Friday 30 October 2015

Our 6-Step Magic Spell For A Funky Halloween...



Happy Halloween! So, how do you feel about this slightly spooky and mostly 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 candles 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.

Alternatively, visit the Funky Scottish Cafe for a delicious bowl of our own warming soup, and an indulgent slice of cake...all hand-made with our feel-good ingredients and sprinkles of magic dust....


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 an enchanting film with just a smattering of spookiness 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 Of Your Own...



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!!! 

Friday 23 October 2015

The Big Day! Vintage Wedding Show - Autumn 2015...


It's almost the 'Big Day'...

We're so excited to be exhibiting at the Vintage Wedding Show inside the lavish Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh - The Caledonian!

Celebrate and congratulate your favourite newlyweds with a thoughtful, original gift created exclusively for the happy couple.

We'll showcase bespoke, hand-painted ceramics + more inspirational art by Karen Edward at Funky Scottish, this Sunday 25th October from 11am to 4pm. xo


www.funkyscottish.com


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 15 October 2015

Wedding Invitation...


requests the pleasure of your company at the 
on Sunday 25th October, 11am - 4pm at 
Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh - The Caledonian 

Love is in the air! We're excited to be exhibiting at this glamorous, boutique showcase of original, hand-picked wedding creatives! 

The event also features foot-tapping live music, a glass of fizz on arrival and a 'Gift List' of gorgeous giveaways! We'll be bringing along a few fabulous wedding gift ideas of our own - including bespoke, hand-painted ceramics by Karen Edward and 'love' inspired art.




PS. Take a peek at the stunning photo shoot for VWS - Autumn 2015, on location in and around #‎Pittenweem! xo Image (c) Dom at Duke Photography


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 1 October 2015

Falling For Autumn! 7 Secrets Of A Funky Scottish Season...


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 and the sparkle of Christmas is still a long way off.

So, when the gloom begins to take hold, we must be extra kind to ourselves. After all, every season has a reason! Sometimes, hidden under fallen leaves we can uncover enchanted days full of gifts, surprises and creative inspiration!  

So, here are our 7 secrets to celebrating this season!  Kicking through the big piles of golden 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, plums 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

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, treat yourself!  Visit a gallery, museum, the cinema or book an indulgent spa day. Enjoy a coastal-inspired massage at The Fairmont St Andrews which includes treatments called 'Beside The Sea' and the tempting 'Crest Of The Cliff'.  The Kolher Spa at the Old Course Hotel offers the 'North Sea Stone Massage'.  Bliss by the beach...


3  Have A Lazy Lunch

I know, most of us are mostly busy most of the time....but it's worth making time for a wee pick-me-up with a few of our favourite folks! One of the funkiest places to enjoy a morning coffee, relaxed lunch or afternoon tea is of course, our Funky Scottish cafe-gallery-boutique!



4 Stretch Your Mind, Body & Soul

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
5 - 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 & wish lists, plan your next big project or just doodle away an evening...

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

6 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 part of nature's balance. Life is supposed to ebb and flow...

Enjoying The Calm Between The Seasonal Storms

7 - 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 ....


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!  

Celebrating The Indian Summer...




Ceramics inspired by the unexpected blast of sunshine, crisp blue skies and fallen leaves of purple, rust + gold....

Take a peek at bright, bold favourites from our collection by Karen Edward at Funky Scottish.

See more, including bespoke commissions, at www.funkyscottish.com   xo

PS. 3 more ways to celebrate...

  • plan one more fabulous bbq of 2015
  • sing along to Don Henley's nostalgic classic 'Boys Of Summer'
  • grab a coffee (and the warm rays) from our cafe's alfresco seats on the square....