Love, Light and Peas

What more could you ask for? Well, how about some unusual, recyled stationery? That's what's on offer from Lottie, the latest Coriandr Express VIP, and owner of the Love, Light and Peas shop on Coriandr. Lottie says that she likes to take what other people would call 'rubbish' and turn it into something interesting and useful. And that's just what she does.

For example, look at this stationery set made from old chemistry exam papers:


You can send a note to a friend or relative AND remind them that the atomic number of molybdenum (love, love saying that out loud - try it, it's a fabulous word) is 42. And as we all know, 42 is the answer to the ultimate question of Life, the Universe and Everything. Which means that molybdenum is probably the answer too. I do love it when a plan comes together.

If science isn't your thing, fear not, for Lottie also has a stationery set made from a Spanish textbook.



So, you can write a thank you note to your Aunty Beryl and at the same time, give her a weather update: "Hay niebla en Barcelona" ("There is fog in Barcelona"). Beryl will be impressed because it'll give her chance to show off at her whist night, AND you've bought some truly environmentally-friendly stationery. Win-win sitch, I'd say.

If your prefer your current affairs to have an ever so slightly satirical bent, then perhaps this Private Eye stationery set is more your cup of tea:



Ideal perhaps for sending letters to your local MP, complaining about the poor public transport, or to send a book token to your nephew, Anthony, who is 'reading' Political Science at the University of Surrey. This set has many, many uses and will bring joy to all who use it.

The last item I want to share with you is not to be sniffed at (come on, you knew I couldn't resist it). It's a handkerchief made from reclaimed cotton and linen:



I like the colours of this item, it looks very luxurious, and deserves to be shown off be allowing the handkerchief to peek out of a pocket, as per the photo.

All Lottie's items make the most of reclaimed materials, and are made in at her home which is powered by renewable energy. Lottie also uses recycled packaging and labelling items, so when you buy from her shop, you are guaranteed to be buying some of the 'greenest' items available online.

You can read more about Lottie on her blog, and you can follow her on Twitter too.
For more details about the Coriandr Express, check out the blog and follow us on Twitter.

Two necklaces and a beaded ring

Despite a couple of setbacks, I have managed to make a few things this weekend. First of all, I lost my pliers - have been busy making felt stuff, so I didn't miss them until yesterday. Thankfully they showed up, as did my bead order from Turkey, so I was able to make myself this necklace:



It looks an odd shape because of the wire thread I used, but it looks fine on. And I've had this clasp for ages, waiting for the right project to use it in:



I made another necklace this morning - not sure if I'm keeping it or putting it in one of my shops yet:



Close-up of the beads:



They're teeny-tiny Czech fire polish glass beads - so pretty.

And then I decided I wanted to have another go at a seed bead brick stitch ring. The first one I made looked fine, but I wasn't happy with the way I finished it. So I had another go, and it turned out pretty well:



I love the colours in these beads, I'm a real sucker for AB finishes on beads. Less impressed with how my hand looks in that photo - I took my wedding and engagement ring off so they didn't detract from the bead ring, and I just focus on the mark that they left. *sigh*

Success for the Coriandr Express

We're well over halfway through the Coriandr Express promotion now, which was organised by the lovely and talented Lynne of Pirate Pixie Crew fame. And the train has really helped to promote not just the individual VIPs, but Coriandr as a whole.

The latest VIP is Joanne who owns the lej jewellery shop. Joanne makes beautiful jewellery which is very reasonably prices - important in the current economic climate. This gorgeous rose quartz pendant looks very luxurious, but its price tag won't break the bank:



And it comes in a cute presentation box - all ready to give as a present for someone special. Rose quartz is one of my favourite crystals, as it gives off a lovely, warm feeling. Rose quartz is also known as the 'love stone', so this pendant would be ideal for someone you care about. And that includes yourself. ;-)

Another of my favourite crystals is featured in this next item - cherry quartz:



I have a love of cherry anything, and cherry quartz looks so nice and juicy, I can't resist it. The Tibetan silver toggles is very pretty and unusual too.

These dragonfly earrings feature beautiful shades of blue and green glass beads:



These are ideal for summer - bright, cool shades for hot days.

My final pick from Joanne's shop is this gorgeous peacock bracelet. I've seen it mentioned on Twitter and Facebook - seems like a lot of people are interested in it.



And it's easy to see why. The glass beads are a stunning shade of blue and the pewter peacock charm really makes this a unique piece of jewellery.

So, there are at least four reasons to visit the lej jewellery shop, and many more waiting for you at the lej jewellery Coriandr shop. You can also follow Joanne on Twitter, or read her blog.

For more details about the Coriandr Express, check out the blog and follow us on Twitter.

Next stop on the Coriandr Express...

...is CeeGeeJewellery, which is run by the lovely and talented Carolyn. Carolyn's whole Coriandr shop looks sophisticated and stylish, from her understated banner, to the beautifully styled photographs of her gorgeous jewellery.

These green glass bead earrings are gorgeous, simple, yet stunning, and the photograph is styled to show the earrings off to their very best.



The descriptions that Carolyn writes for each item give you just the right amount of information. The photos mostly speak for themselves, so you'll know exactly what you're getting - a beautiful piece of handcrafted jewellery:



I love the fact that when Carolyn uses beads made by other artisans, she mentions it in the descriptions. It's great when people acknowledge the work of their fellow artisans like this:



All the items will be sent giftwrapped, and would make beautiful presents - who wouldn't be thrilled to receive this stunning bracelet with its lampwork and silver beads?



Carolyn's sophisticated designs are classic, so won't go out of style. If you're looking for a gift for someone special, have a look at CeeGeeJewellery. There's a special offer on to celebrate Carolyn being a Coriandr Express VIP - buy before 6th July, and you get 10% off the price of any item in the shop.

For more about Carolyn's work, follow her on Twitter, or check out her blog.

For more details about the Coriandr Express, check out the blog and follow us on Twitter.