Haiti Appeal

A devastating 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck the Caribbean island of Haiti, just ten miles from the capital Port-au-Prince, on Tuesday this week. Although there is as yet no accurate assessment of the death toll, the Disasters Emergency Committee report that up to three million people live in the area worst hit by the quake and many have lost their homes and their livelihoods.

Haiti is the poorest country in the western hemisphere and essential services have been badly hit; greatly increasing the risk that people will suffer or die in the aftermath of this natural disaster.

https://www.donate.bt.com/dec_form_haiti.html?p_form_id=OXF01

You can quickly and easily make donations via the DEC website , or over the phone on 0370 60 60 900.

Thank you.

UW. x

The art of Ulster Weavers

We are very excited about some of the designs coming your way for 2010! With new and existing licensed artwork, we feel our ranges just keep getting better and better (not to mention the fantastic artwork & creativity from our own in-house designers).

Some of our artists may be familiar to you but we have added their links below should you wish to find out some more about them.

We believe all of these artists add something really special to our collections giving you something unique and wonderful to treasure around the home.

ALEX CLARK

http://www.alexclarkart.co.uk/about-alex

Alex Clark has a small selection of PVC Bags. Her style is wildlife. We have more designs coming from Alex Clark in 2010.

RHS

http://www.rhs.org.uk/about/index.asp

RHS ranges are quite extensive within Ulster Weavers. From Helianthius, Magnolia, Cherries, Hookers Orchard, Grapes and Poinsettia.

SHARON JERVIS

http://www.sharonjervis.co.uk/?page=about

Sharon Jervis has a small selection with Ulster Weavers. Felicity and the very popular Country Year.

POLLYANNA PICKERING

http://www.pollyannapickering.co.uk/

Pollyanna Pickering has a small selection of bags with dogs designs.

ANN EDWARDS

http://www.annedwardsart.co.uk/

Ann Edwards has a growing range for 2009 with lots mores to come for 2010. Cakes & Fashion Victim are currently on Ulster Weavers site.

THOMAS JOSEPH

http://www.tomjoe.com/index/index.html

Thomas Joseph, an artist everyone goes crazy for. Our range of bags, tea towels, tea cosies, kitchen co-ordinates are always quite extensive in choice. New ranges to follow for 2010.

MADELINE FLOYD (2010 ranges)

http://www.madeleinefloyd.com/

Madeline Floyd is a new artist that we are very excited to be working with for 2010. She has a great following and her designs are quite fine and exquisite.

ROSINA WACHMEISTER

http://www.rosina-wachtmeister.de/index_en.html

Rosina Wachmeister is a hugely popular European illustrat who has somewhat of a cult following with her unique flair. We have quite a range with Cats Family, Musical Cat, Micio E Micia and My Garden.

KAREN PHILLIPS

http://www.karenphillipswildlife.com/

Karen Phillips has a small selection of great canvas bags in a range called Natural World. her style is wildlife and nature.

LESLEY HOLMES

http://www.lesleyholmes.com/

Lesley Holmes has a small selection of PVC bags with dog designs

V&A

http://www.vam.ac.uk/index.html

V&A is mother of all that is design, we have some wonderful ranges coming for 2010.

How to grow a tomato plant

A colleague brought in several "Moneymaker" tomato plants about 2 months ago to give out amongst the office.

I need some tips on how to get the best from the plant without adding chemicals or tomato feed. My friend advised to give it lots of water also every other day cold black tea, which I have been doing. The plant is growing furiously (about 3foot) but I cannot see any sign of the tomatoes on the stem?

Will the tomatoes grow simply by adding water and tea? Any budding gardeners out there, we would really appreciate your help!

Weave love,

Kim @ UW

x

RECIPES - Rich Chocolate Mousse

Rich Chocolate Mousse

Ingredients
170g/6oz good quality dark chocolate
4 free range eggs, separated
Shot of liqueur such as Cointreau or Amaretto
To decorate
Whipped cream
Grated chocolate

Method

1 Place the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water and melt it. Do not let the chocolate overheat
2 Whisk the egg whites into soft peaks
3 Stir the liqueur into the beaten egg yolks and add to the melted chocolate
4 Pour the chocolates mixture into the egg whites and fold together
5 Divide into 4-6 ramekin dishes or glasses and chill in the fridge
6 When ready to serve, decorate with whipped cream and grated chocolate

How to make tea

Universally our favourite past time is drinking tea. If it's while relaxing or even to catch up with friends - there is nothing more refreshing than sitting down with a nice cup of tea!

A cuppa in the morning before work, over lunch or getting back from a holiday, a cup of tea always makes us feel so much better.

At Ulster Weavers we are interested to know how you define making a "perfect" cup of tea?

Send us your posts, we look forward to hearing your answers.

Weave love

UW. x