A lovespoon is an ornately carved spoon traditionally made from a single piece of wood by young men, especially in Wales, as a love token for their sweethearts, to show their affection and intentions. The earliest surviving example, displayed in the Welsh Folk museum in Cardiff, dates from around 1667, although the tradition probably dates back long before that.

The lovespoon originated from the ‘cawl’ (soup) spoon. Over generations, decorative carvings were added to the spoon and it lost its original practical use and became a treasured decorative item to be hung proudly on a wall. Certain symbols came to have specific meanings: a horseshoe for luck, a cross for faith, bells for marriage hearts for love, among others.

The lovespoon was given to a young woman by her suitor. It was important for the girl’s father to see that the young man was capable of providing for the family and woodworking.

Sailors would often carve lovespoons during their long journeys, which is why anchors would often be incorporated into the carvings. Although the Welsh lovespoon is the most famous there are also traditions of lovespoons in Scandinavia and some parts of Eastern Europe, which have their own unique styles and techniques.

Today lovespoons are given as wedding and anniversary gifts, as well as birthday, baby gifts, Christmas and ‘just because’. They are mostly a folk craft now but can be romantic under the right circumstances. All out lovespoons are hand crafted from quality hardwood. Sourced here in Wales, and we endeavour to use wood from renewable sources at all times, and our prices are inclusive of all engraving.

We can also supply mini lovespoon favours which make a unique and wonderful memento of your wedding for your guests. These can be supplied with ribbons and flowers to match your chosen wedding colours. They can also be engraved with your names, initials or wedding date, please contact us for further details.

Please contact us for more details

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BALLOON RELEASES / RACES

Over The Rainbow as members of NABAS (National Association of Balloon Artists and Suppliers) and we work to a code of conduct for the safe release of balloons. Balloon releases are fun and spectacular and can fulfil a variety of promotional and  fundraising objectives. Over The Rainbow can supply all the necessary goods for a successful release and provide full assistance before and at the event. A full code of conduct for a successful release is available. We work closely with local businesses, schools and charities to run successful balloon races. They can be an excellent source of income for charities, PTA associations etc

PLANNING THE EVENT

The essentials are:

• Balloon race tickets
• Balloons
• Release net
• Helium
• Licence if required

Over The Rainbow can organise the release for you, or you can buy a kit and do it yourself, please contact us for full detail.

SET TARGETS

Set a target for the number of tickets you want to sell. Be positive and publicise your aims. It is important to update the number of tickets sold on a regular basis on a public notice board if possible. This allows people to see the results of their hard work. In schools use assemblies, news letters etc. to keep everyone informed on progress.

APPLYING FOR PERMISSION

It is a requirement that if more than a 5,000 balloons are to be released permission must be applied for from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) at least 28 days prior to the event. It is not necessary to apply for permission for releases up to 5,000 balloons but the CAA does like to know about them. As a matter of course we notify the CAA for any balloon release we carry out.

SELLING THE TICKETS

Plan to start selling the tickets about four to six weeks prior to the release, always try to order enough tickets, but do not panic we always have some in stock and can quickly print some more for you. You should aim to sell most tickets (at least 95%) before the day. The tickets need to be priced at £1.00 each (more if you think you can). Prizes need to be awarded to the finder and the buyer of the balloon that travels the longest distance. Prizes could be donated or alternatively a cash prize could be offered.

THE RELEASE

If it is a small release it can be done with the children holding each individual balloon and letting them go on a countdown. BEWARE children are very prone to letting them go early!! The best way is from a net on a countdown this is a spectacular sight and one that pleases all. A further benefit to releasing balloons in this way is that it makes an excellent photo opportunity for the local press, giving you the opportunity to reinforce your aims to a wider audience.

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Balloons

• PARTIES ( A party is not a party without balloons)
• WEDDINGS
• CORPORATE EVENTS
• PROMOTIONS
• CAPTIVATING, ATMOSPHERE, STYLE, EXCITEMENT

That’s what the colour and magic of balloons will add to your next function. Our exciting designs will suit any occasion or budget, fun and funky party themes, elegant styles for weddings or professional decor for corporate functions..

Free on-site consultations are available to provide you with the décor that will best suit your needs.

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The fireworks are coming soon to this website! Please come back shortly to see more..

Over The Rainbow Events can offer a whole host of special effects to create the wow factor for your special day or event.

Exploding Balloons

This is a large 3ft balloon filled with 100 baby balloons and flutterfetti, which is hung from the ceiling above the dancefloor. Dependant on venue this is rigged to explode with either a remote detonator, wired to a detonator or the use of a wand. When detonated these give a lovely effect, with the balloons and flutterfetti floating down around you. These are great for first dances at Weddings, Surprise Parties and  New year. To add to this effect the use of low level fog could be added to the dance floor to give the impression of floating.

Fog Machine

The use of low level fog can give a mystical effect across the dancefloor or stage, Fog machine available to hire.

Bubble machine

Adds a special effect to any party or event, available for hire

Balloon lights

Balloon lights can be placed inside balloon sculptures or 3ft balloons to give that extra special effect. The use of light collars, twinkle ribbons create fantastic effects for Table Centrepieces and Balloon Decor. Balloon lights can be placed outside to light up pathways or areas outside giving a stunning effect.

Confetti Cannons

Confetti cannons can be hidden within balloon scultures for that extra eliment of surprise, when exploded creating a hugh explosion of flutterfetti

Twinkle Back Drop Curtains

Create a beautiful backdrop for any event, our ivory curtain can be set to static or twinkle effect, the colour of the  lights can be changed, white, gold, pink. red. blue available. These are stunning behind a top table or for the use behind stages eg fashion shows. on We also have smaller version for hire which can be used for a backdrop for photos at an entrance for example at a gala dinner.

Vesuvio Flame Machine

Gives a realistic flame effect, which is ideal for Entrances, Concerts, Nightclubs, Corporate Events and Gala Dinners. Usually hired in pairs.

Indoor Pyrotechnics

Create an exciting  effect for any type of function, Stage, Award Ceremonies, Entrance of the Bride and Groom, Fashion Shows etc.  Flames, Ice Fountains etc. Please contact us to disscuss your requirements.

 Firework Displays

For a Grand Finale , why not end your event with a bespoke firework display, starting from around £1400 for a 5 minute Display. These can be set to music if you require.