I don’t know about you but I can’t go to work without fulfilling my craving for a good cup of coffee.

Sometimes, I need two before I can even begin to think about doing anything remotely functional, like getting up.

Fortunately for me, I only have a short trip to work but for a lot of people, the daily commute can be the most stressful time of the day; jam-packed trains, chock-a-block roads, incompetent cyclists etc.

Surely the best way to relieve some of the hassle would be to find a coffee shop and buy yourself a decent cup of coffee. However, a common problem with the modern-day coffee cup is that the outside can get extremely hot.

Step forward Jennifer Westwood’s ‘Coffee Cozy’.

Jennifer, from ‘Mouthy Mitts’, has come up with a solution to a common, yet not widely recognised, problem which for £10 seems like something of a steal.

They come in a range of colours, are suitable to be put in the washing machine and can fit around any size coffee cup. The simplicity of the design means that once you’ve bought one, you’re unlikely to need to buy another one for a very long time.

Buy online at www.folksy.com/shops/MouthyMitts

by Joe

Button up, it’s cold again. It looks as though we’re in for another bout of snow this week.

I found this versatile scarf from Rhea Clements.  It’s warm enough to be worn as a winter scarf and a nifty loop allows easy conversion to a pretty wrap.  Knitted from 100% bamboo tape, this scarf can be worn all year round.

It costs $32 (approx £20). Buy from www.rheaclements.etsy.com.

I was very lucky to receive a number of beautifully crafted handmade gifts for Christmas. Among them was a lovely warm knitted beanie by Cassarina. It’s a little like the one in the picture only a darker grey. I’ve hardly taken it off these last few weeks.

If you’d like to buy one for yourself you can buy direct from Cassarina’s Etsy store at www.cassarina.etsy.com. She makes gorgeous bags too, with pretty matching linings.

Beanies - $18 (approx £11.23)
Green Hand Knitted Flower Bag - $35 (approx £21.84)

These look so welcoming. Especially today when the rain in Manchester is relentless. They’re designed and made by La La Loop, a quirky knitting label based in Glasgow. The work explores the possibilities of natural fibres, mainly cashmere and geelong lambswool, and takes an experimental approach. Inspiration is taken from natural form and structure - patterns on tree bark, ripples in the sand, plants, wildlife, beautiful movements. . . .

Shop in £s at www.la-la-loop.com. Shop in $s at www.lalaloop.etsy.com.

Makes me want to head on home with a good book and crawl under the duvet.

Sustainable knitwear label Keep & Share will be joining London Design Festival for a special ‘Travelling Store’ event later this year. (More about the festival later.) Their popular travelling ‘pop-up shop’ will appear at Craft Central’s ‘Corner Shop’ in Clerkenwell from 17-20 September.

A key element in Keep & Share’s ethos is the close and ongoing relationship between Amy Twigger Holroyd (owner / knitwear designer) and her customers. Her designs are based as much on her customers’ emotions as her own craft techniques. Amy is inviting visitors to see for themselves how this translates into her beautiful knitwear.

For further information please visit www.keepandshare.co.uk.

To find out more about London Design Festival go to www.londondesignfestival.com.

Now you don’t often associate knitwear with summer. But this pretty, feminine collection from Maggie Cook will keep you cool and comfortable. Made in a range of cotton yarns, the capelets, cardigans, shrugs and scarves provide stylish accessories to everyday and special occasion outfits. They’re light and versatile and make great additions to summer dresses when the sun goes down and you’re still up.

An inspiring and unusual collection with its roots in long English summer days. Think picnics, garden parties and afternoon tea.

For further information and to shop, go to www.maggiecook.co.uk.

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?

These zany prints are the creation of Athens based artist Kristie Roda, aka Pixel Wild Child. Experimenting with pop art, black and white photography and typography, she has created a strong collection with plenty of attitude.

Pixel Wild Child ships worldwide. Buy direct from her Etsy store.

Yes, I’m definitely liking these. Something a bit wanton about them.