Poke Clothing is not for the faint hearted. However, if you’re all about expression, creativity and individualism then this is the brand for you. Poke is a Brisbane based, Australian made, sweatshop free clothing label. They create cute, sexy pieces with dark and twisted undertones. Their current ‘I Heart the Butcher’ range is all about love and obsessions of the heart.

Poke is currently seeking female musicians, skaters and artists etc. for endorsements. If this is of interest, or if you simply want to shop, go to www.pokelovesyou.com.

Emily Kircher is a Recycling Artist. Hence the name EKRA. She breathes new life into found and reclaimed materials by turning them into quirky housewares and accessories. Salvaged fabrics from clothes, linens, and remnants are crocheted into rugs and bags and photo frames are ‘mosaiced’ using pottery shards from vintage teacups.

My personal favourites are the fridge magnets. Old bottle caps are decorated with illustrations from thrift store books and topped with clear resin. Very nifty.

Emily has two websites - www.etchouse.com/ekra and www.ekra.etsy.com.

I was sorry to hear that Purple Pink and Orange will be closing down at the end of May. Their army of talented of designers has created a diverse range of artwork, accessories, bath stuff, bags, homeware, jewellery and toys.

Before they shut up shop they’re offering massive discounts of up to 40%! There are some real bargains to be had but get in there quickly, things are flying off the shelves!

Quick, go to www.purplepinkandorange.com.

Look what I’ve jut bought. Isn’t it pretty? It’s a Victorian style purse made by eco-chic designer Velvet Mutineer. The outer fabric features scenes straight out of a period drama, the lining is a rich marmalade velvet and the whole thing ties with a thick velvet tie.

Velvet Mutineer is so called because of their environmentally-conscious products. They source organic, ethically-produced yarns, fabrics and materials and firmly believe that people should be aware of the origins of the products they buy.

Products include handbags, purses and accessories. My favourites are the purses - they’re so cute!

Have a look at www.velvetmutineer.com.

And so from Harrogate to Austin, we have a treat lined up today - Texas style. Over at the Naughty Secretary Club the lovely Jennifer Perkins is celebrating Administrative Assistants Week in style. She’s offering a whopping 25% discount across her online store. And all you have to do is enter coupon code 310004017 when you check out.

And that’s not all, the queen of all things cool and kitsch has just added over 100 new goodies, many of which are one of a kind.

Oh yes, and her line of Crafty Curios has also been reduced by 25%. I did say she was celebrating in style!

Go bag yourself a bargain at www.naughtysecretaryclub.com and www.naughtysecretaryclub.etsy.com.

This is the second part of our podcast on the British Craft Trade Fair. In this podcast we talk to a number of the exhibiting designers.

BCTF Podcast - Part Two
(lasts 15 mins)

Podcast Notes

Poppy Treffry
www.poppytreffry.co.uk

David Salsbury, Salsbury Ceramics
www.salsburyceramics.co.uk

Jilly Collins, The Artful Hat Company
www.theartfulhatcompany.co.uk

April Young, April Young Fine Art
www.aprilyoung.co.uk

Barbara Bradshaw, Planet Purple Kids
www.planetpurplekids.com

Amanda Healy, Horses of Clay
www.amandahealy.co.uk

Lesa Gray, Natural Leigh
www.naturaleigh.co.uk

Helen Chatterton, Perfection of Production
www.perfectionofproduction.co.uk

Helaina Sharpley
helainasharpley@hotmail.co.uk

British Craft Trade Fair
www.bctf.co.uk

Well, as promised here is the first part of our British Craft Trade Fair Podcast. In Part One we talk to organiser Margeret Bunn, who gives us an interesting insight into the event and its background. The second part, which will be uploaded on Monday, contains interviews with a number of the designers who exhibited at the fair.

Click to download the BCTF Podcast - Part One

Podcast Notes

BCTF website: www.bctf.co.uk
If you’re interested in exhibiting at either BCTF or Design Edge, take a look at the website above or telephone +44 (0) 1444 246446.

Don’t forget to tune in on Monday for Part Two.

I love online shops that have a variety of products made by different designers. I love choice and having a good old rummage. Take Sodafine, for example. They have clothes, shoes, jewellery, accessories, stationery, bath stuff and even a bit of vintage. And they have a whole line up of talented designers, including owner Erin Weckerle’s own knitwear brand, Purldrop.

Browse ’til your heart’s content at www.sodafine.com.