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.

Science class anyone?

These greeting cards from Pink Loves Brown are damn cute. Now this might have made me pay more attention in science class...

Wedding detail 2

It's the little things, I believe, that make weddings personal and extra special. We made simple 'confetti cones' (using really pretty gold dotted paper) filled with bright red, pink and yellow rose petals. The end result was just dreamy!

Wedding detail

It was my big brother's wedding over the weekend, and it was PERFECT! Although I've always tried not to add wedding things to my blog, this time I have to show you something....
This is the twig centre piece that I blogged about a while ago. Sorry, this is not the greatest pic....

I spent about 2 weeks making the centre piece, adding twigs from the Tokai Forest and bits of bling like pearl-like beads, big fat crystals and other gold coloured beads.

It did give us some cause for swearing on the morning of the wedding to get it in place, but I think it was all worth it!

Easy decor

I posted not too long ago about the art of Origami and folding paper cranes here.  I have made about a dozen paper cranes so far, and love having them on mass! I use scrap booking paper, which is quite a bit thicker than normal paper. So it does take a little longer, is a little more tricky, but so worth it!

These pictures just go to show that with a little imagination and patience, interiors can look glam on a budget!

Happy folding!

x a

Images via Apartment Therapy

My Weekend project

This weekend it seems that Cape Town will be having some bad weather, which to me is a good thing. I am desperate for a weekend of cocoa, DVD's, duvets and sleep. But amongst all this nothing, I do have one little project: folding paper cranes. I started on Tuesday and have done a few. The more I fold, the better I become and the more I love the mass of paper cranes all over my apartment!

I'll share more of my little project next week, but in the mean time here is a 'how to', just in case :)

Have a happy happy weekend everyone!

Oh, and I am supporting the Netherlands in the final on Sunday, who are you supporting?

x a

Winter woolies

I'm sure it's because Cape Town had it's first rainy and kinda cold day on Friday, but I am suddenly very inspired to start knitting again! I love sitting under a blanket in winter, knitting away. The unfortunate thing is that I do not have the patience to knit jerseys or complicated tea cosies or anything that takes longer than one or 2 evenings to complete! So, I tend to focus my efforts on scarves. Easy, quick, useful scarves.

I found these wonderful knits on Etsy and just love the reinvention of the scarf! I'll definitely try my hand at these, and if all else fails, there's always the option to buy from these lovely crafters! ;)

The top one is from Phydeaux's shop and the second from Homelab. I'm also totally smitten by their choice of colour! I'm loving all things grey at the moment.

I'm sharing a little secret..

Some time ago I stumbled upon a teeny tiny little shop in Diepriver selling Petersham Ribbons. Ever since I have spent too much money buying these beautiful ribbons, snapping up each and every design and colour (although, I must say I prefer the more classic colours and designs).

These ribbons can turn any piece of plain paper wrapping into a work of art, or at the very least add some character to the gift! I love using these ribbons around old bottlesd, tying up keys on hooks, anything really.

The 2 talented ladies from Ebony and Ivory have just launched their new website, which I think showcases their bits and bobs beautifully! Do yourself a favour and go look at http://www.ebonyandivoryribbons.co.za/ .

Be inspired!

x a