A couple of weeks ago I wrote about super sweet online shop On Cherry Lane. Not content with one store the designer duo has set up another indie emporium of all things cute, this time selling Rebecca Nia’s own brand, Dollyday - with a few added Japanese imports just for good measure.

It’s chock full of unusual gift ideas and kitsch stocking fillers. Find cuckoo clock necklaces, faux pearls with Christmas pud pendants and toadstool earrings.

Start your Christmas shopping early at www.dollyday.co.uk.

Who doesn’t love accessories? They can complete an outfit and even transform it into something else entirely. And on days when you’re feeling a little bit - shall we say ‘bloated’ - and you don’t want to shop for clothes in a larger size, there’s always bags and jewellery.

Me & My Accessories provides just that - a place to shop for fabulous accessories at great prices. The current range includes a number of independent designers including Emma Gordon and Kitsch-tique. And they are currently on the look out for more designer/makers. So if you think your products are a good match, get in touch with the store owner, Laura Troth.

For more information and to shop online, go to www.meandmyaccessories.com.

For anyone out and about in Birmingham this weekend, head over to the Rogue Maidens Promotional Event. The event is about all things alternative including, an indie catwalk show, stalls, live music and more.

The event takes place at the Old Library in Birmingham and doors will open at 1pm.

What: Rogue Maidens Promotional Event
When: Saturday 24th November 2007, 1pm to 6/7pm
Where: Old Library, Birmingham
More Info: www.roguemaidens.com.

We haven’t had a ‘Day in the Life of Feature’ for a little while. Indie artist Gina Blam has graciously offered to put her typical day under the microscope for your reading pleasure.

Early Start

I get up around 7.10am and before that first much-needed coffee of the day I usually check to see if my sprogs are awake and starting to get ready. I don’t usually have time to listen to the radio or watch television and I usually grab a couple of breakfast bars so I don’t faint on my way out the door!

The Office

I work from home, but first there’s the school run to do! After all the palava of the morning I usually get back and get started by around 9am. I spend a lot of time checking emails, post and fulfilling orders. There isn’t anything I really hate about my business and I enjoy hearing from people, contacting new fellow indie artists/designers and of course actually designing. My favourite part of my work is when I have found inspiration for a new design and after a few rough sketches and paintings, it’s time to get down to the final image.

After that the really exciting bit is when I take pictures of my work and display them online for people to view and then hopefully buy.

Working Mum

It is a definite plus working from home as a mum, because I’m not tied to an office, if my children are ill I’m here to look after them. Also being my own boss was always very important to me, so after many years of trying to find something that suited my personality perfectly, this was the one that made mostly all of the puzzle pieces fit.

The Great Indie Lunch

I usually eat at home, although sometimes I meet up with friends or my mum. Lunch can be between half an hour to an hour. In the summer months (i.e. the summer holidays) lunches are usually a bit longer to ensure a bit of sunshine time. When I do this, I make up for the work later in the evening.

Clocking Off

I finish work in stages. 3pm is when I stop for a bit to do the school run, although even then if there are orders to send out I’m still strictly speaking working at that time when I go to the post office. I have family time from about 4pm til half 7 and then it’s back to drawing, painting, research and/or paperwork, including keeping the accounts correct.

I properly chill out from 9pm and watch television, usually something funny or one of those silly celeb reality shows. Bedtime is usually 10pm.

The absolute thing I like best about being an indie designer is the freedom to explore my own ideas and individuality without being constrained by other people. There’s nothing really I dislike but I guess it would be great to meet more people as working from home can occasionally be a little isolating if you don’t make the effort to see people.

Blam Designs creates and paints contemporary and retro motifs onto furniture and homewares and sells limited edition original artworks. Still curious? Find out more about Gina’s work and buy online at www.blamdesigns.co.uk.

If you are interested in writing a ‘Day in the Life off’ feature for Indie Quarter, please contact me and I will send you some guidelines. All Day in the Life of Features receive a one month free banner ad.

Once upon a time a young girl in the land of stars and stripes shivered in the harsh winter. She searched everywhere for protection against the elements but to no avail. In desperation she turned to the residents of the North Pole and a sprightly young elf named Snart came to the rescue. He recited a recipe guaranteed to provide maximum warmth without reducing agility. The girl, whose name was Sarah, set to work creating a number of prototypes and finally, with a dash of her own added flair, the Snart was born - so called after her friendly elfish muse.

Sarah Witt’s Snart comes in a number of patterns, each with it’s signature bright beanie. Each toasty topper is designed to fit snugly to allow you to get on with everyday tasks, whilst keeping cosy and warm. You can buy online from www.sew-sew.net.