Karen Griffiths from Red Ragwork has been making contemporary textiles from recycled materials for 15 years. She uses traditional north country techniques called ‘hooky’ and ‘proddy’ to create beautiful and unusual bags, wall hangings, cushions and brooches.

Rug making is an ancient craft that grew out of the need not to waste a single item. This is something that Karen is particularly passionate about. She loves rummaging through jumble sales or cast offs from her local pantomime company, to find hidden treasures such as wine red velvets and glittery gold chiffon. All of Red Ragwork products are unique and created from Karen’s own designs. The results are truly exceptional in terms of colour and above all texture.

The items shown above are the Summer Sunset Bag and Blackberry Circles Cushions.

For further information visit www.redragwork.co.uk.

Did I tell you that I used to be a teacher? A few years ago I taught English to 11 to 18 year olds and most nights I’d struggle home on the bus with a carrier bag full of marking. I wish I’d known about Enderby Designs back then. Their XL ‘Teacher Bag’ (above left) would have been ideal, as well as being environmentally-friendly. Each bag in this range sports cute apple motifs, available in a variety of colours.

Enderby is a one-woman, Earth-friendly design company based in Brooklyn. Designer Meg Allan prides herself on using recycled vintage materials to create unique looks. What’s more, if any of your handmade Enderby products ever need repairing or reinforcing, Meg will do this free of charge!

There’s lots and lots of handmade goodies to choose from including wristbands, cushions, towels, wallets and oven mitts. Take a look at www.enderbylove.com.

If you hear about a company with an intriguing name like ‘Pink Flamingo Swizzle Stick’ you have to check it out. Well I do and I did. And what did I find out? ‘Pink Flamingo Swizzle Stick, named after a cocktail stirrer, is a girl, a sewing machine, too much ribbon and not enough temping jobs.’ And when combined with a minor handbag obsession and a creative spark, the result is a pretty collection of bags, clutches, iPod covers and notebooks.

I immediately spotted the Hibiscus Gather Clutch Bag (above right) - it’s so fresh and summery. And ther’e a good range of iPod jumpers on offer, including the Flowers in the Window design (above left). Each iPod jumper has a clear vinyl window and button holes to enable you to read the screen and operate the buttons without removing the jumper.

The full range is available to buy at http://pinkswizzlestick.etsy.com. Custom orders are also available.

The other day I was getting ready to go into town. I grabbed my bag, purse and umbrella and spent the next few minutes rearranging everything to try and squeeze in my book. I’ve gone through the same ritual on previous occasions, usually when I was on the last minute. I therefore decided it was time to get a new bag.

Whilst trawling the web I came across this pretty floral tote. It is made from cheerful vintage cotton in vibrant spring colours. And there’s ample room to fit a book, along with all your other bits and bobs. The designer Lia Hood from Good Morning, Morning recycles vintage household treasures such as pillow cases and curtains. They are then transformed into quirky bags and accessories. There are lots of bags to choose from, in different sizes and styles, along with organisers, ribbon brooches and scarves.

Good Morning, Morning can be found at www.goodmorning-morning.com.

These sweet little characters are super cute with a wicked twist. Tsai-Fi create original characters and build a range of accessories around them. They even have their own stories. My favourites are the Sea-shes (above left) which live a life of boozy indulgence in the Smashed-Sea.

These intriguing characters appear on stuffed toys, tees, bags and accessories. They can be purchased online from the Tsai-Fi website at www.tsai-fi.com.

P S The website is definitely worth a look. The artwork is amazing and you can read the characters’ stories.

Since graduating back in 2003, Natalie Williamson has been very busy. As well as being a high school teacher, she has also found time for life modelling, photography and textiles. Much of her inspiration has stemmed from her travels, particularly her trip to Gran Canaria where the cacti and exotic plants and birds caught her attention. This cute Betty Boop bag certainly caught our attention!

Natalie works with different textiles, distorting the fabrics to create unusual textures (see above). She also makes jewellery and accessories.

Natalie can be contacted at newilliamson@yahoo.co.uk