This kitsch Madonna handbag is just one of a number of unusual finds at Big Red Bow. Handcrafted by Heather Kostal Originals, it is made from an original 45 rpm record sleeve which has been fused with surface washable vinyl.

Another unusual find is the postage stamp mirror (above right) made by Molly Montgomery. The mirror is set in a wooden frame with decoupaged world postage stamps. Making unusual products out of currency, coins, and stamps is Molly’s modern twist on the the traditional past time of collecting.

Big Red Bow houses the work of a number of independent designers. The owners of the shop, have a real eye for sourcing novelty and innovative gifts. To view their full collection visit www.bigredbow.com.

I was intrigued by Antony Cummins’ portrayal of the fairytale character ‘Sleeping Beauty’ (above left). In the story Beauty is pricked by a spinning wheel and falls asleep for 100 years. She is awoken by a handsome prince and they all live happily ever after. Antony’s depiction of the character represents how women are killing themselves in pursuit of beauty. The level of detail and features of traditional fairytale illustration with a modern slant are remarkable.

Myths and historical characters are a recurring theme in Antony’s work. Take a look at ‘Beowulf’ and ‘The Spartan’ at www.theartcollectiononline.co.uk/contemporary/acmed/. He also uses his art to convey social messages. For example, ‘Hammer of Adam’ (above right) represents Man’s industry and its death on the world. Antony’s work reminds me a little of Hogarth (not in style but in the way he depicts messages/stories in the small details).

Antony Cummins is a Manchester-based artist. His artwork has been used in magazine publications and a t-shirt company currently hold a number of his designs. To view more examples of Antony’s work, visit www.theartcollectiononline.co.uk/contemporary/acmed/. Antony can also be contacted at antonyjcummins@yahoo.co.uk.

Lucy Cassidy is the Shirt Maker. She has been sewing since she was eight years old, a skill that she picked up from her grandmother. Working from her old Singer sewing machine she creates beautifully hand crafted, seventeenth century shirts. Think New Romantics, White Goths and Swashbuckling Pirates.

The shirts are made from 100% cotton calico or 100% linen. They are worn in Live Role Plays (LRPs), pirate themed events, weddings and more recently by aspiring rock stars. Lucy has also produced shirts for major re-enactment groups, museums, living history groups, educational institutes, TV, films, and tourist attractions.

As all of the shirts are handmade, specific requests can be accommodated.

For further details please visit www.shirt-maker.co.uk.

The other day I was getting ready to go into town. I grabbed my bag, purse and umbrella and spent the next few minutes rearranging everything to try and squeeze in my book. I’ve gone through the same ritual on previous occasions, usually when I was on the last minute. I therefore decided it was time to get a new bag.

Whilst trawling the web I came across this pretty floral tote. It is made from cheerful vintage cotton in vibrant spring colours. And there’s ample room to fit a book, along with all your other bits and bobs. The designer Lia Hood from Good Morning, Morning recycles vintage household treasures such as pillow cases and curtains. They are then transformed into quirky bags and accessories. There are lots of bags to choose from, in different sizes and styles, along with organisers, ribbon brooches and scarves.

Good Morning, Morning can be found at www.goodmorning-morning.com.

I have recently taken up knitting and was fascinated to discover knitwear label Dasmarca. Dasmarca was set up in 2003 by knitwear designer Bidyut Das. Bidyut grew up in the remote hilly province of Tripura (northern India), where he was surrounded by a community of weavers and knitters. After studying at Central Saint Martin’s College and the Royal College of Art he began developing his signature ‘chunky sculptural knitting’.

Bidyut has spent the last few years experimenting with different styles and techniques, including the use of knitting needles the size of broomsticks and wool as thick as rope!

All Dasmarca designs are knitted and finished by hand and are created from unspun Merino wool. To view the Dasmarca collections, visit www.dasmarca.co.uk.

These sweet little characters are super cute with a wicked twist. Tsai-Fi create original characters and build a range of accessories around them. They even have their own stories. My favourites are the Sea-shes (above left) which live a life of boozy indulgence in the Smashed-Sea.

These intriguing characters appear on stuffed toys, tees, bags and accessories. They can be purchased online from the Tsai-Fi website at www.tsai-fi.com.

P S The website is definitely worth a look. The artwork is amazing and you can read the characters’ stories.

Since graduating back in 2003, Natalie Williamson has been very busy. As well as being a high school teacher, she has also found time for life modelling, photography and textiles. Much of her inspiration has stemmed from her travels, particularly her trip to Gran Canaria where the cacti and exotic plants and birds caught her attention. This cute Betty Boop bag certainly caught our attention!

Natalie works with different textiles, distorting the fabrics to create unusual textures (see above). She also makes jewellery and accessories.

Natalie can be contacted at newilliamson@yahoo.co.uk

The Charlotte Keating England collections are made up of soft, feminine separates with subtle design details and elegant fabrics and embellishments. The styles are contemporary with a timeless appeal.

Charlotte describes her garments as ‘transeasonal’. They are available to buy for as long as fabric supplies allow. You can keep adding to your wardrobe throughout the year, mixing and matching styles. All garments come in sizes 8-24 (UK) as standard.

As well as selling through various stockists and through her website, Charlotte also offers a party service. She will come to your home or office, armed with garment rail, full size mirror and a selection of her stylish designs and you can browse and buy in comfort.

To view the Charlotte Keating England collection, visit www.charlottekeating.com.