Laura Marsden is a recycled textiles designer. During her MA at Chelsea College of Art and Design she developed a textile called Eternal Lace. The lace is handstitched and made from waste plastic bags. The lace goes through several processes which change it’s properties, making it supple, flexible and hard. Laura uses Eternal Lace to create fashion and homeware accessories like the ones shown above.

You can find Laura at www.lauramarsden.com and she will be exhibiting in week two of the Origin London Craft Fair (9th to 14th October 2007).

Her latest project is designing low energy lighting installations.

Calling all indie crafters / makers. The newly formed Manchester Craft Mafia has set out its plans for a new craft market to take place in Manchester city centre. The crafty gals at MCM are currently looking for stall holders.

Stalls cost just £20 per table or £15 each for a shared table, per event. The market will take place at Urbis on Saturday 3rd November and Saturday 1st December. The venue has been selected to provide an indoor city central location with full facilities and guaranteed footfall. Urbis core visitors are young, urban, culturally aware shoppers, families, students, and creative practitioners / professionals. An ideal market for contemporary urban crafts.

Places are limited and all makers must follow an application process. Full details can be found on the Manchester Craft Mafia blog. The deadline for applications is Friday 21 September at 8.30pm. So don’t delay, get your application in now.

It’s that time of year again. I used to hate going back to school after the summer holidays but on the upside it meant a brand spanking new school bag and lots of lovely stationery. Check out this Back to School clobber made by an army of talented indie designers:

1. Billy the Snowbird Pouch/Pencil Case by Coralea, to store pens, pencils and other bits and bobs.

2. Green and Gold Notebook by KelcieKreations, small enough to fit inside your handbag for everyday use.

3. Concertina File/Organizer by Coveted Creations. Get your paperwork in order with this pretty organiser made from acid free folders, recycled children’s book covers, decorative papers, ribbon and sometimes a little bling.

4. Animal Lover Mini Tote by Michymoo, made from cute Japanese fabric.

5. Dark Chocolate Mini Leather Journal by Kreativlink, for your private thoughts (the ones you can’t mention in your blog).

6. Laptop Tote Bag in Asian Cherry Blossom by Janine King Designs. Stylish case for your trusty laptop.

7. Lemon and Lime Reversible Bag by AP Creations. Use this way round or inside out, depending on your mood.

This is my favourite time of year. The days are getting shorter, the mornings are crisp and dark and the new Autumn/Winter ranges are hitting the shops.

Emma Gordon’s AW07/08 Collection is now available to buy online. Her stylish handbags exude femininity from their sumptuous fabrics and linings, pretty trims and finishings, right down to the names themselves.

This season sees brand new styles such as Isabella, Maggie and Imogen and the return of old favourites in brand new colours and textures.

Buy online from www.emmagordon.co.uk.

Sabine is a marketing assistant by day and a sewing addict by night. Her love of lingerie led her to create her very own line called Queen B. Styles include thongs, hipsters, boy shorts and a brand new ‘Bling Collection’ is currently in the making.

Sourcing fabric in small quantities ensures a unique and limited edition range.

Shop at www.queenblingerie.etsy.com and catch up on Queen B’s latest news at queenblingerie.blogspot.com.