Designer Ruth Holly unveils her new collection of homeware

Yorkshire designer Ruth Holly’s new range marks an important milestone
Nomad table runner, 49.95Nomad table runner, 49.95
Nomad table runner, 49.95

West Yorkshire designer Ruth Holly is celebrating five years of trading with a dynamic new collection of homeware and stationery.

Nomad features Ruth’s trademark natural surface patterns and was inspired by travel adventures and holiday happiness, hence the bursts of sunny yellow.

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“Nomad is also inspired by changes, both those that I have gone through since launching the business and the changes nature goes through during each season,” says Ruth. “It is made up of baked ochre tones, vibrant earthy pigments and deep mossy charcoals. The colours and textures hint at far-flung places, yet look closer and you’ll see them in our own beautiful backyard, Great Britain,” she says.

Nomad tea towels, 12 eachNomad tea towels, 12 each
Nomad tea towels, 12 each

Nomad is available as cushions, table linens, tea towels, placemats, coasters, greetings cards and notebooks, and the print was made using her technique of photographing close-up then enhancing the natural beauty she finds. This is then printed onto products.

“I often take photographs of weathered surfaces, both natural and man-made, and then I’ll play with the colours and the curves. The patterns and palette makes the viewer look a little deeper and they formulate their own response,” she says. “It’s really interesting how people interpret the designs. Some see the sea, others see bark and, in reality, it can be something very different.”

Taking the leap from working in the greetings card industry as a designer to setting up her business has paid off.

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One of the highlights was being spotted at a trade show by the Hayward Gallery’s merchandising manager, who asked her to create a new collection to mark the South Bank building’s reopening after a two-year refurbishment.

Nomad cushion, 37.Nomad cushion, 37.
Nomad cushion, 37.

Her advice to other designer makers who want to make a success of their business is to get help and advice in areas that aren’t your forte.

“Don’t try and do everything alone but be confident in your creations and your design capability and share your work and collaborate with others where you can,” says Ruth.

She also adds: “Stay positive and focused, keep a good network of people around you, including friends and family to support your personally, other entrepreneurs to bounce ideas off or paid professionals.

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“Being a creative is wonderful and daunting all at the same time and part of your strength as a designer lies in making something from nothing, but make sure this doesn’t take too much of your energy. Self-care is important, so looking after your body and mind and taking days off is vital, as is having a clear idea of what you want and where you want to go with your business.”

Nomad placemats, 42, for a set of foutNomad placemats, 42, for a set of fout
Nomad placemats, 42, for a set of fout

*As part of her celebration of five years in business, Ruth Holly is offering a 15 per cent discount across all three of her collections, including Nomad, until May 31.

Simply use the code 5YEARS at the checkout on her website, www.ruthholly.co.uk.

You can find Ruth on Instagram @ruth__holly; Facebook @ruthhollyph; Pinterest @RUTH__holly For wholesale requests, email [email protected]

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