I’ve got a thing about hair accessories. With some people it’s shoes, with me it’s hair slides (and handbags of course). Just look at these lovely hair barrettes from Little Something. They’re so cute. Each one has been handmade by Mara Greenaway.

My favourite is the Snowflake Barrette (above left). It’s made from white wool felt with blue stitching. The Cupcake Barrette on the right is by far Little Something’s best seller and I can see why. Made of felt with cherry and frosting detail it would made a great stocking filler for a little girl.

And if your tastes are more classic than kitsch, then check out the selection of lace barrettes.

Feeling sad today. Remember I told you a while ago that my sister is about to move to Scotland? Well, she leaves today. We said our goodbyes last night and I left to her finish the remaining packing (and repaper the wall that Monty the cat had scratched). So today’s post has a Scottish theme. The following indie designers/online shops are all based north of the border.

First up is Velvet Boutique. If you haven’t visited this site before you should definitely take a look. Velvet Boutique prides itself on showcasing new, innovative and award winning Scottish design. You can buy clothes, accessories, jewellery, cards and interiors.

I’m sure that many of you will be familiar with Miso Funky - crafty gals based in Glasgow who not only create a host of handmade goodies but have pioneered the Miso Market.

Planet Boo have a crazy range of quirky shirts, cards, badges, keyrings, mirrors, mouse mats and lots of other little gems, all of which are made in a converted coal shed off the north coast of Scotland. They’ve recently revamped their website. Take a look at www.planetboo.co.uk.

Andreea Florisca is based in Edinburgh. I’ve blogged about her gorgeous bags before and even have one of my own, which is currently sat in the hallway downstairs. Andreea’s work is really unusual as she combines knitting and crochet with luxurious fabrics.

Jewellery designers everywhere will be familiar with Hannah Zakari. The pink polka dot online shop has the largest range of jewellery by independent designers that I’m aware of. It covers everything from cute felted accessories to revamped vintage treasures. The site is owned and maintained by Rachael Lamb who sells her own designs through the site, along with a pretty range of handmade bags.

And not forgetting Stella my Star - keeper of crafty blog and creative jewellery designer. Check out her Etsy store at www.stellamystar.etsy.com.

And although this isn’t strictly indie related, I thought I’d mention a fantastic blog that I’ve recently discovered called Forever Amber. Written by freelance journalist, Amber McNaught, the blog is all about her life. Some of the posts are hilarious and it’s definitely worth a read.

Of course, these are just a few sites that I’m aware of. Leave me a comment or drop me an email if there are other sites that you would like me to mention. Have a good weekend!

Textile artist, Margaret Taylor has recently opened an online shop to sell her unusual handmade accessories. Margaret makes bags, wall hangings and journal/album covers, as well as working on individual commissions and running a number of workshops.

The bags and journal covers shown above have been created by the manipulation of a variety of fabrics, including linen, wool, cotton, net and synthetics. Each design is finished using machine and hand stitching techniques and then completed with embroidery and buttons.

I came across Margaret’s website by chance and was immediately drawn to the bags. They’re so unusual, both in terms of their shape and the minute detail that has gone into making each one. The bags and journal covers can also be made to commission, incorporating your own materials, perhaps as a memento of a special event.

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.