If you like Babushka nesting dolls you’re sure to love these Bobo Babushkas with added attitude.  They come in a number of different themes including the Rocker Chic gals, the Triple Trouble ladies - ready to wreak some supernatural havoc, ‘Night at the Opera’ singers and Classic Lolitas, complete with parasols and pinafores.

They cost between $90 and $150 (approx £55 to £90) which is really quite reasonable considering they’re all hand painted, absolutely one-of-a-kind and are eager to travel the world.  They ship all the way from Australia for just $10.00 (approx £6).

To buy yours go to www.bobobabushka.etsy.com.

Following on from yesterday’s romantic theme, I wanted to share Bedcrumb’s Vivien Purses. Made of 100% cotton canvas and fully lined, each one carries a love letter print and girly illustration. Perfect to stash your secret necessities.

The Bedcrumb website is a kind of ‘Alice in Wonderland’s boudoir’; full of curiosities and knickknacks. Here you’ll find exclusive homewares and special gifts. Textiles are digitally printed with original illustrations and decorated with new and vintage fabrics. Cards, scarves, accessories and sleepy sachets bear the same quirky graphics and signature peg dolls.

Go to www.bedcrumb.co.uk.

I have this thing that I do when I’m walking home from work. I walk past all the kebab shops, take-aways and mobile phone shops and plan out how I would replace them if I was a town planner, or indeed a millionaire. So far I’ve decided on a book shop, card shop, deli and a record shop (all independent) and yesterday I found another shop to add to the list.

Of Cabbages and Kings is a gem of a store situated in the lively area of London’s Stoke Newington. Kitted out in brightly coloured, reconditioned 50’s kitchen furniture, it’s a real find. Originally a sweet shop, it has been derelict for many years but now stocks handcrafted gifts, jewellery, ceramics, knickers, toys and accessories, all individually sourced from artists and independent small-scale designers.

Oh why can’t we have something like this in Levenshulme? For now, while the take-aways and mobile phone shops reign supreme, I’ll have to console myself with the Of Cabbages and Kings online shop.

Pics (left to right):Strawberry Milk Carton by Hanne Rysgaard Ceramics, Choc Rain Earrings by Chocolate Rain, Dolly Bag Blue by Emma Gordon.

Fans of Custom Made, will be thrilled to learn that they’ve recently opened a second ‘mini’ store selling plush toys. And aren’t they the cutest? Each little friend is made from scrap fabric and other bits and bobs which, with the help of Anna’s magic touch, have been transformed into quirky characters.

Shop online at www.custommadelittlefriends.bigcartel.com.

I’ve blogged about Selvedge before. It’s one of my favourite magazines. With its stunning photography, unparalleled design and peerless writing, it’s more of a keepsake than a magazine. A real joy to read or simply to leaf through.

In each issue the editors feature makers whose objects fulfil their criteria of well-fashioned design, beautiful raw materials and integrity in the process of making. You can buy these items direct from the Selvedge website.

Here are a few of my favourites (left to right):

1. Pénélope Naulleau’s charming ‘poupées’
2. Butterfly hair slides in Liberty prints by Tout Silo
3. Tamar Mogendorff Bird Houses
4. Sophie Digard Scarf & Necklace

Aren’t these cute? Made by Steven McVay, these Happy Accidents are so called because of the process of creating them. Steven begins with a an idea of the finshed article and then sets to work. However, his monsters, prints, pillows and bags take on a life of their own and the result is often very different. Hence, a Happy Accident!

Shop online at www.myhappyaccidents.etsy.com

Read more at www.stevenshappyaccidents.blogspot.com

Well it certainly is cold outside. And inside for that matter. I’ve been shivering for the last few weeks and have taken to working in my fingerless gloves and scarf.

If you feel the cold then stay snug as bug in these cosy neckwarmers. They’re available to buy from the fabulous Bettyjoy store. And while you’re browsing check out the cute range of accessories, toys, jewellery and homewares. There are some great gift ideas here and many of them for under £10.

And if that isn’t tempting enough there’s free shipping until 3rd December. So go now and shop, shop shop!

www.bettyjoy.co.uk

If cute, kawaii and kitsch is your thing, you’ll fall instantly in love with On Cherry Lane. The brainchild of Rebecca and David Nia, this delightful haven of all things pretty is chock full of indie surprises and unusual Japanese imports. Quirky plushies rub shoulders with bunny earrings and peapod necklaces jostle with cupcake keychains.

Think lovebird wristlets, ice cream tunics and mushroom stamp sets. I really can’t say enough about this site. Go there immediately and prepare to be charmed!

www.oncherrylane.co.uk.