Wednesday, 26 June 2013

Hooked On A Feeling...

 
"I am haunted by waters" 
- Norman Maclean (A River Runs Through It)

Here in Scotland, it's fishing season! On stretches from the Spey to the Tay and the Firth to the Forth, you'll find happy, relaxed fishermen and fisherwomen enjoying their sport - hopefully, followed by a delicious meal featuring their catch of the day! One of my most recent hand-painted plates was commissioned for fishing enthusiast, Brian and it's an example of a perfect, personalised gift... 


So have you fallen for fishing? There's a wonderful calm, relaxed feeling that accompanies a day floating by as you sit at the water's edge, waiting for a fish to rise. Also, there's nothing quite like the excitement of getting a bite! If you're tempted to find out more about this traditional Scottish sport, you could start with a few practical tips at Visit Scotland.  


Alternatively, ease in gently by watching A River Runs Through It, directed by Robert Redford and starring Brad Pitt. This beautiful film is based on the true story of Norman Maclean and his family, Scottish descendants living in Montana and bound by their shared love of fly fishing on the big Blackfood River.  Even if you're not a fan of Brad, the cinematography and poetic narration will no doubt capture your heart - hook, line and sinker!


Find out more about collections and bespoke designs by Karen Edward @ Funky Scottish over at my main website - www.funkyscottish.com.  You can also visit my store at Etsy OR come and visit my Funky Scottish studio-gallery-boutique on the High Street in Pittenweem!

Wednesday, 19 June 2013

Hot Off The Press...

Thanks so much to St Andrews Citizen for featuring me in a lovely lifestyle article at the weekend! I've been caught up in all the busy-ness of doing lots of commissions this past few weeks and the interview was a great chance to catch my breath and reflect on the everyday blessings of doing what I love for a living!

Also, I'm back in Edinburgh this weekend - if you get a chance and fancy an 'Out Of The Blue' jaunt to Edinburgh, please drop by and see me at this event.... x


Wednesday, 12 June 2013

Inspiration - The Perfect Coastal Wedding....

Wedding season is finally here...and many of us will be organising gifts for loved ones who are getting ready to tie the knot! Or, if you've just got engaged you may be planning the 'Best Day Of Your Life' right now by taking inspiration from gorgeous wedding features in the summer magazines...

While some weddings will follow a very traditional route, the 'Big Day' can provide a special opportunity to reflect the unique pleasures and passions of the Bride & Groom.  If you - the happy couple -  are in love with the seaside, why not incorporate a few coastal elements into the theme of your Wedding Day, or add a special seaside-inspired gift to your Wedding List....

A Gorgeous Beach Bride...
Beautiful, beachy wedding style - image via here

The perfect coastal wedding dress is gorgeous, floaty, romantic, a little bohemian and very relaxed.  You could choose a mermaid tail design, a floaty baby doll or long, fluid gown? Add a pair of pretty, silvery sandals, pearls and tousled beach hair for the ultimate beach bride style.

A Seaside Tipi...


Get back to nature by hosting your reception in a beautiful waterfront tipi!  You can hire these beautiful alternatives to a marquee from Highland Tipis.  

Sea Pottery Hearts - The Stationery Suite...


Save the dates, thank you notes, the invitations and entire stationery suite provides a wonderful opportunity to include unique and pretty coastal style.  Why not send your invitation as a message in a bottle?   Also, you can enquire about using my 'sea pottery hearts' as part of the stationery design feature. I already produce the hearts in a range of note cards!

Wedding Gift Idea:  My 'sea pottery heart' collection is produced on pretty mugs, coasters and mounted prints - perfect for the coast-loving couple!

The Bridal Carriage (and the Honeymoon Suite!)


Image via here

If you love - or dream of - scooting along coast roads in a campervan, this could be the perfect way to get around on your wedding day!  Then, when it's all over, sneak away to your cosy, beachside camper for an unforgettable wedding night...

Memories & Mementos....


Great Gift Idea! Enjoy every opportunity to remember your special day by commissioning a beautiful and bespoke, hand-painted ceremaic plate - I can include elements of your big day and a few more of your favourite things! 

Find out more about collections and bespoke designs by Karen Edward @ Funky Scottish over at my main website - www.funkyscottish.com.  You can also visit my store at Etsy OR come and visit my Funky Scottish studio-gallery-boutique on the High Street in Pittenweem!

Wednesday, 5 June 2013

3 Ways To BE Little Ms/Mr Sunshine!!!

Hand-painted Ceramics by Karen Edward @ Funky Scottish

You've probably heard the term 'be the change you want to see in the world'.  Well, this is similar...be the sunshine you want to see in the world! Here in the East Neuk, we've been so lucky with a few days of sunshine - it seems to put everyone in a more optomistic, relaxed mood!  So, keep up the momentom - here are 3 great ways to attract 'that holiday feeling' into your life and spread a little sunlight of your own...

Keep A Happy Journal


Sea Pottery Collection by Karen Edward @ Funky Scottish

Keeping happy notes or a gratitude journal - writing about only the good stuff from your day - is a great way to feel positive.  It even gets your brain working to remember the little blessings and reasons to be grateful, each and every day...come rain or shine. You can also just write out happy lists to get into a positive frame of mind. Include even the little things; a hot shower, phone call from a friend or the sound of birds tweeting outside your window! So sit down with a cuppa, a notebook and start thinking happy thoughts...

Be A Tourist In Your Own Town


Footloose...

When the sun comes out, do you notice how many of us find a way to postpone the housework and long hours at the office?  Suddenly, we find a little time to kick off our sandals, relax in the garden or wander down to the beach.  It feels so good to slow down and enjoy simple pleasures, as if we're on holiday.  So, try to make it into a regular ritual.  Just a little time every other day for genuine 'down time' will help you to feel brighter - maybe a short walk in a peaceful spot, get caught up in a good book, wander round your local independent shops to source ingredients or treat yourself to a trinket...and catch up with loved ones over a relaxed dinner...

Let The Sunshine In 
Hand-painted Ceramic by Karen Edward @ Funky Scottish

When our surroundings are bright and inspiring, we feel happier! So, artfully present treasured mementos from your travels, display a vase of your favourite flowers in a place where you'll see them lots and add a splash of colour here and there with pretty decorative features and furnishings. 

Do you have any special ways to bring summer into your life...whatever the weather!?  I'd LOVE to hear from you!

Meanwhile, find out more about the sun-drenched collections by Karen Edward @ Funky Scottish over at my main website - www.funkyscottish.com.  You can also visit my store at Etsy OR come and visit my Funky Scottish studio-gallery-boutique on the High Street in Pittenweem!