bbbeecreative – Page 3 – Bumbumbee Creative

Posted on 11 February 202215 February 2022 by bbbeecreative — Leave a comment

The bright side of winter

We’re more than three-quarters of the way through winter here in Scotland and it shouldn’t be too long before we start to see the first watery glimpses of sunshine or a chorus of crocuses. Surviving a long winter is enough to bring out the creative or the poet in many of us as we emerge from our hibernation into sunlit hours.

We, as humans, are expected to keep busy and active in the winter, even though every cell in our being is craving that snuggle-up time. It should be a time when we are allowed time and space to turn our thoughts inward, saving our energies for the burst of life that Spring brings.

I sometimes wonder if we would all be much happier here in Scotland if we were able to live more aligned with the cycles of nature, rather than being dictated to by the wailing demands of our alarm clock through the darkness.

Looking on the bright side (so to speak) the light in Scotland through the winter is glorious if you are a photographer. The days may be shorter but with the sun so low in the winter sky, golden hour can last all day. A little cloud cover, with a hint of sunlight is enough to create some spectacular images. In fact, such atmospheric shots are hard to create anywhere else in the world.

There’s no shortage of magical photographic locations in Scotland, enhanced by the winter light. We’ve all seen the dramatic images of the majestic Glencoe, the auburn locks of the Heilan’ Coos. The low winter lighting is an important factor in these stunning shots.

It just goes to show, the winter skies can inspire creativity if we allow it, and inspiration can be found just beyond our doorstep. There are some days I’ve been richly rewarded for the energy I’ve expended to simply get dressed for the great outdoors.

Our coastline and waterways are brimming with inspiration, from the moodiness of the water and the seaweed washed upon the shore, to the moorhens on the lochs with their comically large feet flapping. It’s all there waiting to be discovered, painted, drawn or photographed.

All that said, if you’re not quite ready to get out there, and you’re waiting for the pioneering snowdrops to make their appearance, I hear you. Maybe one more cosy afternoon with a marshmallow hot chocolate wouldn’t be so bad. Would it?

Posted on 11 January 202211 January 2022 by bbbeecreative — Leave a comment

Be courageous in your creativity

Every year since 2000, the Pantone Colour Institute has proclaimed a particular colour “Colour of the Year”. Last year Pantone chose two colours probably sensing we all needed a double boost of colour in our lives. We had Ultimate Grey (17-5104) and the Illuminating 13-0647 (a brilliant yellow similar to our logo). I must have been on to something last year at this time when I wrote ‘putting the brilliance in resilience.’ Pantone noted the symbolism of the choice. “A marriage of colour conveying a message of strength and hopefulness that is both enduring and uplifting.”

So what’s colour of the Year all about? Twice a year representatives from various nations’ colour standards groups gets together in a secret meeting. After two days of presentations and debate, they choose a colour for the following year that connects with the mood of the moment; for example, the press release declaring Honeysuckle the colour of 2011 said, “In times of stress, we need something to lift our spirits. Honeysuckle is a captivating, stimulating colour that gets the adrenaline going – perfect to ward off the blues.”

The results of the meeting are published in Pantone View, which consumer-led businesses such as interior designers, fashion designers, florists and creatives buy to help guide their designs and planning for future products. In a nutshell, Colour of the Year provides strategic direction for the world of trend and design and the colour palettes you see in stores.

What’s in store for 2022 you wonder? Drumroll…

PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri

Here’s what the Pantone website has to say on this year’s colour choice…

“Displaying a carefree confidence and a daring curiosity that animates our creative spirit, inquisitive and intriguing PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri helps us to embrace this altered landscape of possibilities, opening us up to a new vision as we rewrite our lives. Rekindling gratitude for some of the qualities that blue represents complemented by a new perspective that resonates today, PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri places the future ahead in a new light.

“We are living in transformative times. PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri is a symbol of the global zeitgeist of the moment and the transition we are going through. As we emerge from an intense period of isolation, our notions and standards are changing, and our physical and digital lives have merged in new ways. Digital design helps us to stretch the limits of reality, opening the door to a dynamic virtual world where we can explore and create new colour possibilities. With trends in gaming, the expanding popularity of the metaverse and rising artistic community in the digital space PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri illustrates the fusion of modern life and how colour trends in the digital world are being manifested in the physical world and vice versa.

“Encompassing the qualities of the blues, yet at the same time possessing a violet-red undertone, PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri displays a spritely, joyous attitude and dynamic presence that encourages courageous creativity and imaginative expression.”

Here at Bumbumbee Creative we celebrate courageous creativity and our littlest Bumbumbee’s certainly have imaginative expression covered that’s for sure. I sense this will be a year where we all roll with whatever changes are presented to us until we each decide which new direction we wish to take. We may need to be courageous, not just in our creativity but in life itself, perhaps making decisions about things we hadn’t planned to make, perhaps having to adapt to new circumstances in the blink of an eye. Change can be scary, but it also offers us something new which may not otherwise have been an option. As long as we keep coming back to what’s important and focus on gratitude for the simple joys in life, we will have firm foundations from which to explore exciting possibilities for the future.

Bumbumbee’s motto is, “Be creative. Be inspired. Be an individual… but most of all Be kind.” Perhaps we should add Be Courageous in there too.

I’m off to bring a splash of Very Peri to proceedings in the studio. I hope you all have a joy-filled, creative year.

Posted on 16 November 202116 November 2021 by bbbeecreative — Leave a comment

Christmas – it’s in the bag

I know how frenetic it all gets at this time of year. Our minds are filled with unanswerable questions. What am I going to get the mother-in-law? Where am I going to get something that’s a bit different for that special family member at an awkward age? I understand, believe me. So, in the spirit of Christmas, I thought I’d lend you a helping hand, and let you know where you can find some of our stockists for Bumbumbee Creative’s prints, greetings cards, notebooks, and mugs – and some great local businesses into the bargain.

We are thrilled to announce café Up She Pops in Kinghorn has recently become one of our local stockists and we couldn’t be happier. Apart from loving the fact they are dog friendly, and make great coffees, Up She Pops supports artists, crafters and the local community.

Up She Pops is in Kinghorn on the route to the Fife Coastal Path – so it’s the perfect place to kick start your walk (or take a well-earned rest) If you keep walking along the Fife Coastal Path you’ll eventually arrive at Honeypot Café, situated directly below the Forth Rail Bridge, and another one of our local stockists.

So if you have an outdoorsy person in your life that would love a new camping mug or a budding nature writer in your family that might need a few new notebooks, well you know where to go. And the best bit is, you’ll be able to enjoy a relaxing coffee and a cookie in the process.

If you’re all about getting glammed up for the approaching festivities and parties, don’t worry, you won’t have to choose between a bit of Christmas shopping and booking in at the hair salon. Bumbumbee Creative’s cards can also be found at Mairi McQueen Hair Salon, 24 College Street, Buckhaven and Methil. Why not make an appointment today, or pay them a visit on Instagram. Just look for mairimcqueenhair. You might even be inspired to try a whole new look for your work’s Christmas party.

Alternatively, why not pop into our wonderful stockists Sun Gallery and My Cherry Pie. We are so chuffed and beyond grateful for the continued support from two incredible businesses. My Cherry Pie in Kirkcaldy is an award-winning indy store which not only features Gail’s own jewellery brand, but includes pieces from over 20 UK-based makers. The Sun Gallery in Newburgh opened its doors a year ago, fully revamped and refurbished! Not only is there an exhibiting space, but the owners also offer a fully equipped frame shop so keep that in mind if you want to pop in.

Last, but by no means least, if you want to get a hold of our Limited Edition Tote bags, head over to One One Four on the High Street in Burntisland. You can find them on Facebook too. Can you guess which historic coastal town is featured on the bag?

Well, I hope you’ve found that helpful. If you can’t make it to the shops you can always order online directly from me over on our Facebook Page or even on Instagram.

Happy shopping everyone! Don’t forget to keep yourself fuelled up on coffee and cookies.

Posted on 4 November 202112 November 2021 by bbbeecreative — Leave a comment

A berry merry Christmas

Dare I say it? The C-word? No not C*v*D… It seems Christmas is only a few short weeks away even though it only seems like five minutes since I was wrapping presents into the wee small hours last time.

Since last year’s Christmas cards flew out the door I decided to illustrate a couple of new designs for 2021. This year’s designs are traditional with a modern twist and they incorporate the mark-making techniques that everyone enjoys so much. So, without further ado – I bring you – Holly and Mistletoe.

Christmas in Scotland just wouldn’t be complete without these two. Perhaps the Mistletoe brings back some innocent memories of a first kiss or childhood memories of receiving a prickly jag from the leaves of the Holly. Against the backdrop of snow, the Holly’s blood-red berries create a dramatic splash of colour. Both of these berries provide food for birds throughout the winter – particularly for our feathery friend the Robin who featured in last year’s cards along with his festive friend the Pheasant.

As you know, I take pride in creating original artwork. OK – I admit it – I am a perfectionist and strive for quality across everything I do – from the illustration and artwork to the packaging. I treat each piece as a work of art – to the point that even our greeting cards can be framed as a small print in their own right (well that’s what I used to do when I was a poor student – and still enjoy doing now if I’m honest). This year’s cards are no different. The Holly and Mistletoe designs are printed on heavy-weight textured cardstock, from fully sustainable forests. Card is 150x150mm, with a brown Kraft envelope and compostable sleeve and they are available in packs of four – two in each design.

I hope you’ll enjoy sending these new designs to your friends or perhaps you’ll decide to keep them for yourself – I won’t tell.

Send me a quick message if you’d like to get your order in now. After all, Christmas is coming whether we like it or not – at least we can make a start with some Holly, Mistletoe – and maybe some wine.

Posted on 31 October 202111 January 2022 by bbbeecreative — Leave a comment

Looks like rain …

My latest illustration was inspired by a conversation with my sister. She lives in Australia and though we manage to stay connected through technology, she still feels homesick for all the people and places she loves in Scotland. It’s been three years since she’s been home, so I thought I’d get creative and remind her what she’s missing. What could be more reminiscent of Scotland than rain – especially when Scotland has so many different types to choose from.

As it turns out, we Scots have over 100 words for the myriad of forms rain takes – each more descriptive than the last. I then had the idea to combine these words with a mark-making exercise to replicate the look and feel of said rain being described. My sister loved it so much I thought I’d share it with you.

If you are unfamiliar with Scottish rain, it may surprise you to know rain doesn’t always fall in a uniform manner – (i.e., straight down from the sky to the ground). It often bounces off the ground (stoatin) in a persistent, deafening cacophony or it’s blown sideways in your face by a strong wind (yillen). This type of rain can feel like needles to the face and eyes – while the dreich type of rain just hangs, limp in the air. It’s a ‘feeling’ that permeates everything in a slow, somewhat dreary manner. Dreich is the more depressed cousin of Smirr (lazy rain) in that you don’t see physically formed raindrops, but everything is just a hazy, frizzy dampness. In fact, the word smirr sounds very much like the Danish word for mist which is smoor – so you can really get a sense of what this rain feels like.

Scotland is without doubt one of the most stunning and lush in the world. It is one of the things my sister comments on when she does make it home – how green and lush everything is compared to some of the dried, sunburnt vistas of Australia. So, while we may bitterly complain about the rain in all its forms, it is part of our identity and is the source of much of the natural beauty that surrounds us here – the mountains, the lochs, the heather, the grain for the whisky … oh I better stop there. I don’t want to make my sister homesick all over again.

If you love the rain or perhaps you are someone living away from Scotland and you’re feeling just a touch homesick, then this could be just the print for you. The print will soon be available to buy in the online store – once I replenish my stock levels – in the meantime, you can order from me by sending a messages on Facebook on Instagram.

I thought I’d let my sister have the last word on this one since it was created with her in mind after all.

“I love this – it’s a perfect combination of the Scots language, Scottish weather and creativity. It really does connect me instantly with home and memories of dreich days and getting drookit. I never thought I’d miss the different types of rain, but your clever work even conjures up the smell for me. Love. Love. Love.”

Posted on 22 September 202123 September 2021 by bbbeecreative — Leave a comment

Rosie’s two – time to reflect

I can’t believe it’s been a year since we celebrated Rosie being a Wild One. Having children seems to make the passage of time more tangible, more visible somehow. Mini milestones are always an opportunity to reflect on the year gone by and create hopes and dreams for the following year.

As you know, we love a birthday in the Bumbumbee family and Rosie’s second birthday is certainly a cause for celebration. By our standards, the two-year old’s running around our feet now have had an unusual time of it with the restrictions we’ve all had to navigate. They haven’t had the huge gatherings and parties for Christmas and Birthdays, the smothering of kisses and cuddles from various family members and friends, nor the messy, noisy play with other toddlers.

The blessing is, of course, these two-year-olds are not aware of the strange times they were born into, and they will be none the wiser until they read about it all in years to come. It’s us as parents that feel sad for our children that they ‘missed out’. However, as I’ve said before, there have been other blessings, the benefits of which may in time turn out to be the biggest blessing of all. Remember that precious time, that we as working parents always felt we missed out on? Remember all those times you felt sad your baby was growing too quickly and you wished you could keep them small forever? That time was given to us. Granted – perhaps more than we wished for sometimes – but we were able to spend time with our babies and youngsters as they found their feet. I feel sure this is a positive as we have a new generation of well-attached, grounded little people who won’t constantly need the next big thing to entertain them.

It’s been a wonderful year of play in the garden, dress-ups, art-filled days, walks along the coast and time together. Yes, there were the practical challenges along the way as we all experienced, but it’s about choosing to focus on the simple joys and not missing those more meaningful moments as our babies grow.

So yes, Rosie’s celebration this year was a big, beautiful, sparkly, colourful ‘rainbow’ day with family, cake, fairy wings and a crown fit for a flowery, fairy princess. There was time for and a small dose of reflection – at Edinburgh Camera Obscura with her brother and her cousins.

We hope wherever you are, you have been able to enjoy some precious family moments too.

Posted on 1 September 202123 September 2021 by bbbeecreative — Leave a comment

Little Bumbumbee starts school

August in Scotland means it’s back-to-school time for teachers and students alike. The end of this year’s summer holiday was harder than most for me personally since my grown-up little Bumbumbee headed to school for the first time.

I spoke to a few ‘old hands’ ahead of the big day. They know the drill. Every one of them told me – pack the tissues, you will cry – but don’t let him see your tears – because this is a big happy day for him, and he doesn’t need to be worrying about what’s wrong with mum. You never think you’re going to be ‘that’ mum do you? All the ‘old hands’ nod knowingly and sympathetically.

It’s a hard day – another milestone – knowing your little one is no longer solely dependent on you to fill their needs and keep them safe and happy. You feel like you are parting with the biggest treasure on the earth – entrusting them to strangers to do what you have done. Lion King comes to mind when Simba is presented to the Kingdom.

It’s important to remember though, the adventure is just beginning for them. They will have friends, teachers, activities and learnings to fill their day now. They are taking their first independent steps out into the world and all we can do is be there to support and guide them – until they no longer want that support and guidance. Even then, I have it on good authority, you will continue to support and guide them even if it’s from a distance.

As I wave him off at the school gates, desperately trying to hold it together until he’s out of view, I realise the best thing I can do at this moment, is go home, put the kettle on and give my littlest Bumbumbee a great big hug.

To all who’ve had to wave your little ones off to school for the first time – I feel for you. But just think of all that extra time we’ve got to ourselves to begin that creative project we’ve been putting off … after we’ve had a good cry of course.

I hope you like my new ‘grown-up’ little bee created to mark yet another milestone in the Bumbumbee family. Fly high little Bumbumbee.

Posted on 31 August 202122 September 2021 by bbbeecreative — Leave a comment

Off to market

In amongst all the family activities, the summer holidays have been packed with commissions, mark-making, new products and local markets.

I love attending the local markets because I get to meet, not only a great bunch of talented stallholders, but the people that enjoy my illustrations too. These markets really allow me to see what resonates with my customers – and I’m always a little overwhelmed by the wonderful feedback my artwork receives. It brings a real sense of joy to know that a little piece of Bumbumbee Creative will bring a smile to someone else’s face or will be going home with them to adorn their living room or nursery wall. I am so appreciative of everyone who makes the time to come to these local markets because it really does give all involved a ‘feel-good’ boost.

This summer I have been focussing a lot on mark making because it helps get the creative process flowing. Experimenting freely with colour, textures, mediums and shapes really helps you see what’s possible and sometimes you just have to follow where the marks on the paper take you – often in completely unexpected directions. I turn to mark making for a multitude of reasons but more often than not, it’s when I know I want to create ‘something’ but I don’t have a clear vision in my mind of ‘what’ it is I want to create (or how I’m going to create it). It was a happy coincidence when I discovered people seemed to love the shapes and the freeform way in which these marks were created.

From here, I created a few postcards and greetings cards and took them to the markets. There seems to be something about mark-making that connects with people. Perhaps these marks evoke memories of pebbles on the beach or mossy stones in streams – or perhaps it’s because these marks can be whatever you want them to be. It’s a visual language though quite abstract in its interpretation. Suffice to say, you will see some of these mark-making experiments make an appearance in some of my illustrations later in the year.

Over the six-week summer break, Bumbumbee Creative attended The Big Green Market in Burntisland Parish Church and the Robert Nair Craft Fair in Kirkcaldy, where my watercolour postcards made their debut as small prints, along with the coastal series cards. If you came along to either of these, thank you so much for your support – and if you didn’t manage to come this time, be sure to check out the local market next time it comes to town. It’s an opportunity to discover the array of local businesses in your own backyard, catch up with people in your local community, own original, hand-crafted creations and you’ll be supporting local initiatives too. I’ve met some amazingly talented people since stepping out into the world of local markets and I am buzzing with ideas for the future.

Posted on 3 July 202123 September 2021 by bbbeecreative — Leave a comment

Be seen in green

Here we are already the first Saturday in July. What is everyone up to today? If you are looking for something worthwhile to do and you are in the mood to do good for the local community and the planet, why not pop along to the Big Green Market between 10.00am and 1pm? Bumbumbee Creative will be there with a stall at the Parish Church Halls in Burntisland and we can’t wait to meet you.

Bumbumbee Creative is proud of its sustainability credentials, and we are always looking for greener and more sustainable ways to create whether it’s the papers we use, the recycled, compostable materials we favour or our commitment to the avoidance of single use plastics

Nature, the environment and the care of our flora and fauna has always been important to Bumbumbee – right from the very beginning. Indeed you will see so much of Bumbumbee illustrations and creations are focussed on bringing our love and appreciation of our wee beasties, our wildlife and marine life to others. I think when you care about nature and begin to focus on the world you want to leave for your children and their children, sustainability just makes good business sense. Bumbumbee would go further and say it’s our responsibility to ensure sustainability is front and centre of all we do.

If you are someone that feels the same way, this pop up event will be right up your street.

Bumbumbee Creative will join JoJo Co. , Burning Brightly – Eco Friendly Fires, and Melting Moment Mallows to name but a few.

So that’s your morning sorted out. Just a reminder, COVID arrangements apply so pack your mask with your shopping bag.

The Big Green Market – on today at Parish Church Halls, Burntisland from 10.00am – 1pm.

Proceeds from the first market will be donated to Burntisland Community Development.

Posted on 30 June 202123 September 2021 by bbbeecreative — Leave a comment

Busy bees in Burntisland

June’s been a busy month for us here at Bumbumbee Creative. There’s always a sense of excitement around the Summer months as we wait on that big golden ball in the sky to make an appearance (no matter how fleeting). It’s a time of year where Burntisland comes to life too and days are filled with more enjoyable, less blustery, walks along the coastline or through the seaside town. June also means getting busy with the fabulous ‘Fiver Fest which we are delighted to be a part of again.

Last October we made the decision to take part, not really knowing what to expect. The event was so well received and helped forge some new creative and community bonds that we didn’t have to think twice about taking part again.

Totally Locally Fiver Fest is a community initiative to support local shops, businesses, craftspeople and artists. Last year was touted as one of the largest, most successful events yet – but that was before Burntisland’s Fiver Fest June 2021 took centre stage. Ta Da …

This year’s event took place between June 12 and June 26 with businesses in the town offering amazing deals on their products and services for just £5.00. Seriously £5.00!!

Considering the rough 18 months everyone has had, to see (a) Burntisland filled with ‘suitably socially distanced’ shoppers and tourists buying from the local community (b) those shoppers benefit from really amazing prices for quality products or original crafts and illustrations, was just such a WIN WIN all round. Added to this – who doesn’t love Burntisland in the Summer?

For those who couldn’t make it to Burntisland, there were many offerings online too, so nobody missed out. One thing I have noticed is that Fiver Fest has a snowball effect in the community. Every year more and more people get involved, and those who missed out last year were determined to join the community this year. The snowballing extends beyond business to friendships groups and a real strengthening of the community spirit. It’s events like these that make a town an enjoyable place to live.

Businesses with a conscience

At the end of a fantastic two weeks, Bumbumbee Creative got together to run a pop-up shop with two amazing business ladies in Burntisland.They are both extremely talented and have created something very special for the market. Bumbumbee Creative got together with them because we all share the same desire and commitment to see more sustainability ‘in the mix’ when it comes to our business offerings.

This brings me perfectly to the first of those businesses – Céic Bottled. Céic Bottled create eco-friendly mixes of cakes – pre-mixed scones, pre-mixed brownies, pre-mixed biscuits, pre-mixed pancakes, pre-mixed muffins, pre-mixed cookies. Apart from making life easier for the little bakers in us all – the clever strategy to bottle all the ingredients required, reduces waste and surplus plastics and wrappings that generally accompany the baking process.

Céic Bottled is committed to sustainably sourced ingredients and provides vegan & gluten free mix options. Why not check out the website. I bet you can’t leave without placing an order – https://www.ceicbottled.co.uk

If the aroma of cakes and all things delicious didn’t entice you to our pop up shop, then perhaps the luscious and divine aromas of bodylushious did the trick. Their Earth friendly soaps, salves and other natural skincare products are created to give your whole body the special care and attention it deserves.

Bodylushious Founder Bronwyn Tutty says on her website, “You want to feel delicious and indulgent without stressing out your bank balance, or the world’s resources. I created Bodylushious to help people live a more delicious and joyful life through natural skincare and joyful dance.”
https://www.bodylushious.com/

To work alongside these ladies, surrounded by such luscious, delicious, caring products felt nourishing and enriching. I think that’s what Fiver Fest is all about – aside form the great bargains to be had – the nourishing end enriching experience of businesses and people coming together to create a vibrant community. For me it’s also about new friends, new connections and like-minded people to share exciting ideas for the future.