Mr Mouse and His Handmade House – the Folksy Christmas film

Who needs Elton and his many pianos when you have Mr Mouse and his Handmade House? This Christmas Folksy makers have come together to create to a mini Christmas movie, showcasing the creativity, imagination, craft and skills of the many artists, designers and crafters working in studios and at kitchen tables all year round to make Christmas extra special.

We’re so very proud of it and hope you’ll love it too. In true handmade style, it’s been written, animated, directed and edited by Leanne Warren, but it couldn’t have happened without other people coming together behind the scenes – people like textile artist Amanda Barnes who made Mr Mouse, all the Folksy makers who created the delights featured under the tree and on the walls of Mr Mouse’s house (and, of course, in his dreams), or Leanne’s husband Steve who composed the music and even her in-laws who were enlisted to help build the props!

Watch the animation and read the story behind it below.

To see on the big screen or download it to share with the world, click here >

Mr Mouse is quiet and introverted, but he’s also a maker and loves surrounding himself with gorgeous British handmade goodness.

The story behind the animation

Mr Mouse is a creative, thoughtful, introverted little mouse who loves his home and surrounds himself with beautiful handmade goodness by day, while by night he becomes an explorer and adventurer where anything is possible.

His explores the world in swirling, hand-thrown teacups, sails the seas in a hand-printed linen rowing boat, takes a ride with Santa Claus on a hedgehog-drawn sleigh, plays skittles with a crochet ball and miniature Christmas trees, all while evading a rogue lino cat and some troubling gingerbread men. There is also a Mrs Mouse but whether she only exists in Mr Mouse’s imagination is open to interpretation.

The idea was first sparked in my brain when I saw Little Ram Studio’s cat print and it evolved from there.

 

How the film came to be

“I wanted the film to be a quirky, British craft kind of response to the John Lewis Christmas ad,” explains Leanne. “We don’t have millions in our budget, in fact, we did it with no budget… on a total shoestring! People volunteering their time and effort – what an amazing thing! With a sprinkle of kindness, warmth, talent, imagination and belief we’ve pulled something together that is so much more representative of the authentic Christmas magic that I know and love.

“The idea was first sparked in my brain when I saw Little Ram Studio’s cat print and it evolved from there. I have loved working with all the beautiful products from talented makers and the ridiculous talent that is Amanda Barnes.

“Folksy is an amazing community where we lift each other up, and brilliant things can be achieved when we channel creative sparks in the right direction.

“As someone who suffers from anxiety and depression, creating and making is my own form of therapy and meditation. Designing brings me present in the here and now. So it means the world to me that people are getting behind Mr Mouse. On a personal level, the amazing feedback about the animation clips has boosted my self confidence no end. I can’t believe that Steve and I will now have our own tradition of watching this film every Christmas.”

I wanted the film to be a quirky, British craft kind of response to the John Lewis Christmas ad. We did it on a total shoestring! People volunteering their time and effort… to pull something together that is so much more representative of the authentic Christmas magic that I know and love.

 

A huge thank you to EVERYONE involved in the film and also to each and every one of you who shares it and helps us get the tale (tail?) of Mr Mouse out into the world. We love our Folksy family. Thank you especially to Leanne for making this happen, making us smile and bringing Mr Mouse into our lives. You are an absolute super star. We hope we’re going to be seeing much more of him in the future…

Make your own handmade house

Find a list of all the products featured in the film below and buy them on Folksy here > https://folksy.com/themes/12-days-of-folksy

Featured products and makers

Custom Textile Mouse by Amanda Barnes 

Box of four Hedgehog Christmas Tree Ornaments by Silverpasta

Black Cat Mousing original hand-pulled linocut print by Little Ram Studio

Wooden Mistletoe Decorations by Naomi Greaves from NG Paperology

Colourful Aluminium Cuffs  by Claire Gent

Mini Hanging Shelves by Emma Verner

Gingerbread House A4 Print By Charlie’s Hand

Ceramic Gingerbread Man, Christmas Angel Decoration and Fox Christmas Tree Decoration by Dottery Pottery

Colourful Crochet Bauble and Crochet Christmas Trees by Clare Gets Crafty

Rainbow Christmas Tree Decoration and Fused Glass Robin by Abundant Glass

Hand-Thrown Ceramic Mugs by Trawden Pottery

Hand-Knitted Socks by Fir Tree Knitwear

Leather Coin Tray and Leather Wallet personalised for Dad by Orgill Originals

Hand-printed Pine Tree Make-Up Bag by Rose Agar Designs

Christmas Soaps by Oakwood Soaperie

Organic Bear Baby Bib in Pink by Bear Print Design

Yellow Colour Dot Stud Earrings and Colour Drop Earrings by Clare Lloyd

Handmade Ring Dish by Ello Mello Handmade

Little Wooden House by Thimbleville

Little Silver Button Earrings and Thimble Necklace by Joanna Wakefield

Knitted Wrist Warmers and Candy Striped Scarf by Scarlet Handmade

Wheel-thrown Turquoise Stripe Mug by Lesley McShea from Church Street Ceramics

Dandelion and Birds China Tea Pot by Little Birdy Designs

‘But First Tea’ Illustrated unframed A4 print by Artwork By Angie

Pot ‘O Tea Enamel Pin Badge by Girl Gang HQ

Raindrop Coaster by The Cornish Coaster Company Coaster

Harris Tweed Washbag by Roses Workshop

Handmade Ring Dish by Ello Mello Handmade

Alphabet Buttons (spelling out ‘Have A Folksy Christmas’) by Jo Lucksted

Christmas Gift Tags  by Jane Crick

Little Holly Stamp by The Little Stamp Store Stamp

Find out how YOU could win the pieces featured in film >

You can find everything featured in the film on Folksy.com – the Home of British Craft.

If Mr Mouse has got you dreaming about making your own stop-motion animation, get in touch with Leanne Warren here >