What I like most about these beautiful mixed media paintings is their depth. Not only can you appreciate them on an aesthetic level but each piece has its own meaning or story. In her product descriptions artist Paulette Insall talks about her inspiration, giving a real insight into her creative processes.

Many of the pieces depict a solitary woman. This is because the paintings echo Paulette’s search for connectivity to self, to like minded spirits, to family, and to her God.

To own your own little work of art go to www.pauletteinsall.etsy.com. For more information visit www.pauletteinsall.com.

Meet Helen Woodward - designer, maker, sorceress. Remember Rumpelstiltskin who spun straw into gold? Well Helen turns silver into fluttering butterflies, curled petal flowers and delicate hearts.

A number of her pieces combine vintage components from the 20s and 30s, whilst others are adorned with pearls and crystals. The vintage collection echos the nature inspired motifs found in Helen’s hand fired silver jewellery. Find beautiful posy pearl bracelets and rings, vintage bee earrings, floral heart pendants and delicate filigree butterfly necklaces.

Go to www.helenwoodward.co.uk to be enchanted.

Well spring in Manchester has not yet fully sprung. The shops are full of Lily Allen-esque dresses and pretty floral skirts, but it’s still too chilly to wear them.

Or maybe not. Tickled Pink Knits has produced a beautiful range of handmade knitwear and accessories that will take you right through spring and into the summer. Pick up scarves, hats, fingerless gloves, shawls, wrist cuffs, and shoulderettes. The designs are stylish, the materials luxurious (alpaca, merino wool, fine cottons, cashmere blends) and they’ll keep you toasty warm.

Shop at www.tickledpinkknits.etsy.com.

The Glasgow Craft Mafia ladies are out in force this weekend with their hugely popular Hello April Market. If you’re looking for textiles, accessories, soap, art, stationery, homewares or jewellery, head over to Hillhead Library in Glasgow.

What: Glasgow Craft Mafia Hello April Market
When: Saturday 26th April, 10.30 to 4.00
Where: Hillhead Library, Byres Road, Glasgow
More Info: www.glasgowcraftmafia.com

Jo Heckett’s ceramics are fun, stylish and a little bit sassy. Her ‘Raw Passion’ sushi ware includes tongue-in-cheek slogans such as ‘sushi eaters do it in the raw’ and ‘wasabi rocks but sushi rolls’. Her ‘Scrubbers’ bathroom accessories have been described as ‘lovely and elegant and yet a little bit cheeky’.

Other collections include fridge magnets, jewellery, mugs and mosaics, which can be customised with names, slogans and messages for that extra special personal touch. Whatever takes your fancy, you can be sure that it combines style, good design and Jo’s quirky sense of humour.

Shop at:

- Jo Heckett
- All Things Original
- Not on the High Street