A Funky Scottish Decade! The Bespoke Collection (Part 1)

I couldn't find any celebration gifts with my kids names on them -

 the names were too unique - so I started doing them myself. 

 Suddenly, I was being asked to do similar pieces 

for all kinds of celebrations.

- 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.

This week, we discover the extensive, bespoke collection.  In the artist's notes from Karen, she recalls her very first bespoke commission and reveals the stories behind these one-off pieces of art....

I've really been doing commissions since I started Funky Scottish.  It all began with a challenge, then finding a solution myself! You see, I couldn't find any celebration gifts with my kids names on them - the names were too unique - so I started doing them myself.  Suddenly, I was being asked to do similar pieces for all kinds of celebrations; when friends got married and so on.
 
Now, commissions are the backbone of my business; engagements, weddings, christenings, birthdays, retirements are a few of the commissions I've been asked to do. I've also been asked to paint peoples pets, panels for kitchens and bathrooms, prizes for clubs etc. I would love to share a few of them for you here.

I mostly paint on my ceramics, but I've been asked to paint a few different ones too! Here is a window commission I did in a house in Cellardyke There was no view so I painted them one!!
 

 
I've done a few on canvas for children like this one here for Emma !

 
Since being asked to paint all the tile panels in the bathrooms at the St Andrews Cheese Farm, just outside Pittenweem, I've had lots of commissions from them!! Here are a few examples.  First up is a set I painted for my friend Audrey for her husbands birthday. That's him and his boat in Cellardyke Harbour...

Next up are two Elie panels, including one with the whole family on it...

 These commissions can also be used to give your home a lovely new look! I was asked to paint 5 panels for a lady for her bathroom, all with the East Neuk theme... 

 
Next, are some special panels to me as I particularly enjoyed painting them; especially the one with the little boy as he became a wee friend!  Also, this panel featured in a newspaper article which his Mum then got me to sign for him!!

There are lots more I want to share! To be continued...

Meet us again next week, for the more from the Bespoke collection!

Meanwhile, you can discover previous posts in the series below:-

'Sea Pottery'
'Black & White'
'Puffins' 
Pittenweem Blue
East Neuk

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!