New Year, New You! 3 Ways To Change Direction In 2014....

The New Year is finally here!  Are you settling in? How will you spend 2014?  Here are our favourite, fast, simple ways to take your life in a fabulous new direction...

Revamp Your Wardrobe

Give yourself an exciting new look!  Give away all those old clothes that don't feel great anymore. Keep only those that feel comfortable and fabulous! Once you've cleared some space, invest in a couple of new pieces to compliment your style - a funky scarf, bright bag or feminine knits.  Take a look in the Funky Scottish boutique for more inspiration...

Brighten Up Your Home

It's time to declutter! If you don't love it, or if it isn't really useful, pass it on to charity or take it to a recycling centre.  Again, once you create a little more space in your life, you can add something special to welcome the New Year.  Check out our cute cushions...

Throw Off The Bowlines, Sail Away From Safe Harbour...

We're quoting Mark Twain and the man had a point!  One of the best ways to get out of a rut and take your whole life in an exciting new direction is to travel and see new places! So, start planning a holiday.  It could be a visit to a Scottish city or village you've never been to before.  It could be a week away in an exotic, far-flung location.  It could even be packing up for a mini 'gap year' in the style of Eat Pray Love!  We can certainly dream...and we can also DO! If you're inspired to get away, start jotting down your ideas and notes in one of our inspiring journals....

May your most fabulous dreams be realised in 2014! 

Best wishes 

Karen & the team at Funky Scottish!

Fun & Sparkly, Funky Scottish, Festive Stocking Fillers....

Just a couple of days to go! Are you all done with your Christmas shopping!?  Or, would you like to put a few little surprises under the tree for loved ones? If you're looking for last-minute inspiration, take a peek inside the boutique...

With prints, jewellery, soaps and trinkets, Funky Scottish - on the high street in Pittenweem - can help you to add a little more sparkle to your Christmas gifts!

If you're already all wrapped up for Christmas, we hope you have a wonderful day and may your best festive wishes come true...

Merry Christmas to You!

Lots of love

Karen & the team at Funky Scottish x

A Gift For Your King (to get him in a real lather!)...

Look at these lovelies!  Miss Ballantyne - based in Edinburgh - creates gorgeous soaps and potions for ladies and gentlemen!  We're especially tickled by the 'Gentlemen's Brothel' soap bar, inspired by a British king who had soap crafted especially for his courtesans, to ensure they wore his favourite scent during their rendezvous! Discover the range in the Funky Scottish boutique - on the high street in Pittenweem.

The Perfect Gift For Beach Lovers...

Back by popular demand, we have just one of these cutie signs left in the shop!

It's a gorgeous Christmas gift for your beloved! Put it up at the front door, where you kick off your shoes after a day rambling on the beach - or anywhere that gives you a reminder of happy days by the sea.

Visit the Funky Scottish boutique on the high street in Pittenweem for more gift ideas - next week, we'll be showcasing our best, last minute, stocking fillers!

All Wrapped Up for Christmas...

This festive season, as you march through the streets towards the latest party, there are plenty of ways to stay warm - and stylish! We love these gorgeous, bright knits - a beautiful, thoughtful gift for one of the girl's in your life! You'll find our selection of accessories in store at Funky Scottish.

Special Plate for Santa's Supper....

This is a fabulous, magical gift for your little ones this Christmas...and Santa too! These bespoke plates - created by Karen Edward @ Funky Scottish - are ideal for displaying festive treats for Santa's supper on Christmas Eve!  Thanks to the message and signature on the cheerful, hand-painted plate, Santa can be sure of who left out the carrots, milk and chocolate biscuits for him and the reindeers to enjoy!  In the 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 - just £30 - please get in touch with Karen Edward @ Funky Scottish.

Also, don't forget that Funky Scottish will be open for Pittenweem's late night, festive 'Shop & Dine' evening, this Thursday 28th November - a great chance to chat with Karen about commissioning a bespoke, special occasion plate for a loved one...or Santa Claus himself!

Discover The Art Of Pittenweem...

Don't miss our exciting arts weekend - this weekend!  It's another fabulous excuse to enjoy wandering round our beautiful village of Pittenweem.  Find out more at Pittenweem Arts Festival.

Celebrate Community...

I saw this poster on Pinterest today and loved it!  It pretty much sums up why I feel so priviliged to be part of a village community.   With a storm of big festive shopping adverts hitting TV screens this week, the 'Buy Local' message feels like the antidote to the 'corporate christmas'. 

It's easy to forget just how lucky we are to have a real, old-fashioned 'market place' on our doorstep here in Pittenweem; cafes, gift shops, artist studios, fish markets, post office, pubs - and lets not forget the butcher, the baker, the candle...

These are the places we bump into each other, say hello and take a moment to pass the time of day.  These are the small, everyday moments that really matter. We miss them when they're gone.

As mentioned last week, we're highlighting the many and varied little shops that help to give Pittenweem its character and heart, by hosting a late night, festive shop & dine evening on Thursday 28th November. Santa will be there too, giving gifts to local children. Please join us!  

'Buying Local' is about more than a few local businesses earning a living... 

It's about our little community celebrating a way of life.  

Festive Magic in Pittenweem - Dates For Your Diary...

Before your diary starts filling up with pre-Christmas commitments, please make a note of two exciting occasions happening in Pittenweem this November...

Saturday 23rd - Sunday 24th November

It's Pittenweem Arts Weekend!  Naturally, Funky Scottish will be open alongside lots more artists studios - we have some gorgeous new clothes, jewellery, art and gifts!  Also, our friends at Coast cafe along the road will be joining the fun with an Artisan Menu - illustrated by our very own Karen Edward @ Funky Scottish. 

Thursday 28th November

Enjoy a dusting of festive, seaside sparkle…

Join us for our late night, local ‘Shop & Dine’ evening on Thursday 28th November from 4pm-9pm!  Browse the Funky Scottish boutique for your perfect gifts, then enjoy delicious, seasonal refreshments in Coast Coffee.

Many more of our friendly locals shops throughout the village will also be joining the party, including the Woolly Brew and Casa Candles!

See you in Pittenweem for a magical Christmas experience...

Feeling SAD? 3 Ways To Lighten Up Your Life...

 

Last weekend, the clocks went back!  This timely reminder that our hours of light are growing shorter can make it a bit tougher to get out there and face the day!  In fact, lots of us can genuinely relate to the symptoms of Seasonally Affective Disorder.   While the medical condition often requires special treatments, those of us who feel just a touch of winter blues can always improve our mood with a few little pick-me-ups in our everyday rituals...

The Winter Walk...

Batten down the hatches!  It's a natural response to the blustery, gloomy weather but a healthy dose of daylight is vital to keep our body clock in balance.  So, wrap up warm in your winter woolies and head out for a bracing walk in the elements!  Check out these cute snoods to keep you cosy as you march through the golden leaves - they're in the Funky Scottish boutique...



Bring Warmth to Home & Hearth... 

Even if you don't have a big roaring fire or wood burning stove, you can still create that warm, homely feeling with gorgeous candles - as shown in this luxurious display discovered via Pinterest. We love the Pintail range and our fragrant 'Fireside' candle. You can also create a comforting glow with a few pretty tea lights in cute holders.  Check out our collection in the shop for more inspiration.

Sunshine In A Song...

The mood boosting affects of uplifting music are well documented, so treat yourself to a playlist packed with your favourite songs!  In fact, combine music with a great movie and see the fabulous Sunshine On Leith.  Even if you don't like musicals, I can promise you this heart-warming musical-rom-com set in the Scottish capital will melt away those cold winter blues!  The film shows Edinburgh in its most beautiful light and even better, our very own Pittenweem gets a wee cameo in the film!

See - 3 great ways to create that warm, winter glow... If you have a few suggestions of your own, leave me a wee note below or on Facebook!

Meanwhile, I'm taking my own advice and heading off to the Aberfeldy Music Festival this weekend!

Enjoy the rest of your week too!

Karen x

So handy! The new " i-gloves " ...

Continuing our series of features on the lovely, seasonal items we have in the Funky Scottish boutique, I just have to share these super cool creations! Who has the time to take their gloves off every time they want to use the phone?  Also, isn't it becoming too cold for bare hands?  So, the perfect solution is a pair of Tech Touch Gloves.  They can be used with touch screen phones and ipads.  Also, they are very, very pretty! These gloves are the ultimate gift for the 21st century girl-about-town.  You can treat yourself or someone you adore - these are in store now at Funky Scottish.

Also, a wee side note!  Would you like to treat a loved one to a special commission for Christmas? You can find inspiration by viewing my Karen Edward @ Funky Scottish range of bespoke, hand-painted ceramic plates on the Funky Scottish website.

Karen x

Flourish & Florals....

There's no denying the classic style and simplicity of a little black dress or dark separates. So, as Autumn-Winter descends, our wardrobes often naturally reflect the new season with a move to an understated, less vibrant palette. On the other hand, if you miss the bright sun dresses and pretty summer accessories, you can still add a splash of colour and interest with a few well chosen embellishments - like the cheerful floral shoulder bag or vintage style necklace and cuff, modelled by our lovely Marina. You'll find these accessories and lots more inside the Funky Scottish boutique on the high street in Pittenweem!

Love & Marriage, Go Together Like....

 "A marriage is about love, not gender." 

- Alex Neil, Scottish Health Secretary

In celebration of this year's Marriage and Civil Partnership Bill, which proposes a change in the law to allow same-sex marriage, I'm very pleased to share these commissions I was asked to create for two happy couples! 

The new bill proposes an important revision to existing law which currently only allows same-sex civil partnerships, a legal relationship exclusively for same-sex couples.  Same-sex marriage would be different in that it would finally allow all couples who love each other to formalise their commitment in marriage.  You can find out more at the BBC's Q&A: Gay marriage 

"Love & marriage, go together like....a horse and carriage."  

It's that simple.  

Accessorise in Autumn - 15 Ways With A Scarf...

 As we say goodbye to September - and with leaves beginning to fall softly to the ground - it's time to accessorise with chic, colourful and cosy scarfs!  We have lots of gorgeous new patterns and styles in the Funky Scottish boutique on the high street in Pittenweem - as beautifully modelled here by our very own Marina!  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!  So, treat yourself to an instant wardrobe update that will take you from long walks to long lunches in style...

A Sneak Peek In The Boutique...

If you haven't had a chance to visit the Funky Scottish boutique recently - or ever - take a look at our latest snapshots of new art, crafts, clothing collections, jewellery and gorgeous, quirky pieces for your home too! You'll find my own collections, Karen Edward @ Funky Scottish, alongside boutique designers and hand-picked Scottish artists. The space is also my working studio, where I produce bespoke hand-painted ceramics. So, if you do get a chance to drop by my wee place on the high street in Pittenweem, please come and say hello...

You can find Funky Scottish on the high street in Pittenweem. You can also see work by Karen Edward @ Funky Scottish or request a commission via my website, www.funkyscottish.com.

Just Art! October Exhibition in Fochabers...

This October, I'm exhibiting at the gorgeous gallery, Just Art in Fochabers. Right now, this involves me spending lots of time in the studio, creating new collections for the showcase. Just Art is an independent gallery, presenting contemporary work by artists living and working in Scotland. The upcoming 'new artists' show will start on 20th October and my work will be exhibited alongside jewellery by George Petrie and framed work by Ailsa Black, Fiona Knox, Alison Midson and Letitia Smith Burnett. So, if you're in the area, please do drop in to have a look around!  Find out more about Fochabers at Fochabers Heritage.  You can take a look at the Just Art website at www.justart.co.uk. Coming soon - a peek at my new work for the exhibition...

Fall For Seasonal Style @ Funky Scottish...

Is your wardrobe all set for the new season? This week, I want to introduce you to two gorgeous clothing brands, now being showcased in the Funky Scottish boutique!  The first is Bibico,  an ethical clothing company whose stylish range is created from natural materials and produced in fair trade cooperatives. I especially love the autumnal shrug now in the boutique! The floral shirt is very cute too...

You'll also discover hand-picked pieces from the Woolovers collection.  The brand produce highest quality, effortlessly classy knits by making the most of wool - a wonderful renewable resource!

Pop into Funky Scottish on the high street in Pittenweem to see more - and be inspired by elegant ways to wrap up warm as you walk amongst the falling leaves this autumn...

Yumm! Scrumptious skincare at Funky Scottish...

Need a little TLC?  Try some of the gorgeous new skincare products we have in the Funky Scottish boutique.  Yumm creates "natural body essentials, handmade with passion - just as nature intended..." This means these luscious treats for your body are genuinely handmade (in the heart of pretty Perthshire), they are paraben free, feature natural ingredients, aromatherapy oils AND they're not tested on animals. We especially love the peppermint scrub and lovely lip balms!

Treat yourself or a loved one to scrumptious skincare. Yumm.....