.... but an octopus isn't a reptile!

One of our handlers is a steampunk (for those of you who don't know what steampunk is, think retro-futurism), and through her we were extended an open invitation to attend the wonderful Surrey Steampunk Convivial, which now takes place three times a year in Stoneleigh.

This is a very relaxed event for us (in fact we've been known to arrange ourselves around sofas) where we can take the time to talk to people at length about all sorts of things, and watch the activities - and even take part in some. It's not a great earner, but we view it as more of a day out.

One of the recurring themes in steampunk is Cthulhu, a creature described by its creator H P Lovecraft as "A monster of vaguely anthropoid outline, but with an octopus-like head whose face was a mass of feelers, a scaly, rubbery-looking body, prodigious claws on hind and fore feet, and long, narrow wings behind." A bit like this, really - a hand-crocheted version made by one of our handlers.

For the next Convivial, we made some small octopdes that have flat undersides so they can sit flat on a shoulder, hat or bag. We also made a vendor tray so that we could have an itinerant Cthulhu seller.

The octopus, along with cogs and gears, is one of the images that has passed from steampunk into current popular culture, so we're now selling the octopi at all our fairs and events. They come in a large selection of colours (purple sparkly seems to be very popular) and a variety of sizes, but if anyone has a special request we can take commissions - striped body with tentacles in alternating colour - not a problem! Hanging loop so it can be hung on the Christmas tree? Of course!

Then came the dragons - not specifically steampunk, but very popular as familars. Available in just about any colour, including five glow-in-the-dark shades, these have safety eyes and metallic horns. The dragons are named and come with adoption certificates and back stories, some of which reflect the back stories of our rescued snakes and lizards. The dragon pictured below is named Banana.

Sales of these creatures directly benefits our rescue - after the deduction of any pitch fees for selling, all of the money comes to us (materials and time are donated). To see more, check The Octopus Lady on Facebook.