Miss Magpie: customised furniture and homewares

"We try to find practical uses for old records," explains Martin to me as I look at him in horror.
"You're speaking to a DJ, Martin! How could you say such a thing?" and so began the process of my new friend's back-tracking as he introduced me to Miss Magpie.

Craft Crunch had ventured to New Cross to check out two craft fairs. One was part of the Telegraph Hill festival and another was at the Amersham Arms pub, a venue close to my heart as it was one of the first ever London venues that I DJ'd at.

My horror at Martin's statement soon turned to curiosity as I was shown some very cool coasters made out of 70s vinyl record labels (at just £2.50 each), with music references that are guaranteed to impress home guests. "Kool & The Gang? I love those guys!". Imagine rocking those bad boys on a decoupage coffee table covered in mini-psychedelic rock posters sealed in a tough PVA & resin coating customised by these guys (from £60).

Miss Magpie is the name of the company that finds new uses for things that people don't want. But rather than just finding chic things and selling them on, these guys add their own brand of nostalgic edginess that turns a flat from 'hum drum', to 'funky drummer'.

Miss Magpie goes someway towards providing some justice for old records. "Vinyl will never die" as the saying goes. And if you're enjoying records as homewares, just make sure you have the music on MP3 too.

Name: Carol Vigurs (36) and Martin Found (38)
From: Deptford, London
Are: homeware creators and furniture customisers
Brand/label: Miss Magpie

Carol and Martin are currently creating a schedule of fairs and markets to attend. If you're interesting in finding out more, want to commission a piece of unique furniture or get your hands on any of their homewares, email them at vigurs@gmail.com

Beyond Fabrics: fabrics, homewares, accessories

Can't fit any more cushions on your sofa? One look at the handy work from Beyond Fabrics may convince you otherwise. Having set up shop three years ago from their studio on Brick Lane, the Beyond Fabrics duo hunt down vintage and retro reproduction fabrics to fashion hand-made homewares and accessories. Prices start at just £3.50 for a beautiful handmade greetings card covered with some of their eye-catching fabrics. Or if you're feeling a little more flush, pick up a cushion for £28.

"I love it when people come up to us and say 'Oh my god! I've been looking for good designs like these for years!'"


Names: Eduardo (37, pictured) and Silvana
From: their studio on Brick Lane
Are: Graphics and accessories designers
Brand/label: Beyond Fabrics

Eduardo and Silvana's wares are sold at the Victoria & Albert museum, and from February will be available at the Museum of Fashion & Textiles. If you can't wait that long, check out their website, or pop down to their stall at the Sunday Upmarket at the Truman Brewery.