Claudette Jewelry is a striking range of wire worked jewellery, illuminated with dazzling gemstones. What I like about the designs is that they are delicate but at the same time bold. Pretty amethyst drops and elegant cabernet-coloured pearls sit alongside large chunks of citrine and quartz.

The blend of gemstones is also unusual, like for example the Wrapture Disc Earrings (above right). Coin shaped shells (a symbol of prosperity) have been wrapped in gold-filled wire and topped with sunny citrine stones. And I had to mention the dreamy Pink Pillow Bracelet made from pink mother of pearl pillows, interwoven onto a delicate bangle. Indulge!

www.claudettejewelry.com

Emily Somerset is a German brand which produces beautiful handmade bags. I met Tina, the designer, through MySpace.

Each bag is carefully hand crafted in pretty cottons and lined with co-ordinating fabrics. What I really love about them is that each one comes with it’s own tiny ‘inside bag’ where you can stash money, lipstick, keys and other bits and bobs.

I thought I’d share my two favourite styles - ‘Shopping Fever’ (above left) and ‘Monkey Jungle’ (above right).

Tina’s website is currently under construction but for now you can view her bags at www.myspace.com/emilysomerset.

My Bonnie and Clyde is an online shop dedicated to independent artists and designers. The shop is run by indie artist Caroline Bolter, who aims to ‘keep art in the everyday’, making it available for everyone.

The shop offers a good range of products including accessories, decor, music, photography, fashion, paper and jewellery. There’s also a fantastic category called ‘Odds and Ends’ where I found this unusual Eiffel Tower Gift Charm by Gallimaufry Arts. You can attach it to a gift or use it as key chain or pendant and it’s only $3.

In the Paper section I found another gem, also by Gallimaufry Arts. The Blue Mini Book above right is hand made and held together with ribbon and eyelets. It has six blank pages for you to personalise any way you wish. At only $5 it would make a beautiful and affordable gift. I know I shouldn’t mention Christmas yet but this would make a great stocking filler.

There are lots of other unusual treasures to be found at My Bonnie and Clyde. Go to www.mybonnieandclyde.com and take a look.

With Wimbledon starting today I wanted to find something appropriate from the blog. Hence the ‘Let’s Play Tennis’ earrings made by queen of pop art jewellery, Lady Luck Rules OK.

The hot pink tennis rackets are original 80s gumball charms and the dinky tennis shoes have the cutest detail.

If you haven’t already visited www.ladyluckrulesok.com you should definitely check it out. It’s a haven of music inspired trinkets, zany tees and kooky, charm laden goodies.

Having a cup of tea is such a great British tradition. Whether it’s a quick brew at work or the whole tea and cake thing with friends.

I’ve discovered a fabulous set of pictures which celebrate this tradition. Box Art ’s wall hangings are a montage of 1950s fashion illustrations, vintage wallpaper designs and bold graphics. The result is a range of colourful, witty prints. Each picture has been mounted on canvas and sealed between layers of liquid acetate and a protective acrylic varnish, making them suitable for any room in your home.

There are a number of different styles to choose from but I thought I’d share my two favourites with you - ‘Tea Ladies’ and ‘Time for Tea’. They’re available to buy from Velvet Boutique at www.velvetboutique.co.uk.

Calling all designers/artists in and around Preston.

Fresh on the Market is an exciting new initiative that has been set up to provide local artists and designers with an outlet to sell their work in the heart of Preston.

Who: Anyone is welcome to take a stall to sell anything creative. It could be paintings, sculpture, ceramics, jewellery, fashion, music, furniture, toys, photographs . . . . As long as you make or produce it yourself!

Where: Old Fish Market off Earl Street, Preston.

When: 16 July, 20 August, 17 September 2006 from 10:00am to 4:00pm. There will also be a Special Christmas market on the 17 December.

How: For further details and an application pack please contact PAD on 01772 561615 or e-mail pad@preston.gov.uk

I’m going to be there on the Aurora Bloom stall, so come and say hello!

The Keeta Collection is a riot of sunny colours, quirky fabrics, ribbons, buttons, polka dots, stripes and other adornments. Owners Robbin Mills and Vicki Ray put their heads together one sunny Florida day and the Keeta Collection was born. Their totes, diaper bags and messenger bags are all handcrafted at their sewing studio.

The ‘Bounty of Buttons’ bag (above left) has been made with pretty, floral fabric and is adorned with a mixture of buttons. It includes pockets across each side and a magnetic closure. The ‘Ribbon, Ribbon and More Ribbon’ bag (above right) mixes ribbon (of course), polka dots and stripes for a fresh, feminine look. Again, there are practical pockets across both sides and a handy Keeta key clip to hold your keys.

The full collection is available to buy from www.keetacollection.com.

If you like to discover exciting, new talent before anyone else then you should definitely take a look at new Brit fashion designer, Natalie Pond. Her debut graduate collection was selected for Graduate Fashion Week and her designs were quickly spotted by the press.

Natalie’s bold garments are not for the faint hearted. Mixing quirky, edgy style with raw sex appeal, they are aimed at the self assured, confident woman.

The Natalie Pond Spring/Summer collection is now online at www.nataliepond.co.uk. And for anyone living in or around Leeds, Natalie will be be selling her exclusive designs at the Corn Exchange on 8th July.