Two Standout Christmas Hacks

Cthulhu Christmas Tree
Image via: Archie McPhee's Endless Geyser of Awesome

There have been a whole range of geekified holiday season images and ideas running through my Twitter stream and other various feeds, but I wanted to highlight these two as my standouts for 2011.

First, over at Archie McPhee’s Endless Geyser of Awesome the geek tradition of adding a bit of H.P. Lovecraft to the Christmas spirit in the guise of the Great Cthulhu has continued. The Cthulhu Christmas tree is beautifully executed (as you can see in the image above) and has definitely inspired my 2012 Christmas decoration plans. The process for creating the “A Very Lovecraft Christmas” project is well documented on the site. They explain:

Using an artificial tree, blue string lights, silver garland, one plush Cthulhu (who has been silently biding his time in my home for years), approximately 50 Cthulhu Tentacles, and a little heady chanting (no one wants to upset the Great Old Ones), “A Very Lovecraft Christmas” became a reality. I’m rather pleased with the results. Let’s hope the Old Ones are too. I’m beginning to suspect that it writhes when I’m not looking. Ph’nglui mglw’nafh Cthulhu R’lyeh wgah’nagl fhtagn.

Secondly, Geek Crafts (those talented folks who join maker and craft ethic with the finest of geek sensibility) have showcased a gorgeous looking Steampunk Advent calendar which is the work of mixed-media artist Amy Rozeboom. The details about where and how are documented again on the site. And, as you can see below it is a really stunning piece, perfect for a Geek Christmas.

Steampunk Advent CalanderImage via Geek Crafts