Noisy Neighbours

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.