the rainbow effect

Summer? What Summer?!

2011-08-30T22:06:00.000+01:00

So I haven't blogged since June - scandalous! What have I been doing? Well not sunbathing - weather has been pretty poor and I've been working (very hard!) mainly at my real job (thank you KCF!) and brushing up on my photographic skills. I set myself a 30 day challenge in early July and didn't miss a day - the challenge was a new photo every day - more difficult than you think when you're rushed off your feet! I won't bore you with endless photos, ten of the best are below. In no particular order:

My Familiar - the owl cat

Sara's Sunflower

Whoopee!

Sploosh!

The Late Shift

Burn, baby, burn

Alien

"You ain't seen me, right?"

Girl on a Blustery Ferry

Three Oystercatchers

And there you have it - there are more pics at http://rainboweffect.500px.com/ or on my Flickr site! I'm also available for weddings, christenings and Bharmitzvahs!

It's all about cake!

2011-06-09T22:01:00.000+01:00

Well, cake, what's not to like! On a recent flying visit to celebrate her 25th Wedding anniversary my best friend Vera and I were astonished by this amazing cake in the Ettrick Bay Tearoom:

The biggest Victoria Sponge in the World - well, Isle of Bute anyway!

Believe me, the pic doesn't do it justice - it was enormous and it tasted as good as it looked. Baked by the proprietor of the Tearoom, Alex, it was a revelation! Sponge light as a feather, fresh, thick and delicious double cream and delicious strawberry jam. Cannot recommend Alex and his cakes highly enough.

Just one slice - almost not enough!

And in celebration of Vera and Paul (her lovely hubby) I 'commissioned' 24 hand crafted cupcakes iced with buttercream the colours of Vera's wedding dress and her bridesmaids dresses (yes, I was one of her bridesmaids - the one and only time, it was a total honour). The result, baked, iced and decorated by Alison Hutchins of the Cairndow Cake Company was exquisite.

Exquisite cupcakes

I had them delivered to Inver Cottage where we were having dinner (sublime!) and served before the dessert order. If I was delighted it was nothing compared with Vee's reaction!!

Almost too pretty to eat - almost....

See, cake - what's no to like!!!

We also managed to arrange a pretty Argyll sunset for the happy couple

P.S. Anyone wanting to order cakes form Alison please leave a comment and I'll pass your details on!

Pretty and Pink

2011-06-04T21:45:00.000+01:00

I'm not normally given to musing about pink stuff, gender specifics and all that - having avoided it most of my adult life and worn a muted palette of black, black and more black in terms of clothes and accessories and rigorously dressed my baby daughter in anything but pink - I couldn't help but notice how much pink there actually is around. Starting with the obvious, flowers at the Tree Shop - loads and all vibrant, Mother Nature at her girliest and finest especially when set against lush green backgrounds or with amazing yellow stamens:

And suddenly, I was seeing it everywhere:

in the Aquarium at LFO

Bobby's pants!!

Bike helmets

Skool bags & gym bags

Even on me and Ronnie next door!

Yikes! I'm wearing this!

Sadly, I didn't get a pic of Ronnie in his pink teeshirt, but he looked a fine specimen of a Scottish manhood thus disproving the myth that pink is for lassies only. However, It may be the end of the world as we know it!! I'm off to find my black jeans.....

Ain't nature grand!

2011-06-02T16:49:00.010+01:00

So, it all started when I went to the fridge to get a jar of ready-made pesto from a well known Supermarket. It looked like this, despite not being opened that long:

Yes, "We're not eating that" our Bobby rightly pointed out.

Ah, what to do - Mum's staple teatime dish, kaput - until I looked across the sheep field to the trees beyond and 'Voila', there was the answer to my problem - a big patch of Wild Garlic! So arming myself with Tupperware I yomped down the track, over to the trees and picked a big bunch of this delicious smelling and very tasty plant (is it a plant, dunno!). I headed back, and had the good fortune to have the rest of the ingredients I needed, otherwise the kids would have been eating pasta with blanched ramsons leaves cut into wee bits. Googling 'Wild Garlic Pesto' I found this recipe and adapted it to my own needs (pinenuts as no walnuts, but walnuts would be delicious! / no garlic / lots of pepper / didn't blanch the leaves as couldn't be arsed, just washed and pressed dry then shredded into the blender with all the other ingredients and walloped it all up together!!)

So from this

To this

And finally this!

all in the whizz of mini food blender and the shake of a local lambs tail! It was truly delicious, subtle and tasty. In fact it was so good, me and the Old Bugger had some for our dinner as well. I'll be making some more - we got through the first batch in two days and there is a truly huge patch of Wild Garlic to get through - Woop!

But it all goes to show, when the chips are down, it's Mother Nature that is the necessity of invention - especially when the nearest shop is a three mile drive away at 5.00pm teatime!

Y-U-M!!

Well I never!

2011-04-17T12:21:00.009+01:00

I was under the impression that Amateur Dramatic's was all about the tried and tested - thunderous productions of musicals and hackneyed farces accomodating a cast of many, all tried and tested many times before. I got that wrong!

Ladies and Gentleman, I give you the Arran Music and Drama Club's production of........BAD GIRLS - THE MUSICAL!! Complete with the BEST posters for an Am Dram production I've ever seen

Outstanding!!

I'm almost tempted to pay the outrageously expensive ferry fare just to go back and see it - I'm sure it'll be wonderful!!!

My Faith in Humanity - Restored!

2011-04-14T18:37:00.011+01:00

So, we were on Arran for a couple of days Youth Hosteling during the School Spring Break, myself, Bobby, Effie and Grandma who has bestowed the princely £10 on each of her darling grandchildren. The tenners are dutifully tucked away in pockets, with the instructions to put them in a 'safe place'.

Goat Fell in the sun

A couple of hours later after tea and a sandwich at the Lochranza Hotel and a chank around the tiny and beautiful beach at Dougarie Bay, Effie (5) announces that she has lost her ten pound note. Much furious searching in pockets, car floor, various bags proves fruitless. I ask Effs when was the last time she had the money, she's not sure, but we remember that it was in her bodywarmer pocket and she took that off at the hotel. Oh well, we resign ourselves to the fact that it's lost.

Dougarie Bay & the trouserless weans!

Fast forward a few hours and we toddle down from the Youth Hostel (very good, btw!) to the Lochranza Hotel for dinner. I tell Effie to go and look in the loo and check the garden for her tenner, while I order food and drinks. I ask the barman if anyone has handed in a ten pound note during the afternoon, but, no - a long shot really. I laugh and say if anyone does it belongs to Effs, who appears fleetingly to announce it wasn't in the loo. I joke with a couple at the bar that we have memorised the serial number so we can recognise the tenner if it ever turns up.

So, we demolish our dinner, the kids go outside to run around, Grandma for a fag and I ask for the bill. When the barman comes over with the bill, he hands me..... a ten pound note! "The Guy at the bar" he explains "felt sorry for the wee girl missing out on her holiday money". I am, frankly, astonished! However, the guy and his wife have since left so I cannot thank them. I ask the barman to pass on my profuse thanks as the couple are regulars and I leave the Hotel, stepping into the evening sun, my faith in humanity, restored.

Lucky wee lassie!

Whoever you were - I salute you and thank you from the bottom of my heart. You made a wee girls holiday - she was able to get her holiday sweeties and a lovely pottery seahorse for her bedroom! Thank you!!

The Lexicon of Life

2011-03-08T14:41:00.013Z

Like most families we have always had our own special and silly words for things - nessynog, dressing gown / peeblepobble, a verbal expression akin to blowing a raspberry / 'going to Milton Keynes', an activity that is somewhat pointless and will never come to fruition - are a few examples. So I am very proud to add my own daughters addition to the family lexicon.

'Nessynogs' in action

Effie (5 yrs old) has just lost her first tooth and her mother (me) is explaining the necessity of good brushing to make sure her emerging set of adult teeth (new one can be seen where baby one has dropped out) stay healthy. To press home the point of maintaining good teeth for life I use Effie's granny as an example of what happens when you don't take care of your teeth - ie. the dentist removes a large amount of them in one go.

Gappy Gal!

This is received quietly. After a long pause and much musing, Effie turns to me and asks "So, did the dentist give Grandma her Nancies?" "Her what" I venture, "Her Nancies" says Effs. It takes me a second or two to realise that she means her Grandma's false teeth which are usually known as 'gnashers' (also known as walies (pronounced Wa-lees), good old scottish slang for false teeth, but buggered if I can work out where you get nancies from walies).

And there you have it - false teeth are hereby known in out house as 'nancies'! So make sure you give your teeth a good brush tonight or you too may end up sporting a fine pair of nancies (see below)!!

Grandma and her fine pair of Nancies

Geeky!

2011-03-01T12:56:00.008Z

It's a well known fact to my family that I love gadgets! Don't ask me why, I just do - I'm not the most techno-savvy of people but I do like a nice shiny new gadget!! So, having resisted for some time we finally bought a camcorder - "it's for work" we told ourselves, and have spent the time we've had it filming the cat, the dog and the kids pulling faces and mugging shamelessly.

Face pulling!

Anyhow, I thought it might be fun to get to grips with said camcorder and all it's accompanying technology as well as exploring hither to regions of my beloved macbook and it's applications. The result is posted here - http://bit.ly/eNlxMW - it's not particularly exciting or mind blowing, they are not the cutest kids in the world, and I was particularly grumpy during filming which you can hear on some of the soundtrack (which is a bit wonky in places, like some of the camerawork!) - however, for me, it marks a teeny, tiny technological milestone and I like it! So there!!

P.S. The film was meant to be uploaded on to this blog, however, this could be construed as 'uploading video-FAIL' which confirms my worst fears, that I may, indeed, be a technological numpty! However, I'm still ridiculously pleased with myself!!

Blimey!

2011-02-07T16:57:00.008Z

Astonished to see that I had not blogged since April 2010! "Not good enough" says I. So what has happened since then - well I'm working part time which is one reason for the drop in blog posts; surprising how commuting to work three times a week in appalling weather (see below)

making sure there is clean uniforms to be had, food to go on the table, new kitten to be socialised, swimming lessons, homework (kids not me) and so on and so forth impinges on your time. Anyhow, the job is good - Project Admin for a rather cool Community Forest project (check it out - www.kilfinancommunityforest.com ), the sewing is kind of on hold, the China Hire is almost there and there are other moves afoot to expand the work that husband and I can do collaboratively! Watch this space!! And while your waiting, a selection of pictures for your delectation -

Snow berries!

This is Bickle - asleep for once, he's usually running around as if he's possessed

The view on the way to work - better than the average commuter view!

Dunan's Castle - just like Narnia! The snow was just awful but did produce some fabulous views!!

Tea in a China Cup

2010-04-28T13:12:00.009+01:00

What a civilised thing to do - tea, in a vintage china cup from a proper teapot and with the addition of rather yummy toffee cake, served on a vintage china platter. Deliciousness all round!

I said in an earlier post I was thinking of pursuing the whole 'Vintage Tearoom' idea, providing clients with vintage china, tablecloths/napkins, dressings, centre-pieces etc, to make their own Vintage Tea-parties for Weddings, Christenings, Hen Do's, Kids Parties. And for those who want to forgo the tea drinking aspect, you could have your very own 'Speakeasy' party (we also provide home-made plum and raspberry vodkas)!! So, I've started a bit of a 'feasibility' study to see what the competition is like and what folk want. In addition I've been stock taking my own current hoard of vintage table goodies and frequenting charity shops and flea markets like they're going out of fashion!

The concensus so far from a couple of local gals in the hospitality trade is 'yes, this could have legs'. So, coupled with the idea for a greener alternative to party bags and wedding favours (see previous post!) I might start putting a tentative business plan and website together!! I mean who could resist, proper tea and cakes, proper china and teapots and we'll even do the washing up!! What do you think?

Hmmm? A new idea, maybe?

2010-04-27T16:47:00.007+01:00

How about this for a sweet alternative to run of the mill party or wedding favours - Cotton (and re-useable!) party bags with an 'Alice in Wonderland' theme - upcycled glass jar decorated with vintage fabric and cotton bakers twine and filled with hand-made chocolates, and the simple, hand stamped instruction 'Eat Me'! But don't worry you won't shrink!! Plus a bottle of fizz - what a treat!

I'm thinking about this as a potential sideline - jars could be filled with traditional sweeties/chocs/home-made jam or marmalade/mini soaps, but all trimmed in the prettiest of vintage fabrics and hand-stamped individual vintage style lables.

A green alternative, perhaps (re- and upcycling, reusable bags, organic treats!). And you could theme them as well - Alice works really well!) Comments gratefully received!!

Keep on Running!

2010-03-18T10:34:00.009Z

Well, as I seem to be doing bugger all sewing at the moment I thought I'd use the blog for more general, day to day stuff - it's the George Mallory approach "Why do I write it? Because it's there!"

I've been Twittering for over a year now and those that follow me know I started running in July last year and am now totally hooked. In a previous life I used to be a Personal Trainer and Sports Therapist so I was very fit and ran regularly. After a disasterous first pregnancy, followed by several more which finally resulted in two healthy, fat babies (fine example of one below) I gave up on the whole 'fitness' thing and settled down to pushing a pram, working in management/admin troubleshooting and moved back home to Scotland.

Two years after the big move north and being the wrong side of 40, I noticed I was spreading and not just around the middle!! After watching my husband complete a 10K road race in Balloch last year and seeing loads of women in all shapes and sizes cross the finish line, I found myself thinking "I could do that" and I bloody have! It's taken less time than I thought but I'm up to a 10K distance (about and hour and 10 mins continuous running) and I'm even toying with a Marathon at some stage -I say 'toying' in the loosest sense!

Running provides me with a way to keep my fat bahookie in check, it allows me to de-stress and let off steam and it gets me out of the house kid-free for a wee while. It also allows me to run through some fantastic scenery - on Monday I listened to the dramatic and ethereal sounds of 'Florence + the Machine' as I ran through towering tunnels of pines whilst out over Loch Eck and the hills beyond - It doesn't get much better than that! Admittedly, it wasn't the best CD to run to (I usually listen to a vast collection of shite Ibiza dance/techno tunes, consistent BPM, rising /falling cadences etc) but it was a great accompaniment to hitting my target time/distance and it was a beautiful day - all sun and shadows and glorious forest.

So, that's a bit more about me that's not about sewing or fabric! Watch out - it'll be about making soup next!!

The afterglow...

2010-01-05T15:19:00.012Z

So, here we are a few weeks down the line from the Creggans Xmas Cracker and I'm still absurdly pleased at how well it went. We had a total of 24 different makers, crafters, artists and small businesses showcasing a quality array of products - from handmade soaps to fine art cards and prints, stunning designer jewellery to the best chocolate Brownie bites in the whole of the country (thank you, Fi Bashford-I still taste them in my dreams!!), wonderful, hand-crafted knit- and felt-wear, ceramics, retro cards, coasters and embroideries - too many fine things to mention! See pics below for a wee glimpse of the goodies on offer:

Fi, Fi and Lorna and their sweet treats to die for!
Rosie's Retro Styling - fabulous vintage inspired goods, gifts, cards and coasters

Amazing knitwear from 'Moses Well' - aka Pauline MacIntyre

the rainbow effect - natch! Am loving those new appliqued hottie covers!!

The wonderful Penny Crisp and her creative goodies including hand felted baby bootees, beautiful bunting and more hottie covers!!!

And the place was heaving!! I think Gill (proprietress extrordinaire of the Creggans Inn) had a bit of a wobble and was convinced no-body would come, but come they did, in their droves!!

The whole place was buzzing all afternoon and the icing on the very rich and delicious cake was the sweetest of sounds made by the choir from Dunoon Grammar School (although when our Effie is big enough to attend no way will she be allowed to wear such short skirts!!)

So, I felt justifiably pleased with the end result and, after a careful evaluation of the proceedings, next years promises to be even better!!

Applique Crazy!

2009-11-25T16:07:00.005Z

Decided that my sewing skills could do with a kick up the backside, so I've been experimenting with some shapes and styles. These are the latest ones - and I'm ridiculously pleased with them!

I am especially fond of the tartan Skull 'n ' Crossbones (see below) and can see myself doing a lot more of these! Am currently working on a S 'n' C in vintage floral fabric that I think looks kinda cool - girly, with a twist, if you know what I mean.

Anyway will be sewing my wee fingers off to get ready for the Creggans Xmas Cracker - see last post!

A 'Craftacular' Christmas in Cowal

2009-11-20T12:11:00.007Z

There’s no denying it-Christmas is on it’s way whether you like it or not! So how can you make your gift shopping pleasurable, and dare I say it, fun? Well, on the 5^th and 6^th of December there are two events that should sort out your gift ideas but in the most relaxed and delicious of surroundings. For two days only you will be able to get your hands on some of the best, most innovative and divine handcrafted goodies in the West of Scotland. We’re going all out for the most ‘Craftacular’ Christmas ever-think innovative, inspiring, unique, fun and all made with care and attention to detail. Think ‘Handmade not High Street”.

Kicking it off in style the delectable Glasgow Craft Mafia pay another visit to the Cowal of on Saturday 5^th December. Head down to Inver Cottage for some serious ‘eye candy’-choose from all manner of delights from the following fabulous designers and makers - Covetables, Pumpkinsputnik, Askingfortrouble, Rosies Retro Styling, Girl Industries, Sarey Poppins!

And if that wasn’t enough!! Sunday 6^th December sees the 'Creggans Xmas Cracker’! Come to the fabulous Creggans Inn in Strachur, Argyll for delicious Sunday Lunch then stay and browse the stalls at the Indie market which include the rainbow effect, Fresh Berry Designs, Pure Therapy, Carrot Coriander, Bute Crafts, and many, many more!! In addition be soothed by the DGS Heavenly Choir and, if all that wasn’t enough, we’ve even got our own Beauty Angel on call for a bit of pampering (appointments direct, contact Kate - 01369 860160) and a vintage style tea room going on-now what a way to make your shopping a little bit more fun! Food, pampering, stylish gifts by the bucket load-A Merry Christmas indeed and all within a scenic hours drive from Glasgow!! For further info contact 01369 860279.

They came, they saw, they had a great time!

2009-11-06T09:39:00.008Z

The dust has finally settled, the reports and evaluations are nearly complete and the time has come to now say that this years Cowal Open Studios was a roaring success - in excess of 2000 visitors over the weekend and a total visitor spend of around £18k. The feedback from visitors and participants has been overwhelmingly positive and I think I can safely say that COS 2009 was a fantastic event!

The additional events at the Hall on the Saturday went down really well-the singing workshop was such a hit that the singers have been meeting regularly to exercise their vocal cords-and workshops were well attended. The concert in the evening was a foot stompin' crowd pleaser and the highlight of the weekend!

So onward-the battle for funding starts here. Cowal Open Studios is key in promoting the work of artists in this most beautiful part of Scotland and is a vital and vibrant part of the Cultural Tourism Industry in Argyll and Bute-we just have to get this message over to the Council so that they can start to value the contribution that these businesses make to the local economy. This will be our challenge for 2010!

Watch this space!!

The Vintage Tearoom Vibe hits Argyll

2009-08-19T15:11:00.010+01:00

Blimey-been a while! Thought I'd better get my act together pit together an update on what I've been up to. It looks like 'the rainbow effect' might be taking a different direction and diversifying a wee bit.

So, sewing has been put on hold for the time being as I've been Project Managing 'Cowal Open Studios'. It's been a challenging one this year and not without some emotional bumps and bruises along the way-but, hey, that's what life's all about, isn't it? Anyway, we're approaching the home stretch with the event just around the corner. Should be a really great weekend this year and lots of fun!

Additionally, though, I've been pulling together my facilitation/management skills to put together a delicious little event as part of a programme of extra events at the Cowal Gathering. Collectively known as 'Gathering Around' these are 'add-on' events running on all three days and include a parade and a concert by the Peatbog Faeries.

But on the Sunday as part of the 'Cowal Family Gathering' to be held in Strachur, there will be 'Crafty, Cakes and Crooning' in the Memorial Hall. We will be transforming the New Hall into a 'Vintage Tearoom' paradise with gorgeous tablecloths, bunting, vintage table decorations and delicious, traditional home-baking. To top it all off and add to the enjoyment we're providing loads of Crafty bits'n'bobs for kids (and adults) to do and local musicians will be on hand to add some soothing tunes-bliss! It should be a truly delightful, vintage feast for the eyes, spirit and stomach-you should come, if you can!!

In pulling together the strands that make up the 'Vintage Tearoom' experience an idea has taken fruition. Between four of us local lasses we have a passion for all things vintage, exemplary culinary skills, a huge personal treasure trove of props/dressings/china/napery etc (see pic below-this is merely scratching a very large surface) and the knowledge of where to get more, crafty skills, an idyllic location and excellent management and facilitation skills (this really means some of us are very, very bossy!!).

So, I'm thinking of rallying the lasses and putting together a 'Vintage Party' package for all sorts of events from the personal-birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, hen parties-to smaller corporate do's! This, I know has been tremendously successful 'darn sarf' and there are some fantastic organisations in Glasgow who are at the forefront of the Vintage thang, most notably the fabulous 'Made in The Shade'. But we want to 'spread the Vintage Gospel' further afield and we are lucky enough to live in an area that has stunning, traditional Village Halls and great places to stay-so a little bit of that Vintage nostalgia and glamour could add that exceptional and unusual extra cachet, that 'wow' factor to an event. It also is a fabulous way to recycle the past-I think I personally have kept the local charity shops going by my constant rootling around!!-and justifies the enormous amount of hoarding myself and girlfriend Penny have been doing (forever, it seems). A case of all the gear, big idea and the transport to cart it around in!! Whoo-hoo!!!! A meeting of minds is planned around a bottle of red wine, so we shall see.

Will post some pics of the 'innaugral' Tearoom Event-and if you're free, come along and enjoy a bit of traditional Argyll hospitality and some tremendous home-baking!!

Mono Market!

2009-03-25T11:38:00.004Z

Come along to Mono (12 Kings Court, Glasgow, G1 5RB) this coming Sunday (29th) to see a host of handcrafted goodies made and sold by some of Glasgow's finest designers and crafters! I'll be there, too, between 1-6pm with my treasure trove of delightful kids and adult appliqued and tie-dyed tee-shirts, vintage and recycled fabric hotties, bags, blankets, boudoir sets. Mono is a great place to also have Sunday Lunch or stop for a refreshment break - be there or be square!!

Red Nose Fun!!

2009-03-14T18:30:00.005Z

Especially for Red Nose Day! I did a tie-dye workshop with the Strachur Playgroup Pre-Schoolers, which was lots of fun. They especially enjoyed dunking the tee shirts and then stirring them round in a big bucket of Poppy Red dye (sadly now defunct, thanks, Dylon!! Glad I stockpiled when I did).

I took the tees home and rinsed them in the washing machine and brought the damp, tied tee shirts back the next morning. It was really cool seeing the excitement on their wee faces when they took the bands off and saw the patterns they had made. They were very chuffed by the finished articles and will be showing them off on Monday 16th-a tad late for RND, but they don't open on a Friday! Better late than never, they will be showing off their finery, then.

Nice One!

2009-02-13T20:15:00.003Z

Thanks to Lynne from Autonomous Artisans for the lovely piece about my up-cycled hotties made from vintage blankets and fabric. There are lots of lovely things on their blog to-day and the common thread is the Autonomous Artisans Flickr Pool-go and have a look-choc full of marvellous, handcrafted treasures!

Sew Good!

2009-01-27T17:10:00.011Z

Had a blissful drive down the side of Loch Eck to get some supplies. I tell you, it might rain here a lot but my god it makes for some breathtaking sights. It was very misty and with snow still capping the hills and the loch glassine, I was glad I'd commandeered the camera.
In not so picturesque Dunoon, my favourite shop on the whole of the Cowal Peninsula has moved! And not any old move-the Sewing Bee has relocated several shops up the same street and now shares premises with Argyll Vintners - sewing, craft supplies and alcohol all in the same shop-GENIUS! They have also expanded their range of gorgeous fabrics and have some v-e-r-y pretty pink and aqua fabrics very similar to the 'Amy Butler' range, slightly less expensive but still great quality cotton.
Anyway, had to get some batting and fabric to make up a blanket that's been commissioned. The front of the blanket will be vintage Beatrix Potter fabric, so I thought the blue stars would be a nice contrast on the back. Also took the opportunity to have lunch with my Mother (the best stew in the world, ta mammy!) and have a shufty through the Charity shops. Then home! So, back to the sewing tomorrow-blanket first, more hottie, bags and so on later. Fingers crossed for a bit more of a productive day, though the misty drive and the delicious lunch were worth losing a few hours of work for!

Go Wild in the Country!

2009-01-26T20:43:00.008Z

Had an very interesting day at a networking day for women running small rural arts and crafts businesses and organisations. Yes, I know, it all sounds 'terribly' worthy, but it was very interesting and well worth driving across half of Argyll and Stirlingshire for.

The venue was West Moss-side which is not only an organic farm but a fantastic venue for craft workshops meeting etc. Set in the most beautiful countryside, I had the most stunning drive down through Loch Lomondside and up into the Carse of Stirling. Obviously, I forgot to take my camera-typical!
Had a great session with Jane Lindsey of Snapdragon Garden who discussed and explored the wonders of marketing yourself through your blog and how relatively simple this was to do-she has a great blog which is well worth a look. Which, of course, sent me scurrying home, resolving to blog more often-fingers crossed.

So despite my misgivings last night, about a long drive and sorting out childcare, cost of fuel etc, etc, it was a great day and I made several interesting contacts for my other venture (Cowal Open Studios), had a very delicious lunch, met some friends from back on the Cowal and had someone who wants some of my stuff for her shop! And back in time to spend some quality time with the kids and blog! Result!!

The Great Blanket Project Begins.....

2009-01-26T17:38:00.009Z

After a lot of thought and contemplation over many cups of tea, I finally started to make in-roads into my stock of vintage woollen blankets. To my delight and surprise they have been easier to work with than I had envisaged and the finished product looks great!
A you can see from above, I've started on Hot Water Bottle covers, each one decorated with a cute vintage fabric pocket on the front into which one slips a matching Lavender Bag-mmmm, warm and soothing, always a good combination, especially in light of the rubbish summers we're having!
I kept the original label (see top of post!) and took some photos which I'll use for labeling them up-hopefully nice it a nice, interesting retro feel. Next on the agenda, baby sized, fabric trimmed blankets, totes and cushions!

Charity Shop Booty!

2009-01-15T22:07:00.005Z

I always try and sneak a quick trip to the charity shops in the local 'Hub' - Dunoon, bless it's heart it's so not a hub! I've found some brilliant stuff in the past-vintage American floral sprigged cotton sheeting and pillowcases (such great quality cotton), which I used to trim and decorate all sorts of stuff, beautiful vintage plates which are perfect for serving cupcakes and dainty sarnie, interesting old suitcases, vintage pinnies, baby clothes and blankets perfect for dyeing and appliqueing.

So, had a quick trip to Oxfam and came up with some very good swag!

This plate is very similar in style to a vase I've had for years and which I love-I do like a good ceramic seashell or two!

Kitschy, slightly strange looking pinny-and I don't normally like pink, but I do like the pockets.

And lastly, a very sweet little old fashioned picnic hamper-I think it may once have housed a dolls tea service, so I may give it to Effie for her 'dinner service'-a rather hideous pink and purple plastic affair, with Barbie all over it, she loves it, I hate it, a sign of things to come perhaps?

So, finally, more up-to-date! Now just got to tackle the Overlocker-watch this space!!

Here we go! Part 2

2009-01-14T23:09:00.009Z

So, where were we....

2009-looking forward to making some in-roads into my stock of vintage fabric. I was lucky enough to score a vast amount of vintage woollen blankets (see pic below-that's only about a third of the total haul) when a local fishing lodge changed hands and the family were clearing out the house and garages. Lots in a pretty poor state, but lots in good repair. So, they have now been sorted out, professionally laundered and are ready to be cut, trimmed, appliqued etc, etc.
So, over the next few weeks I will be transforming my 'stash' into hot water bottle covers, bags, cushion covers, all enhanced with vintage fabric applique detail plus baby/adult blankets with fabric trims!!

And to help me do this, my lovely family, spurred on my most excellent mother, bought me an Overlocker for Christmas-how exciting, until I opened the box and looked at the instruction leaflet! Aghast and more than a wee bit frightened by what I saw, I packed it all away again. I keep peering at it nervously, as it sits, accusingly, under the kitchen table. I will be steeling myself this weekend to have another go-the alternative, of course, is to bribe my Aunt Moira (dressmaker, seamstress and soft furnishings guru par excellence) to come up for a couple of days and give me a crash course in Overlocking!

Watch this space or visit my shop at http://www.therainboweffect.etsy.com to catch up with whats new from rainbow world.

Next-What Jean Found in The Charity Shop!

2009! Here We Go!!

2009-01-13T15:26:00.017Z

Blimey-been a while since my last blog! So I'm going to do it in two parts -
here goes.....

Part 1
2008 was a busy year-the 'rainbow effect' range expanded to include vintage inspired and trimmed blankets, hats, onesies, tee-shirts, bibs and bags! I used a couple of different methods-firstly, transfers, heat-pressed on to garments, using a variety of different, vintage images-Dick and Dora, vintage Russian children's illustrations, 50's sci-fi. Secondly, I rediscovered my passion, dormant for a few years, for vintage fabrics and clothing and began to stockpile some fab vintage fabrics to applique on to garments or trim blankets with!

I was lucky enough to be gifted a sewing machine from my Mother-in-law, old, but trustworthy and in great working order. Now, not having sewed since Domestic Science (remember that?) at school it took me a few days of poking at it, plugging it in and generally being a big wuss, before I bit the bullet and actually tried sewing something. Hurrah! It all came flooding back and I went 'sewing crazy'. You can see some of the results at http://www.therainboweffect.etsy.com.

And so some of my ideas came to fruition and I was very pleased with the results!

In October 2008 I was delighted to be accepted as a member of the Glasgow Craft Mafia-a fine and upstanding organisation promoting contemporary crafting in and around the fair and funky city of Glasgow. They have a great site, with lots of fab crafters/makers/artists on show, well worth a visit - http://www.glasgowcraftmafia.com. Additionally, I joined the Creative Entrepreneurs Club at the Lighthouse in Glasgow and did some groovy indie markets there in October and December.

A busy 2008 - so what's coming up for 2009? Well, I just go and have a cuppa and get back to you (very) shortly with Part 2! Until then......

More Vintage Delights!

2008-11-11T14:48:00.004Z

More delicious fabric! The 'Alice in Wonderland' is especially gorgeous. Just got to decide what to do with it. I'm contemplating some kids aprons, drawstring bags and mini totes at the moment, but it could all change..........

Gone recycling crazy!!!!

2008-11-07T13:10:00.003Z

We've been recycling stuff for ages and massively into vintage loveliness, but have recently been enthused by the discovery of some old curtains which we've dyed purple and red. Now making drawstring bags with the fabric and some vintage sheeting, recycled ribbons and buttons. I am ridiculously pleased with the results!! Look out for the up and coming 'Alice in Wonderland' range. Just the thing for a rainy, Argyllshire day, indeed...

Jean x

Made in the Shade - 25th October, the Lighthouse, Glasgow

2008-10-23T15:31:00.013+01:00

'the rainbow effect' will be at 'Made in the Shade' in the Lighthouse, Glasgow's premier for spot for indie shopping! Come along and experience vintage and indie loveliness from over 35 of the city's most exciting designers and craftspersons.

We will be there with our delicious, unique and limited edition rainbow, tie dyed and vintage trimmed baby, kids and adults wear and accessories. For further info please contact us at therainboweffect@gmail.com or phone on 07786 811121!

We got a 'Vintage' thing, goin' on!!

2008-09-29T20:13:00.005+01:00

Less blurb and more info. New vintage inspired range-teeshirts and jim-jams with delicious vintage applique motifs (Dick and Dora, cowboys, 50's space rockets to name a few), lavender scented baby (and adult) sleep pillows, vintage trimmed vintage blankets, cute beanies!!

All items unique, handcrafted-gorgeous 'heritage' gifts for babies, kids and adults. You won't find anything half as much fun, as cute or as kitsch in the shops. And Xmas just round the corner....what could be better, gifts to swoon for-mm-mmmmm x

*NEW! NEW!! NEW!!!

2008-04-30T13:47:00.027+01:00

Fabulous 'Pebble Slippers' for babies and toddlers!
Gorgeous, hand felted and completely unique-these wee 'pods' are hand made by 'Pennynotpolly' from scratch using 100% pure new wool, hand-felted round Glen Fyne river pebbles then stitched and trimmed with contrasting ribbon to tie neatly round baby's ankles. Just divine!!

They are extremely soft, cosy and mould perfectly to your childs feet to ensure these slippers are comfortable for precious growing toes and feet.

Sizes and prices:

Newborn to 6 months- £18.00

6 to 12 months- £20.00

12 to 24 months - £22.00

24 to 36 months - £24.00

Contact therainboweffect@gmail.com for further information or to order a pair of these delicious slippers. A special, unique and great present for a precious little one!

So, I'm Crap......

2008-04-15T17:04:00.003+01:00

Yes, I was all big talk that I'd update the Blog on a regular basis. Hmm, not since 31st Jan, which is pretty rubbish really. Will try to do better-maybe weekly??.....

So, what has been occuring-trying out some new dye-ing styles, which is working really well but quite time consuming and demands lots of pails of dye, which can be tricky with no proper workspace and trying to ensure none of the small children/animals/husband inadvertently shoves their hands/paws in the buckets I have also added, after many requests, adult tee-shirts to the kids range (see pics, they are rather yummy) and am looking at enhancing the range with some vintage style trimmings on blankets and some of the baby tees. Had a couple of quiet craft fairs, but off to Glasgow (the BIG city) on 26th April to do the Glasgow Craft Mafia gig at Hillhead Library and have a potential couple of days during the Loch Fyne Food Fair on 10th/11th May. So, with business picking up in Spring roll on a (hopefully) busy in Summer.

Watch this space!!

2008-01-31T11:10:00.000Z

So, nearly at the end of January! So, apart from 'the rainbow effect' what else do i get up to. Well, live in a wooden house in the Argyll Forest (just watching the snow at the moment!) with two small children, Bobby (5) and Effie (2), pictured, plus husband, daft dog and very lazy cat. Am part of large and extensive family who provide me with much laughter, all of who I love dearly, and most of who my long-suffering husband (Laurie) thinks though not quite bordering on the clinically insane, are indeed, quite mad!!

So, when not dyeing lots of small clothes am generally trying to keep the hoose reasonably clean/tidy-not always and easy task as the kids seem hell bent on making the place a midden and (let's face it) i'm not someone who relishes the challenge of housework. My own mother, fanatically clean house that is pristine, really can't figure out where she went wrong. I do however make a mean pot of soup and bake a tasty loaf, so it can't all be bad.

Right, off to make soup now. Will think up some punchy anicdotes for next post-maybe the one about Bobby and the lollipops.......

As For 2008

2008-01-29T16:54:00.000Z

And what will 2008 bring? Well, watch this space – we are hoping to expand the product range even more, with more colourful leggings, dungarees and dresses. We have sourced some lovely organic baby wear and are hoping to team these with fair trade and recycled fabric soft toys and organic Scottish goats milk baby soaps to make a truly delightful organic ‘Welcome Baby’ gift basket. Also coming, gorgeous baby blankets and personalized vintage-style bibs. Our website is live, but not doing a lot just yet; however, we will be pulling out all the stops after Hogmanay to get the blessed thing up, running, taking orders and processing payments!!

And Finally

2008-01-29T16:53:00.001Z

Repackaging. We’ve spruced up our packaging – all gift sets come wrapped in lovely, crisp cellophane, with the trademark rainbow ribbon trim and all labels now bear washing instructions, etc. We hope you like!!?

Bags

2008-01-29T16:52:00.000Z

Bags and bags and bags…….what can I say. We thought that maybe some matching tie dye gift/presentation bags would provide the ‘wow’ factor for the smaller gift sets, such as the underwear sets. We were not mistaken! They looked superb. So we went looking for more bags (it was all very exciting, but maybe you had to be there to appreciate just how exciting). We are now producing small and larger tote bags in gorgeous rainbow tie dye shades. Not only do they make terrific gift bags, party bags and book bags, but the bigger ones can be stuffed in a handbag or pocket, produced with a flourish and used as shopping bags. Not just gorgeous, but green as well!! So if you are looking for a cheap, cheerful and useful present think ‘bags’.

Arran Aromatics

2008-01-29T16:51:00.000Z

Some of our gift ranges carry Arran Aromatics products from their ‘Baby Feel’ range. These are hypo-allergenic and very, very kind to new skin. The range is not cheap, but we didn’t want to pad out the gift sets with cheapo rubbish but rather ensure our gift sets were of the highest quality and worth every penny. The range is absolutely delicious, so delicious that we’ve all been using the barrier cream – it makes a brilliant hand and body lotion (but don’t tell the nippers!!)

A Wider Choice In Our Gift Range

2008-01-29T16:36:00.000Z

Our baby vest and socks/tights and girls/boys undies and socks/tights, are still as fabulous, and even more fabulous is our extensive range of glorious gift baskets some of which include the Arran Aromatics gift range as well as a delightful bundle of rainbow separates and a wee wooden toy such as an elephant jigsaw or mini wooden book. As always, we can bespoke any gift bundle or basket that you order. They look pretty damn special and are a lovely welcoming gift for any new mum and baby to receive – as well as probably being the only gift that doesn’t come in pastel pink, pale blue or cream!!

Outfits

2008-01-29T15:52:00.001Z

We had all these lovely separates and we wanted to prove how versatile they could be, so we have put together a fledgling collection of dresses, dungarees and the most fabulous rainbow leggings. All outfits come with matching socks and tights as required. All the clothing comes from a wholesaler who only supplies fair trade clothing and this (plus the organic factor) is something we will definitely be looking at more closely this year.

Socks

2008-01-29T15:44:00.000Z

And look at our rainbow socks!! Hand knitted in Nepal, very cosy, from 6m-18m, how flippin’ funky are they!! Don’t you wish you had a pair? Well, we are trying to source some adult sized ones – perfect for brightening up those lazy winter days around the house – your very own indoor rainbow!

Tie Dye Tights

2008-01-29T15:42:00.000Z

We already did tights in block colours - so hey, we thought, why not tie dye them. They look absolutely stunning and we are very chuffed with them. At present our age range is up to 12 years, but we are trying to source some adult cotton tights as so many Mums have been saying that they want them too!!

Hats

2008-01-29T15:28:00.000Z

Well it goes without saying, ‘If you want to get ahead, get a hat’! So, for gift sets and to compliment our baby separates range, we have a range of stylish cotton beanies (0–6 months/6–12 months). In addition, we have some rather colourful and warm woolly hats for 2 year olds to teens as beautifully modelled here. These are hand knitted in Nepal and vary in colour and pattern, but we think this just adds to their appeal!

The Rainbow Effect Newsletter

2008-01-29T15:27:00.000Z

Blimey, another year done and dusted. Because it was such a busy year for us we thought we might let you know what’s new with the rainbow effect, and what’s coming up for this year.

Well, we’ve been very busy. The most important major change has been the relocation of the company to rural Scotland. This was all achieved in a record 3 months and now we have settled in we know we definitely did the right thing. The company has continued to go from strength to strength and we feel confident that 2008 and will be even busier!!

So, what’s new? Here goes……..