I do quite like dual-purpose objects. You know, a pen with a clock on it, a cap with a solar panel fan on it, a fire-alarm with a snooze button on it. And so on and so on.

But I’d say this is the best of the lot. Stewart and Patricia Would from ‘Tree Gems’ have come up with a great little accessory to combine a memory stick and a set of post-it notes.

The 2GB USB is able to hold between 1000 and 2000 photos, and let’s face it, you’d have to be a real David Bailey to have that many photos.

The stick itself is made from sycamore and houses plenty of 3″ x 1″ post-its. And when you run out you simply top them up.

The cost of this great little pint-sized device is a mere £18.95.

Buy online here: www.folksy.com/shops/TreeGems

By Joe

Often the most beautiful things are the simplest. The pencil box (top right) is made by hand from white oak. There is no varnish and no coating. Metal components have been kept to a minimum, with a just a few small nails holding the pieces together. The wood will mark and look more rustic with age.

The maker, Chris Dodsworth, has worked as a joiner and carpenter since he was 17.

The coasters are also oak and have a coat of water based varnish to protect against staining. A square of felt will protect your furniture from scratches. They will arrive tied with purple suede.

As I said, simple. And very beautiful.

Buy from www.folksy.com/shops/ChrisDodsworthDesign.

Using the art of pyrography Si Easton creates richly decorative keepsakes and practical items for the home. All of the above are priced under £15 and would make unusual stocking fillers and Christmas gifts. Find trinket boxes, desk tidies, hairbrushes, chopping boards, picture frames and more on his newly launched online shop.

Go to www.woodtattoos.co.uk.

Flower Presses - £15 each
Christmas Tree Rustic Wooden Pot - £8
Celtic Heart Trinket Box - £12
‘Vino’ Wine Corkscrew - £10

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

We bought some beautiful black and white bed linen recently and since then everywhere I look I see black and white in clothes, accessories and homewares. I’ve picked out a few indie examples to share.

Top Left - Black Ribbon Tie Bolero by Enamore at Vintage Style
Top Right - Reminisce Necklace by Evod
Middle Left - Teatime Tea Cup by youcanmakeithappen
Bottom Left - Black and White Mini Houndstooth Wallet by Blissful
Bottom Right - Halloween Trick or Treat Plate by Wood Tattoos

One of the added bonuses of writing for Indie Quarter is that I find lots of unusual gift ideas. I’ve recently added Wood Tattoos to my gift list. Designer Si Easton creates beautiful, hand-decorated wooden gifts from keyrings to furniture and everything in between. Using traditional and pyrography techniques he customises bowls, candle holders, frames, coasters etc. with images and personal messages.

The items themselves are beautiful in their own right but the artwork he uses - fantasy landscapes, wildlife, Celtic patterns - makes each piece individual.

You can buy directly from www.woodtattoos.etsy.com.

David Mckeen of Hollytree Woodcrafts transferred his engineering skills in metal to working with wood. He has produced a beautiful range of boxes, towers and other products made from Elm, Burr Elm, Scottish Yew and Beech.

The wood that David uses has been taken from trees that have been felled due to ageing, disease and coppicing. He has a real respect for the powers of nature and a passion for creating with wood. He does not believe in felling trees for the purpose of his work.

The Hollytree Woodcrafts website is full of beautiful handmade items. I particularly like the ‘Secret Towers’ range (above right). Each tower has a concealed drawer. This is only accessible if you find the secret switch that is hidden inside one of the other drawers. A perfect hidey - hole from prying eyes and meddling siblings!