Tuesday, 8 February 2011

Witch Hazel

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!

Friday, 4 February 2011

Lovebirds

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!

Friday, 28 January 2011

New things from Sanna Annuka




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...

Monday, 24 January 2011

Respect

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.


Friday, 21 January 2011

My New Best Friend

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.

Monday, 17 January 2011

Unit 12 'Wonderland' Exhibition

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

Tuesday, 11 January 2011