Accessories Fair this weekend

A first for the V&A Market this weekend, is an Accessories Fair, and Kosbaar will be there. I love the market for its range and quality of food and drinks - I can spend the entire day there! So pop in for some yummy fair and come say hi upstairs!

Mad love for colour combo

Hertex Fabrics had an open day this week - actually to launch some new local and (to die for) import fabrics - but what really caught my eye was their window display. The colour combo of acid yellow and navy is exactly the right mix of classic and contemporary.

Beautiful! And so perfect for adding punch to your interiors, especially during winter. (I'm probably one of the few people who don't go for browns and typical winter colours - I need a pick-me-up!)

Late...but better than never: Decorex 2013

Have to say, I was pleasantly surprised. The quality (and ingenuity) of the stands were impressive.  

Lots of bold graphics and patters, loads of blue and white and plenty of clever detailing on furniture.

Now, if only the organisers would get rid of the Verimark style stands - I don't want to buy a mop when browsing these great exhibitors!

Kosbaar Accessories

Those that know me can probably attest to the fact that I'm a bit of a Jack of all trades. I attribute this to my slight inclination towards ADD. (I'm sure of it)

I can't sit still, can't just watch a movie. I have to constantly be doing something with my hands.

So, as 2013 made it's appearance, and I became a freelance designer (does that just mean unemployed?) I had a bit more time on my hands. And I finally had the time to do something that I love - creating things.

And with that, I can now introduce my Kosbaar range of accessories: earrings (I'm mad about the little fabric studs), rings, brooches and very soon pendants.

Each piece is made by hand (my moi), using laser cut Beach Plywood and a myriad of vintage style fabrics.

I'm also designing a homeware range (also using Beach wood and possible fabric) - very excited about that!

You can shop online here, for international clients I'll launch my Etsy store soon!
To view more, click here.

Yarn bombing

...or guerrilla knitting, wool graffiti, urban knitting... apparently it's been around since 2004, but recently we've been seeing more and more of this random act of prettiness.

I came across these pics yesterday, of a large tree at an Aids centre in Hillcrest, KZN.  What a lovely way of making a statement!

I'm pretty sure this is the best example I've ever seen - shows real commitment! Can you just imagine the time and planning that went into this project!

Pictures by Selma Botha via here.

Instagramming

In this world filled with social media, and a new one hitting our computer screens (or smart phones) seemingly every other week....it's difficult to keep up!

I signed up on twitter, but it took me ages to get into the hang of it. All those hieroglyphs to me ages to figure out and read anything that made sense.

Facebook is my friend. I check it countess times a day, not only to keep up with friends and acquaintances, but to stay in the loop with blogs, stores, brands and other random things I follow (or 'like').  I still think Facebook is a powerful tool to pick up on what's trending and in vogue for designers.

Then there was Instagram - probably my fave. I'm a visual person, so lot's of words and ramblings get lost on me. Instagram is instant visual satisfaction: scrolling through beautiful images (sometimes with short captions) and feeding off other creative's daily captures.  I follow a beautiful mix of local and international artists, designers, photographers and just general clever thinking people. And it's thrilling to have a glimpse into their world.

If you follow me in Instagram, you'll see loads of pics of my beautiful Ozzy (kitten cat) - yes, I've turned into one of those over-sharing-cat-loving-woman. Now and then I try and post something remotely intelligent and beautiful!

* click on the button on the top right of my blog to go straight to my Instagram page

Nice to be back

Yes yes yes....it's been a while! I know, I'm supposed to say I can't believe how long it's been, how time flies, all that.

The truth is, I CAN believe how long it's been. And I know I've dissapeared from the blogosphere for 3 months. Sadly, some things go on the back burner when life gets a little crazy.

I've always said 2013 is going to be a good year. Because if 2012 is anything to go by, it can only get better! I just had no idea that life was going to grab me by the collar, shake me around and say "Yeah? Well stop saying things, and damn well do them!".

So here I am at the end of January, filled with inspiration, creativity and love for what I do.  I'm setting out to do what makes me happy, and I've got a feeling it's going to be great!

via

And this is what happens when people have just too much time on their hands...

A crochet apple cozy...

I don't know about you, but I like my apples cooled and crisp. Via Etsy.

Garden Walkway

What a novel idea for a garden walkway! You could do any shape or pattern, but I do have an affinity to hearts.  

Seen at Klein Roosboom.

Yip.

Good to know :)

Deer Park Cafe - if you can ignore the decor

Some time ago a friend and I were on a mission to find a good cup of coffee. It was a Sunday afternoon, and the restaurant where we had lunch had a power outage - so no coffee or anything other than the bill being served.

So we headed Vredehoek way, and as neither of us had been to Deer Park Cafe - we aimed for it. Upon entering, the rich coffee smell in the air was enough to make us sit. Not before we had a look at their cake displays though....

You really do need to disregard the decor of this well positioned establishment. It feels more like a 70's cafeteria, but the coffee was good and the cakes scrumptious. Their menu looked good enough for us both to promise to try it again for dinner. 

Maybe it looks better in candle light?