About Toy Handbags

Background to the creation of these handbags for children. 

Order a toy handbag

Options for ordering and how to go about it

About Astrology Necklaces

Information about the different styles of astrology necklace available here

About Beaded Gemstone Astrology Necklaces

This page describes in detail what is represented in the single strand necklace and why. It also details the different options available.

About Crystal Beaded Necklaces

A delicate version of a beaded astrology necklace made with Swarovski crystal bicone beads.

About the Loved Ones Gemstone Necklace

Full description of the multi-strand Loved Ones Necklace made with semi-precious gemstones - how it's created and what it shows.

The Planets in Astrology

An explanation of the significance of each of the planets in the birthchart necklace. Each planet is represented by a semi-precious gemstone bead.

Gemstone Beads and their Meanings

The semi-precious gemstone bead representing each planet was carefully chosen because it had some similarities in significance to the planet it represents in the necklace.

This page describes the meanings attributed to the different semi-precious gemstones used.

About Keepsake Dolls

What a keepsake doll is and why you might want one. 
Suggestions for different occasions for which a keepsake doll might be an appropriate gift.

Dolls as Souvenirs

This page considers the many types of doll that are or have been souvenirs or commemorative tokens of various kinds in different cultures.

Shop for Baby Knits

This shop sells hand knitted cardigans, beanie hats and blankets for babies and toddlers. Items are created in plain stitches and embellished with little crochet motifs, hand embroidery or intarsia patterns.

All are made either in pure yarns (100% merino wool or cotton) or in Cashmerino yarn by Debbie Bliss.

About Knits for Babies

Background information about the knitting stitches used to create these garments, garment sizing, information about yarns used and care instructions.

The knitted teddy is the brand mascot and is not for sale

Some of the History of Baby Clothes

A look at what babies were wearing 100 years ago. Also how we came to start using blue for a boy and pink for a girl.

Handbag Shop

This shop contains a variety of fabric handbags for special occasions. This might be a wedding, a bag to take on a cruise or holiday, or to take to the races.

Bags are made from good quality quilting cotton.

About Special Occasion Handbags

Suggestions for occasions for using these bags and who would appreciate one as a gift.

Shop for Tiny Teddy Bears

Little knitted miniature teddy bears currently available. Each one is individually named and wears a tiny knitted jumper or dress.

About My Little Bears

How I came to create these little bears and some of their history.

Shop Decorative Gift Boxes

Gift boxes created from up-cycled packaging that's too good to throw away.

Shop Miscellaneous Gifts

This page is where I list items which I make from time to time that are different from the things I usually make.

What is Ooak?

What ooak means and how it came about

Handmade Pricing

Reasons why some handmade goods appear so much more expensive than others.

European Christmas Markets

The tradition of Christmas markets in Europe

Gift Advice

This page has some suggestions for finding inspiration for what to get for different people on your list. 

Gift Giving Etiquette

When giving gifts outside the immediate family it can be difficult knowing what is expected in different situations. This page offers some general advice.

Gift Giving in Times Past

A look at some of the gift giving habits and traditions of times gone by, some of which have changed considerably even in living memory.

About Me and My Handcraft

Tales of my childhood sewing efforts

How I Learnt to Knit

About me and my knitting journey since childhood

Handbags and Me

About me and why I make the bags. Why I am drawn to colourful fabric bags as opposed to leather ones in plain, often dull, colours.

Grandma

About my grandmother who inspired this doll in memory of her.

My School Uniform

How I re-created a version of my school uniform for a doll and the memories it evoked.