia Cupcakes, Han Solo in Carbonite Jell-o and much more. Jenn provided the recipes or how-to instructions for all of the items so you can craft your own Star Wars party.
