Almost weekend. Just time for a quick post on a brand new find - Betty Jo Designs. Betty Jo’s designer, Liz Jones, makes cute ‘n’ quirky jewellery from pre-loved linoleum, vintage buttons and doilies. The current all star line-up includes storybook animals from the enchanted wood, Russian babushkas and lovable pets.

To shop go to www.georgielove.com.
To read more go to www.linoforest.blogspot.com.
To make friends go to www.myspace.com/bettyjodesigns.

Some of the things you can expect from a Bravegrrl creation:- contrast stitching, pockets, exposed serging, buttons, vintage notions, vintage fabrics, and raw edges. And lots and lots of attitude. Everything is handmade and one of a kind (apart from a few vintage items) and the vibe is DIY, upcycled quirkiness.

Check out the shop at http://bravegrrl.etsy.com.
Read all about the grrl at http://bravegrrl.blogspot.com.

Celebrate the spring with Judith’s Brown’s new floral collection. Dahlias, fuchsia, passion flowers and blossom have been painstakingly stitched from coils of coloured wire. The designs are delicate, colourful and very feminine. Other ranges include the silver collection, stitched bead pendants and the intricate collection. My firm favourite is the bridal jewellery section. Sterling silver is mixed with crystals, beads and vintage mother of pearl buttons, some of them around 100 years old.

Judith Brown Jewellery is available from a number of galleries and shops and you can shop online at www.judithbrownjewellery.co.uk.

Drew Jaeger is a glass artist. His fascination began with a course in stained glass and developed from there. A couple of years and two kilns later, Drew now designs and makes his own glassware. Items include plates, bowls, candle holders and even business card holders.

View Drew’s online gallery at www.seven10split.com.
Shop online at www.drewjaeger.etsy.com.

I meant to post this yesterday (Valentine’s Day) but time ran away with me. Just before Christmas I went along to the Manchester Craft Mafia craft fair at Urbis. Ness Donnelley was one of the stall holders. She makes beautiful embroidered samplers using traditional techniques and adding her own contemporary slant. Much of her work is about the passing of time and documenting events. She mixes textiles and paper, often stitching into the paper itself.

The above picture shows a customised sampler which commemorates my wedding day. I love the little people at the bottom and the lovely heart motifs.

If you’d like to capture your own little piece of history, you can contact Ness via her blog, www.folkdesign.blogspot.com.