Recycling and upcycling are at the heart of Swirly Arts. Vintage fabrics, papers and discarded objects find a new lease of life as doorstops, badges, envelopes, gift tags and brooches.

I picked out a few of my favourites to share. I’m loving the London map gift tags. And who could resist the orange paisley cheeky chicken? Fill him with rice to create a nifty doorstop.

Shop at www.swirlyarts.etsy.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

These delicate floral surface patterns were created by textile designer Sarah Bayley. The floral designs combine watercolour painting and embroidery with hand embellished detail.

Sarah’s current range includes purses, pin cushions, lavender bags, brooches and cards.

For English garden inspired accessories and other pretty trinkets go to www.sarahbayley.co.uk.

Lydia Meiying is a 3rd year student studying printed textiles at Leeds College of Art and Design. You would think that this would keep her busy enough, but no. In her very busy schedule she has made time to create a range of handbags and jewellery. And very pretty they are too.

To view Lydia’s design gallery go to www.hellomeiying.com.
To shop for handbags and jewellery go to www.meiying.etsy.com.

I’m delighted to share the work of skilled seamstress and textile designer, Sarah Terry of Guerilla Embroidery. Each piece is inspired by the patterns and colours of nature and is developed organically and intuitively in fabric and thread. These ideas are applied to handmade bags, purses, accessories, and customised clothes.

In 2004 Sarah was long listed for the Hand & Lock Prize for Embroidery. Her work can be found in collections all over the world.

Find Sarah at the British Craft Trade Fair in Harrogate this April and at the Owl and Lion gallery in May. Until then you can shop at www.guerilla-embroidery.com.