Tomato Tea

The last seller on the Coriandr Express is Katrina of Tomato Tea, who loves to "to dabble in all things textiles. hand knitting, crochet, sewing and spinning to name a few!" - I think you'll all agree that this is a whole new world of 'dabbling', Katrina creates so many skillfully made items, and amazing hand spun yarns!

**Coriandr Express Special Offer**
*All yarn has been reduced by 10% until the end of July 31st 2009!*

Tomato Tea's hand spun yarns (many of which are hand dyed by Katrina, too) are gorgeous, the colour variations in the Spicy Mustard yarn are exquisite


And the Pink Lemonade yarn is so lovely & gentle - really makes me wish I weren't such a hopeless knitter!


Katrina also makes crocheted items - like these sweet Little Birdie Keyrings - as well as sewn and crochet purses


You can see more from Tomato Tea in Katrina's Coriandr shop, follow her blog here, and catch up with her on Twitter.

Ruby Spirit Designs

Today's Coriandr Express VIP is the lovely Ruby Spirit Designs -

"I live in Yorkshire with my husband and my two gorgeous boys, currently spending every spare minute (of which there aren't many) in my workshop, aka the spare room! But I have big plans for the garden shed...! I have always had a passion for creating jewellery for myself and friends. I love to work with broken or forgotten vintage items, designing something beautiful in the process. It's just another kind of recycling! Many of my creations are unique and one of a kind due to the vintage elements involved."

**Coriandr Express special offer! 10% off all items for the rest of July!**
*Visit Ruby Spirit Designs for more details.*

Ruby Spirit Designs' Coriandr shop is jam-packed with beautiful handcrafted jewellery, like the unique Brass Dragonfly Necklace - such an inventive use for a vintage dress buckle - I have a couple of them in my button box and can never think what to do with them!


Also really like this Vintage Leaf Necklace - very pretty


The Summer Pudding Bracelet is really beautiful - just so many gorgeous beads and charms!

I adore Ruby Spirit Designs' new range of Vintage Button Rings, especially this one


You can see more lovely jewellery from Ruby Spirit Designs here on Coriandr, catch up with her on Twitter, and follow her blog here.

Heart and Soil Baskets

This time on the Coriandr Express, we have Heart and Soil Baskets

"My name is hen and I craft baskets and small hurdles from Somerset willow and materials foraged from the hedgerows of the Cotswolds. The name Heart and Soil comes from my passion for the sustainable management of our countryside.
Our ancient oak woodland, hidden away in a wild valley in Exmoor, offers me the opportunity to hone my carving skills. As and when I have any wood products for sale I'll pop them in the shop!"

Hen's shop is full of absolutely gorgeous baskets - this Willow Shopping Basket is probably my favourite - but it is very difficult to choose!



This Fruit and Veg Basket is beautiful too - I really admire Hen's skill



The Little Flower Girl's Baskets are very sweet - I think I'm going to have to start saving for one of Hen's amazing creations!



You can see more beautiful baskets in Hen's Coriandr shop, catch up with her on Twitter, and follow her blog here.

A Sweet Treat

Today on the Coriandr Express is Debbie, of Sweet Treat - a shop with a real vintage feel, full of beautiful handcrafted jewellery.

"My name is Debbie and I use what spare time I have to chill out with my vintage and new beads to create...my "me" time. Im an old fashioned girl really and love vintage jewellery. I have a very girly daughter who keeps me up to date so I still keep a modern twist on my work! I also enjoy sewing so hope to be able to expand my little Coriandr shop to include handmade items that I produce. Again my daughter has input here as I enjoy keeping up with her demands for new tutus and unique clothing!. I hope you enjoy browsing my store as much as I have enjoyed being part of the wonderful Coriandr community."
These Dottie Earrings are simple, but very pretty and elegant.



The New Beginnings Necklace (and earrings, come to think of it...) are my favourite items in Debbie's shop - just so gorgeous and original!



I really like these Abbigail Earrings - they would catch the light brilliantly and look lovely when worn.

You can see more Sweet Treats in Debbie's Coriandr shop, read her blog here, and catch up with her on Twitter.

Tiny Pretty Things

On the Coriandr Express today is Molly, and her very aptly named shop Tiny Pretty Things

"Molly McCausland is a fine art student by day, illustrator and cartoonist by night. She uses both digital and traditional means to create strange but cute characters that charm everyone. Tiny Pretty Things also contains Mini Art, the eco friendly tiny drawings on recycled and reclaimed packing card, so that you can boost your eco ego as well as indulging in something beautiful."

Molly's art is exactly what it says on the tin - tiny and pretty! The Gentleman here is no exception - he may be not conventionally pretty, but he is very, very endearing!



And at no extra cost, Molly will mount up her tiny drawings on greetings cards - just specify when you buy - this Cake of Glory would make a great birthday card



Molly also creates tiny original paintings, like Butterfly Kisses (below) and Blossom in Blue



You can see more Tiny Pretty Things in Molly's Coriandr shop, become a fan on Facebook, read her blog here, and catch up with her on Twitter

Love, Light and Peas

Next up on the Coriandr Express is Lottie, of Love, Light and Peas.

"Hi, I'm Lottie! I'm 22, I live in South Wales. I have CFS, so I fill my days with knitting and playing with reclaimed crafty materials. I particularly like recycling books, and I'm experimenting with selling knitting patterns."

Lottie's Coriandr shop is full of lovely upcycled stationary sets, I particularly like the Dictionary Set

The World Records Set is great too!


Lottie also sells Custom Knitting - brilliant if, like me, you can't knit yourself, but love knitted creations!


You can see more beautiful items from Love, Light and Peas in Lottie's Coriandr shop, read her blog here, and catch up with her on Twitter.

Lej Jewellery

Next up on the Coriandr Express - Lej Jewellery.

"I'm Joanne, Jo for short. I live in Lancashire with my husband and 2 children. I enjoy many crafts such as cross stitching, card making and jewellery making and have recently started glass fusing. My other interests include walking, history art and I love fairies."

I like the bold design of this Amber Bracelet - really eye catching

Pigs are one of my favourite animals - and these Piggie Earrings are great. At only £4.00, how could you say no to these dear little porkers?



I love the subtle etching detail on this Pink Pendant Necklace - very pretty


See more of Jo's lovely jewellery in her Coriandr Shop, catch up with her on Twitter, and follow her blog here.

Cee Gee Jewellery

Today's Coriandr Express VIP is Cee Gee Jewellery Design, who create beautiful handcrafted jewellery using Sterling Silver findings and high quality beads.

Coriandr Express Special Offer!
Cee Gee Jewellery Design is offering a 10% discount
on all items in their shop
from Monday 29th June to Monday 6th July.

"I make handcrafted sterling silver jewellery from my workshop in Cheshire, which I sell online and through craft fairs, local shops and jewellery parties. I only use high quality beads and findings, and offer a number of one off items. As well as having a love of semi-precious gemstones, I’m fascinated by lampwork beads, and have just begun to learn to make them myself. Since starting my business 18 months ago I’ve really grown to appreciate the love and care that goes into handcrafted goods, and would choose it over mass-produced every time."

I really like the attention to detail shown in this Mock Turtle Porcelain Bracelet - the ridged silver beads work really well with the delicate colours and patterns shown in the porcelain beads



How could I resist featuring this pretty Pink & White Cupcake Necklace? I love that the artist who created the cupcake is mentioned in the item description - it's always nice to see people supporting their fellow artisans





These Vintage Rose Earrings are beautifully simple - and a bargain at only £8.99 until Monday 6th July.


Check out more elegant items in Cee Gee Jewellery Design's Coriandr Shop, become a fan on Facebook, follow on Twitter, and catch up with the Cee Gee Jewellery blog here.

FruteJuce

The next stop on the Coriandr Express is FruteJuce -

"Hi I am Alison From Milton Keynes, Bucks. I have always had an interest in making things. My parents never bought anything without trying to make it first so I kind of inherited the 'make it gene'. I am driven by interest so whatever takes my fancy at that moment is what I make, so my items can be quite changeable."

Alison's Coriandr shop is filled with great items - like this Headphone Baby Vest Onesie - which is embellished with a headphone motif worked in freehand machine embroidery


Alison's endearing floppy rabbits - in Calico or Vintage Laura Ashley - would look right at home wherever you put them

I really like the embroidered details on the Fridge Magnets in Alison's shop, especially this Little Bird Fridge Magnet


Check out more brilliant items in Alison's Coriandr shop, catch up with her on Twitter, and follow her blog here.

Snapdragon Beads

Next up on the Coriandr Express is Snapdragon Beads -

"My name is Alice and I'm addicted to beads.
In fact, I am the Imelda Marcos of beads!
I have been making and selling jewellery for nearly 14 years. I had intended to go to Art College to study costume design but some how ended up studying at Trinity College in Dublin. As a result I hold degrees in Computer Engineering and Mathematics.
I moved to the UK from Ireland shortly after my last exam and settled in the market town of Biggleswade about 50 miles north of London. I have always loved making jewellery and my passion is off-loom bead weaving.
I worked for a number of years in IT but have recently left that world behind me to be a stay at home mum to Amelia who was born in April '08."

The amount of work involved in making these exquisite beaded items is amazing - Alice must have a lot of patience!

This Purple Velvet Pendant is truly beautiful - very regal colours


The Primrose Pin is very pretty - just like a little flower



These Frog Princess Earrings are gorgeous - the colour of peridot


You can see more beautifully made beaded items in Snapdragon Beads' Coriandr Shop, become a fan on Facebook, follow Alice on Twitter, and catch up with her blog here.

Myfuroshiki

"Hello, my name is Michiko Yasue and my sister Olivia and I form myfuroshiki, dedicated to the design and production of fabric wrapping cloths and accessories. The myfuroshiki range of furoshiki is inspired by the Japanese tradition of using fabric to wrap gifts, make bags & create decorative wall hangings. We offer a range of fabrics including our own designs, hand printed & tie-dyed onto cotton cloths, as well as a selection of gorgeous prints & woven checks that we have sourced. myfuroshiki are fun, fuss-free, affordable & eco-friendly. No tearing, no scissors, no sticky tape, no waste. Just one or two simple knots & even the oddest shaped object can look impressive. Please have a look at our blog at myfuroshiki.blogspot.com for more ideas on how to use furoshiki. We hope you'll love them as much as we do - it's the wrapping revolution!"

Myfuroshiki's range is great - I really like this Striped Flexible Furoshiki Bag



The prints on these 4 Floral Fabric Gift Wraps are gorgeous



And these 10 Mini Fabric Gift Wraps are great value - only £10!


See more items from Myfuroshiki's Coriandr shop, follow on Twitter, become a fan on Facebook, and catch up with their blog here.

Coriandr Express Catch Up - Debbs Elliman

"I have been making glass fused jewellery for six years, I love the way the sunlight reflects the gorgeous colours. I have been making beaded jewellery for about eight years, but I actually started by making wire and bead greetings cards and bridal, bridesmaids tiara's and combs."

Debbs Elliman's Coriandr shop is full of beautiful beaded and dichroic glass jewellery, as well as some decorated jute bags and other items.


I really love this Etched Butterfly Pendant - so pretty



As we all know I am a fan of the occasional cupcake, and this Jute Bag is both green and pretty!



I really like the vintage feel to these Copper Earrings


You can find many more beautiful items in Debbs' Coriandr Shop, and follow her blog here.

Coriandr Express Catch Up - Nicsknots

"Nicsknots is home to handmade knitting needle rolls, drawstring project bags, make-up bags, and little girl bags in fabrics floral to funky. I started making needle rolls for a friend who was opening a yarn shop then the whole thing sprung out of there."

Nic really has an eye for fun, colourful fabrics, as you can see from this Lovehearts Knitting / Crochet Roll



But if bold, quirky prints aren't your thing, there's something for you too - like this dusty-blue floral print Drawstring Project/Make Up Bag




Nicsknots also creates children's tote bags, like this pretty Diddy Hand Bag with a matryoshka doll print

There are loads of other brilliant items in the Nicsknots Coriandr Shop, you can follow Nic on Twitter, and catch up with her blog here.

Coriandr Express Catch Up - Creativesque

Due to a load of hideous exams, I've not had a chance to blog about Creativesque or Nic's Knots, or Debbs Elliman until today, so...

Firstly, Creativesque, who creates a range of vibrant, colourful and fun handmade bookmarks, watercolour paintings and gift tags.

"Hi, I am an artist, illustrator and mum of two gorgeous little ones. I live in London, England and I love drawing, colouring in and making stuff. My main tools are paper, card, watercolour paints, black ink pens and my sewing machine.

People inspire me and so do my surroundings. I love drawing and painting faces because I find them fascinating. I enjoy sending my work out into the world and seeing what happens and I try to offer only the work that I've enjoyed creating. In this way I hope to do my bit to make the world go round and make it a happier place for my children to live in as they grow."

I love this Blue Flower Bookmark, and at only £2.00, how could you go wrong?




The watercolour and ink used to create the design on this Notecard and Envelope is really vibrant, and reminds me of stained glass windows.



And these Mini Envelopes made from recycled book pages are so sweet!


Take a look at the other great items in the Creativesque Coriandr Shop, visit Creativesque's website (check out the watercolour paintings for sale in the Gallery section - really bold and lovely), and follow on Twitter.

Kitty Ballistic's Creations

"I'm a Brit who lives and works in Holland. I work in IT, which satisfies my need for order and rules, and I make felt toys, jewellery and other spangly, bright things to indulge my creative side."

There really is something for everyone in Kitty Ballistic's shop - whether you're looking for pretty and elegant jewellery, like these Spring Bloom Earrings...

...or something a little more unusual, like Christine, the felt aubergine!

These Felt Fortune Cookies would make great gifts, and they're calorie-free!

My almost favourite item is this pretty Teapot Charm Necklace (I say almost beacause how could anything top Christine?)

See more items in Kitty's Coriandr Shop, catch up with her on Twitter, become a fan on Facebook, and follow her blog here.

Oh dear...

I've not been online for a couple of days, what with preparing and putting up my end of year textiles show at college, and revising for physics and maths... so I haven't had time to blog about the wonderful creations of Kitty Ballistic and Pirate Pixie Crew! I feel awful! The preview evening for our show is tonight, so as soon as I've been there, come home, and gone to vote, I'll get a proper post that does their great work justice. Until then though, take a look at their Coriandr seedlings -

Kitty Ballistic

and

Pirate Pixie Crew

Julie Mills Design

The third stop on the Coriandr Express is Handmaid, by Julie Mills.

"My name is Julie Mills and I am a Northumbria Fashion Design graduate, specialising in textiles - mainly print and embroidery.I love bold print and bright colours.

I am inspired by the English countryside and romantic visions of the past. I love pattern and for some reason I am strangely drawn to pink and birds - or pink birds! :)

I like to make bags, purses and scarves and I have recently discovered a love of knitting, by hand and machine.

I pride myself on making quality items with high quality silks and cottons, which may be hand dyed, hand or digitally printed, knitted, appliquéd or embellished.

I also take on commissions, please email me."

Julie's shop is filled with wonderful, original items - like this Spotty Bird Silk Scarf (I love the bold repeat design and bobbly handstitched trim!)

And these sweet little Fair Isle Knitted Coin Purses

My last pick from Handmaid is this amazing silk Pink Bird Scarf, with hand stitched edges and a cute-as-can-be digitally printed bird design

You can find Julie's own website here, and can check out other items from her Coriandr shop below.