Looking for some inspiration? Whether you’re into funky items, design, clothing or you just want something to spruce up your bedroom, Deone Ee gives you a quick guide to some of the coolest local blogs and online stores around.

FARM (www.farm.sg)

Design buffs can rejoice as FARM, one of the few comprehensive and active online art and design sources in Singapore has created a platform for creativity. Not only can the members network through the online postings, but they can also form resource networks where they can group together to share equipment such as lighting sand even rope in each other’s talents. And apart from that they can also get updated on local and international design competitions. Even if you flunked art, FARM is a worthwhile visit to uncover other Singaporeans’ talents in the arts.

Zaka Zaka (www.blog.zakka-zakka.com)

The good old days of meticulously sewing and knitting are long gone, but the craft of embroidered handiwork is still appreciated even by the young. Specialising in knits and crochet, Zaka Zaka gives inspiration to the modern dresser by reinventing old styles to create unique works. Look for other posts on craft book reviews, short tutorials for making cute crafts and other cool handmade products from all over the world. If you’re still adamant in believing that knitting is only for those above 60, the fact that Russel Crowe and Julia Roberts are avid fans of the balls of string should be enough to change your mind.

LazySusan (www.lazysusan.biz)

Long-time best friends, Denise Tan and Sue-Ann Lee, both 31, started LazySusan in February this year. Their childhood arts and craft days carried on through to adulthood when they started sewing seriously last year. But the 2 self-taught sewing enthusiasts also have a weak spot for all things edible, “So, we decided to put our two passions together to come up with something cute and wearable for everyone to enjoy,” says Denise.

The result is a cute collection of handicrafts featuring sweet delights such as gingerbread man, cupcakes and frosted donuts. To cater to customers who appreciate the time and effort put into craftsmanship, everything in LazySusan is 100 percent designed and handmade by the duo.

What can you splurge on?

Gingerbread men, cupcakes, siew mais (meat dumplings), California hand rolls and frosted donuts. Sounds more like a buffet spread than a shopping site? Well, there aren’t any calories to worry about here. Customisation is also available for all products as they are only crafted once the orders come in. Waiting time is usually a week.

What’s the damage?

Prices for these handmade craftworks range from $15 to $25. Delivery is free for all purchases in Singapore.

SkinnyMunster (www.skinnymunster.com)

SkinnyMunster was founded in 2005 by t-shirt design lovers and tech-geeks, Ardy Ismail, 28, and Nizar K C, 26. The idea of setting up an online store was birthed when they realised that the shipping charges for purchases from international online stores were emptying their pockets. When their pals expressed the same concerns, they built an online store based in Singapore that offers local and international brands at a much more affordable cost. “We wanted to showcase clothes that flaunted style and design from a store that offers variety and 24-7 accessibility,” says Ardy.

What can you splurge on?

This is the place to find cult design t-shirt brands from USA like Tank Theory, Ubiquity, Nuflo and Threadless. With new stocks arriving every month, SkinnyMunster maintains its exclusivity and uniqueness, by importing only one to four pieces per design.

What’s the damage?

Depending on the brand, most items are priced from $30 for a t-shirt to slightly over $80 for a sweatshirt. On the plus side, you needn’t worry about shipping costs, because postage is free within Singapore.

ImedaGoze (www.imedagoze.blogspot.com)

Need design inspirations to revamp your boring-looking room? ImedaGoze is an interesting read for the latest scoop on home décor. Featuring hip and chic design trends from all over the globe, it’s a different experience from flipping through an Ikea catalogue; with the range of posts going from space-age looking chairs to kitschy fabrics. Who knew that wall stickers could transform a space from drab to hip in less than 5 minutes? A note of caution though, staying at the site for too long will make you want to do re-do your room!

What can you splurge on?

Given the company’s mission to “Always be first with the latest hot stuff”, you can often find products at Your Lifestore before they make it to the local retail shops. Given the wide array of products, you can find items ranging from wall stickers to the outrageous novelty ‘Bedroom Romance’ kits to spice up your nights. Other interesting items include coughing ashtrays, colour changing mood clocks and a mini USB powered aquarium.

Your Lifestore

Ray Juan, 25, Director of Your Lifestore, founded this fashion blog last year. Running the business as a one-man show, he frequently flies to places like Hong Kong, China, Korea and Thailand to source for the latest innovative products and ideas to fill the shelves of the store. He says, “our concept is to try to do things differently, we search high and low for things with a twist, products that are inspirational, quirky and downright fun.”

What’s the damage?

Prices cover a wide spectrum. $5.90 can get you a splattering venting ball while $99.90 will bring you a sleek clock manufactured by London-based design firm Joseph Joseph.