The Rainbow Room Handmade by Clara Luna

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T09:47:00.003Z

A very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

I know it's still November, but............Last Christmas Postal Dates!

2011-11-24T09:21:00.002Z

I know it's still November, but............Last Christmas Postal Dates! I know some of you are way more organised than me with your Christmas shopping and like to get it done early. These are my last posting dates using Royal Mails 'if you want it there for Christmas' dates.

International Airmail

Monday 5th December - South & Central America, Caribbean, Africa, Middle East, Asia, Far East (including Japan), Australia and New Zealand

Thursday 8th December - Eastern Europe, USA and Canada

Monday 12th December - Western Europe

UK First Class - Tuesday 20th December

My Stand at Aberystwyth Arts Centres Winter Craft & Gift fair 2011

2011-11-02T16:09:00.003Z

We had a wonderful day setting up my stand at Aberystwyth Arts Centres Winter Craft & Gift fair 2011. Here is my Mr Rainbow being super helpful! Some people come and set there stand up in lightening time, us on the other hand like to take our time pondering over coffee, lunch and afternoon tea and cake - well why not? The atmosphere up at Aberystwyth Arts Centre is great and so is the cafe!!

But we got there in the end : )

Can you see my rainbow of new funky fabric hair accessories?

Me feeling happy we had finished and loving how my stand looks this year - please if you're anywhere near go check it out...it's a fantastic place and a great selection of gifts and crafts. I will be doing lots of Christmas shopping there!!

Rainbows and Chaos!

2011-10-19T16:40:00.002+01:00

The chaos of my Rainbow Room.........packing up, labelling, crossing off things on the list, having a last minute panic (have I got enough stock?) It's that time again tomorrow I will be setting up my stand at Aberystwyth Arts Centre Winter Craft & Gift Fair!
And the reward for all that hard work......

This beautiful rainbow!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Funky Fabric Flowers!

2011-10-16T19:29:00.003+01:00

Been making loads of stock for my stand at the winter art and craft fair at Aberystwyth Arts Centre - which is why is been knda quiet around here!! But i had to share this photo I took today of my new hair slides, it's a crazy colour wheeel of funkyness!!!

Funky Fabric Rainbows

2011-10-10T18:02:00.002+01:00

I have been experimenting making funky fabric rainbows with all those lovely new fabrics - hoping to have some new rainbows ready for you guys soon!

Fabric Shopping!

2011-09-17T14:32:00.002+01:00

We had a crazy trip to Birmingham yesterday on a mission to buy some rainbow fabrics for some new projects!! After searching online for fabrics I decided that i needed to see, feel and smell?? what i was buying : ) I had been eying up lots of lovely fabrics on Cotton Patches website so we decided to take a trip to civilisation to see what we could find.

Well as you can see from the photo we did well!!

The shop is fantastic and we spent hours (alot of hours) perusing and mixing and matching and deciding and oohing and aahing and the staff are all so very helpful it really is a great shop with great service - and one day i will make a quilt very inspiring - but for now, new rainbows to make!

Outta Control!

2011-08-09T17:32:00.003+01:00

Seems like the UK has gone somewhat crazy!! My thoughts go out to all those in the cities and especially those affected by the riots.

Luckily we are safe in the middle of nowhere where the only out of control thing was my felt pile, which has now been given a new dotty home!!!

The Rainbow Party!

2011-07-31T18:29:00.005+01:00

The tissue paper pom poms!

The rainbow jelly.....yum yum yum!

The table of food : )

Some rainbow yummyness and some pretty little pots.

LOTS of children having LOTS of fun!

The birthday girl blowing out her candles ♥

The amazing RAINBOW CAKE!!!!!!

It even tasted good : )

The party bags.

It was a lovely party, I love rainbows, my daughter loves rainbows and we certainly gave everyone that came a good dose of rainbows too!!

Rainbow Birthday Girl!

2011-07-28T11:29:00.001+01:00

Rainbow Birthday Girl!, a photo by therainbowroom on Flickr.

It's my babies birthday, she is my little rainbow : )

Logo in Progress

2011-06-30T14:27:00.004+01:00

Most of my week so far has been spent working on my new 'Clara Luna' logo!
I have had this idea burning a hole in my head for so long now - good to get some time to work on it : ) I have grand plans for adding lots of beads and buttons and stitches to it when it is felted - but first I must tidy up the rainbow of chaos...........

All Change!

2011-06-06T10:40:00.003+01:00

My ickle baby rainbow has started school today! After nearly 2 years of home ed shes gone to be with her friends - what will I do?

Cry?

Lots of work?

Be a lady that lunches?

Get a puppy?

Waste time on the internet?

Answers on a postcard to Rainbowland please!!!!!

Wool & Willow

2011-06-01T18:20:00.003+01:00

It's me..... 2 days in a row, I know it's quite amazing ; )

Just wanted to let you know that there is a lovely little festival in Llanidloes called Wool & Willow and yes I have a stand there, but apart from my lovely rainbows there are lots of lovely handmade goodies from around Mid Wales and loads of great workshops too. So if your nearby or heading to Wales for the amazing weather we are having this weekend (while I am not here) check it out it's free to get in and Llanidloes is a lovely little town too!

If you can't make it, as the world is quite a big place here's a little peep at my stand.

Wonderwool Wales 2011

2011-05-31T15:49:00.004+01:00

Wonderwool Wales 2011 - as promised a few photos from this years Wonderwool! I know I'm late I had a few technical issues with the old blog- sorry : )

My lovely (not so little anymore) girl on the sheepwalk.

My fantastic assistant aka Mr Rainbow.

Me on my stall with some lovely customers.

And the cherry on the cake - winning 2nd prize for my stand....check out my lovely rosette!!!!

Featured on Folksy!

2011-04-18T12:09:00.003+01:00

Hello!! I am so very excited to be a featured seller on Folksy this week!!!! I just had to pop by and let you all know and say THANKS Folksy : ) I will be telling you all about Wonderwool one day soon too - I promise!

Wonderwool Wales 2011

2011-04-07T18:33:00.003+01:00

It's that time again - wow that came round quick!!

It's also explains why it's been so quiet around here lately - sorry - been very busy getting stock ready for Wonderwool Wales 2011. We shall be heading off tomorrow and hope to see some of you guys at the weekend.

Pop by say hello - get a RAINBOW fix : )

Saturday & Sunday at The Royal Welsh Showground - Builth Wells.

Is It Spring Yet?

2011-03-02T14:18:00.003Z

I am back from an amazing sunny break and I am freezing!!!!!

I am trying to help spring along by making some lovely flower garlands - and I just had to use my new pin cushion from hitree - it's fab!!!

Packed!

2011-01-16T11:20:00.002Z

Packed and ready to go!!! I couldn't go without taking a bit of work to do, could I!!
Can't wait to go and find some sunshine, me and winter are not the best of friends!
The shops will be closing today and all orders will be shipped tomorrow (thanks to my housemates)
Hope to be in touch - see you soon : )

Happy New Year!

2011-01-07T11:28:00.004Z

Happy New Year!!!!!!

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas time, it was a

very cold and snowy one here!!!

I have never known it so snowy or cold, temperatures dropped to nearly -20 some nights..bbbrrrrrrr!!!!

Hence my January escape to the sun, so if you need anything from my shops get over there quick as they will be shutting on the 16th of January for a month while I go and find some sunshine to put in my rainbows : )

Help I am Stuck!!

2010-12-17T11:22:00.002Z

Help I am snowed in!!!

We have had 6" of snow and it's still falling, not seen snow like this since i was a kid!

What a Happy Rainbow Maker

2010-11-27T19:05:00.002Z

I am a very happy 'Rainbow Maker' as today I hit 1000 sales on Etsy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So not only is the lucky 1000th customer going to be receiving some extra goodies in their parcel............................................................................................................................................BUT you guys and gals, my favourite followers and treasured customers can get 15% off in my Etsy shop till the end of November 2010.

*** Just enter the coupon code rainbow1000 ***

ps. the photo is a little sculpture I made at Forest School this week - very different from my normal work but lots of fun : )

Christmas is Coming!!!

2010-11-22T18:38:00.006Z

Christmas is coming!!!!!!!
I keep hearing people saying they have finished there Christmas shopping already! Is that possible? Is that fun? I like to do mine when I am feeling in the mood for Christmas, it's part of the fun : )

BUT............ if you need to be prepared!
These are the last *recommended* shipping dates from little old me here in the (cold) UK to you wherever you may be : )

South & Central America, Caribbean, Africa, Middle East, Asia, Far East (including Japan), Australia and New Zealand - 6th December
Eastern Europe, USA and Canada - 10th December
Western Europe - 13th December
1st Class UK - 21st December

HAPPY CHRISTMAS SHOPPING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And don't worry I will be visiting the post office daily from now until Christmas!

Aberystwyth 2010

2010-11-05T15:06:00.007Z

Sorry I am a bit late sharing my stall with you guys!!

Here it is my stand at Aberystwyth Art Centres - Winter Craft & Gift Fair 2010 do check out this craft fair if you are near enough - Great Crafts & Great Location!!

Lots of lovely rainbow goodness and a lot of hard work went into this - already need to make some more stock to top it up : )

Ickle Mini Rainbow Bunting

2010-10-16T19:07:00.004+01:00

I have had a much needed productive and creative day - so welcome after a couple of weeks feeling the winter blues! This Mini Rainbow Bunting is just what you need to brighten up these darkening days. I am really chuffed to get it in my shop and all lovely and packaged too : )

Fun & Frolics with Ribbon & Ric Rac!

2010-10-11T18:00:00.005+01:00

I have been having so much fun working on my new cuffs! Loads of ribbon and ric rac goes into each cuff, in a kind of stripy textile collage. The special ingredient in each cuff is some amazing Farbenmix Ribbon, which comes in many amazing designs - I LOVE IT!!

I have a few different designs ready and the first one 'Roller Derby Ribbon Cuff' is in the Etsy shop now.

Inspired by my love of 'Roller Derby' and the sassy outfits and fashion that goes with it.

Watch out for the rest of the Ribbon Cuffs - the Rainbow one is so funky!!

Hanging Rainbow Hearts

2010-09-26T21:36:00.003+01:00

I have been cutting out LOADS of hearts!!!!
It all started the other day when my friend caught me in a strange trance staring at her daughters bracelet. It was made from a rainbow of coloured plastic heart beads and I was totally lost in it my way of taking inspiration. I did a few experiments until I was happy with the design and colours, and now these rainbow strings are available in my online shops.

They look so cheerful hanging in the window grouped together, brightening up the cold autumn days bbbrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

Crafty Chaos

2010-09-23T11:15:00.003+01:00

The 'Crafty Chaos' has officially begun!!! I am so busy building up stock for my Etsy and Folksy shops, preparing for Aberystwyth Winter Craft & Gift Fair and working on lots of new products too! That thingymas creeps up so quickly ; )

Back to the Island

2010-09-14T18:47:00.002+01:00

We had an amazing break in Ibiza! Lots of fun, sun and sea : )

I am now recharged and ready for the Christmas rush..I hope!

Summer Smiles

2010-08-29T21:57:00.002+01:00

I don't often like photos of me. This one on the other hand, I am quite happy with. It captures me at my best........ smiling in the summer sun!

We have not had much of that illusive sun here in Wales this year, so I am off to Ibiza to recharge my solar batteries before the Christmas rush begins......see you soon : )

Do Not Adjust Your Screen

2010-08-27T15:31:00.003+01:00

Do not adjust your screen I have gone all natural today!!

I have been working on some new felted bangles made with pure, natural and super luxurious Alpaca wool. These were commisioned by Spingly Alpacas who sell all sorts of lovely goodies made from alpaca wool, and lots of great yarn, roving and wool for your crafting too.

Bunting

2010-08-23T14:54:00.004+01:00

Bunting has got to be one of the most fun decorations you can have and this one is a Clara Luna Rainbow Special! I am so happy to have my felt rainbow bunting in my Etsy and Folksy shops at last!
I love how some of my work starts out as pressies for friends, which lead to orders for their friends, and their friends, friends....... which leads to me listing them in my shops so you guys can have them too : )
This is the girls personalised bunting, I have designs for boys and babies too which I hope to get in the shops soon.

Birthday Fun & Frolics

2010-08-10T16:26:00.005+01:00

Hello I am back after a spontaneous camping trip to Brighton for my birthday : )
We had lots of fun in Brighton its such a great town, so so so many funky shops and it was Pride so the place was full of rainbows - couldn't be better!!

The good old Roustabout Rainbow Tent made another appearance too.

And to finish my long weekend of craziness I took part in a roller skating marathon at Goodwood, can you see me? I was down to do the mini marathon of 5 miles but managed 14 1/2 woohooo and I got a medal : )

So lots of birthday fun & frolics was had by all...happy days!!!

Birthday Preparations

2010-07-26T18:07:00.003+01:00

It's nearly my daughters birthday, so lots of crafty preparations to finish ; )
I spent hours sewing lots of beads and sequins to a felt No.5 to make her card - and well its all quite purple as that is favourite and best colour! I am also under instruction to make her some special bunting for her bedroom. Lets hope the sun comes out for a little bit on her birthday as this Welsh summer is a bit WET!

Rainy Days & Mobiles

2010-07-22T17:00:00.003+01:00

I have had plenty of inspiration over the last few weeks for this custom mobile! It is a plush Rainbow, with cuddly clouds and cute little felt raindrops. It took a while to get the design right but I am so happy with how it looks and I hope to add these to my collection later this year.

Thanks to everyone who entered my guest giveaway over on the Gorjuss Blog, it was lovely to read all your kind comments, the lucky winners prizes are now on their way!

Gorjuss Guest Giveaway

2010-07-09T21:48:00.007+01:00

I am so totally chuffed to be the guest giveawayer on the Gorjuss blog this weekend : )

If you fancy a chance a winning one of my funky felt Rainbow brooches and a Claraluna Cloud brooch too head on over and have a peek!!

http://www.gorjuss.co.uk/blog/?p=3133

Gorjuss is one of my all time favourite Etsy shops I just love Suzannes work!!! It may not come as a surpise that this is my favourite 'gorjuss girl'

And I just totally fell in love with this original ♥♥♥

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gorjussart/4764260090/

I bet you will find your own "Gorjuss Girl" too : )

Woody - The best dog in the World!

2010-07-09T09:45:00.003+01:00

I lost my beautiful dog yesterday : (

He had been with us for 6 1/2 years since we found him wandering the Welsh countryside. He was such a loving, fun, affectionate, handsome, slightly crazy, adventurous......oh the list goes on I don't think any other dog could come close!!

We spent his last day all together - our family - lying in the garden sharing " Woody Adventures"

I hope he is at peace now.

Be back soon

2010-06-22T18:40:00.001+01:00

Off to Ibiza tomorrow for a spontaneous camping trip!
Time to recharge my creative batteries - be back soon : )

Strange Days

2010-06-14T15:32:00.004+01:00

Firstly, huge apologies for being so rubbish at blogging just lately! I have been having a funny old time, I won't bore you with all the details,but just wanted to say...... HI i am still here making rainbows and hoping these strange days will soon be over!
I will be taking a little break from next tuesday & unless I can persuade my Mr Rainbow to look after my shops while I am away they will be closed till the 7th of July. So if your desperate for any rainbows or felting supplies....be quick : )

The Rainbow Room ROCKING @ Wonderwool Wales 2010

2010-04-26T22:14:00.003+01:00

As promised I am back with lots of photos from Wonderwool. This is a mosaic of my favouites.

Here is my best little assistant looking after my stall!

My ickle baby rainbow and her best friend strutting their stuff on the 'sheepwalk'

This is one of my favourite photos of my 'Rainbow Tree' which I just loved and I must recreate it at home when I get time to make myself lots of lovely rainbow decorations.
I really had such a good time, I was so happy with how my stall looked. My Mr Rainbow and Baby Rainbow were fantastic helpers. It was tiring but so worth it just to see so many people smiling when they saw all the COLOUR!!!! I had some lovely feedback and some fab customers! thanks to all you guys who came to say hello : ) and I hope the photos make it up for those of you who couldn't make it.

I made a few exciting purchases too and will be sharing those soon : )

Last chance before Wonderwool

2010-04-21T22:03:00.004+01:00

Well I am sitting in a lounge full of boxes all ready to be packed up into my van and then off to Wonderwool Wales we will go. It is quite hard to beleive that after 4 years of being an avid visitor and customer...I actually have a stall!! I am really looking forward it and to actually *meeting* my customers ; ) If you are coming do come and say HI, if you can't make it don't panic I will have a million photos to share next week!

ooohh and I just wanted to let you know that my Etsy shop and Folksy shop will be closed over the weekend so if you are desperate for something or have your eye on any one of a kind piece......you best head over there now.

AIRMAIL DELAYS

2010-04-19T14:23:00.001+01:00

*** ALL AIRMAIL PARCELS ARE CURRENTLY DELAYED DUE TO THE ERRUPTION OF A VOLCANO IN ICELAND - WHICH UNFORTUNATELY MEANS ALL FLIGHTS FROM THE UK ARE CANCELLED! I APOLOGISE FOR ANYONE AWAITING PARCELS AND HOPE NORMAL SERVICE WILL BE RESUMED SOON***

Picking & Packing

2010-04-18T21:12:00.003+01:00

Well this time next week it will all be over and I shall be wondering what all the fuss was about. I have come to the point of packing up and labelling and packaging...a few of my favourite tasks : )

I love to see batches of goodies all beautifully presented ready to find a new loving home.

Too Busy For Blogging!

2010-04-12T16:25:00.003+01:00

I am so sorry I have been too busy to blog!

I have a stall at Wonderwool Wales......very soon! and have been very busy making batches of everything to take with me. I thought I would share this shot of some serious 'Rainbow making' there has been a lot of that going on and my house looks like an explosion in a felt factory right now : )

Hello - It's me!

2010-03-18T21:43:00.002Z

Yeah! As promised another photo from the felted sign making ; )

I have been doing some more work on the sign today, I cut out the letters out of some pre- felted white felt, then cut letter shaped holes in the sky of my sign. Phew that was scary!

It has been soaped , rubbed and rolled and is not looking too bad. Shall be back with another installment soon : )

Making a Felted Sign

2010-03-16T22:07:00.003Z

I have started work on a felt sign for The Rainbow Room. It is a design I painted over 6 years ago and it feels great to be actually making it in wool. I spent hours laying all the fibres out like this and they looked so beautiful I was a bit scared of adding the soap and water! I will show some more shots of this as the different elements get added to it.

Union Jack

2010-03-11T15:46:00.003Z

Feeling inspired by the good old Union Jack I made my first flag felted soap!

You gottta love the good old red, white & blue : )

Red, White & Blue

2010-03-04T16:47:00.003Z

Something a bit different today, in fact not a rainbow in sight. Just good old Red, White & Blue.

My friend asked me to make some bunting for her little boys bedroom. She is always decorating and is fab at interior & garden design! His room is looking great with a handpainted Union Jack on one wall, lots of red, white & blue, Mini's and all things British and boyish! I hope this bunting will just finish it off nicely, I have enjoyed making it and hope to work on some more bunting ideas soon!!

Mika

2010-02-28T21:10:00.005Z

I have just had the best few days away in Birmingham, and the highlight was seeing Mika live in concert : ) I wouldn't say I was a groupie, but I was very happy to get his autograph and give him one of my rainbows as a pressie...I hope he wears it!

I love everything about Mika, his music, showmanship, creativity, uplifting lyrics. He also appreciates handmade and works with his family for costumes and illustration. Check out his sister Dawack who works with him, and is the most fantastic artist.

I look forward to seeing him again soon!

I ♥ ETSY!

2010-02-22T22:36:00.004Z

I ♥ ETSY!

I really do love Etsy!!! My 'Spectrum Bubbles' felt necklace has been included in this fab Storque (Etsy's Handmade Blog) article. I am over the moon and it is a first for me. An added bonus is the picture is the one that is used on the front page thingy too!!!

The article UK Style: A Bit of Fluff is all about POM POMS and is great fun in this never ending winter.

Making some fluffy pom poms is something I have been meaning to do, so today I seized the moment and made my first fluffy purple pom pom. It is one of the most tactile things I have ever touched and have a feeling it may be the first of many : )

Happy Days

2010-02-16T15:23:00.002Z

Well my day got off to a great start when my 'Rainbow Plushie' was featured on the front page of Etsy * happy dance all round*

The sun has also paid a visit to Mid Wales which makes........SO much difference : )

Me and my little girl went out for a lovely walk, and were lucky to find a gap in the fence so us and our dog could get down to the river!

Did I introduce you to Woody, he is our beautiful Weimaraner who came to us by chance and has been a member of the family for 6 years now. In his prime he could clear the stile to get down to the river, but now he is 12 he just can't do it, as much as he wants too!

So it was great for him to be able to have a splash in the river and fetch sticks for us, he was just like a puppy : ) And we all smiled and had so much fun!

♥ Happy Valentines Day

2010-02-14T11:10:00.002Z

♥ Happy Valentines Day!!!!

I love Valentines Day, it is great to see love hearts and flowers and to share a bit of love around ♥ Hearts are one of my favourite symbols and I just love to use them in my work : )

I treated myself some of lusummers new sweetheart fabric and made a card for my fab boyfriend, and a little squishy love heart for my daughter.

Hazy Rainbow

2010-02-02T17:22:00.003Z

Hazy Rainbow is a new felting mix for all you guys who have been asking for some in between colours. It is now available in the old Etsy shop.

Get your skates on!

2010-02-01T20:59:00.004Z

Those of you who follow me on twitter will have heard me going on about skating and rainbow laces : ) Well I am truly hooked on my new hobby.

I used to skate quite a bit when I was *younger* enjoying a few hours at Rollerworld in Derby on my blades or making the most of the supermarket car park when it had shut. So when someone mentioned a few girls were getting together on a sunday afternoon at the leisure centre to have a skate I jumped at the chance and dug out my old inline skates.

The first session I was seriously rusty and so were my skates, the next week the skates had a bit of tlc and I was whizzing around like the old days : )

Now the aim of the sessions are to get good enough to set up a roller derby team...........well I had never heard of it, so I went away and watched a few clips and read a few articles. It looked great fun, women of all shapes and sizes and wow what great outfits too....but whew DANGER and it could only be done on quads not blades.

So here are my first pair of quads...well since I was about 7 anyway......lets see how I get on??

Etsy Front Page 1/18/10

2010-01-29T16:21:00.001Z

Etsy Front Page 1/18/10 DiamondDollsCouture
Originally uploaded by Etsy Front Pagers

Yay!!! I just found a screenshot of the moment my felted soap was on the front page of Etsy. Hooray for the etsyfront page group on flickr ; )

Lots of Love and Hearts!

2010-01-19T15:08:00.002Z

Well I am feeling the Love...Valentines is on its way and i am busy working on some new LARGE hangings...WooHooo!! It feels great to be making BIG and the photo shows the crazy felting work in progress!

On with the love... my heart felted soap was on the front page of Etsy yesterday...unfortunately i missed it, but wow i was so excited to find out about it from the great craftcult.

I have a few ex-display felted soaps on SALE in the old etsy shop, they are just not quite perfect enough for full price but great if you want to try felted soap and like a bargain : )

Footprints in the Snow!

2010-01-13T17:12:00.002Z

I have been enjoying the recent snowfall, I have not seen snow like this since I was a kid. It's great to see the mountains covered and the world look so bright and clean.

Today I actually ventured out for a walk and I was just totally amazed by my fantastic footprints!

Fluff and Fires

2010-01-12T18:27:00.003Z

Today has been one of those days when even looking out the window made me shiver.. bbbrrrrr.

I decided to stay safe in front of my stove and work on this new felting mix 'Mother Nature'

So due to many requests a *NEW* colour pack inspired by nature.

Good News

2010-01-05T21:37:00.004Z

Remember this?

Wonderwool Wales 2009 - my highlights.

Well I got some great news in the post this morning.... I have a stand at Wonderwool Wales 2010

I am so very excited about this : ) I have been visiting this show for the last few years, so it's great to be a bigger part of it this year. It is definately going to mean lots of hard work and prepartion, but I am hoping it will give me the chance to work on some large pieces and also some kits that have been lurking on my 'to do' list forever!!

What a fab start to 2010!

Happy New Year

2009-12-31T16:20:00.002Z

Wishing you all a fantastic New Year full of fun & frolics, health, wealth & happiness!!!!!

HAPPY CHRISTMAS

2009-12-25T10:41:00.003Z

Wishing you all a very HAPPY & COLOURFUL CHRISTMAS!!!!!

Christmas Cards

2009-12-22T11:00:00.004Z

I love making Christmas cards rather than buying them, but boy the time has sped by so fast this year I only managed to make a few.... A lucky few will receive a handmade one and well good old Paperchase is my favourite for printed goods!

Salt Dough & Glitter

2009-12-15T16:21:00.004Z

Feeling very inspired by Kirstie's Homemade Christmas, I took a break from 'Rainbow Room' business, and my little helper and me started work on our salt dough decorations!

I have never made salt dough before....but was pleasantly surprised by how very easy it is.

1/2 cup of salt

1/2 cup of water

1 cup of flour

Mix well and roll into a ball.........then whatever takes your fancy.

We rolled it out and cut out *Jingle Bells* my daughters favourite cutter.

Then we baked them in the oven on 120 C for a while then put them on the stove for a while until they felt hard!

Then the fun bit.... MESS.... paint and glitter and all lovely colours, these will be dry in time for the arrival of our tree tomorrow : )

ooohhhh....New Rainbow

2009-11-29T23:49:00.003Z

I was super happy when one of my lovely customers asked if i could make her a larger plush rainbow....you guessed it's been on my 'to do' list and I just needed that little nudge in the right direction : ) I set about making this in record time, I couldn't put it down. I know the photos are

bit grey but whew its been so miserable here for ages! I can't wait to make some more of these cushion sized rainbows for my shop...oh and maybe for myself...but after Christmas as I am rushed of my freezing cold little feet at the mo : )

Purple

2009-11-23T22:49:00.004Z

Been waiting to show you the FAB card I got from Storeyshop for my friends birthday *happy birthday Kate!*

Helen of Storeyshop lives in the UK and makes the most amazing cards. Aswell as being very talented she is very helpful too!

Following the purple theme I made a felted bead necklace with lots of lovely merino wool & silk with added sparkles too. It's great to make special presents for friends : )

It's been a while!

2009-11-21T15:54:00.003Z

Where have I been hiding??
I have got so RUBBISH at blogging!! Sorry folks I think it must be the affects of winter taking their toll on me, i shall blame winter as I like to balme it for everything. The good news is I have spread my wings and opened a shop over on Folksy too. Which is fab for all you folks who like to shop in good old British £'s.

More good news - I also had my 1000th ♥ on Etsy *waving at Anna of RiverbedDesigns in New Zealand. She has a little pressie winging it's way to her as we speak!
So I will try to be better at blogging - speak soon : )

Outdoor Education

2009-11-11T18:04:00.002Z

So today was Oudoor Education day..... still undecided on the school issue, so my 4 year old is staying with me, for now anyway. So off we went with the local group of home schoolers to Gilfach Nature Reserve. And what a lovely day, we had a lovely walk and saw the Salmon trying there best to get up the waterfall...it's such an amazing sight. My daughter loves fish and wanted to catch them all for tea...bless.
After lunch she did some painting and played under a huge Beech tree, while I got seriously absorbed with some willow. When I was young I made some baskets using a plastic weaving kit, but hey the real thing!! I have always wanted to have a go and have made the start of a wreath, which will be decorated with the Beech nuts we collected, and my little fishy who needs a home hanging somewhere special I think.
Happy days : )

Sooooo Excited!!!

2009-11-02T10:05:00.003Z

I am so very excited today... you probably noticed as i am blogging at 10am : )

My Rainbow Gadget Cozy is in an Etsy gift guide..... this is so exciting as it's my first one. So even though I woke up and there was no water coming out of the tap, I went to the post office and the computer was broken, and it's Monday.....I am still so so very happy..HOORAY!

Autumn - Love It or Hate It

2009-10-30T15:12:00.003Z

Autumn? I really can't work out it I love it or hate it....... I love all the amazing colours and the fact we can wear our funky boots, nice hats and comfy jumpers. It is just such a long time till summer again and that is the worst bit about it for me. My daughter still enjoys playing outside and I find inspiration in the colours of the turning leaves and the bright berries, but oh I do long for the sun and the light nights!!

Aberystwyth Winter Craft & Gift Fair 2009

2009-10-23T17:26:00.001+01:00

Well after months of preparation and 8 hours setting up my stand at Aberystwyth Winter Craft & Gift Fair 2009 is finally up!!! Hooraayyyy!!! It's been a long awaited day, marked on my calender with a rainbow and I feel so happy to have acheived this goal.......whilst also being a full time mum.

So if you are anywhere near Aberystwyth get over to the Arts Centre and check out the fair which alongside my colourful collection is packed full of art, craft, gifts, jewellery, fashion and food too. It's also an amazing location with some funky architecture, fab sea views, a great cafe and loads of other stuff to do and see. One of my very favourite places locally to visit.

The Show Must Go On!

2009-10-20T18:42:00.003+01:00

I have spent the last few days putting the finishing touches to a few items and labelling, labelling LABELLING!

I now have 2 sleeps ( if I am lucky I will be sleeping) till the show goes up at Aberystwyth and although it has been an insane ammount of work I have really enjoyed getting it all together. I did have a bit of a *wobble* yesterday as a few things didn't go exactly how I planned them - being a bit of a control freak doesn't help!
So to help me manage the *wobbles* I have set up a practice run. It's a bit of a dark photo...but I am so proud of how it all looks together : ) It will look even better on the glass shelves... just hope I can solve the display problem of the brooches and Christmas decorations before I go completely insane!

Danger - Artist at Work!

2009-10-14T20:13:00.002+01:00

I have never been so busy - There really should be a warning sign at the door.

DANGER - Artist at Work!

Every chair, sofa, table is covered in felt, fluff, beads packaging ...it's really quite exciting : )

I have been working from dawn till midnight since I came back from Ibiza. I wish I had a better photo of the creative chaos but the felting in progress above shows lots of lovely bits I am working on at the mo. Then there is all the new jewellery I am working on too.

Who Loves Holiday Photos?

2009-10-08T10:59:00.011+01:00

I wanted to share a few of my favourite photos from our september trip to Ibiza : )

I just love looking at friends - well anyones photos................... so I thought I would share a few with you guys!!! I am kind to you eh?

So if you made it this far : ) Thanks ♥

Welcome back!

2009-10-05T21:26:00.003+01:00

Here I am back again - wow it's been a while!
Just back from a trip to Ibiza - my favourite place : )
I took some work with me this time - well this big bag of rainbow fluff!!

I did struggle a little with the work/holiday balance and felting seemed a bit harder in the Ibizian water but I managed to make all this and still have a super holiday.

Not quite as much as I wanted to do, but Anthony had a slight relapse with his back so didn't get as much child free time as I needed.

Really busy now getting stock ready for Aberystwyth Art Fair but will try to stay in touch a bit more often : )

All Good, Good, Good!

2009-09-08T21:38:00.003+01:00

Things are really good, good, good here.

I have just finished this big batch of 80 felted bangles, which are heading out to a boutique in New York. Well worth the aching muscles if I do say so myself : )

And a drumroll........I got accepted for the Winter Art & Craft Fair at Aberyswyth Arts Centre which I am really happy about. I LOVE Aber arts centre its a great place to hang out, has so much going on and well a fab cafe with an amazing view over the town and the sea! It will be good to be selling some stuff locally this thingymas.

Oh and another good thing......it's only a week till I go back to Ibiza for some much needed fun & sun, although I shall be taking a big bag of rainbow fluff with me, the felting must go on! So if you need anything from the old Etsy shop before I go away - you have been warned : )

'Sally'

2009-09-01T21:51:00.004+01:00

For those of you who have been wondering why it has been so very quiet around here.....

...............meet Sally, the new addition to the family!

She was named by my little girl, after the car from Disney's Cars - bless what a very girly name for our new blue car! So I have spent hours scouring the internet and we have been on a big tour of the UK looking at cars and I have not got much work done at all - lots of catching up to do now. Feeling inspired by her gorgeous 'Jazz Blue' paintwork and she does look happy with my Valentino Van : )

A million Rainbows later........

2009-08-26T14:39:00.004+01:00

Been working, working, working!!! I have not quite made a million rainbows but lots and lots of lovely new goodies, all of which are now available in my Etsy shop.

I have redesigned the I - Pod classic cozie, which is now lined in hot pink felt and comes with a special little polymer clay rainbow button - all handmade by moi : )

A cute little A6 sketchbook with an inspiring rainbow cover.

The new rainbow plushie which is just so super cute & squishy you won’t want to let him go. He is sure to bring lots of rainbow happiness : )

And these funky little rainbow decorations which can be hung wherever you fancy - even have that thingymas in mind - but oh........ it's a bit soon to talk about that!

Rainbows & Buttons

2009-08-21T20:46:00.004+01:00

Been busy making lots of these lovely Rainbow Button Cuffs!

I have also taken SO SO many photos of them, they are so fun and colourful...really great for photographing : ) I would love to make a huge piece of art with thousands of these colourful squares and buttons.

The beautiful Nandy Lola is modelling some here.

Embracing the Seasons!

2009-08-17T23:10:00.002+01:00

I made this green & leafy treasury today on Etsy, it's part of my end of summer panic!

We have been picking blackberries for a few weeks now and I can see signs of autumn already. I am trying so hard to embrace the seasons and I really do love them all I just like spring and summer a LOT more than autumn and winter.

Busy Days

2009-08-15T20:58:00.002+01:00

I just popped into town this morning to go to the lovely fabric shop for a few supplies and look what I saw!!!! the most fantastic RAINBOW tent in the world!!!!!!!!!! I had a 'happy attack' and felt rather strange for an hour or so : ) It's part of a funky little festival that is going on this weekend in Mach - which if I wasn't so busy I would have loved to go to. Maybe tomorrow?

This was a huge piece of rainbow felting I have been working on today, so big I had to move onto the floor - I need a 2 metre table I think! I have also been making some more bits of plain coloured felt for some other projects - and wow.... I have had a serious felty workout today!

Look at the FAB puzzle Rio came back with - how retro.... I love it, plus it was from an attic sale so a bargain for £2 and it was handmade locally too - what a find.

Funky Felted Flowers!

2009-08-12T20:30:00.004+01:00

Here they all are, the 10 brooches I have been working SO hard on over the last few days. I love them so much and am so happy with the combination of handmade felt and craft felt. These are bold statement pieces at 16 by 11cm in size. I hope they will bring happy thoughts of summer to lots of people this winter!

'Happy Sunflower Brooch' has made it over to Etsy already!

10 a Day?

2009-08-11T23:08:00.003+01:00

So all my new goodies have gone to Aberystwyth in support of my application and it's time to set about bringing these great new products to life! So in my infinite wisdom I write another 'to do' list and set myself a target of making '10 a day'

The funky flowers are work in progress - to be honest my first in my new 10 a day regime, although I did start these the night before..... and 2 1/2 days later I have finished 10 bold & beautiful felty flower brooches (photos tomorrow) Also tomorrow I will be adjusting my list, somethings I can make 10 of in a day and somethings I can't - especially with all the other jobs I have to do too!

Box Full of Goodies!

2009-08-06T18:43:00.003+01:00

Wish me luck!
I have worked so hard on all these new goodies, and along with some old favouites they are all boxed up and ready to be delivered tomorrow to Aberystwyth Arts Centre in support of my application for their fab Christmas Craft Fair!

And talking about boxes of goodies - just look at these fab cupcakes I had from my friend for my birthday. *Almost* too beautiful to eat - yum yum yum : )

Happy Birthday to ME!!

2009-08-05T20:03:00.000+01:00

Happy Birthday to ME

Happy Birthday Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday to ME!!

Lovely Labels

2009-08-03T20:59:00.003+01:00

There is something so satisfying about labelling!
Especially when you have funky new labels. I have been working on lots of new products, and have spent a lot of the day labelling a batch for a big craft fair application. I have spent loads of time working on this application - so fingers crossed it will pay off!! Once these ones are delivered, I will be rolling out all the new goodies to my Etsy shop too : )

Keep Rolling Rolling Rolling

2009-07-31T23:23:00.002+01:00

This photo looks a bit like a 3 Dimensional colour wheel : ) It is in fact a little bit of 3D felting I have been doing today. I wanted to make some smaller - more affordable felted vessels, so out came the rainbow of fluff and a handy shaped candle and a lot of rolling and rubbing later I had these 2 beauties! They are drying in the window around glasses to help hold the shape.

Rainbow Princess

2009-07-28T22:58:00.001+01:00

Just a quick peep at my 'Rainbow Princess' enjoying her birthday today : )

Happy Birthday Baby

2009-07-27T20:39:00.002+01:00

WOW!
My gorgeous little baby is going to be 4!!!
I have been so busy the last week cleaning, cooking, making and just generally being a domestic goddess - if I do say so myself : ) : ) getting ready for her to have a *few* friends round!!! So excited about her birthday I bought her the most amazing tutu off Etsy! I have included it in this treasury I made today in honour of her birthday!

Nuno Felting

2009-07-20T21:04:00.004+01:00

Nuno felting has been something I have wanted to try since I saw a demonstration at Moral Fibre over a year ago. So I purchased some rather gorgeous oceanic organza from my local fabric shop and today I had some time to try it out.
The fabric inspired me to do something sea like, I was thinking of a mermaids scarf. So out came the jade green, turquoise and blue merino wool and shades of bright pink too. All made shimmery like the ocean in the sunshine with angelina fibres, tussah silk, sari silk thread and a few more bits and bobs!!
It was very hard work and a lot of rubbing and rolling, next time I will use a less densely woven fabric!! BUT so happy with the result : )

Deep, Deep, Down the Mine.

2009-07-17T21:22:00.003+01:00

I have been on a little adventure today down some old slate mines in Corris.

Our friend works at a local outdoor education centre and he volunteered to take us down on his day off - bless! So here we all are ready to go. I wasn't quite expecting ropes and all that technical stuff. I thought we were just going for a leisurely walk around the old quarry!!!

OH NO! It was amazing we clambered up, and down, through tunnels, and abseiled, and wadded through streams inside the mines. What a great way to spend an afternoon off, although I am sooooooooo knackered now!

Ultraviolet Therapy

2009-07-16T19:01:00.003+01:00

As I mentioned in my last post I have been working on lots of new ideas. I am really am excited about how my work is developing. I can't wait to show you some more funky goodies when they are finished, but for now here is some 'Ultraviolet Therapy' from a piece of felt I have been making today.

oooohhh New Rainbows!!

2009-07-14T16:33:00.003+01:00

I love it when I get time to work on new goodies - things that have been on my 'to do' list forever!

Today I grasped the opportunity to work on some ideas that have been floating around in my rainbow brain and bring them to felty life! I have been working on two different felt cuffs and an I Pod case. I also managed to incorporate some funky buttons which have been waiting patiently for me in a funky jar! Also one of my little fimo rainbow buttons, which I made as a signature piece quite a while back. I have definitely been following the black and rainbow theme today, and I am ssooooooo happy with the way it has all come together : )

Cemmaes Rainbow

2009-07-12T21:20:00.002+01:00

Living in rainy Wales does get me down sometimes, I love the sun so much.

BUT

You can't have a rainbow without the rain!

Rainbow Butterfly

2009-07-11T22:40:00.002+01:00

My little girl and I had a lovely day out together today at the International Eisteddfod in Llangollen. We saw some amazing singing, dancing, storytelling and a puppet show. She did lots of art & craft and even held an owl! My highlight was her beautiful rainbow butterfly painted face, she looked so fantastic and got so many compliments!

Sorry For Neglecting You

2009-07-06T21:38:00.002+01:00

I have been totally rubbish at blogging since coming back from my holiday!

SORRY!!!!

Michael Jackson's Rainbow

2009-06-26T14:58:00.003+01:00

"I am in mourning for your face/ The one I used to love to see/ Leaping, glowing upon the stage/ The mike eager.../ Thrusting in your fist. I am in mourning for your face/ the shining eyes/ the happy teeth/ the look that said/ I am the world/ and aren't you glad/ Not to mention deeply in luck... Oh, my pretty little brother. Genius. Child. Sing to us. Dance./ Rest in Peace."

**taken from 'Natural Star' by Alice Walker**

Wecome Back Sale

2009-06-23T18:40:00.005+01:00

I am having a special "Welcome Back" sale.

Every order until the end of the month will receive these 2 funky Claraluna postcards for free! All you need to do is head over to my facebook page to find the special words to add to your order : )

The Rainbow Room Facebook page

Normal service will resume shortly

2009-06-22T21:56:00.001+01:00

Ibiza Sunflowers
Originally uploaded by therainbowroom

Normal service will resume shortly : )
Had such an amazing break in Ibiza, I just wanted to say hi and share this photo of me in Ibiza with some fab sunflowers for Ant's birthday. The old Etsy shop is open again and I am slowly getting back into the swing of things!

Oh we're Going to Ibiza

2009-05-29T21:17:00.007+01:00

Those of you who follow me on Twitter will know I am off to Ibiza and I have been sharing my Ibiza top 10. I love Ibiza and just wanted to let everyone know there is more to it than British lager louts and clubbing. This will be our 4th time in Ibiza and when we tell people where we are going we often get a kind of... oh Ibiza ( why on earth would you want to go there ) reaction.

Well these are some of the highlights from our trip last year, I hope it helps you to see Ibiza in a different light!

So....... will be away for a while, I hope to *be in touch* my Etsy shop will be closed so if you can't wait 3 weeks get over there now : )

♥ Hasta Luego ♥

Claraluna Is Going On Holiday!

2009-05-27T22:02:00.003+01:00

Been feeling on the borderline of working and getting ready for my holiday today!!
I found the perfect solution in the form of an Etsy treasury. So I got my suitcase from normandiewilson and packed it full of goodies from Etsy : )

I did do a little work too.... this funky bracelet is called 'Disco Balls' and is made with handfelted beads made with black merino wool and lots of added extras!

Ultraviolet

2009-05-23T20:40:00.003+01:00

I just love the magic of felting! You can take an interesting pile of fluff like this, and with a bit of work and a lot of love you can turn it into something totally beautiful like this.

I have been wanting to make something with this blue/violet colour for ages. I am so pleased with these felted beads, I made them with merino wool with lots of lovely bits and pieces added. Angelina fibre, silk fibres, sari silk, polyester nepps and tiny bits of coloured felt. I have been making lots of beads with added sparkle and texture - love it!