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.

You can now own your very own crown jewels without paying a king’s ransom. Laura Mason of LAMdesigns has created the cutest little crown brooches. Each one is made from silk dupion with hand embroidered crowns and sparkly Swarovski crystals.

After graduating from the Royal School of Needlework, completing work experience with the likes of Lulu Guinness and Philip Treacy and a stint with a freelance costumier, Laura began creating her own range of embroidered jewellery and accessories. As well as brooches she also makes rings, pendants, earrings, cuffs and gifts. My favourites are the needle cases which come in a range of colours and three different sizes. Practical and pretty.

At just $6.50 (approx £3.43) for the mini size needle cases and $10.00 (approx £5.23) for the Crown Jewel brooches, they would make perfect stocking fillers. Take a look for yourself at www.lamdesigns.co.uk.

‘Self-inflicted austerity and flagrant chic’ are the buzz words of edgy t-shirt design company, Urbane Couture. The collection for men and women combines street and punk influences with decadent fine fabrics and careful craftsmanship, described by Urbane Couture as ‘punk luxe’. T-shirts are individually deconstructed and screen printed in colours that assault the senses and graphics which scream out passion.

The t-shirts on the left is the Haute Couture long sleeved tee for men, in army green with stab stitching, silk screen detail, chrome studs and signature Urbane safety pin. The tee on the right is the Destroy women’s tee. Each of these limited edition grey cotton tees is one of a kind and has been battery acid burned and clorox bleached. The t-shirts are then strategically torn for a vintage look and reconstructed with the signature Urbane safety pins.

For further details and to buy online visit www.urbane-nyc.com.