Sunday 21 December 2014

Farewell 2014, Hello 2015...


As the festive season gets into full swing, it's almost time to welcome in a brand new year!!!

As we reflect on the past 12 months, we're feeling grateful for many highlights at Funky Scottish.

In particular, we celebrated A Funky Scottish Decade - 10 Years Of Iconic Collections By Karen Edward.

If you missed the series, you can see it here.

The features resulted in some lovely local news coverage...


We were also very excited to be featured in The Scottish Wedding Directory....


However,  through the seasons of the year, the best part of life and work at Funky Scottish is creating original art and bespoke commissions for you!


As always, THANK YOU so much for supporting and visiting our Funky Scottish studio-gallery-boutique on the high street in Pittenweem and for following our social media and regular blog, A Funky Scottish Life.

We'll be back in 2015....and hope to see you soon.  Indeed, we'll tak a cup o' kindness yet....

Meanwhile, we send you our best wishes for a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hogmanay...

...and beyond!!!

With love, 

Karen & the team at Funky Scottish

xxx

Thursday 18 December 2014

Our Festive Top 6 - Stocking Fillers!


The festive holidays are getting into full swing this weekend!!! It's a final chance to catch our breath and choose a few last minute gifts for the stocking before the official celebrations begin...

Here are our Top 6 gorgeous little gifts in the Funky Scottish boutique on the high street in Pittenweem.

1  - seaside themed, port-hole inspired bracelet
2 -  flickering, festive candles
3 -  christmassy scented soap
4 -  bright, funky scarf
5 -  'sea pottery' themed stationery and mugs by Karen Edward @ Funky Scottish
6 -  soaring bird necklace (dove of peace)

So, choose something for a loved one...and when we say 'loved one' you're allowed to include yourself!

Hope to see you in Funky Scottish.

Meanwhile, enjoy the final countdown....

xo






Saturday 13 December 2014

It's A Colourful Life! Funky (& Arty) Films For The Festives...


There are few lovelier ways to spend a quiet afternoon or evening in deepest winter, than curled up under a snuggly throw, with a big mug of something warming, candles lit, festive light sparkling, watching a great film.

If you've seen the Christmas classics one time too many, spark your imagination with something different.  The recent cinema release of 'Mr Turner' starring Timothy Spall -  a biopic about the famous painter J M W Turner - seems to have piqued our interest in films about great artists of the world. 



Yet, some of the lesser known films are really the best ones to see...

One of my absolute favourites is Seraphine, about a little-known but uncommonly brilliant painter. Frenchwoman Séraphine Louis (Moreau), aka Séraphine de Senlis, lived from 1864 to 1942. Though ostensibly a shepherdess and housekeeper whose chief duties involved cooking, cleaning, and ironing, in her off-hours Séraphine joyously turned to natural elements of the outdoor world, with which she felt a tremendous degree of emotional and spiritual communion.  Discover more here.

It would make a wonderful Christmas gift for an art lover!  Or, just rent it on Netflix.

And if you really want to brush up on your artists knowledge, there are plenty more to see, including  Lust For Life about Vincent Van Gogh, Frida about Frida Kahlo and The Agony & The Ecstacy about Michelangelo's troubles while painting the Sistine Chapel. 

They're all featured in the Top 10 of IMD's Top 60 Movies About Painters/Artists!

Enjoy!



Tuesday 25 November 2014

Delicious Seafood & Beautiful Art - A Recipe For Joy In The East Neuk...


Delicious seafood and beautiful art! These really are the perfect ingredients for a happy visit to Pittenweem and the East Neuk...

....as seen on international cook show series, The Spice Traveller!



A few weeks back, Indian celebrity chef Saransh Goila visited Pittenweem for his popular youtube series. He was here to meet with Jim Knox from The Fisherman's Larder and to discover more about delicious, just-caught, local seafood - as seen in Episode 16!

Before leaving Pittenweem, he visited Funky Scottish and bought a memento of his visit - one of our hand-painted tiles, created by our own resident artist/owner, Karen Edward!

In Episode 17, the talented Chef prepared a mouth-watering canape - Crab Kasoori Methi. Ingredients include dressed crab sourced from The Fisherman's Larder, freshly picked vegetables from Kellie Castle & Garden and of course...spices!

AND...we were delighted to discover, it's all beautifully presented on our decorative tile! We absolutely love this original idea for our tiles - steal it for your Christmas parties!
 

Meanwhile, you can see both episodes below....

Episode 16: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwpEavABfuc
Episode 17: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Zjsr1eJ6EI

Tuesday 11 November 2014

A Little Something For Santa....


Santa has lots on his plate during the festive season, so give him a memorable, delicious treat this Christmas Eve...

When your children leave their cookies for Santa (and perhaps a few carrots for Rudolf), add a little extra magic by serving the goodies on Santa's very own crockery!

Karen Edward @ Funky Scottish creates bespoke plates for displaying festive treats for Santa's supper on Christmas Eve! These cheerful, hand-painted plates are a fabulous gift for your little ones this Christmas...and Santa too!!

On Christmas morning, watch your child's face light up in wonder when they discover an empty glass and just a few crumbs on the plate....

If you'd like to request a hand-painted, bespoke plate for Santa's Supper please get in touch with Karen Edward @ Funky Scottish.

About...

Living by the sea, Karen Edward @ Funky Scottish is naturally drawn to coastal themes and has developing her own unmistakable flair for showcasing the unique character of the East Neuk. Her favourite subjects include the houses, animals, boats and seascapes she observes in and around the fishing villages. Karen will also happily paint bespoke ceramics reflecting your own unique character and interests. Choose a gift or crockery collection to celebrate special occasions including birthdays, anniversaries and weddings. If you'd like to order your own exclusive, hand-painted piece, please get in touch!  

Thursday 6 November 2014

Washing Away The Cares Of The Day....




Work up a luscious lather + wash away the cares of the day...

Our gorgeous range of luxurious, natural soaps -  traditionally handmade in Tobermory by the Isle of Mull Soap Company - are now available in these 3 scrumptious scents!

Visit the Funky Scottish boutique to see more - these make wonderful gifts for loved ones!!!  Of course, we think you should treat yourself too.... :) xxx

Thursday 30 October 2014

6 Magical Ingredients Of A Happy Halloween (for Grown Ups)...


Happy Halloween! So, how do you feel about this slightly spooky and a little bit magical time of year?  If you're not into carving out a pumpkin, guizing or dressing up in a scary costume, here are six funky, alternative ways to celebrate Halloween with style...

Invoke The Light...


According to one version of Halloween history, in the olden days people carved out turnips and pumpkins as a way to light a path for lost souls. Well, whether or not that's your intention, we can just as easily cast the customary halloween glow with lots of pretty candles!  Set them in your window and in darkened corners of your room to create a comforting, atmospheric space.  It beats clearing up the mess of post pumpkin creativity!  We have some gorgeous seasonal scents in the Funky Scottish boutique on the high street in Pittenweem...

Be Creative With Your Cauldron...


This is the very best time of year for creating a soul nourishing soup.  Use home-grown goodness from your garden or locally grown vegetables; butternut squash makes an especially delicious, autumnal soup! Get the recipe here.

Commune With Nature...


The ancient celtic origins of Halloween - Samhain - was deeply rooted in the celebration of nature.  The occasion marked the turn of the season from summer to winter and the beginning of a new celtic year.  So, this is a rejuvenating time to get out there and connect with the simple pleasures of fresh air and sunlight. As an artist, I love living by the sea where, as if by magic, the unique play of light and colour on the water always sparks the imagination...

Watch A (Not So) Scary Movie...


One of our favourites (and yes, it's a girlie classic) is Practical Magic with Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman!  It's a feel good film with just a sprinkling of ghoulishness to make it acceptable Halloween viewing...

Create A Magic Potion - Strawberry & Rum Spellbinder

 Ingredients

1 shot of rum
a big squeeze of lime juice
a glug of strawberry liqueur (homemade jam works well)
crushed ice
a dash of soda water

Whiz all the elements together in your magical cocktail shaker (or mini blender) and you have a beautiful drink which, if you close your eyes, will magically transport you back to a summer's day! Also, it tastes suspiciously like a strawberry daquari.... 

Image via pinterest.


Work A Spell...


Nope, eye of newt is not required! Simply, get really clear on what you want to create in your life and...make a wish! Even modern science is beginning to accept the good ole' fashioned power of visualisation and positive thinking. So, surely it's worth a shot...

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!! 


Thursday 23 October 2014

Seasonal Style - The Chic Scarf...


Yes, it's that 'transition' time of year again!  A chic scarf is a colourful, vibrant update for any autumn/winter wardrobe! We have some gorgeous new styles in the Funky Scottish boutique! 

Also, if you're looking for more stylish ways to wear a scarf, visit the article '15 chic and creative ways to wear a tie a scarf' which is packed with inspiration and instructions on creating many gorgeous looks, with one pretty scarf!

Thursday 16 October 2014

Damsel In Delight! A New Collection Of Jewellery at Funky Scottish...


Brighten up those duller days with this gorgeous, shimmering collection of jewellery by Damsel, now available in the Funky Scottish boutique on the high street in Pittenweem.  These beautiful pieces are too special to save for an occasion; wear with a simple everyday top and create a stylish statement!


Thursday 9 October 2014

...As Featured In Scottish Wedding Directory


How exciting! One of the gorgeous hand-painted plates created by Karen Edward at Funky Scottish for her distinctive 'Black & White' collection has been featured in Scottish Wedding Directory!  Take a closer look below or treat yourself to a copy of the SWD October 2014 issue....



You can also discover more about the 'Black & White' collection in one of our recent blog posts.  Meanwhile, again thanks so much to Scottish Wedding Directory for including us in your latest issue.


About...

Living by the sea, Karen Edward @ Funky Scottish is naturally drawn to coastal themes and has developing her own unmistakable flair for showcasing the unique character of the East Neuk. Her favourite subjects include the houses, animals, boats and seascapes she observes in and around the fishing villages. Karen will also happily paint bespoke ceramics reflecting your own unique character and interests. Choose a gift or crockery collection to celebrate special occasions including birthdays, anniversaries and weddings. If you'd like to order your own exclusive, hand-painted piece, please get in touch!  

Friday 3 October 2014

Any Reason, Any Season - Hand Painted & Bespoke Commissions...


We love the seasonal colours on this bespoke commission by our resident artist, Karen Edward @ Funky Scottish. If you'd like a truly distinctive, hand-painted gift for a special occasion, find out more at our website, www.funkyscottish.com/funky--bespoke.html

About...

Living by the sea, Karen Edward @ Funky Scottish is naturally drawn to coastal themes and has developing her own unmistakable flair for showcasing the unique character of the East Neuk. Her favourite subjects include the houses, animals, boats and seascapes she observes in and around the fishing villages. Karen will also happily paint bespoke ceramics reflecting your own unique character and interests. Choose a gift or crockery collection to celebrate special occasions including birthdays, anniversaries and weddings. If you'd like to order your own exclusive, hand-painted piece, please get in touch!  

Friday 26 September 2014

A Funky Season! 6 Ways To Fall for Autumn....


At this time of year, as summer turns to autumn, it's so easy to fall into melancholy.  Our creative zest can seem to fizzle out.  The nights are drawing in, the days are often drizzly and the sparkle of Christmas isn't close enough to brighten the darkened skies.  So, when the gloom begins to take hold, I try to remember to be extra kind to myself. After all, every season has a reason and sometimes, hidden under all the fallen leaves, we can discover a season full of wonderful gifts, surprises and creative inspiration!  So, here are my favourite ways to celebrate this season!  Kicking through the big piles of fallen leaves is optional.....

1 The Gentle Detox

After summer's energising, outdoor activities and care-free indulgence, we can sometimes feel a little depleted by the time the party's over!  Autumn is a wonderful time to turn inward. The season offers an abundance of nourishing foods that will heal you from the inside and reignite your energy. I've been enjoying apples, plum and all sorts of vegetables from the garden.  There's no time like the present to fill your larder with chutneys and jams or to roast big trays of delicious beetroot, parsnips, potatoes, carrots.... 

Image via Pinterest

Discover more via this lovely post at Mind, Body, Green.  Also, choose a gentle form of exercise. Yoga is an amazing practice for restoring balance and reconnecting with your inner creativity. I love attending a local class, particularly because it's good to have a teacher there to help with technique and alignment. However,  if you prefer the privacy of your own home, you can also invest in a good DVD and create your own indoor yoga retreat.

Image via Pinterest

2  Discover A Rainy Day Sanctuary

When the elements aren't too inviting, it can seem like there's really nothing to do but slump into a chair and switch on the telly.  Instead, have a look in the local what's-on guides - you're bound to find something to pique your interest! When was the last time you treated yourself to a visit to a gallery, museum, exhibition, concert, theatre show or cinema? Alternatively, treat yourself to an indulgent massage or spa getaway.  I recently enjoyed a relaxing, reviving break at the Marine Hotel & Spa at North Berwick. We all need to recharge occasionally and autumn is a wonderful time for a pampering, indoor holiday...


3 Wrap Up Warm And Head For The Coast

I love getting all bundled up in funky knitwear and braving the elements!  Away from technology and everyday chores, it's amazing how quickly a low, lethargic mood can be blown away.  Scientists have even proven that the extra ozone in the air around the seaside can really boost our energy levels. Also, the sea reminds us that our quiet, introspective seasons are are part of nature's balance. Life is supposed to ebb and flow...

Enjoying The Calm Between The Seasonal Storms

4 - Doodle & Daydream

If you're likely to be literally blow away when you step out the front door - and we've seen plenty of days like that here in the East Neuk - it might be best to stay at home.  This is the perfect excuse to batten down the hatches, light a few candles, make yourself a big mug of hot chocolate (or tea...or coffee...or pour a glass of red wine!) and get your notebook out...then indulge in a bit of creative daydreaming!  Write gratitude lists, plan your next big project, write down your wishes for the future or just doodle away an evening...

Find candles & my 'Sea Pottery' notebook and mug at the Funky Scottish boutique

5  Have A Lazy Lunch

I know, most of us are mostly busy most of the time....but now and again, it's worth making time to head out on the town for a wee pick-me-up with a few of our favourite folks! One of the funkiest places to enjoy brunch, lunch, coffees or dinner is Mitchells in St Andrews.  The former butcher shop has retained some of the original character and mixed it up with industrial chic meets autumnal tweed and a retro diner vibe - the menu is fabulous too!



6 - Get Creative

A little time out can do wonders for your creativity, so don't be surprised if you find yourself brimming with inspiration. Follow the urge and see where it takes you!  What do you love to do?  It may be taking pictures of the stormy seas, writing a short story, painting, baking, re-decorating, organising your photo albums and trinkets, pottery or some other craft!  This is the perfect time of year to do something creative and who knows, what you produce might just turn into the perfect gift for someone special. After all, the sparkle of Christmas isn't really so far off ....

Created by Karen Edward @ Funky Scottish

About...

Living by the sea, Karen Edward @ Funky Scottish is naturally drawn to coastal themes and has developing her own unmistakable flair for showcasing the unique character of the East Neuk. Her favourite subjects include the houses, animals, boats and seascapes she observes in and around the fishing villages. Karen will also happily paint bespoke ceramics reflecting your own unique character and interests. Choose a gift or crockery collection to celebrate special occasions including birthdays, anniversaries and weddings. If you'd like to order your own exclusive, hand-painted piece, please get in touch!  

Thursday 18 September 2014

You Are The Artist, Seize The Day!


Today is one of the most important day's in Scottish history - and future!  Good luck to all who will be playing a part in this historic decision!  May we all work together to create an even funkier Scottish life...  :) xxx

Thursday 11 September 2014

Catch Up & Connect! A Decade In The Life Of Funky Scottish...


Did you miss any of the posts in our recent series, A Funky Scottish Decade? 

You can catch up now! Just pick a classic collection by Karen Edward @ Funky Scottish and discover more via up close images and artist's notes...

Introduction
Sea Pottery
Black & White
Puffins
Pittenweem Blue
East Neuk (the original collection)
Bespoke (Part 1)
Bespoke (Part 2)

Also, get our latest projects and connect with Funky Scottish via Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest!

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/FunkyScottish
Twitter: twitter.com/funkyscottish
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/funkyscottish

Friday 5 September 2014

Pleasures & Pinterests - The Perfect Pick-Me-Up!


When was the last time you gave yourself time out to relax, with a cuppa and an indulgent,  imagination-sparking session on Pinterest? A little pin-spiration does wonders for my creativity...

Begin your journey at the Funky Scottish pages on Pinterest - pinterest.com/funkyscottish

Discover artistic inspiration from the elements, gifts, clothing, jewellery and home-ware ideas from the boutique and collections and commissions by Karen Edward @ Funky Scottish. 

Then, who knows where it will lead....

After a trip to this wonderland of imagery, you'll come back to reality full of exciting ideas - pinterest promise!

Friday 29 August 2014

A Funky Scottish Decade! The Bespoke Collection (Part 2)...

  It's an honour to create these unique mementos of precious memories, 
special occasions and the passions of so many lovely people...
- Karen Edward @ Funky Scottish

This year, it's the 10th Anniversary of Funky Scottish, the iconic, East Neuk brand created by Karen Edward.  In celebration, we're producing a special series of blog posts about a decade of her definitive Funky Scottish collections.  You can click here to read our introduction.   Over the past few weeks we've been rewinding back through the years to 2004.

Now, it's the final week! We discover the extensive, bespoke collection - part 2, alongside some artists notes from Karen...

Last week, the bespoke collection focused on special commissions inspired by my East Neuk range.  Often though, I'm asked to paint lots of commissions for weddings, christenings, birthdays, retirements and all kinds of celebrations.  It's an honour to create these unique mementos of precious memories, special occasions and the passions of so many lovely people.  Below, I share some of my favourites created over the past 10 years.

There are so many, I'm showcasing these in celebrations & seasons....

Spring



say cheese - a celebration plate for a couple with a shared passion...


It's a great time of year to spring clean up your body 
and begin a healthy lifestyle - yoga is the perfect choice, I love it!



Summer


Summertime is naturally wedding season - 
it's a particularly busy time for creating original, hand-painted ceramic keepsakes ...



The depiction of this rugby player shows him sporting a black eye because he was always getting punched in the face - the things people do for their passions! 

He actually had the black eye on his wedding day too! 


Of course, summer is also graduation time... 


and it's the perfect season to teach the kids about growing things...


Let's celebrate our french connections too - they know so 
much about enjoying the simple pleasures of summertime!


...golf is an all-year sport, but this is the 
season that a golfer loves to celebrate


with so much fresh, seasonal fruit, 
it's a great time to fill up their plate with healthy treats...



Autumn

 The colours change & the people of the East Neuk 
begin their retreat into cosy homes...
 

It's also time to harvest all the good things we planted...

 
Winter 

Winter - a beautiful season for celebration, 
especially if the little ones have been good... 


After all, who knows what Santa might bring - these plates are really fun additions 
to the Christmas Eve ritual of leaving a treat for Mr Clause...


Thank you so much for joining us on this journey through A Funky Scottish Decade! If you missed any of the previous posts in the series, please have a look below:-

Funky Scottish Decade - Introduction
'Sea Pottery'
'Black & White'
'Puffins' 
Pittenweem Blue
East Neuk
Bespoke Collection (Part 1)

Meanwhile, we look forward to the next 10 years of collections by Karen Edward @ Funky Scottish - thank you again for all your support!!

About...

Living by the sea, Karen Edward @ Funky Scottish is naturally drawn to coastal themes and has developing her own unmistakable flair for showcasing the unique character of the East Neuk. Her favourite subjects include the houses, animals, boats and seascapes she observes in and around the fishing villages. Karen will also happily paint bespoke ceramics reflecting your own unique character and interests. Choose a gift or crockery collection to celebrate special occasions including birthdays, anniversaries and weddings. If you'd like to order your own exclusive, hand-painted piece, please get in touch!