Cowboy themed kids party

I think this is a sweet themed party, thanks to Twig & Thistle.

Pierre-Estienne Designers & Engravers

On my countless walks up and down long street I've always
walked pass this quaint little workshop which displays crafted
jewellery that looks antique but has an edge to it.

They combine precious metals with other media like wood
and resin. Most of the work is done by hand and the fact that
it's hand engraved appeals to me, each piece is different and
unique. I also like the matt finish to each piece.

Each piece look likes a heirloom, it has so much
character to it. For more info visit www.pierre-estienne.com

Care Package Hunt - Green Market Square

So I need to make up a FIFA World Cup kit for my aunt
up in Canada, and I want to send her some memorabilia
from South Africa, I want to get her a mascot keychain,
Vuvuzela, I think a makarapa is going to be too big, so
maybe not that, but definitely some t-shirts and a few
other bits and bobs from Cape Town.

I decided to start at Green Market Square, it's situated
in Cape Town City Centre, it's a large craft market
where you can find anything african related like masks,
material, beaded work, sculptors, various musical instruments,
like the marimba below etc.

It's a very colourful market and you can always bargain
with the vendors, it's fun if you have the time. They
make you feel like a tourist and often strike up a conversation
so they can make more sales.

Transfers and Stones

I found this beautiful idea very easy and clever.
There is a wide variety of transfers at scrapbook stores
and by applying them onto rocks and stones they become
even more gorgeous to look at. Great idea Bella Dia.
They remind me of my heart soap stones found at Heartworks.

Paper Flowers

It's amazing what you can do with paper, I found these
beautiful flowers on Laurie Cinotto's blog, she creates
these beautiful paper embellishments, her crafts are fine
and very unique, at first glance they look like real flowers.
I can only imagine the patience you need to have in order
to complete such a project.

She has been working tirelessly on a  a paper flowers book/kit
for Barnes and Noble. The last two pictures are a few of the
prototype flowers. I think the book will be published in Feb 2011.

I can't wait to see what she will create next.

Kiddies over the Moon

These products are handmade in a small workshop in Hout Bay
in the Western Cape. Each one is completely unique from the next
– a fabric combination is never repeated unless by request.
Where possible, left over scraps of upholstery fabric, ends of line
or shop hangers that otherwise would often end up being thrown
away are used introducing a re-cycled element to the product.

Kiddies is currently a small business and employs 1 previously
unemployed lady on a full time basis to cut and sew and another
lady on a commission basis to do embroidery work. Both women are
from disadvantaged communities and the sole breadwinners of their
families. The aim is to expand the business to provide employment
for more people. Overflow production is made by a non-profit
employment creation organistion in Khaylitscha called Learn To Earn.

The inspiration for the product comes from the natural curiosity
inherent in children: to touch and feel different textures, to use
their imaginations to create characters and to explore stories with
their cuddly friends. Accompanying each animal is such a story
to help them on their way to exploring and thinking about different
elements of their world. In doing that the product becomes an
education in itself. Each story has a moral or thoughtful theme
and websites listed in the back of the books guide toward
further exploration. As well as the kiddies element,
many adults are drawn to the quirky animal characters
and use them as features in interior décor.

Oneironaut

Daniel Hugo is a very talented illustrator, I am always
impressed with his illustrations. When I asked him if
I could blog about him he shyed away first then said
'ok, why not', I love the fact that he is so modest.

He has accomplishend so many things and even
had his comics published. Have a look at the great
work his done so far at www.oneironaut.co.za

An ode to the The Old Biscuit Mill

The Old Biscuit Mill has transformed itself to be Cape Town's
original gourmet market. it features over 100 specialty traders
including fine-foods, organic foods, artisan goods, gourmet
(homemade) products), local farmers, seasonal items, plants
and herbs, fresh produce, boutique wines and more.

Then we have the the Design Goods Market which features
30 traders, including fashion, jewellery, accessories, furniture/
product designers, vintage items, textiles, shoe designers,
books & publications, contemporary crafters, ceramics and
much more. If you haven't been to this market make a point
of checking it out.

Friday Night are for all the fashionista's,
local fashion designers get to show off there stylish and
quirky wears. Saturday and Sunday mornings are the
main markets. I love relaxing here listening to a live band
and drinking my freshly squeezed juice, yum!

Steam Punk

Another very talented lady in my course, I am so excited,
meeting new people and they all so super talented and make
things from the heart, I love these pieces, very vintage,
very punk, so ver me, I wish i could wear them all.
Each piece has been chosen and carefully laid out by Trisha.
Have a look see. Enjoy!

Moorea Seal

I am currently part of a workshop and am meeting so many talented and
creative people. One such talented person is Moorea Seal - she creates
beautiful jewellery, makes music, illustrates etc. a very versatile lady.
She is only 23yrs old and is from Seattle.

I love her work but especially love her jewellery, check her out.
All book necklaces are one of a kind.

HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!!

Had the craziest easter egg hunt at work today.

It started out all sweet and innocent, as the hunting
time grew closer the gloves came off. After threatening
a few friendships and searching everywhere for a
numbered egg, I finally found my lucky number 109.
I was one of the very few to find 1 egg.

Picture courtesy of Lisa Dawn.