This is one of the pretty pieces from the brand new, hot off the press, just launched today collection by Sianyland Jewellery. A mixture of gold toned chains, heart shaped charms and faux pearl beads - a real statement piece.

Sian Meades describes her jewellery as ‘pretty eye-catching pieces that are a little bit quirky’. And they are. And also slightly rock chick, I think.

To shop go to www.sianyland.etsy.com.

And in case the name rings a bell, Sian Meades is also the founder and editor of fab new lifestyle blog Domestic Sluttery.

lua lua is a distinctive jewellery brand, immediately recognisable by its colourful perspex and silver components. The designer’s Egyptian and Aztec influences are evident but the choice of materials and geometrical shapes make this a truly contemporary collection.

The simplicity of the pieces is striking. This jewellery stands out against popular vintage trends. It’s bold. It’s different. And it’s not surprising that this designer has found international critical acclaim.

Buy direct from www.lualua.net.

I’ve been pondering what it is about this jewellery that I like so much. I think I have it. It’s that it’s not quite perfect. The shapes are slightly irregular, the enamels have a wonderful worn look and the marks of the artist are evident. The combinations are also unusual. Enamelled metal is mixed with sterling silver, pearl and gem stones.

This is the work of Teka and Zoe and you can buy direct from www.tekaandzoe.com and www.tekaandzoe.etsy.com.

I’m not usually one for big jewellery but I’m loving these rings by Jessica Stewart. The choice of stones and their cut is distinctive. Minty green prehnite, chunks of African blue chalcedony and blue Peruvian opals make a bold statement and yet are surprisingly feminine. They’re hand wrapped in sterling silver and 14k gold filled wire.

Yes, definitely liking these. Shop at www.jessicastewart.etsy.com.

What do Luxe Deluxe, The Mymble’s Daughter and Belle & Boo have in common? According to the Etsy by Numbers blog, they’re currently the top three Etsy sellers in the UK, in the Handmade category. I had a quick peak at their Etsy stores to see what it is that sets them apart.

Luxe Deluxe sells beautiful handcrafted jewellery, incorporating a vast array of unusual findings. You’ll find vintage brass, retro Japanese and Czech glass, sterling silver, antiqued pewter charms and vintage carved acrylics.

The Mymble’s Daughter also sells jewellery. Her work draws on imagery from her Welsh home, ‘a land where everyone lives in castles and the seas are filled with magical creatures’. You’ll find hand cut plastic silhouettes, clay pendants with printed images and other image based charms.

Peggy says of her work, ‘My Etsy success has been a great surprise to me! I do hardly any marketing so everything is mostly through word of mouth. I make what I love and I love what I make and I think my customers can tell that. I think it’s really important to enjoy what you do and not to try to make something just because you think it will sell well. Many people make jewellery for that special occasion but I try to make jewellery for every day too that you won’t be too precious about wearing. It’s fun to collect and to match it to your current outfit and mood. I think this is why I have so many repeat customers!’

Belle & Boo creates beautiful illustrations. The artist is Mandy who has been drawing since she was a child. Her favourite childhood storybooks remain a constant source of inspiration. The illustrations are beautiful, depicting children and animals, each one telling its own story.

All of these stores are different. But there are a number of similarities which could go part way to explaining their success. To begin, the product images in each store are well shot and different angles and close up views are provided. This is so important when selling online, but it’s something that many sellers overlook.

The product descriptions are detailed, providing the customer with everything they need to know about the items for sale. This includes sizing information and the materials that have been used.

Their shop policies are comprehensive and written clearly, stating everything that the customer needs to be aware of before purchasing.

Of course we mustn’t forget the products themselves. Each seller has a quality product which appeals to their target market.

And finally, following on from Peggy’s point, could it be their customer service that sets them apart? The ‘tone’ of each store is welcoming and friendly and their feedback ratings are good. Is it down to the customer relationships that are built up over the years and lead to repeat orders?

What do you think? What makes a successful Etsy seller?

Debbie Bryan makes hand cast collectible brooches and cufflinks. Using her own nostalgic imagery and textile keepsakes, she casts them in resin, both preserving and upcycling them. The results are beautiful.

You can buy direct from Debbie’s studio in The Lace Market, Nottingham or online at www.debbiebryan.co.uk.

Debbie is also a co-organiser of ‘Delicate Teats’, a regular design event in Nottingham. The next event will take place on Wednesday June 17th. For more information go to www.debbiebryan.co.uk/Delicate_Treats_Evening_at_Escucha,_Nottingham.

Sprout Studio turns five this month and to celebrate they’re offering Indie Quarter readers a generous 25% off their orders. Just type indiequarter in the code box during checkout.

And what can you find at Sprout Studio? A quirky range of necklaces, accessories, paper goods and ceramics. All of these items have been created by multi-talented craft queen, Jenifer Solomon-Lake.

Visit www.sproutstudio.net. And don’t forget the code!

This is the post I should have written last week. Or possibly even the week before. Got my dates a little mixed up there. If you haven’t bought your gift or if you’re struggling for ideas, here’s some inspiration.

Artwork (above)

I love this illustration by artist Lisa Evans. Alice and the cat are listening to the snowfall. You can purchase this beautiful illustration through Lisa’s Etsy store www.firefluff.etsy.com.

Jewellery and Accessories

Clockwise from top left.

Pretty, feminine jewellery and accessories.

Pearl Bubble Necklace by Rachael Lamb at Hannah Zakari - www.hannahzakari.co.uk
Black and Silver Curls Clutch Bag by Dazed Dorothy at Hannah Zakari - www.hannahzakari.co.uk
Yellow Crochet Corsage at Betty Joy - www.bettyjoy.co.uk
Mother of pearl bracelet ‘Little frogs and butterflies’ by Zoe Bonbon at Ella Georgia - www.ellageorgiajewellery.co.uk

Cupcakes

Yummy cupcakes delivered direct to your door by Fair Cake - www.faircake.co.uk Psst - click on their shop link to buy lots of cake making accessories, books and all round cakey goodness.

Flowers

Flowers. Always lovely on Mothers’ Day. Tulips and daffodils tied with a simple ribbon make a stylish and thoughtful gift. Buy from your local florist.