Design: Showcasing Solis

Solis jewelery was born in the quartz-filled mountains of Nelson, BC, Canada. Inspired by the Roman deity Sol Invictus - The Unconquered Sun. Each piece is unique, made with love, and carries the spirit of unconquered optimism and light.

Designer Carolyn MacKinnon's line began as a creative and therapeutic outlet, initially with the goal of expanding her own jewelry collection. In making pieces that she wanted to wear, she found herself wanting to share those little labors of love with others. Her main inspirations are: optimism, love and pain, nature, healing crystals, and she-ra!

Design: Handmade Brighton

Fashionistas of Brighton were out in force to support local designers at the first Handmade Brighton fair. From vintage clothes, reclaimed jewellery, recycled textiles to quirky illustrations; the fair was a showcase of Brighton’s young talent. All accompanied by yummy cakes, funky music and a lively atmosphere.

Set up by local designer Kirstin Stride, Handmade Brighton offers under the radar designers and makers an opportunity to sell their work. After struggling to find the perfect situation to sell her own designs, Kirstin took matters into her own hands…”Brighton was screaming out for a regular market in a central location where local designers/makers could sell their work and not have to pay too much for a stall” The fair also offers the opportunity for local craft groups to promote their club, allowing visitors to get involved with the creativity.

The next fair will be held at Komedia on Saturday 5th December 11-4, with free entry and free mince pies! Check it out!

Carly Gordon

Design: Artisan Eco Jewellery

These interesting pieces are made by Designer Lionel Aubert, substituting glue and instead inlaying the ethical stones.

Design: Innovative Jewellery Design

Milko Boyarov's works of jewelery art landed in my inbox and I just had to share. He is currently a 2nd year student in The National Arts Academy, Bulgaria and a graduate from the National School for Applied Arts.

Milko's guiding force in his work is this "I'm determinted to dedicate a significant part of art to develop and popularize the Bulgarian culture and Folklore heritage". Methinks he is one to watch!

Design: Momji Textile Competition

Calling all crafts-people and sewers. Here’s your chance to put your fashion and textile flair to the test as we challenge you to create a fabric Momiji doll. Momiji are message dolls, each doll has a space in its base for a secret message. Our Couture Contest is a playful new direction; we’re looking for one-off, fabric dolls. You can create your doll using a combination of any textile methods you like; weaving, printing, knitting, embroidery....the list goes on. The contest is being judged by no other that Barbara Hulanicki, Pip McCormac from Sunday Times Style and Selvedge magazine.

To apply, clicketty click here.

Design: The Future of Shoes?

British architect Julian Hakes has used his engineering skills to create a new style of footwear which works by excluding certain parts of the shoe which gives a 'walking upon air' feeling.

Design: Ethical Jewelery From Element

If your looking for something a little special jewelery-wise, then look no further. Element embraces all aspects of ethical jewellery and diamond practices - they are the only Northern stockists of ethical jewelery ranges Oria Ethical Jewellery and Cred, both of which combine beautiful design and ethical credentials perfectly and take great care in sourcing the gold, gemstones and diamonds.