After more than 25 years selling her products to the likes of Harrods, Liberty, Saks Fifth Avenue, Le Bon Marche and Fortnum and Mason, Sue Hicks of Hollywell now sells her beautiful Christmas decorations in limited editions at Christmas Fairs and on her website.

The stunning handmade decorations are made from sumptuous fabric and trimmings including velvet, silk, braid, gimp, linen, boucle, chenille and sequins.

And as well as the decorations, you can also buy personalised gifts like these pretty embroidered linen hearts. The hearts are filled with lavender flowers and can be customised with a name or message.

Hollywell makes the kind of decorations you would expect to see in a stately home or grand hotel but they’re available to everyone at www.hollywelldesigns.com.

‘Shibori’ is the Japanese word for resist dyeing and has been used around the world for centuries. More than half of the known techniques originated in Japan, where they were used to create kimono fabric. Shibori gives fabric a 3-dimensional form by pleating, gathering, clamping or twisting. It is then secured and dyed, resulting in a soft or blurry-edged pattern. Helen Bolland has created a beautiful collection of scarves using these traditional methods.

The Coral scarf on the left is made from very fine silk and has been created using tiny ‘Fortuny’ pleats trimmed with glass beads. The Beige and Blue Bomaki scarf features irregular ripple pleats. The scarves are priced at just £49 and £45 respectively, a real bargain considering the quality of the fabrics and the work that has gone into creating them.

The collection is available to buy online at www.helenbolland.co.uk.

I used to believe that Christmas should remain in December. And then I opened an online shop and all of that went out of the window. Last week the European Markets arrived back in Manchester, the Christmas lights have been officially switched on and I am totally in the Christmas zone. I’ve therefore been scouring the Internet for Christmas gifts and I’ve found some great ideas over at Bettyjoy.

Bettyjoy is a brand spanking new online boutique dedicated to selling handmade gifts, accessories, homewares and jewellery. The cute Ragdolly Earrings on the left are made by FluffsStuff and cost just £4.99, making them an ideal stocking filler.

I also picked out the Take Me Out Bag by Sugar Cane. It’s made from cream cotton canvas with printed brown leaves and mustard yellow berries, with a wooden handle. The lining is a matching luxurious cream taffeta with large zipper pocket.

There are lots of unusual gift ideas to choose from. Take a look for yourself at www.bettyjoy.co.uk.

There are some really unusual accessories over at Le Essential Wardrobe. The designs have a decidedly European influence, which is evident through styling, use of colour and choice of fabrics.

I picked out a beautiful crocheted shawl with rose patterns and fringe detail. It’s ideal for those winter evenings, to throw around your shoulders and take off the chill. And the Satin Corset Belts are tr??s chic and will add a little je ne sais quoi to any outfit.

For more Euro spice go to www.leessentialwardrobe.com.

If you’re looking for accessories to complement your festive party outfits, then add Urban Bloom to your favourites list. Each item of jewellery is handcrafted in New York by designer Lauren Blumenthal.

For understated sophisticated try the Slender Earrings made from delicate brushed sterling silver beads on sterling silver hooks. And for something fun and frivolous, try the Once Upon a Time Necklace. A beautiful brass unicorn and aquamarine stone dangle from a gold filled chain.

The full collection can be purchased from www.urbanbloomnyc.com.

I think I mentioned a while ago that I’ve been looking for unusual stationery. A few weeks ago I discovered Sarah Hough. Sarah set up her card publishing business in 2004 and creates beautifully illustrated notecards and greetings cards, inspired by life in Piddletrenthide, West Dorset.

I love these new notecards that seem to be around at the moment. A couple of years back you could only really buy notelets or writing paper. There was nothing in between. Have you noticed that or is just me?

I’ve already bought a couple of sets of Sarah Hough cards (the ones shown above - Home Sweet Home and T-4-2) and they’re really lovely. Good quality cardstock and envelopes and they cost only £5.95 for 8. They arrive beautifully packaged in opaque covers, fastened with twine.

Take a look at Sarah’s website or order online at www.notonthehighstreet.com.

I’m off to Scotland for the weekend to see my sister’s new house. I’ve been keeping an eye on the weather forecast and I noticed a few snow showers creeping in. Looks like winter has arrived, along with months of wet, squelchy shoes. But don’t despair, if you’re looking for funky but durable footwear to see you through the rainy season, look no further than Plueys.

Plueys boots combine style and practicality. There are a number of fun themes to choose from including origami, fish, puppies, polka dots and my favourites the sugar plumb boots.

Well that’s your feet sorted. If you’re looking for something to keep your hair dry, Plueys can help with that as well with their range of cheery Raindrop umbrellas. And if you order before 24 December you can take advantage of their Stomp Together sale. Buy any two pairs of boots and get another one absolutely free! What are you waiting for?

Following on from yesterday’s embroidery theme, I’ve found another company based in Ottowa that also produces unusual hand embroidered gifts and accessories. It was their Coffee Sachets that initially drew my attention. Now I’m not a big coffee drinker but I do love the smell of roasting coffee beans or percolating coffee.

Pillowhead’s Coffee Sachets are made from repurposed canvas and felt. They can be customised with hand embroidered letters or geeky symbols and are filled with premium dark roast coffee beans. So, if you’re pulling an all-nighter, put one on your desk and the aroma will help you to stay awake, minus all the negative effects of drinking caffeine.

And for the night after when you’re settling down to a good night’s sleep, Pillowhead also creates Lavender Sachets. Pop one under your pillow and the dried lavender will help to promote sleep and relaxation. Of course they can also be used in your cupboards, wardrobe and drawers to leave a gentle scent around your home.