I discovered Frankie Magazine about five years ago when I was travelling in Australia, and haven’t stopped loving it ever since. It’s the most amazing source of inspiration for any young creative person. I’ve looked into buying a subscription but, with postage, it works out to be a little too expensive. Luckily though, we’re in the age of the internet! So through Frankie’s website, it’s possible to get plenty of inspiration for free :)
They have daily blog posts on their homepage, chatting about all things design-related, and showing tons of beautiful images too. You can download wallpapers for your PC or latop (I like to choose new ones all the time!) , read about what’s in their current and previous issues, plus you can buy a few things from their shop.
If Frankie is your sort of thing, like it is mine, I’m pretty sure it’ll keep you busy for a long long time.
Written by: Sarah
Filed under: Design Stuff on July 29th, 2010 | View Comments
I just realised that I’ve never told you about the online shop, called Touch-it Design, run by a very proud South African, Nicolette. It’s a shop filled with beautiful products from all around the country, each with their own story. Nicolette also writes about different designers and products on her site, and so it’s a great way to stay informed about local design talent.
Take a look!
Written by: Sarah
Filed under: Design Stuff, Handmade Things on July 27th, 2010 | View Comments
I think my regular readers would have noticed that I do not have very much time for Babazeka at the moment. My newly born Bubba (shes 2 months today) is taking up almost all my time and I’m enjoying being a Mom so much that I don’t want to give it up. When I do have a moment, it seems to be spent on dealing with issues to do with the shop, like processing orders, helping customers, managing suppliers, paying accounts, posting off parcels, etc.
Truth be told, it’s been getting me down, because it’s BLOGGING that I really love. And so, I’ve made a bold decision. I’m going to close the shop. For a while. Or longer. I’ll see.
I know that in terms of branding, it’s not the brightest idea in the world, but I’ve done things pretty differently to other shops from the beginning, and so now’s not the time to change. I figure that if I’m no longer having fun, then it’s not worth doing. I can carry on promoting the crafters that I support in other ways, especially through the blog. It means that I don’t have to deal with all the admin whilst I don’t have the time.
So, that’s it! Decision made. I’ll be writing a series of post about what I’ve learned so far in terms of running the business, which will hopefully help other aspiring online retailers. Soon ;)
Written by: Sarah
Filed under: About Babazeka on July 26th, 2010 | View Comments
Look at this AMAZING stuff that I found through Try Handmade. I decided that UK-based Roddy & Ginger deserved not just one picture in yesterday’s post, but instead their own post all together. I’m obsessed with pretty much everything that they’ve designed and printed, and would love to own it all!
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful!
Written by: Sarah
Filed under: Design Stuff, Handmade Things on July 7th, 2010 | View Comments
I was so pleased to come across the this fabulous blog today! It’s strapline is “People not factories” – I love - and it’s all about showcasing different handmade products and designers from around the world. They’ve got quite a few different bloggers writing for them, which is great, keeping the finds and topics fresh.
Squiggly Monkey
Crochet Bubble
Stonehouse Studio
Homemade Soy
Try Handmade has already led me onto many many great finds. Exciting!
Written by: Sarah
Filed under: Handmade Things on July 6th, 2010 | View Comments
I spoke highly of Pick n Pay recently, and today I will again. While I was waiting in the check-out queue yesterday I noticed these shoppers.
It was the striking design that caught my eye, plus the fact that they looked so “earthy”. But the shopper was sold when I read the tag and it said it had been made by unemployed women in townships. In fact, the project which made it is known as Township.
Great job collaboration, great job again, Pick n Pay!
Written by: Sarah
Filed under: Green Issues, Social Upliftment on July 1st, 2010 | View Comments
Firstly, so sorry about the big gaps between posts. Turns out that the older a baby gets, the less time you have to do what you intend to do each day ;)
Ok, so I have to show you the gorgeous products that two of the yoga teachers at my yoga studio are making. Their names are Nicki and Charlotte (Nicki is actually also the owner of the wonderful studio) and they’ve called their label Rich & Creamy * Yummy Stuff.
Take a look below.
I just love the combination of bright African Shweshwes, cottons and Indian blockprint designs. So so pretty!
At the moment Rich & Creamy are focusing on things for yoga and spiritual practices, like carry bags for your yoga mat, eye pillows for relaxation, meditation journals and prayer flags, but they’re also planning on introducing clothing and home decor items too. Can’t wait!
Oh, and their website isn’t live yet (so take a look at their facebook fanpage for now) but promise to let you know when it is.
Written by: Sarah
Filed under: Handmade Things on June 29th, 2010 | View Comments
There’s a project which is based near to Knysna, in a town known as Wilderness. It’s called Lila, and they make the most BEAUTIFUL things with a wonderfully eclectic feel. Everything has been sewn together using lots of tiny bits of mis-matching fabrics, felt, cotton, etc. You can see that the owner and designer, Manya, is an incredibly creative person, with a wonderful feel for what is contemporary, but also unique.
Aren’t they exquisite?
Written by: Sarah
Filed under: Handmade Things, Social Upliftment on June 24th, 2010 | View Comments
Just a quick one to wish you a wonderful weekend! And to show you this amazing pile of cushions that Skinny has added to her shop.
Sigh!
Written by: Sarah
Filed under: Design Stuff, Handmade Things on June 18th, 2010 | View Comments
The one thing that bothers me about the World Cup, is how much money other countries (ie. China) are making off the fan merchandise that’s being sold. My Mom sent me the link to this article about a Dutch start-up which has had supporter products made, but have made sure that it’s South Africa who benefits from the sales. And more than that, unemployed people in South Africa. Way to go!
The business is known as the Rainbow Collection and they’ve worked along with Africa!Ignite to have 100 000 orange beaded bracelets, along with a whole bunch of other beaded things, made up by 400 unemployed rural women in Kwazulu Natal.
The products are stylish, well made, and for a good (South African!) cause. Great, no?
Written by: Sarah
Filed under: Handmade Things on June 17th, 2010 | View Comments
