Featured Seller – 29.06.2009
Posted by onHello! My Featured Seller this week is a very talented jeweller and silversmith with a passion for lovebirds! I really like the fact that although the pieces look very delicate, close up they are created from very strong, bold graphic shapes. Fantastic work! Take it away…
Jemima Lumley
Introduce yourself…
I’m a jeweller, working mainly in silver, creating whimsical and wearable pieces. Everything is handcrafted by myself, from start to finish. I have recently set up a studio-shop with 5 talented craft people, on a busy high street in Bristol. I work full time as a jeweller, except for a Tuesday when I go to college, or playschool as we like to call it.
How did it all start?
It all started very recently, only about 3 years ago. Until then I had been an art director in children’s publishing for over 15 years. It was a gradual thing, rather than something planned!
After I went freelance in 2004, I found that I would have hours or even days when I was a bit quiet, so I took up crochet again. From there I started making scarves, wraps and corsages for selling locally, and then bits of jewellery came along – first charm bracelets with little crochet flowers, then necklaces and finally lariats. These I started selling to local shops, but I soon found I was bored of the repetitive nature of the work. I took a class one morning a week, in silver jewellery making, which I loved from day one! In 2007 I applied to the local art college for their one day a week jewellery course, and from then on I’ve devoted myself to working in silver. I’ve just finished my second year, and looking forward to the third, and final year.
Have you always sold online?
No, not really. I joined an American site a few years ago, but didn’t have time to devote to online selling. About a year ago, I found a fantastic local photographer to take photos of my work, and do it justice, unlike the images I had been taking. Once I had them I started selling online with a bit more dedication. First in the US and then more recently with UK sites and Coriandr. I do have my own website, and I sell a little from there, but I have found it more rewarding to sell through established craft selling websites.
What inspires you?
All sorts! Victorian jewellery is definitely a strong influence. I love their interest in nature, and recreating it with such skill. I like to create my own, updated versions of their splendid, embellished designs. Along side this there’s the work of Tord Boontje, a piece of whose work I would like to own one day, and the papercuts of Hans Christian Andersen and Rob Ryan (I recently bought one of his screen prints as a present to myself!). Working in children’s publishing for so long must have an effect too – I like to think the whimsy and occasional silliness that creeps into my work stems from then.
If you had to pick a favourite from all your creations, what would it be?
Oh…ah…hmmmm…probably one of the first lovebird pendants, the solo bird in a cage. I remember making it and realising that I had struck a rich seam! I just wanted to make more and more, everyone slightly different. I’m still making them now, so I must have been right!
What music is playing in the background right now?
It’s all quiet here, as my children have just gone to bed. I don’t have a computer in the studio as I can happily loose several hours to the craft websites! Though once I’m sure they’re asleep Al Green will be going on.
Do you have a favourite seller or item on Coriandr at the moment?
Many! I love stumbling upon any of Dan Jackson’s work – always make me giggle – and I’ve just come across Alexandra Ashby’s illustrations, which are gorgeous. Have got my eye on some of Covetables’ plushes – I’ve got a new nephew and niece, who need spoiling now and then!
What does the future hold?
More of the same I hope. I love working for myself, and working with other talented people. Having worked in industry for many years, I know that what I want is to continue being hands on – I don’t want to farm work out, or, for now, even get things cast. I like the fact that everything I sell has been made by me, from start to finish. I do a lot of commissioned work, and some remodelling of older pieces of jewellery, which can be inspiring.
If you could have a new feature on Coriandr, what would it be?
To be able to see who favourites you (I’m so nosey!) and to be able to favourite whole shops, not just single items.
That’s it! Thank you so much Jemima. Good luck with your Coriandr shop, I can’t wait to see more of your fantastic work.
That’s all for this week, I’ll be back with another Featured Seller next Monday!
Featured Seller – 22.06.2009
Posted by onHello! It’s time for a new Featured Seller…this week I have chosen the work of a mother and daughter team from Wales. They produce beautiful clothing and accessories all made from British wool (which is dyed to Global Organic Textile Standards) and Romanian hemp. If you like what you see, and I’m positive you will, just click any of the images for more information.
Llynfi Textiles
We are Sue and Emily James (mother and daughter respectively) and we work together under the name Llynfi Textiles, near Brecon in beautiful Mid Wales. The Llynfi is the name of the little river that runs close by us; it’s a ‘Site of Special Scientific Interest’, home to otters and kingfishers, and one of those places that makes you glad to be alive. Sue dyes the yarns and designs and makes the knits, Emily works with the fabrics – print and dress design and making, so it works really well.
How did it all start?
Sue: As a pipe dream many, many years ago! I grew up sewing, knitting, crocheting, handspinning with my mum and grandmother – one thing leads to another. Then when my mum died at 60, just as she had retired and finally been able to set up her own little weaving studio, I realised that if there’s something you really want to do, you just have to try. Llynfi Textiles started as Llynfi Angora 10 years ago when I finally got my Angora rabbits. It developed into ‘Textiles’ 4 years ago when I added British organic wool and decided to go for Soil Association certification for natural dyeing. I was delighted to be the first in the UK to get it. Emily decided to join forces after finishing her degree in Surface Pattern Design at Swansea Met., which was brilliant!
Have you always sold online?
No – we started by ‘doing’ local shows and exhibitions. We also sell through two shops, one in Hay on Wye and also Narberth in West Wales. But now we want to reach a wider audience, and having already had some success with an American site, we were really pleased to find Coriandr in the UK.
What inspires you?
Sue: I think texture is more important to me than colour – and our local woods, the river, the landscape, and calm, practicality and simplicity all have an influence. As a dyer, I am conscious of the amount of input needed to get a colour, and believe it should be treated with respect, using it in small ways with undyed shades. Social history is also one of my interests, and the place of everyday textiles and clothing. For me, an item has to have a useful function and a long life.
Emily: I too have a definate respect for the ’form follows function’ philosophy. I love the simplicity of old, worn work wear, the detail of a puckered stitch or patched seam. I think it is this evidence of the hand, and evidence of use that I find humbling. I am often inspired by fabrics themselves; simple utilitarian hemp and wool through to exquisite silk route ikats – and what an interesting contrast! Tribal textiles, particularly African and Chinese have had an influence on my work, but most of all it is the connection we have to textiles in our lives, and really how little that connection has changed for thousands of years.
If you had to pick a favourite from all your creations, what would it be?
Sue: Ooh – tricky one! I enjoy the designing, the planning and the making – but often stop liking something once it’s over. I think of all the things I have made, it would be one that’s special to me – a square I knitted in an old Shetland Spiderweb lace pattern using a very fine wool yarn spun by my mother.
Emily: Out of my current creations I think it would have to be my hemp dress. It was the first thing I designed when I had finished university, so it was like proving to myself that I could do it on my own!
What music is playing in the background right now?
Radio 2. Although we flick between that and Radio 4, an eclectic selection of music on iTunes, or simple quietness through the day.
Do you have a favourite seller or item on Coriandr at the moment?
Sue: So many! Heart and Soil Baskets. AlexandraAshby – lovely simple line drawings. dhpainter’s little London clay birds.
Emily: I have to second the London clay birds! I also really want one of Katcha’s recycled tyre bags…her photography is great.
What does the future hold?
We are taking part in an exhibition on natural dyeing in October which we are looking forward to, and are working on a madder project as part of this – “The Real Colour Show“, Minerva Centre, Llanidloes, Powys. Continuing to develop fabric print with natural dyes, producing some special one-off knit pieces, and proving that good design and hemp do go together!
If you could have a new feature on Coriandr, what would it be?
Not lacking anywhere so far!
That’s it. Thank you so much for answering my questions! Good luck with the exhibition, and of course, your Coriandr shop. If you want to see more lovely products from Llynfi Textiles, just click here.
Thanks!
Featured Seller – 15.06.2009
Posted by onHello! It’s Monday and time for a new Featured Seller…this week it’s the turn of Lullaby Lily who creates fabulous unusual knitted creatures. Where else can you buy a knitted Monster Slug for only £11? Click on any of the images below for more details…enjoy!
Lullaby Lily
Introduce yourself…
Hello, I’m Flora of Lullaby Lily hand knit creatures that comfort, and I’m based in Scotland.
How did it all start?
My mammy taught me to knit when I was a little girl. Since then I’ve knitted many garments and accessories for babies, children and grown-ups.
A friend of mine had a devotional love of knit toys (especially vintage ones) which I neither understood nor appreciated. She suggested I make one. I laughed.
Fast-forward about 8 years and what the …? I’m loving creating and selling knit toys – AND talking about them endlessly on my blog!
My pivotal moment was when someone showed me how to make a lovely knit toy. Key to this, for me anyway, was the concept of stuffing them with pure wool roving – as well as using gorgeous natural yarns such as pure wool, cotton, alpaca, angora, bamboo and experimenting with fancy yarns like faux fur, chenille, ribbon and metallics.
I’m still always knitting garments and accessories and my outlet for that is Knitkin here on Coriandr.
Have you always sold online?
I opened a US online shop last year with a few donkeys and pigs and now have over 160 sales there. I get a real buzz from connecting with people all over the world from Alaska to Australia.
After several months I opened a UK online shop, but then discovered Coriandr which I much prefer, so Coriandr is Lullaby Lily’s (and Knitkin’s) UK presence.
What inspires you?
With knit toys it is always the fibre or yarn. What beautiful creature would it create? I am also greatly inspired by sales because when people like something (a new kind of pig, for example) I feel a surge of excited energy to experiment further.
I have so many lovely, and funny, stories from people which are also inspirational. Recently a lady bought my tinsel and mohair Nightsky Star Pony for her nephew but her spinal injury cat got hold of it first and it has become his best friend who he takes to bed with him every night and grooms lovingly!
If you had to pick a favourite from all your creations, what would it be?
They are all favourites in different ways – slugs are a favourite because they are just so funny and curiously appealing. Pigs are so cuddly and round, and can suddenly be boars. Whales are great for babies to grip by the tail. Donkeys are just a classic icon. Ponies I love because I can adapt them endlessly – angel ponies, piebald or American Painted ponies, all kinds of sizes, yarns and colours.
What music is playing in the background right now?
Birdsong.
Do you have a favourite seller or item on Coriandr at the moment?
Yes, everything Covetables creates, FruteJuce’s bunny rabbits, AlexandraAshby’s pen and ink illustrations, HeartandSoilBaskets, BlueFishHandmade’s divine crochet.
What does the future hold?
All good and wonderful things!
If you could have a new feature on Coriandr, what would it be?
The ability to search by shop name/seller. (psst! This feature is there…tucked away near the bottom of the home page above the ‘NEW ITEMS!’ is the ‘Search By Seller’ button, very handy! – Kev)
That is all for this week – thank you for answering my questions Flora. I think your slugs are fantastic (it’s not often you get to say that to someone!!!) Much luck with your two Coriandr stores – and get using that ‘Search By Seller’ button!
See you next week!
Improving Coriandr’s search
Posted by on
Over the last week we’ve been working hard behind the scenes to improve Coriandr’s search. Our aim is simple enough;
“make it easier to find the right things, quicker.”
As a marketplace, our opportunity to provide a great shopping experience starts with the search. The idea that gangs of buyers could be roaming the vaults of Coriandr, lost and alone, unable to find the one item that would complete them, is a very sad thing indeed! So much depends on the search doing it’s job well.
So, what are the plans?
- Make it easier to search. We’re going to be making some alterations to the way the search page looks and behaves. None of the existing search criteria will go, but the ease with which you can search for keywords, add tags, and generally browse through all the items on offer will be vastly improved.
- Allow more complicated searches. The best way to improve the accuracy of the search is to let you build more complicated searches in the first place. Rather than search for “fathers or father or day” and sift through 500 items, you’ll be able to search for “fathers (or father) and day not card”. Sound complicated? It won’t be, but it will mean that you’ll be able to find the right gifts much quicker.
- Build better ways to browse. Not only do we want to improve the efficiency of the search but also introduce some novel, and above all, fun ways of browsing Coriandr. Step from favourite to favourite, or see all the bracelets for sale in East Anglia, or perhaps you need to accessorise another purchase using a specific colour? Over the coming months we’ll be introducing all sorts of fun ways to browse the site.
- Build relationships between items. In a similar vein to Amazon’s “Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought…“ feature, we’ve begun to gather information that will allow us to build connections between related items and make meaningful item suggestions to potential buyers.
In order to make all these changes, we first need to improve the speed of the search itself, and that’s just what we’ve been doing this past week; running tests on various searches and tweaking the performance here and there. So far the results have been nothing short of fantastic, with the largest improvement being the reduction of one search down from 9.5s to 0.16s! We’ve still got a lot more tweaking to go, but plan to get the search speed improvements wrapped up in the next week or so, and then move straight onto the other, more tangible search improvements. Rest assured, we’ll keep you updated as we go!
Featured Seller – 08.06.2009
Posted by onHello!
This week my featured seller is the very fantastic FeatherG! A textile designer, print maker and photographer heavily influenced by the beauty of nature. Deep, rich colours are combined to create fabulous pieces! If any of the products featured in the photographs below catch your eye…just click on them for more details (and a quick link through to FeatherG’s Coriandr shop!)
FeatherG
Introduce yourself…
My name is Helen Casey-Green. I’m a printmaker and textile artist, working in silk and silk velvet, I also work in partnership with my husband as a photographer and we produce a range of limited edition cards from our original work.
How did it all start?
I’ve been working as an artist for many years. I started as a graphic designer and illustrator in the 1980’s (showing my age there!) spent a number of years in education as a secondary school art teacher, specialising in printmaking and photography, but took the plunge to become a full-time artist in 2003. Since then I have been developing new work and exhibiting around the country.
Have you always sold online?
Selling on-line is very new to me. On the whole I find most of my buyers like to see the work in person before they buy. Most of my work is very tactile, or textured, and that isn’t always easy to appreciate on a computer screen.
What inspires you?
My work is inspired by natural forces, the elements and memories. Very often I like to build compositions, particularly in my prints, from different perspectives at the same time.
If you had to pick a favourite from all your creations, what would it be?
It’s very difficult to choose a favourite piece of work, because my work is changing and growing all the time, but if you insist…I really enjoy making my waterfall velvet scarves. Every one I produce is slightly different, because like all my textiles work, they’re hand-painted. I get a lot of pleasure in making them and people are very drawn to their colour and soft handle. At the moment I’m designing a full-length peacock cloak, with a train and hood; it will be a huge amount of work, but has the potential to be a favourite in the textiles portfolio.
What music is playing in the background right now?
I’m listening to my iTunes Eye to Eye Collective selection, Dangerous Heady Love Scheme by Merz is playing, fab.
Do you have a favourite seller or item on Coriandr at the moment?
There are some fantastic sellers on Coriandr, I have lots of favourites, but particularly like zoeest’s collage jewellery, unique and colourful.
What does the future hold?
I have quite a lot of work to do on my own website to improve it. It’s built long-hand using HTML (yawn) but I hope to learn some new skills and (with some help from Katy my computer wizz daughter) up-date it over the next year. In the short term, I’m preparing for two exhibitions this year, New Prints at The Subway Gallery, Queens Park Arts Centre in Aylesbury during the first two weeks of July and Textiles and Photography at the Three Hares Gallery in Olney during August. I have a private view on June 30th between 6pm – 9pm at The Subway Gallery, and you’re very welcome to come along. Do send me a message through Coriandr if you would like to receive an invitation!
That’s all from Helen, if you need to see more of her lovely work, remember to check out her Coriandr shop. Enjoy!
I’ll be back with another Featured Seller next Monday. Thank you!
Inspiration Station - DrawPaintPrint!
Posted by onThe focus on sites such as Coriandr is always heavily on the crafters, which is entirely understandable. Pretty things that also serve a purpose AND are handmade? Fabulous!
Well, how about handmade things which are just there to be pretty? I’m talking about all the artists and illustrators that create little works of art ready to brighten up your house. Whether they’re drawn, painted, printed or collaged, I think there needs to be more of it, so artists, this inspiration is for you!
Featured Seller – 01.06.2009
Posted by onHello! It’s Monday again and it looks like summer has arrived at last!
This week I have something to satisfy all you button-holics and I suspect there are a few of you reading this! From handmade unique fabric buttons to vibrant brooches and corsages, welcome to the world of…
Mollimoo
Introduce yourself…
I’m Tina Peacock and my shop is Mollimoo. I sell hand-sewn fabric buttons as well as brooches, knitted scarves and accessories. My buttons are made using thrifted vintage material as well as new fabric. I grew up by the sea in Cornwall and now reside in the beautiful Dorset countryside, though I can never be too far from the ocean! I’m a thirty-something stay at home mum to two gorgeous children and never have enough time to make!
How did it all start?
Last year I won tickets to a festival called Camp Bestival. There was a knitting tent there and I was so inspired by it all, that as soon as I got back home I got myself some needles and started knitting straight away. I hadn’t done it since I was about 9 years old and fell in love with it. Next came my fabric buttons as my interest in all things handmade grew and it went from there. I now have a massive stash of yarn, fabric and vintage buttons. I’m hooked!
Have you always sold online?
Up until now, my designs have only been for sale online. However, they are now for sale in a local ’shabby chic’ style shop as well.
What inspires you?
I adore everything vintage. Antique shops that stock old fabric are amazing. I look to my children for ideas. When I read them a bedtime story, I have one eye on the story and the other is firmly fixed on the pictures looking for shapes and ideas. I love the quirky and unusual. I am in awe of nature and it’s seasons.
Mmm, what a mixture!
If you had to pick a favourite from all your creations, what would it be?
My favourite creation would be a plushie bunny that I made for my daughter which I’m planning to make and sell soon. My favourite from my shop at the moment would the first buttons I made, the Funky Fabric buttons. I like the texture of them and the unusual print.
What music is playing in the background right now?
Keisha White. Something soulful and chilled. I’m far too excitable a person to listen to anything up beat when I’m sewing. Goodness knows what I would end up making! Maybe I should try it.
Do you have a favourite seller or item on Coriandr at the moment?
I really like Dan Jackson’s quirky photography. It’s so unusual. I especially like Strawberry Fields Forever. Do these little folk get stained? Strawberries can really stain, you know!
What does the future hold?
I am trying to get my website up and running so business can grow. I need to make, make, make. I am planning on designing some plushies, pin cushions, drawstring bags and to get back to my knitting a bit more. Returning to Camp Bestival this year in July. Not only will the I Knit tent be there again but they will be slap bang next to a new Sewing Tent! I can’t wait!
If you could have a new feature on Coriandr, what would it be?
I think a front page that shows more of the newest items for longer.
Thank you Tina! Good luck with your website, and I hope you have fun at Camp Bestival! That’s all for this week, there’s another featured seller next Monday!
Summer arrives at coriandr!
Posted by onThe sun is shining, summer has arrived and I thought I’d look for some great summer picks on Coriandr.
Here are some of my favourites for summer.
Anyone for sailing? I love these bright boat sandals by http://etrelles.coriandr.com.
Custom Tropical Boat Sandals
These pretty little LoveBird earrings by http://jemimalumley.coriandr.com would be gorgeous with a pretty dress on a summer’s day!
long dangly lovebird earrings
I love this bright turquoise linen and retro print flower corsage by http://LittleRedDesigns.coriandr.com.
Turquoise linen and retro print flower corsage
Bring summer indoors with this scented strawberry punnet by http://leilalous.coriandr.com
Scented Strawberry Punnet
Enjoy the warm weather!
Ali
Coriandr Express pt.2
Posted by onHello!
Here’s my final round-up this week of my favourite items from the remaining Coriandr Express featured sellers. If you missed the first part of the post, you can find it here. Remember, I’ve chosen one favourite item from each Coriandr Express shop…if you like what you see just click the images for more details!
Fine Silver Heart Charm Earrings – CeeGeeJewellery
Sea shore – lej jewellery
Dictionary ~ Upcycled stationery/letter set – lottielodge
Inspiration Ninja – Tiny Pretty Things
Christine earrings – Sweet Treat
Shopping Basket, made from willow – HeartandSoilBaskets
Overture Necklace in Amethyst – Ruby Spirit Designs
Furry Hood - Crochet Pattern – TomatoTea
Button Necklace TRUE BLUE – jellybellyjellybrain
Triangles Card – digtheearth
Delicate Flower Necklace – BlueFishHandmade
I hope you’ve enjoyed seeing just a fraction of the fantastic handmade products for sale on Coriandr. I’ll be back as usual next Monday, with my regular Featured Seller post!
Kev
Coriandr Express pt.1
Posted by onSeen as though everyone is talking about Coriandr Express I thought I’d skip my usual Featured Seller post this week and bring you twenty one Featured Sellers!
Coriandr Express has indeed left the station, and it’s mission is to promote Coriandr and the diversity of the handmade goods that you can find here. You can read what MatW had to say about Coriandr Express here.
Today I’m showing you ten shops (with the rest to follow later in the week), I’ve chosen one favourite item from each…if you like what you see just click the images for more details! Enjoy!
Dinky spotty knitted purse – juliemillsdesign
Rainbow heart pendant – Kitty Ballistic
Baby Pirate Pixie Skullcap with Earflaps – PiratePixieCrew
Blue Flower Handmade Bookmark – Creativesque
Diddy 'Lucy' child's red fish tote bag – nicsknots
Set of Three Little Felt Cakes – mrs.toad.designs
Dotty dichroic pendant – Debbs Elliman
My flexible furoshiki bag – myfuroshiki
Turquoise & Red Hair Clip – snapdragonbeads
Apple Felt Fridge Magnet – FruteJuce
If that hasn’t inspired you to buy Coriandr handmade, nothing will! Check back here on Wednesday for my favourite items from the rest of the Coriandr Express shops.
Kev