I was delighted to receive an email from twin sisters Vane & Cynthia about their charming online shop, Girls are Made of Sugar. The Spanish store is split into two sections, Vintage Lady for pretty, nostalgic trinkets and Trendy Pup?e for tales, toys, plastic dolls and other childhood treasures. It’s like dipping into your childhood jewellery box.

Prepare to be charmed at www.girlsaremadeofsugar.com.

Roll up, roll up. Prepare to be dazzled by the unusual, the uncanny and the bizarre, brought to you through 19th century illustrations and vignettes.

Everything at Paraphernalia is handmade by the artful Ms Vanda and shipped from her Manchester atelier. Current themes include Atomica, Bon Mots, Fauna, Portrait and Petit Noms.

Peruse, shop, enjoy - http://shop.paraphernalia.nu

I’m ignoring the forecasted snow this week and looking forward to spring. Take a look at these spring-themed products by a host of talented designer / makers:

1. Cherry Blossom Bobby Pins by Pipnstuff

2. Quack Quack Lampshade by HunkyDory Home

3. Knitted Wire Copper Green Bracelet by Boo Creations

4. Cherry Blossom Purse by Eco Chic Boutique

5. Spring Blossom Silk-Lined Clutch Purse by Red Ruby Rose

6. Creepers in Green by Becca’s Stuff | www.myspace.com/beccas_stuff

7. Large Bird in Flight Necklace by AH Jewelry

8. Butterfly Girl T-Shirt by Origin 68

If you’ve been walking around with your eyes closed, it may have escaped your attention that it’s Mother’s Day on Sunday. (For the UK anyway.) If you’re struggling for inspiration we’ve put together a few ideas.

1. Evelope and Tag Set by Beverley Hicklin

2. Candyfloss Neckwarmer at Betty Joy

3. Wristie in Ivory at Tilly Jane

4. Ice Cream Cushion by Hunky Dory Home

5. Vanilla Bean Noel (Bath and Body Works Type) Goat’s Milk Soap by Cozy Moments

6. Blue Elephant Key Fob at Sweet Acorn Store

7. Geisha Girls T-Shirt at Cute Culture Clothing

8. ‘You’ll make a good girl crazy, if you don’t treat her like a lady’ Necklace by JBee Jewellery

9. Annabelle Clutch Bag at Betty Joy

10. Wool Scarf- Recycled Argyle by Thinking Mama

11. Hidden Tulips Tee by Urban Tulip

12. Waiting - Original Coloured Pencil Drawing on Paper by Art Angel

Note: Some of these sellers are based overseas. Therefore, if you need delivery by the weekend you’ll need to get your skates on.

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.

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.

Have you visited Hannah Zakari recently? If not, you should definitely take a look. THE online shop for handamde jewellery has expanded its virtual shelves to include homewares, art, clothing, jewellery and stationery.

New designers include Dotty Speck, who creates beautiful silver jewellery from her Seattle studio, Kate Wilson, a London based illustrator with a passion for drawing the little things in life that people often pass by and T-Boo, who uses vintage components, gemstones and other sparkly things to create cute ‘n’ quirky jewellery.

And old favourites Hoolala, Eclectic Shock, FluffsStuffs and Custom Made have exciting new stock.

Go on, treat yourself - www.hannahzakari.co.uk.

Some last minute Valentine’s Day gift ideas:

1. CozyBody Goat’s Milk & Honey Body Cream by Cozy Moments
2. I Love You Paper Wreath by Haru
3. Oh for a Love Letter by Little Whims
4. Agnes Necklace by Pouss Jewellery
5. Wrapped Briolette Earrings from Tilly Jane
6. Wooden Heart Shaped Personalised Love Tokens by Wood Tattoos
7. Gold Heart Necklace from Shelly Delight
8. Sweet Heart Notepad Set from Paper Cuts Studio