If you’re like me and sitting down to watch TV or read a book is preceded by a 10 minute hunt for your glasses, then you might want to consider a pair of eyeglass holders. Arbor Beading have a number of quirky styles like the disco balls shown above.

As well as the eyeglass holders they sell a range of jewellery and accessories, all of which has been handcrafted. I also picked out the cute felted purse in shades of blue, purple and wine. I love the little Thai silver closure.

If you’re killing time before ‘home time’ go and take a look at www.arborbeading.com. Have a good weekend!

I was contacted recently by Xan Loh of Leatherfreaks. Leatherfreaks is a Singaporean company specialising in handmade leather products. They’ve got some beautiful handcrafted bags, wallets, pouches, belts and cuffs. The wallets above are both made from calf leather and the one on the right has a useful leather braided chain.

Leatherfreak will ship internationally and they have a customisation service if you’re looking for something unique. Just email your requirements. Go to www.leatherfreaks.net for more details.

A little while ago I added a post about German handbag brand Emily Somerset. Their full collection can now be viewed online at www.emily-somerset.de

Each bag is beautifully handcrafted from pretty cotton prints and contains it’s own ‘inside bag’.

Sometimes it’s the simplest things that make the biggest statement. Like this stunning Crystal Necklace (top left) by You’re Beautiful. At 32 inches it can be worn as is or wrapped twice around the neck as a choker. And the delicate Strawberry Ice Necklace (top right) is just as pretty. Rows of rock crystal chips are interspersed with rose quartz coins for a subtle and icy look.

And last but by no means least have a look at the Green Apple Quartz Ring, made from sterling sliver wire and completed with a glossy chunk of apple quartz. Simple and dramatic.

Each piece is handcrafted by designer/owner Ali Shenk. $5.00 of each purchase is donated to charities benefiting children.

A few months ago I had a meeting in Manchester at the unsociable time of 6pm. I arrived early and so decided to kill some time in the Corner House. While I was in there I came across a fantastic publication called Selvedge.

If you haven’t already discovered Selvedge I would recommend taking a look. It covers textiles in every context - fine art, interiors, fashion, travel and shopping. It’s full of useful snippets and well-researched features. For example, my issue (Issue 10, which is a little out of date now) includes an article on the history of the sewing machine and the ‘The Sewing Machine Wars’, a feature on how sewing patterns came about and a wonderful article all about the history of the handbag and how it has changed through the years. Each feature is accompanied by beautiful illustrations and exceptional photography. In fact in terms of layout and design I really haven’t seen anything else like it. It’s worth buying for the design alone.

Selvedge is available from stockists worldwide. It cost £7.50 and is published six times a year. You can also subscribe online .