I love these locally made light boxes by talented Durban illustrator Colwyn Thomas. Check out how he made them here. Prices range between R700 and R750 and you can contact him at info@stonethecrows.co.za
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Mungo Boutique Weavery & Textile Company
22 May
I love these beautiful textiles that are all made just outside of Plettenberg Bay. Master Weaver Stuart Holding started Mungo in 1998 and it’s a unique textile company that has the rare ability to create fabrics from the inception of design to the final product.
“Mungo is based in the seaside town Plettenberg Bay, South Africa and housed in the historical homestead of Old Nick Village. Here all our sampling is done on antique 19th century Hattersley looms in our Working Weaving Museum. Other fabrics are woven in a boutique weavery close by which employs and empowers the local community.
We design, weave and make a wide range of home ware products including table linens, bedding, throws, baby blankets, apparel and more.”
You can now buy this exquisite range online at http://mungoretail.com/
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Millk
18 May
Handsome Things chatted to Riesa Steyn owner of Millk. Millk is well known for their unique hand carved pieces, but they also stock a wide range of fashion, décor and lifestyle products.
Tell us a bit more about yourself.
I am Riesa, creator and owner of Millk. I grew up in a small arty town, Hartbeespoort. The creative juices weren’t really flowing during my school years and my focus was mostly on the famous old analytical subjects. After school I slogged it out at UP, studied law (LLB AND BCOM), got admitted as an attorney – didn’t really like the “black and white” chess inspired uniforms, so I did my teaching diploma and taught high school and primary school kids for a while. This was more fulfilling in the sense that I had the opportunity to inspire and mould ideas through kids (who, by the way, are super creative).
During my second year of teaching I opened a small shop in Pretoria. My free time was spent on this creative corner and so the ideas started to develop. At this stage we are in the fortunate position of creating, designing, producing and sourcing our products on both a retail and wholesale level.
Our wood items are crafted from solid wood in and around the Jacaranda city, Pretoria. Our Indian “block printing” inspired stamps and brooches are carved by hand and display some of our own original designs. We aspire to create playful, colorful and unique styles.
Visit our website www.millk.co.za or blog www.millkjar.blogspot.com and drop us a mail to say hi.
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Anatomy Design
11 May
I popped into the beautiful Anatomy Design store at 44 Stanley the other day. What a gorgeous little space packed with designs by Andrea Kleinloog and Mia Widlake.
Andrea is an accomplished South African interior designer known for her Lab light series which won the prestigious Most Beautiful Object in South Africa at Design Indaba 2010 and was Elle Décor International nominee 2011. I asked her how Anatomy Design got started.
“Anatomy Design started purely by luck. I was in the midst of building a chapel and wedding venue (www.netherwood.co.za), and needed a desk light. Started working on the Lab Light… with no intention to sell one. The success of the Lab Light meant we needed a place to literally sell them from… I never planned to open a shop – but here we are!”
Visit the store (next to Bean There) or check out Mia and Andrea’s websites for more designs.
http://www.anatomydesign.co.za/
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Sessi Bee Ceramics
2 May
Photo via Vamp
Handsome Things chatted to Sarah Benjamin the lady behind Sessi Bee Ceramics.
Where are you from and how did you get started in ceramics?
I was born in Johannesburg but have lived in London most of my life. After graduating from Byam Shaw, Central Saint Martins WITH Fine Art in 2010 I moved to Cape Town with my Capetonian boyfriend. His mom, who is a ceramist, invited me to come along to the Barbara Jackson School of Ceramics with her and that’s where I learnt (and fell in love with) ceramics. I now work from the studio full-time.
Where do you get the inspiration for your quirky characters?
At first I concentrated on men with beards and hats, but now I look everywhere for inspiration and new ideas. I like making characters based on ‘regular’ people (doctors, photographers, swimmers, bakers), but my favourite characters are fictional and unconventional (vampires, Marie Antoinette, vikings, superheroes, people in animal suits), that’s when I really get to play.
I have also just made some South African rappers, Jack Parow and Die Antwoord and I’m working on London themed bowls namely Beefeaters and the Queen.
Where can we buy your ceramics?
You can find my work at:
The Fringe Arts (99B Kloof Street), The Fringe Arts Pop-Up (V&A Waterfront), Vamp (368 Albert Rd, Woodstock), Abode (The Biscuit Mill), The Pottershop (Kalk Bay), Monkeybiz (Rose Street, Bo Kaap) and in Hermanus at Pure South.
I also make customised bowls to order.
Join the Sessi Bee Facebook Page.
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Nest Homegrown Decor & Design
25 Apr
Handsome Things chatted to Kathryn du Toit and Sam Boylan from the lovely Nest Homegrown.
When and how did you get started?
I met Sam through a decor store he used to own in Durban called ‘re-store’….I just loved his sense of style and over time we ended up becoming BFF’s……he even introduced me to my hubby and is Godfather to our Daughter. We have always inspired each other creatively and finally after 10 years, decided to collaborate, and design and create our own products…….hence Nest was born.
What inspires you?
We love useful and practical things, with clever, quirky designs…..and we appreciate good homegrown quality….and I’m sure you can guess by looking at our website, we love a splash of colour……
Where can we buy your lovely things?
The products are designed by us and everything is sourced and made locally….We are currently stocking a few stores in KZN, but if you would like a pricelist or to place an order, you can contact either Sam or myself on our emails kathryn@telkomsa.net or sam@re-store.co.za
For more awesome products check out their website http://www.nest-homegrown.co.za/
Thanks Kathryn and Sam!
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The ceramics of Hylton Nel
16 Apr
Hylton Nel is one of South Africa’s well-known ceramic artists or “artist-potter” as he describes himself. He was born in Zambia and went to school in Kimberly and later studied ceramics in Antwerp, Belgium. I’ve always admired the wonderful humour in his work, and to be quite honest, I’m not sure why I’m only featuring him now.
“Hylton Nel is a master of combining whimsy with satire and making pointed, albeit often humorous, references to his personal concerns as well as those of the world at large. In his work Nel seduces the eye with his sinuous line drawing and lush glazes, yet the mind is often taken aback when it comprehends the intensity of his imagery and inscriptions.
Nel describes himself as an ‘artist-potter’ which aptly refers to his interest in painted imagery as well as form and function. Over the past four decades he has developed a style of work that is rich in references to the decorative arts and literary and art historical sources. His plates, bowls, vases, plaques and figurative pieces are idiosyncratically decorated with witty – and sometimes poignant – line drawings and script.” - http://www.stevenson.info/artists/nel.html
Images via www.stevenson.info
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Pretty handmade quilts.
30 Mar
I love these handmade quilts from Thaya Bedford’s Beatnik Bazaar online shop. They are made from mostly Vintage fabric and the fabric underneath is always cotton. They can be made up to a client’s colour and size specifications at no extra cost. The quilts start from around R2200 for a double.
“The quilter’s name is Zelda and she is one talented lady who knows just how to dazzle us all with her beautiful quilt creations! Everything is sourced and made locally, with scraps made into bunting, which I also sell via my online shop www.beatnikbazaar.co.za ”
Thanks Thaya!
You can shop for them HERE.
Ceramicist Nico Masemula
28 Mar
I discovered Nico Masemula’s charming ceramics on the wonderful Wolf Eyebrows blog the other day. I’ve battled a bit to find out more about Nico, but what I have found, thanks to the Clementia Ceramics blog, is that he’s based in Calitzdorp in the Karoo and that his mentor is the well-known SA ceramicist Hylton Nel.
I’ve also found an Afrikaans article in Die Burger about how Nico, as a young Sotho lad, serendipitously landed up in Hylton’s household in Bethulie when he accompanied a man who worked in Hylton’s garden. Hylton took Nico under his wing and when he moved to Calizdorp, Nico went with. Hylton sent him to Môrester High School in Calitzdorp and when he finished matric Hylton built him a house in the yard and took him on as his apprentice.
What a success story, because today Nico Masemula sells his ceramics on the Anthropologie site where I found these images. His work is also available at the Old Biscuit Mill in Cape Town.
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Design. Mate. Wallpapers and Designs.
22 Mar
Handsome Things chatted to young Interior designer Shara-Lee Mordt about Design. Mate, her new line of wallpaper designs.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
My name is Shara-Lee Mordt, I’m 23 years of age.
I qualified as an Interior designer in 2009 at the University of Johannesburg. After my studies, I was lucky enough to get an internship at Elle Decoration magazine, where I learnt a great deal about design and specifically all the great designers that SA has to offer.
How did you get started?
So, after working at Elle Decoration, I worked at various design companies but then decided that I was going to take my studies further. I started studying Chemical Engineering at Wits (I really don’t know why and how I thought this would be for me) where I was not happy at all:)
My uncle who is in the printing business let me use one of his older printers, so during my free time while studying, I just started doing my designs and printing them to see what they would look like. After seeing that they came out really well on print I decided that Engineering really was NOT for me and that’s how I
came to starting Design.Mate.
The collection I started on the site is just the works that I have done up until now, but I would Love to collaborate with people and companies in doing unique and custom designs.
Other South African designers who inspire you?
I was based in Johannesburg and got to work with and meet quite a few of these amazing designers who really inspired me to go ahead and do my own designs. A lot of these designers and creatives inspired me, but to name a few: Katy and Adriaan from Dokter and Misses, also Andrea Kleinloog for Anatomy Design. Works done by Peet Van Straaten from RAW studios are also really beautiful. Lastly, Porky Hefer. I love his idea of collaborative work between fellow designers. His work is just great!
Advice for other designers who are thinking of taking the plunge and starting their own lines?
My advice to someone who wants to start their own venture is to get out there and see what’s in the industry and what you can do to add to it in a positive way. It’s also great finding sites like Handsome Things:) who are there to promote and support design in SA! Just do what you are passionate about and you’ll be happy doing it:)
Thanks Shara!
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My Favourite Colour surface designs
15 Mar
I absolutely adore these pillows and fabrics that Frances White launched at this year’s Design Indaba. It’s probably a good idea to warn the babysitter cause you wouldn’t want little Johnny ending up in the naughty corner for these.
“My Favourite Colour is a surface design company with a focus on the interior industry. It was started in 2011 and launched at the 2012 Design Indaba by fine artist, Frances White, whose love of bright, jewel-like colours and strong pattern have translated into a vibrant collection of textiles and soft furnishings.
The first range focuses on South African flora, a particular love of Frances’, with each design drawing its inspiration from the flowers of a particular region. The fabrics designs so far focus on the Highveld, Cape, Tsitsikamma and West Coast floral regions. The collection is made up of drawings and paintings which have been scanned and digitally collaged into patterns, and then digitally printed onto 100% pure cotton fabrics using water-based pigment dyes.
A wide range of cushions is available, and fabric by the metre is currently in production. The soft furnishings range will also include table runners, tablecloths, placemats, and tea towels, and will be available in the next few months.“
My Favourite Colour’s fabric collection and soft furnishings range is designed, printed and sewn in South Africa.
Her pillows range between R350 and R495 and you can order them from her website.
All images via http://myfavouritecolour.co.za/
via homemag.co.za
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Jared Odell Furniture & Design
7 Mar
If you attended the Design Indaba Expo you would’ve come across Jared Odell Furniture and Design. His Fulbrite range has been inspired by mid-century Modernism and Bauhaus design. They have combined solid Scandinavian birch plywood with bent powder coated sheet metal. You also have the option to choose your favourite colour for powder coating.
”Jared Odell is a born and bred Cape Town based, South African designer. He graduated with a degree in Industrial Design and went off to work for one of the most recognisable international design firms in South Africa. Jared designed for some of the biggest international brands in the world, both locally and internationally.
After a few years in the corporate world of design, Jared Odell has taken the leap to go out on his own, and “Jared Odell Furniture & Design” is the result of this move. Adventure, Style, Beauty, Freedom and Individuality are the driving creative forces behind Jared Odell. His desire to create something beautiful yet classic and timeless is the goal of Jared Odell Furniture & Design.“
Images and text via http://www.jaredodell.co.za/
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Koi & Blue Willow by Mervyn Gers
2 Mar
Mervyn Gers recently won the Best decorated Award at Ceramics South Africa’s Cape Regional with his beautiful Koi and Blue Willow Set. “A series of plates patterned in decals recalling the familiar Willow Pattern designs and the Koi fish of the East. The vibrant blue and red colours recall the well loved Imari ware from Japan.” – Ceramics Southern Africa
If you’re in Cape Town you can catch The Mervyn Gers Collective at the Design Indaba Expo.
If you’d like to know you more about Mervyn you can read my previous post on him here or you can visit his Facebook page.
Photos via the Mervyn Gers Facebook Page.
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Tamarillo ceramics
1 Mar
Lorrae Mehmel designer and owner of Tamarillo ceramics chats to Handsome Things about overcoming challenges, building a brand and capturing South Africa in silhouettes.
What’s your background and how did you get into ceramics?
As a child I struggled through school, continually battling to keep up and having to work harder than my school friends. I then underwent various academic testing not only in junior school but it was a month prior to my IEB Matric Examinations that the School body discovered that I was dyslexic in a number of areas. Never before had I felt so betrayed by academic institutions. I however passed my IEB Exams and excelled in Art.
Having vowed never to be drawn in by another institution I started working as a gallery assistant, surrounding myself, with the best South African artists had to offer. I absorbed so much energy and talent for those two years and will be eternally grateful for the opportunity.
I was then asked to move into retail, expanding an already existing décor outlet into a gallery environment, I was in my element, and it was here that I realized that I could start trying out different mediums, painting on plates and creating pieces that I loved. The pieces were such a success that I decided to go it alone.
Terrifying as it was, I doubted my ability to handle this on my own, I felt my only way to make a success of the situation was to create pieces that I liked, which I did and I have not looked back.
Where do you get the inspiration for your ceramics?
Using black and white, turning simple every day silhouettes like my ‘bird on a wire’, the ‘fynbos’ and ‘Karoo scenes’ into my personal interpretations which I depict in my art and shows my love for the outdoors. The creations are chic and functional, something unique and different.
Tamarillo is now three years old, had it not been my uphill battle at school and the determination to succeed, I would not have been able to take on the industry and compete with some of South Africa’s best. Having completed matric in 2006 I cannot believe my success in the short space of time and I am proud to have excelled on my own, in my own way and doing my own thing.
You can catch Tarmarillo at the Design Indaba expo or visit her blog for more handsome creations: http://www.tamarilloceramics.blogspot.com/
Thanks Lorrae!
Images via http://www.tamarilloceramics.blogspot.com/
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The Organic Wall Grower by The Big Heart Company
24 Feb
I’ve been fascinated by these Organic Wall Growers since my last visit to the Neighbourgoods Market in Braamfontein where I took these pictures of them. I was delighted to discover that you can now purchase them from The Big Heart Company’s Etsy Store.
“Plant a garden on a wall with these clever canvas plant bags. As the plant grows the bag ages organically. Each planter is packaged in a brown paper and twine parcel – all screws and washers supplied.”
The Big Heart Company is based in Salt River in Cape Town and you can have a look at their Facebook page for more beautiful things.
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