Elemental Memories Photo Tile Jewelry has come up with an unusual collection of pendants which have the feel of a cameo and the functionality of a locket. You supply the photograph and Elemental Memories will do the rest.

Each tile is created by hand using low fire clay. Your photograph is transferred into black and white, cropped and then baked into the clay. After careful refining, sanding and glazing your unique pendant is completed with sterling silver, semi precious stones and beads and then delivered direct to your door.

I’m thinking that this would make a really special gift, especially for a new mum or first time gran.

There are lots of styles to choose from. Take a look at the website at www.em-jewelry.com.

I thought it was really interesting that on 17 October (today), people from across the UK are being invited to take part in the ‘biggest blog in history’. Heritage organisations are encouraging people to get involved by recording a diary of their day for the History Matters website. The electronic record will be stored at the British Library ‘as a historical record of our national life’.

I’m really interested in genealogy. Although I’ve neglected it for a while now (since starting two businesses), a few years ago I spent many an afternoon at the Family Records Centre or at the Society of Genealogists. I thought I was lucky if I found a birth date or a marriage of one of my ancestors. I therefore find it fascinating that in 100 years from now my descendants could be searching this electronic record for information about me. And it’s information that will give a real insight into the people who write the entries.

If you want to take part go to www.historymatters.org.uk and make history.

Oh, and don’t forget that we also feature ‘Day in the Life of’ articles. If you’re an indie designer and you’re interesting in submitting a post on your day, please email me at info@indiequarter.com for further details.

Karen Griffiths from Red Ragwork has been making contemporary textiles from recycled materials for 15 years. She uses traditional north country techniques called ‘hooky’ and ‘proddy’ to create beautiful and unusual bags, wall hangings, cushions and brooches.

Rug making is an ancient craft that grew out of the need not to waste a single item. This is something that Karen is particularly passionate about. She loves rummaging through jumble sales or cast offs from her local pantomime company, to find hidden treasures such as wine red velvets and glittery gold chiffon. All of Red Ragwork products are unique and created from Karen’s own designs. The results are truly exceptional in terms of colour and above all texture.

The items shown above are the Summer Sunset Bag and Blackberry Circles Cushions.

For further information visit www.redragwork.co.uk.

If you haven’t already discovered BlueLuxe, they stock a good range handmade jewellery by a number of talented designers, all under one virtual roof. They are offering Indie Quarter readers a generous 10% discount on orders over $150 (approx £80). And if you live in the US you will also receive free shipping. Just type in coupon code indiequarter during the checkout process.

Designers include Adina Reyter, who uses solid sterling silver or 14 carat gold to create stylish, understated pieces like the Signature Circle Necklace (above left). And if you’re looking for special occasion or bridal jewellery take a look at Marlyn Schiff’s beaded earrings, necklaces and bracelets made from luxurious semi-precious beads and metals.

The BlueLuxe online shop can be found at www.blueluxe.com and the offer runs until the end of the year.

I’m always fascinated by the stories behind products, how they came about, the inspiration etc. I feel that it makes the whole buying experience more special somehow. Jewellery design company Twinkleberry have just launched their new 50 Crystals Ring and it’s stunning. But it’s not the dazzling cluster of 50 Swarovski crystals, or the slender sterling silver band that attracted me. Or the fact that the ring is adjustable to fit your finger and there’s a whole spectrum of colours to choose from. It was the fact that designer Jenni Bell had taken her inspiration from those floral caps that ladies often wear when they go swimming.

The Twinkleberry online shop offers a good range of handmade jewellery featuring sparkling Swaorvski crystals, Murano glass, soft organza ribbon and sterling silver findings. Their handbags, make-up bags and purses are made from pretty, feminine prints, embellished with hand-stitched beadwork and coloured sequins.

And going back to stories and inspiration etc., Twinkleberry was the Beatrix Potter character who appeared in ‘The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin’.

If you’re looking for new clothes for the kids, you might want to take a look at Liliputians. The NYC label was created by Heather Flottmann after the birth of her daughter. Her current line takes inspiration from Heather’s love of art, vintage designs and whimsical themes.

Liliputians caters for boys, girls and mums too. As well as everyday wear (see the retro-inspired ‘Peace, Love and Denim set’ above left) they also have clothes for parties, festivals and special occasions, like the ‘Halloween Cat and Full Moon’ set (right).

Each garment has been carefully handcrafted from good quality fabrics, with the smallest attention to detail. Real heirlooms to be passed down through your family.

Do you design/make your own buttons/badges? Editors at the Monsa publishing house in Barcelona are currently working on their 2007 titles. They are putting together a book on badge design and will be featuring designers from around the world.

If you’re interested in appearing in this brand new publication, you can either email your high res jpgs to eva@monsa.com or post a CD or samples to Instituto Monsa de Ediciones, Gravina 43 (08930), Sant Adri?? de Bes?s, Barcelona, Spain. You will need to include a brief profile about your brand, along with contact email address and website.

Good luck!

Vanessa’s obsession with paper began after completing a tutorial on book binding. The next day she went straight to her local craft store and purchased lots of paper and the idea for Paper Zombie ‘unfolded’. She began by selling her signature matchbook notepads from her MySpace page and then opened an online shop earlier this year.

Her specialty is still the matchbook notepads which are available in a variety of different patterns and hues and can even be customised to your own requirements. She also sells a range of scratch cards, buttons, magnets and mirrors. The Halloween themed magnets are particularly cute.