It's time to say 'thank you' and farewell

I've spent the last few weeks thinking about writing this post and what words I'm going to use. So many emotions have been tumbling around in my head. I've made the difficult decision to close Rangoli so that I can focus on my new business, Three Thought Bubbles.

It's hard to sum up how much I've loved running this business. It's been such a huge part of my life for the last fifteen years. And it all began after a six month trip around India in 1994. This seems like the best place to dig up some favourite memories and thank everyone who has helped me along the way.

Aisling, River Ganges, Varanassi, 1994.

Here I am gliding along the river Ganges at dawn! I look a bit serious, because a: I'm never been a morning person and b: we were passing lots of funeral pyres along the waters edge. But this photo reminds me of the magical and crazy adventure that we had and how the trip inspired me to return to college to study jewellery design. 

'Princess and the pea' necklace and hand-beaded bridal shoe commission.

When people ask me what the best part of my job is, I always say, it's the people I design for. You ladies have made my job so worthwhile and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. When I first set up Rangoli, I supplied jewellery to shops. I never met my customers. It felt totally soulless to me and that was the huge turning point. Designing for 'real people', meant that I could chat and get to know the people who wore my designs. Listening and offering advice became a favourite part of my job! That, combined with the hilarious conversations and stories we've shared. Ciara and Deirdre, I still remember your visits to the studio...

Left: Rangoli 'lace' headpiece, top: painting by William Larkin, Bottom: Valintino dress

The story of Rangoli is also about my passion for pattern. India showed me how beautiful it is to decorate the body from head to toe in dazzling jewels. Ornamenting the body just makes me feel happy! And lace has been a constant inspiration because of the intricate, natural patterns. The pics above show how timeless this fabric is, from the 17th C Painting by William Larkin to a Valentino dress in 2012.

Watercolour sketches for Rangoli crochet headpiece

Although I design jewellery too, it's the hair accessories that I've enjoyed creating most. I've always thought of them as hair jewellery. My favourite designs are my beaded hairwires and crochet head-wraps. The best part has been seeing how each person chooses to wear them. And there are some amazing hairdressers out there that I've been lucky enough to collaborate with. This is also a great place to thank each of you who have shared their gorgeous photos with me!

Rangoli beaded hairwires and crochet forehead headpieces

There are so many people who have supported me along the way. A big shout goes out to my family, along with the best bunch of creative friends a girl could ask for! I'd also like to say an extra special thank you to Mary Shiels, who taught me crochet and tapestry, many moons ago, and lead to me experimenting with fine metallic threads and wires. And finally, I'd like to publicly thank my husband Ben, who has been my biggest support through all of the ups and downs of running my business. We took that trip together to India and haven't stopped exploring and being travel adventurers since!

 

 

I have a limited number of designs which are available to purchase. So if you know of anyone who is looking for bridal accessories, please share my website, blog or Facebook page.

 

My new adventure (and business) is called Three Thought Bubbles. I now help businesses to be human on the web - something that I discovered how to do at Rangoli. I believe that the passion behind a business is something worth sharing. I hope you agree!

Thanks to everyone for your support, business and friendship.

x Aisling