Branch Out

Lots of Drawing.

2012-01-25T06:02:00.000-08:00

I've been working up this 'British Birds' idea that I started when I was on my hols last September. I'm trying to make a long, narrow composition with a Springtime feel. Starting with these sketches, then drawing up the design ready to make a print later this week.
My ink and brushes tin fits right in with the theme.
I'll be exhibiting at The Spring Fair at Birmingham NEC from February 5th (Hall4 stand c73), so work is apace to have some new prints ready for the show.

'Noisy Neighbours' News

2012-01-24T06:20:00.000-08:00

Great news! Tate Publishing have almost sold out of the first edition hardback copies of 'Noisy Neighbours'. There are still some available from Tate and also a last few from Amazon.

Er, Happy New Year!

2012-01-24T06:10:00.000-08:00

Has it really been 2 months since my last posting? Whoops-a daisy! What a slacker!
I haven't been hibernating. Most of my inactivity is due to spending all of my spare time on trying to finish our kitchen renovations. Happily, it's mostly done now.

We chose this 'Logpile' wallpaper from 'Roddy and Ginger'. Well, Foxy spotted it, and I had to admit that it was perfect, and much better than any of the ones that I had come up with!

Anti Graphic

2011-11-24T09:50:00.000-08:00

I had a great time at Mid Century Modern on Sunday. One of the nice things about this show is that I often meet people whose work I love and get to have a little chat with them. It was a pleasure to exchange a few words with Patrick Edgeley, and I was very taken with his 'Retro Kitchen' print. I'm thinking of dropping some very unsubtle birthday hints (are you reading this dear?)
Check out more of Patrick's work here: http://www.antigraphic.biz/Retro-kitchen.html

My Kitchen

2011-11-22T08:46:00.000-08:00

So, we finally bit the bullet and ordered a new kitchen. The old green cabinets had to go. The last few weeks have seen a spectrum of dust, chaos and mess, but it seems that little by little we are getting there.
This picture was taken a couple of weeks back. No sink, plumbing and electrics being re- routed.

And these last two show the new floor. We have a cooker now as well, it's so nice to have home cooked food again- take-away stops being a treat after day 3! Fingers crossed the rest will turn up before Santa does.

Bob-Bobbin

2011-10-17T03:03:00.000-07:00

New this week is another hand printed Christmas card design. This little red robin is available from 'Not on The High Street' at £6.50 for a pack of five.

Longshanks

2011-09-27T07:59:00.000-07:00

A new print ready for the Palace Art Fair. This one is called 'Longshanks', no prizes for guessing who the model is!
The image size is 21x21cm, and these will be available for £65 each unframed. They aren't on the website yet, email me if you would like to order one.

Here it is in the turquoise colourway, this one is called 'Stanley'

The Palace Art Fair

2011-09-27T02:47:00.000-07:00

Jennie Ing and me will be sharing stand 72 at the Palace Art Fair, Fri 7-Sun 9th October. I have some free tickets for Friday, if you would like one- send your postal address to me at ruthgreendesign@hotmail.com . I also have some 2 for 1 tickets for the whole three days.

Pumpkin Print

2011-09-08T08:36:00.000-07:00

The allotment is at it's very best at this time of year. I've made this little print to celebrate it!

Hartley

2011-08-31T04:33:00.000-07:00

Hartley the hare. Trotting along without a care in the world. This edition of 65 is now available from Not on the High Street, for £35 including a frame. Click here to purchase

Around the House

2011-08-30T13:02:00.000-07:00

Last week I had a visit from the delightful Frances Massey. She came over to do a bit of printing with me, and what a fun day we had! While she was here, Fran took lots of photos of the studio and around the house. It made me look at the place in a whole new light, and I was so chuffed with her pictures I thought I'd post them here.

These are Fran's pictures of the studio, taken during our printing session.

And a few others of the kitchen....

You can read Frans' blog, 'Petals and Berries' here

Silver Robins Christmas Cards Just Released.

2011-08-30T06:19:00.000-07:00

New on 'Not on The High Street' today are my hand made 'Silver Robins' Christmas cards. A set of five screen printed cards is available for £6.50 with free delivery. The print is in silver ink, which I've used for the first time, but am really pleased with the results.
Follow this link to buy on line.

Owl Barn Blog

2011-08-26T09:09:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to Jill who mentioned that 'Noisy Neighbours' was featured on the My Owl Barn blog recently. Click here to have a look!

Is It That Time Already?

2011-08-26T06:38:00.000-07:00

Oh, I know. It's too early for Christmas stuff. But, that's what I've been doing over the last couple of weeks, getting new things ready for the shows I'm doing this Autumn.
I love lists, and ESPECIALLY love crossing things off lists. So satisfying!
Anyway, here's my new hand printed 'Christmas Lists' notebook, freshly uploaded onto Not on the High St, where you can buy one here.

Road trip

2011-08-03T06:38:00.000-07:00

Over a year ago, I received this map of North Norfolk, produced by St. Jude's Gallery, in the post. Ever since I laid eyes on it, I wanted to do the trip. Well, next week we are heading off for a few days. Hurray!
The map is beautifully illustrated by Mark Hearld. I can't wait to see what else St. Jude's has on offer!

Git Offa my Porch.

2011-07-28T08:52:00.000-07:00

Foxy has nicked off with one of my drawings for his ace single 'Flowers'. It's a cover of the Galaxie 500 classic, which I have loved for a very long time!
He will be playing it this weekend at his very first festival, Indie Tracks. OOoo I can't wait!. We are giving away the single for free to anyone who comes along to his set, and I'll be stocking the merch stall with a few of my goodies. Oh, and we have a new tent to kip in! It has a porch, which I intend to sit out in, strumming a banjo and possibly drinking a beer or two. Roll on the weekend!

'Branch Out' now available from Easy Art

2011-07-07T07:15:00.000-07:00

Branch Out

This is one of the first screenprints that I made, and still one of my favourites. It's currently being reproduced by Easy Art for £23.95 including delivery.
They also have a range of some other my other images, all reproduced from the original screenprints.

Bramble Bush

This one is called 'Bramble Bush' and is available for £9.90 inc. delivery. Follow this link to see the rest of my folio with Easy Art

Car Boot Fun.

2011-07-05T02:53:00.000-07:00

I went off to the Studley car boot sale with my friend Sara on Sunday morning. We both came home laden with treasures (and slight sunstroke!)
Here's what I found:

This chap made me chuckle so much that I couldn't walk away without him. He has the most sinister and perturbed face!

And he's a teapot! Incredible!
I also found this nice teatowel with a rather good mushroom design:

and a twee picture of a dog and cat:

Stuff I never knew I needed!

New Print

2011-07-05T02:42:00.000-07:00

Here's the working sketch for a new print I've been working on over the last few weeks. I'm working out the colourways and making the screens for the background colours today. It's the biggest print I've done for a while, and is based on the the little 'Lovebirds' painting I did earlier this year.

This image is my ink drawing onto film, ready to be exposed onto the screen.

Unit 12 Charity Auction

2011-06-28T02:34:00.000-07:00

Unit 12 in Stafford are running a charity art auction on July 16th, in support of the Compton Hospice. There's lots of beautiful art to bid on for a very worthy cause. Work will be available to view from July 9th, and if you can't make it to the auction, you can place a sealed bid on any pieces that take you fancy by visiting the facebook event page here

Painted Trees

2011-06-23T07:32:00.000-07:00

These are the little wooden bowls and boards that I painted for the 'Magic' show in Solihull. The show has finished now, so I'm considering adding to this group, and including them in some of the forthcoming shows. A few of them will be available at Moseley Arts Market this Saturday (25th) Prices start at £25 for the smaller pieces.

Gardener's World

2011-06-23T06:26:00.000-07:00

Last week I trolleyed along to my most local of the big garden shows- 'Gardener's World Live'. I've been every year for quite a long while, and I always come back a good few quid lighter.
The RHS marquee is always great. Lots of nurseries making a spectacular effort to show their plants to their very, very best. I was really impressed with the Pennards plant display, laid out like a traditional veg patch, with recipe suggestions for each variety. I also liked this tin can idea on one of the outdoor showgardens:

I bought two new Pelargoniums from Fibrex Nursery (a firm favourite, I have a soft spot for species and scented leaf pels). Also Cephalaria Gigantea, (a huge lanky scabious type flower), Mathiasella 'Green Dream', and a lovely, twisty veronicastrum (I walked past Linda Barker, she said my veronicastrum was nice!).

The new plants got me thinking about the garden layout. I haven't really got to grips with this garden yet, despite being in this 'new' house for a good 18 months now. Stan has been leaping around and generally dashing about in the area that was to be my 'long border', so my ideas are changing rapidly.

Payback Time!

2011-06-09T03:10:00.000-07:00

It's around this time of year that the allotment starts to yield some proper crops at last. The strawberries have started to fruit, and there really is nothing more Summery than eating a freshly picked strawb on a sunny morning. This week we have also harvested a few elderflowers, and made cordial and started some champagne. The cordial makes a delicious addition to the strawberries, sweet and fragrant.
I cut myself a bouquet from the allotment border- the Nigella and Knautia look lovely, and I adore the parsnip flowers which I allow to go to seed for next years crop. Parsnip flowers make me sneeze like crazy, but the almost coconut scent is worth it!

Swedish Charity Shop Adventure!

2011-06-08T05:43:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago I made a little trip over to Varberg in Sweden, to visit my old pal Emma.It was great to catch up again, and meet Freja, the newest addition to the family. We spent the week making a new veg patch, and touring some of Emma's favourite second hand shops.

Here's some pictures of the lovely embroidered cushion I found, some old soda bottles with beautiful vintage labels and a vintage tea towell. Treasure!

Mine's a Half.

2011-05-21T01:17:00.000-07:00

Happy Saturday everyone!
Here's a link to The Half Pint Press blog. They make beautiful letterpress prints and did some work on the beermat project I did with Mr. Fox.

http://halfpintpress.blogspot.com/2011/04/i-was-delighted-to-be-part-of-project.html

Cards for Gardeners.

2011-05-11T07:45:00.000-07:00

Two new hand printed cards. I've just finished these in time for the Malvern Spring Garden Show, which starts tomorrow. They'll be available on 'Not on The High St' in the next week or so.

Springing about

2011-05-10T14:07:00.000-07:00

These rascally rabbits seem to have multiplied across my desk. I made these to take up to Printfest, and am preparing more for my stand at the Malvern Spring Gardening Show, which starts on Thursday. Yep, thats just over a day to go, looks like it's going to be a long night!

and the winners are...

2011-05-04T08:39:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to Helaina Sharpley and Ray Dawson, who both came up with the name 'Reginald' for the new rooster print. A print is on it's way to both of you.

Win a Print!

2011-04-22T05:40:00.000-07:00

A little bit of bank holiday fun for you.
This is my new rooster print. He needs a title.
Email me your suggestions, and your postal address, and I will send a print to the best entry. Last date for entries is Tuesday 26th, so get your thinking caps on. Please put 'Rooster' in your subject line.

This print, and a couple of others, will be launched at 'Printfest' on Friday 29th May. I have 10 tickets to give away, so the first 5 people to email with their postal address will win 2 tickets. Mark your email 'Printfest'

Printfest will be held at the Coronation Hall in Ulverston on Saturday 30th April and Sunday 1st May (10-5 each day) More details here: www.printfest.org.uk. The private view is on Friday 29th April from 7-9pm, by invitation only.

www.ruthgreendesign@hotmail.com

The Cutco Cookbook

2011-04-14T03:30:00.000-07:00

I found this book in a brilliant shop called 'Kitchen Witch' in New Orleans. It's the 1961 'Cutco Cook Book' by Margaret Mitchell. I bought it because of the fabulous illustrations throughout, by Frank Marcello. I'll google him and see if I can find anything else.

By the way, if you ever find yourself in New Orleans, I thoroughly recommend a trip to Kitchen Witch. The shop is wonderful, full of vintage cookery books, and some sleepy dogs to pet whilst you browse.

More from the Scrap Book

2011-03-31T04:27:00.000-07:00

Travel Scrap Book

2011-03-30T10:44:00.000-07:00

A few years ago, I started keeping scraps and pasting them in a book when I went somewhere interesting. There's a lot of mucking around when you travel, and I prefer doing this than reading when I'm away. It's a good way of keeping all those museum tickets, beer labels, and other oddments that seem to end up in my pockets!
Here's the first few pages of my recent one

Hatch Show Print

2011-03-30T10:00:00.000-07:00

I've been on my holidays! Just back from a trip from New Orleans to Nashville, stopping off at Lafayette, Clarksdale and Memphis on the way.
The Hatch Show Print shop in Nashville has been making show posters since 1879, there's more info here:
http://countrymusichalloffame.org/our-work/.
Many of their posters were made for The Grand Ole Opry, just round the corner.

This place was a real gem- I got very excited to see the staff setting type while we browsed around the shop- and what a shop! I spent a small fortune. Here's some more pictures.

Print and Pattern

2011-03-01T03:49:00.000-08:00

Hardly a day goes by when I don't have a look at this blog, and today I'm on it! Very exciting!
http://printpattern.blogspot.com/2011/03/book-ruth-green-for-tate.html

When the clock strikes four..

2011-02-23T03:19:00.000-08:00

The 'Girls Who Draw' are planning an new exhibition at The Solihull Arts Complex at the beginning of April. The show will be a follow up to the 'Magic' postcard book which came out last year.

This week I've been printing the 'Magic Brew' illustration, which was included in the book. I've made a very small edition, and am working on a printed box, continuing to use found and recycled objects for printing and painting. Simon found a great selection of tree shaped wooden bowls at the Malvern Flea last weekend- and these are being painted ready for the show too.
The new edition will be called 'Everything Stops For Tea' , and will be on the website very soon!

Waking from Winter

2011-02-17T08:37:00.000-08:00

I've been ignoring my allotment recently. It's either raining, or I have a cold- excuses, excuses. February seems to do everything it can to make me hate being outdoors. But it won't win!

I've been reading the two volume opus that is 'Tender' by Nigel Slater. It has had the effect of making me put on my wellies and start dealing with the wasteland which is plot 51. Amazing what the prospect of a home grown asparagus tart can do.
Anyway, as you can see, it looks a bit unloved, but there are signs of stirring. The rhubarb is beginning to show through. I cleared up the patch, and was very pleased to notice that the alpine strawberries are really beginning to get a hold here.

I spent a couple of hours tidying, and found some spuds and parsnips to bring home. The salads and broad beans are starting in the greenhouse too. Oh, and garlic!

Maybe it's not so bad after all.

Favourite Flowers

2011-02-15T05:31:00.000-08:00

I've just finished watching the Carol Klein series that's been on over the last few weeks. It was so inspiring to see the changes that happened at Glebe Cottage from the deepest Winter to the peak of Summer. It gives me hope that the mudbath that passes for a garden at the back of our house might actually be green and lush again in a few months.

I've been making some drawings of my all-time favourite plants, and making prints from them. Here's the first one of 'Cornflowers', it will be on the website soon.

Advance Copies of Noisy Neighbours- A little peek!

2011-02-11T07:31:00.000-08:00

Here's a little look at some of the images in my new book! I got the advance copies last week, and very excited I was too!
The official release date will be March 14th, pre orders can be made at Amazon

Witch Hazel

2011-02-08T06:32:00.000-08:00

The Witch Hazels have been flowering for over a week now. This has to be one of my all-time favourite plants. It is the first to flower, beating even the snowdrops, and the scent is so wonderful it can stop you in your tracks.

This one is Hamamelis 'Pallida', which Emma got for me 2 or 3 years ago. Pale yellow flowers, and, the BEST scent of all of its group. It's been confined to a pot, but hasn't seemed to mind too much. My plan is to make an early flowering bed at the front of the house, with two or three of these taking the centre stage.

I got a small 'Orange Beauty' from Badger Nurseries at the weekend- a bargain at £5.49. The flowers are darker than Pallida, it's also very fragrant.

Inspired by Carol Klein and her passion for propagating plants, I took a few cuttings from 'Pallida' last year. I didn't expect them to take at all, but they are still alive, and have buds. Both of the plants that I have are grafted, so I've no idea what I will get from my cuttings! What fun!

Lovebirds

2011-02-04T03:49:00.000-08:00

This week has seen a bit of experimenting with different materials. I've been thinking about different objects and surfaces that I could print or paint on. It's been absolutely ages since I did any painting. This little wooden cheese board offered itself up in a charity shop- and being vaguely tree shaped, it seemed like an open invite.

Anyway, it feels good to stretch those muscles again, and I'm planning to adapt the subject of this painting into a print edition. My new exposure unit arrived last week, so more experimental fun coming soon!

New things from Sanna Annuka

2011-01-28T09:46:00.000-08:00

Sanna Annuka has made this new screenprint called 'Mummola' ( Finnish for 'Grandma's House'). I think it's just the bees knees. I'm a big fan of Scandinavian kitchen ware, especially Finel enamel, so this print is just up my street!

Sanna has also just launched these new candlesticks, made from printed wood. Is it me, or do they look abit like an owl? Everything looks a bit like an owl to me though...

Respect

2011-01-24T06:44:00.000-08:00

My other half, Simon, has made a fabulous album of cover versions over the course of 2010. Each month, he recorded a new song, a version of one of his favourite eighties songs. In December he released the whole lot on 'Where It's at is Where You Are' records. As an extra bonus, he got his 'in-house designer' to make some hand printed beermats to inside the deluxe versions!

The album is called 'Respect', you can get your hands on one here, and read more about 'Respect' here. The album costs £5 with a basic sleeve, or £11 for the deluxe version with original prints.

My New Best Friend

2011-01-21T10:46:00.000-08:00

Meet Stan.

He came to live with us on Sunday, and has been busy making himself at home. It's been a fun week, we've learned that Stan loves cheese, isn't keen on apples, likes barking at squirrels, is freaked out by shadows and would prefer to sleep on our bed (NOT ALLOWED!)

Stan came from The Dog's Trust in Evesham. I was really impressed with all they do to help you re-home your new pet. We attended a talk about training and general advice, and you are given all kinds of bits and pieces to help your new pal settle in. Full marks.

Unit 12 'Wonderland' Exhibition

2011-01-17T05:40:00.000-08:00

I was recently asked by Jennifer Collier to take part in the 'Wonderland' exhibition, at Unit 12. Jen set up this gallery and workshop space last year, in a converted cow shed . It's a great location, out in rural Staffordshire- and has an engaging programme of workshops and exhibitions run by Jen and other artists and makers.

Jennifer herself makes beautiful pieces, inspired by shoes and clothing and recycled materials. Her work is usually on show at the Unit.

I'm in awe of what Jen has achieved here at Unit 12. The programme of shows and workshops for 2011 is an absolute corker! It really is worth a visit. We had a great day at the 'Wonderland' opening, we even made some pop-up paper houses!

Unit 12 is open from Thurs-Sat, 10-4. This show runs until Feb 26th- you can find Unit 12 at Tixall Heath Farm, Tixall, Stafford, ST18 0XX

Noisy Neighbours

2011-01-11T10:35:00.000-08:00

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Noisy-Neighbours-Ruth-Green/dp/1854379429

A new book for children, to be released in March.

Busy, Busy!

2010-11-24T08:22:00.000-08:00

Last weekend at The Midland Arts Centre in Cannon Hill Park went really well. It was so good to see so many of my favourite Birmingham makers altogether. I'll be there again on Sunday.

The day before on Saturday 27th, I'll be at the Handmade market- just behind the Bullring and adjacent to the Birmingham Rag Market. I'll be a little larger than usual, as I plan to be wearing all of my clothes plus a good layer of hot water bottles! It's going to be proper chilly!

Then, from December 3rd-5th, I'll be off to South Wales for the 'Made By Hand' show. This is a new Craft event, organised by the same people responsible for the Summer show in Bovey Tracey. It should be a great show, with lots of exciting work to see!

Goodbye Stig

2010-11-08T07:15:00.000-08:00

A sad day. We said our farewells to Stig the dog. He's been our buddy since April 1997, and will very sorely missed. This is my favourite picture of him, leaping around like a loon on the beach in Aberystwyth.

Autumn Bliss

2010-11-01T11:00:00.000-07:00

A late afternoon session down at the allotment last week. It's nice to get out in the fresh air and get a bit of exercise, there's plenty of digging to be done. The Autumn raspberries are still going strong despite a couple of frosts.

I also dug a few remaining spuds, and brought in the pumpkins. The big fella was put to good use with a candle on Hallowe'en, the rest of him ended up in a delicious curry!

Some More from Manchester

2010-11-01T04:15:00.000-07:00

Here's some photos that we took during the set up at The Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair the other day. Mr. Fox kindly came along to help, despite fighting a horrid virus. He is very handy with a spirit level.

The first one going up on the wall. This is the new large print that I blogged about a while back. It was touch and go whether it would be ready, but I finished it on the Monday before the show! Phew! The pre planning worked after all.

I'm a little teeny bit concerned about the bloke hopping around on the canvas roof.

Nearly done..

And relax...Job's a good 'un. We rewarded ourselves with some top flight Japanese nosh at a place round the corner. Takoyaki is my favourite!

It Takes Allsorts.

2010-10-28T08:51:00.000-07:00

I'll be at the Solihull Arts Complex on Saturday, with a selection of prints, cards and notelets. Come and say hello if you fancy! It's free.

The Great Northern

2010-10-27T10:25:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I had a stand at the Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair in Manchester. It was a brilliant show, with a varied selection of makers. 'H is for Home' were kind enough to take a few shots of my stand, and cover the show on their blog.

This week I'm busy with lots of gallery orders. I've printed a vast amount of Christmas cards today for 'Not on the High St' orders. I've got a few more pics to share, but the camera is being 'difficult'. More later...

Cyril in stereo

2010-10-20T07:06:00.000-07:00

This is my desk, taken over by the new edition of Cyril the Squirrel.

New Prints at Landmark

2010-10-14T05:41:00.000-07:00

I'm busy getting ready for the Landmark Art Fair in Teddington this weekend. I've been a regular at this event for a good few years now. This show always has a good mix of art and jewellery (which means potential swapping- hurray!)

You can print out this voucher for 2 for 1 entry and bring it along if you fancy a visit over the weekend.

I'll be taking along six new screenprints, which are available on the website from today. here's a couple of them..

That's Magic!

2010-10-08T07:53:00.000-07:00

The marvellous Karoline Rerrie has done it again! She has brought together a collection of female illustrators for the newest 'Girls Who Draw' postcard book. It's an absolute gem, with work by Karoline, Anke Weckmann, Gemma Correll, Mary Kilvert, Beth Morrison, Alys Paterson, Yee Ting Kuit, Sarah Ray, Currentstate, Kate Hindley and me!

Here's my contribution, a magic mushroom and a magic brew...

and a few examples of the others..

The books are available from my Not on the High Street page at £7 each.

Rough Edges

2010-10-01T06:14:00.000-07:00

I don't usually bother with preliminary sketches for a print. I make the drawing, then the screen, and away I go. I like this, because it makes life dangerous/chaotic/fun- but also sometimes it wastes time and materials when things go wrong that could have been ironed out with a quick sketch.

So, here I am making a plan for a new giant scale print. Time is short, as I would ideally like to have this on the wall at The Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair in a few weeks time. Let's see if a bit of pre-planning will work.

Mouth Watering!

2010-09-29T14:58:00.000-07:00

Oh my goodness me! Just look at these lovely new designs by Sanna Annuka for Marks and Spencer. And they have biscuits in as well. Can you really ask for anything else?

Handmade in Birmingham

2010-09-24T10:32:00.000-07:00

There's been quite flurry of activity on the hand made scene in Birmingham recently. I'm very proud to have been part of the new market which takes place next to the rag market every Saturday and Sunday. I'll be there again this coming Sunday from 11-5pm. Come and say hello if you are in town.

http://handmadebirmingham.com/

I can't stress how much it matters to have good local venues for designers, makers and artists to show the public what they can produce. Well done 'Handmade'!

Stickers Are Here!

2010-09-22T13:14:00.000-07:00

Look what arrived through my letterbox this week! I love getting parcels, and I love stickers. So, not a bad day for me.
They are available from Not on The High Street as of now.

New Notecards

2010-09-20T07:32:00.000-07:00

I'm very pleased to announce that my new pack of notecards has arrived! These have been published by TeNeues- who have put them together in a lovely box with a highly addictive magnetic fastening!

There are 4 different designs in the pack.

They are available from my 'Not on The High St' page.

Frankness

2010-09-08T07:20:00.000-07:00

The last of the sticker designs, inspired by an adorable little chap called Frank. Everything has gone to print and now I'm waiting excitedly for the postie to bring my new goodies!! Watch this space.

Nice One, Cyril

2010-09-07T09:28:00.001-07:00

And here's another one- he's called Cyril.

Stick Around

2010-09-07T06:48:00.000-07:00

This week I'm working on some new sticker designs. The peacock is a re-working of the 'Pretty Boy' print that sold out a while back. I should have a few more ready soon.

It's Not The Winning..

2010-09-01T07:26:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday saw a rare opportunity for me to take part in the Wheelers Lane Annual Allotment Show. Generally we are off doing something else on the August Bank Holiday, so it's been a few years since I took part.

Now, I know that I haven't had a lot of spare time to lavish on my veg this year, but I was secretly hoping that I might scoop a couple of prizes.. My veg were HOPELESS! Not a single placing. Oh well, I'll just have to do better next year. However, I was consoled by a not-too-shabby second place for my plum jam.

Holiday Monday turned out to be a corker of a day, with a group visit to the Malvern Flea Market. I found some choice items, and had a grand old time. Kings Heath should put a coach trip on next time, there were loads of B14ers wandering around!

Playing Shop

2010-08-09T09:44:00.000-07:00

Oh! I've had a good time at The Fountain Gallery! I'm currently sharing a show with Jennie Ing, Catherine Ball and Dana Leigh, and we are taking it in turns to do a stint in the gallery. I was there on Saturday, chatting to customers, crocheting and listening to some good tunes. What a fun day!

I had a nice evening with Jennie and her pals, then we had a 'meet the makers' event on Sunday. Lots of folks came along. Dana's husband Gavin made us some delicious food, and brought wine for our guests.

The show continues until Sunday August 15th. You can find the gallery at 26 Bridge Rd, Hampton Court, East Molesey, Surrey KT8 9HA. Telephone 020 8941 5865

Urban Art Fair This Weekend.

2010-07-15T02:33:00.000-07:00

Here's the info about the Urban Art Fair in Brixton, I'll be exhibiting there this weekend.

Summer is here and now is the time to enjoy art in the open air at London's largest annual alfresco Art Fair. For the ninth year running the residents of Josephine Avenue will be transforming their sleepy, tree lined street into a bustling exhibition space. With a hundred and fifty photographers, printers and painters exhibiting this is our biggest event yet. Entry is FREE and with prices ranging from under a tenner to over a thousand pounds this makes it a truly affordable event for all art lovers, whatever your budget.

As well as a seeing a wealth of art, you can also taste a mouth watering selection at our various foods stalls which will include Mexican, Carribean and Indian, plus our Saturday 'Tea & Cakes' stand. Live Art will be provided by graffiti artists Soulful Gallery and JPart who will both be creating stunning new works on our Urban Art Walls. On the Saturday you can treat your ears at our SOUND STAGE which will feature an eclectic mix of music from local musicians (for more info click here).

You can also help us raise money for good causes on our Charity Sunday.This is when 10% from all sales will be donated to our two charity partners The British Home and Trinity Hospice.

Urban Art 2010 is a unique London event not be missed. Not only is it the perfect setting to view new and original artworks, it is also a great way to meet and talk to artists face to face. All this plus live graffiti being created in front of your very eyes, delicious food to taste, some great music to listen to, plus the opportunity of raising money for some very worthy causes...what more could you ask?

So make a note in your diary and set a date to experience art in the open air... it's what Summer days were made for.

17th & 18th July, 10am-6pm. Josephine Avenue, London SW2

I'll be introducing a couple of new prints, which are versions of the illustrations in the book project I'm working on. This one is called 'The Allotment', and the one below is 'Dawn Chorus'. Hope to see you there!

More From Sweden

2010-07-13T06:59:00.000-07:00

Here's some more pictures from my trip to Sweden in April. Emma and I went on a little jaunt into Gothenburg, where I was very taken with the Marimekko ceramics range.

I also had to be dragged away from this supercool Moomin poster!

Back at Emma's, I had a sneaky rifle through her fabric chest. She has made some good finds recently!

I'm terribly envious of the dress that she made from this beautiful cotton. There was also this, which is really rather smashing!

Noisy Neighbours

2010-07-12T05:50:00.000-07:00

For the last couple of months, I've been busy making 18 new prints for a book project. It's a childrens book called 'Noisy Neighbours' based on last years print of the same name.

The story is about a snail who is off on his travels, looking for some peace and quiet. Here's a picture of some of the prints put together in a book format. The book should be out by March 2011. This is the original 'Noisy Neighbours'

Rob Ryan in Stafford

2010-07-09T07:00:00.000-07:00

More jolly news! Mr. Rob Ryan is having a ceramics exhibition in Stafford later this year. It will be at the Shire Hall Gallery from Saturday 13th November until Sunday 9th Jan 2011. I can't wait.

The images show the maquettes he is currently making for the show- there's more on his blog.

New Orla Kiely Book

2010-07-09T05:06:00.000-07:00

I'm terrifically excited about this new book, which will be available from September. I've pre-ordered mine from Amazon , where there is also a little film of Orla discussing the book. Exciting!

Falmouth with the Girls Who Draw

2010-07-07T12:51:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I loaded up the car with prints and goodies and headed down to Falmouth, to help set up the 'Menagerie' show. I really had a marvellous time.

I had forgotten just how beautiful Cornwall is in the Summer. This is the view from the castle- a little secret beach.
Anyway, enough with the nature talk, this is what we were there for..

Here's some shots of the show and opening night.

Here and Now is a great gallery and shop-I thoroughly recommend it if you find yourself in that neck of the woods. Here's a couple of things that came home to Brum with me..

This chap is by Alice Apple. Isn't he sweet?

And these delightful norks are by Lucy Sheridan.

By the way, if you do find yourself in Falmouth this Summer, just behave yourself.

Fruit Leather

2010-06-30T06:08:00.000-07:00

Things to do with strawbs...

Make a smoothie. I like to add a 'nana and some apple, and a squeeze of lime juice. And sometimes vodka. It's also really good with sparkling wine, or champagne if you are a fancy pants!

I was always a bit upset to throw away the fruity pulp from the juicer. Bob Flowerdew has a solution, fruit leather. I got his book 'Grow Your Own, Eat Your Own' from my bro a couple of Christmases ago. It's been pretty handy, and I love Bob's take on lifestyle pics- his garden looks a bit of a state! Old bits and bobs (s'cuse the pun) all over the shop. Very encouraging. Anyway, basically you empty all the pulp into a pan, and simmer it for a bit to make a paste. Grease a tray, and spread the paste out, then leave it in a very low oven, or out in the sun.

Since the weather has been so fine, my leather has been drying on the patio. I raised it off the ground on an old plant stand, and covered it with a silkscreen to keep the flies off.

Then, when it's completely dry, chop it up and store in a jar. Easy. And tasty.

Charity Shop Adventures

2010-06-30T05:37:00.000-07:00

I have a weakness for charity shops. Today, my errand to the post office and bank was again diverted to the Oxfam bookshop on kings Heath High St, where I found this little beauty.

A great big Mrs. Beeton book complete with some top class 70's photography. Check out that pork pie! The cloth in the background was also bought today, at the St. Mary's hospice shop, where I also found this mirror, a snip at £3.50!

Ah, look- Stig the dog managed a look in there. He was particularly doddery this morning, refusing flatly to even attempt going for a walk.

At the Allotment

2010-06-29T09:47:00.000-07:00

I was down at the allotment until 10:30 the other night. I can't tear myself away at this time of year. These are last years parsnips in full flower. I'm saving seeds for next years crop and the bees are getting a feast into the bargain.

The flower border is coming on, still as scraggy and shaggy as ever, but these 'Knautia Macedonica' add a good splash of colour.

Just picked- the first crop of broad beans. I absolutely love them!

And finally, the strawberries are in full production. I have no idea why I grow so many. I'm already heartily sick of them. We've had smoothies, crumble, cupcakes and fruit leather made from them in the past week. Still, the freezer is taking the strain now, and I'm sure I'll appreciate this in the coming months.
If anyone has a favourite strawberry variety I'd love to hear from you.

Kings Heath Shin Dig 19th June.

2010-06-15T07:07:00.000-07:00

Coming up on Saturday 19th June is the Kings Heath Summer Party. There will be lots of things happening, see the details here -
including a food fair at All Saints Square, the bar-boot will take place in the Hare and Hounds, Alys Fowler is opening the Kings Heath Floral Trail- loads to keep you busy!

I'll be involved in the arts and vintage market at the top of Vicarage Rd (where the farmers market is). There will be prints, cards and bags for sale, and I'm giving away some of my saved seeds.

I've been collecting seed from especially succesful crops at the allotment for a while now. The rocket is really good, and keeps us in salad throughout the Summer. I made these labels for the market.
This year, the parsnips have been left to flower so I can collect next years seed from them. I've also got the last of the leeks earmarked.Lovely!

Simon will be manning the stall, and playing a set at The Soul Food Project in the Hare and Hounds. He'll be playing in the pub at about 3:30pm. The grub looks amazing!!

The travelling Menagerie goes to Falmouth

2010-06-07T04:13:00.000-07:00

I'm extremely excited to be taking part in this exhibition which starts in July. The 'Girls Who Draw' are a group of female illustrators, curated by the wonderful Karoline Rerrie.

Here's the details:

Travelling Menagerie at Here and Now Gallery, Falmouth, July 2nd - July 31st 2010

Here and Now Gallery

41 a Killigrew Street

Falmouth

Cornwall

TR113PW

Girls Who Draw invite you to come and visit their amazing 'Travelling Menagerie' which will be at the Here and Now Gallery in Falmouth throughout July. The exhibition will feature an exotic array of artwork from the 'Menagerie' postcard book as well as new work based on the same theme. There are 10 illustrators participating in the exhibition and they are Gemma Correll, Anke Weckmann, Mary Kilvert, Sarah Ray, Kate Hindley, Ruth Green, Currentstate, Yee Ting Kuit, Karoline Rerrie and Michelle Turton.

Girls Who Draw are a small group of illustrators who collaborate in order to publish a limited edition postcard book once a year. Each book is based on a different theme and is accompanied by an exhibition. More information about the 'Menagerie' postcard book can be found at www.menageriebook.blogspot.com

www.heregallery.co.uk

New Gestalten Book

2010-06-03T06:15:00.000-07:00

I recently received a copy of this new book from Gestalten, which explores new printmaking, letterpress and graphic design, with a focus on the hand-made. You can order it, and have a look at some of the fabulous work inside here.

I was absolutely chuffed to bits to be included, here's my page...

And you have to love this illustration for 'Pastrami Jack's' by Sam Soulek.

studio window

2010-06-02T07:38:00.000-07:00

It took me ages to renovate this window in my new studio. I've had fun going through the last of the boxes from the house move, and finding my glass collection. The enamel teapot came from a car boot a couple of Sundays ago. 50p! a snip!

Orange and Black

2010-06-02T07:32:00.000-07:00

A trip to the post office yesterday afternoon ended up in the Oxfam bookshop on Kings Heath High St.
£1.95 bought me this 1959 copy of M.R. James ghost stories. I enjoyed the t.v adaptions of these that are often shown at Christmas.

But apart from liking the stories, these Penguin editions have such lovely covers...

Another recent purchase is this beautiful illustrated book of European trees. A similar use of colour to the Penguin cover, and sharp, graphic drawing. I hear the sketchbook calling.

Moseley Arts Market

2010-06-02T07:11:00.000-07:00

I had an absolutely smashing time at Moseley Art Market on 22nd May. The market is for local makers, and has some extremely lovely hand-made goodies. I'll be there again on Saturday June 26th. Hope the weather is as beautiful as it was in May.

Where did April go?

2010-05-07T04:18:00.000-07:00

This April I went to visit my old friend Emma.
Emma and her husband Pete moved to the West coast of Sweden in 2007, where they bought an old station house. Since then, their house has been lovingly renovated, making a stunning home for their new family.

Our first stop after the airport was at Mia's, Emma's Mum. She made us a fab lunch, and I got to have a look round their brand new house ( the picture above is the interior). The house looks out over the coast, and is one of the most beautiful settings you can imagine.

The following day Emma and I took a trip to Gothenburg, to visit the Botanical Gardens. A lot of the very early flowerers were at their best. This is Cornus Maas.

And this is some of last years Hydrangeas seen with the Spring sun lighting them up.

Emma is a very talented and knowledgeable garden designer, and it is always great fun to visit a garden with her. Her enthusiasm is infectious, and we spent a great day discussing our future plans for both of our gardens, and enjoying the Springtime. The volcanic ash cloud gave me a couple of extra unexpected days with my friends, which we spent laying out a new hornbeam hedge. What a bonus!

Pretty Boy

2010-04-08T06:38:00.000-07:00

I've printed some new shopper bags with the 'Pretty Boy' peacock design. These are now available from 'Not On the High St' at £6 each
http://www.notonthehighstreet.com/ruthgreendesign/product/hand-printed-shopper

May Meadow

2010-04-07T08:50:00.000-07:00

There are a couple of fairs coming up at the end of the month, so work is in full swing to make some new additions to the folio. I finished this one today, it should be on the website in the next few days.

The first event is the Reading Art Fair- a new venture from the Windsor Art Fair team. Here's the link:
http://www.readingcontemporaryartfair.co.uk/
I have some two for one tickets and invites to the private view on Friday 23rd April (the event continues on Sat 24th and Sun 25th) email me if you are in the market for a ticket- don't forget to include your postal address.

Big in Japan?

2010-04-06T06:55:00.000-07:00

I got a parcel in the post from Japan this morning. This magazine called '21st Century Prints' has an ad for some of my work. I have no idea what the text says, I'm hoping it's good..

Easter Treats.

2010-04-06T05:59:00.000-07:00

Hello!

Looks like Spring has arrived and just look at these beauties! This is new blog where I'll be posting about my printmaking exploits, and rambling on about how much I love gardening.

These Hellebores have popped up in my new garden in Kings Heath. It seemed so unpromising when we moved here in November, but these chaps give me hope. The seedlings that I found growing under the adult plants have been potted up, ready to spread more around and give a few away.

Ruth