In 2016, I had a lot of fun refashioning my daughter Sylvie's Barbie House into something that isn't ghastly and unrelentingly pink. I feel strongly that not everything in her world needs to be pink or purple or flowered or fairy dust encrusted. Plus, I love to make things funky and if I can share the impulse to FUNK DA GENDER UP, all the better. Over the years, I have amassed a surprising array of materials, in the form of maps, music sheets, origami paper, craft paper, magazine clippings, postcards, wallpaper scraps, sample pots of paint, etc. And because I have had such fun with Sylvie's dollhouse and furniture, I would like to do more. So my thinking is that I will offer out the service and try to do some good at the same time. I have chosen to support two local causes and will split any money made in equal parts between them. Because I have many materials already, I will be aiming to keep costs as low as possible. I can provide quotes based on photos and you can either drop items with me or I can endeavour to collect. If you are further afield, we can discuss the possibility of posting the items back and forth. Drop me a message if you are interested or phone or email me: 01578 750 731, lara_armitage@hotmail.com. Here is some more info about my chosen causes:
1. The first is my own new venture, which I am loosely calling 'Carfrae Creature Comforts', the ultimate aim of which is the creation of a feline assisted therapy centre here at my house. I would like it to be a place where vulnerable groups will be able to visit and hold sessions amongst my Ragdoll cats and, if appropriate, some of the rescue and rehomes that I will be fostering. My hope is that it will be a relaxing space that provides a safe and comfortable base for group work. I have been breeding Ragdoll cats for 13 years and always marvel at the calm friendliness of these gentle giants. I have always thought they would be perfect in a therapeutic setting. I am still in the planning stages but am working my way toward this goal by studying for a diploma in animal assisted therapy and acting as Scottish rescue/rehome liaison for The British Ragdoll Cat Club (TBRCC). Any funds raised will be used to go toward initial scoping and planning of the project. I don’t have a website or social media presence for this venture yet but if you want, you can check out my Ragdoll website (www.ragatage.co.uk) or my FB page (search Ragatage Ragdolls).
2. The second is Bird Gardens Scotland CIC, a vibrant new venture based in Oxton, near to where we live. Owner Joiner and Mark Haillay, proprietors, have created an amazing vision for a bird garden, visitor centre/café and outdoor play area that will support the work they do for avian conservation. The scope of their project is ambitious and inspiring and I am honoured that they have asked me to serve as a member of their steering committee. I would love to be able to support them with a small donation as well. You can find them on Facebook (Bird Gardens Scotlad CIC).
