Official newsletter of the Western Cape Craft Sector MARCH ‘09 cape CRAFT Proudly promoted by the Cape Craft & Design Institute Thys Carstens turning wood into art Scandinavia demand for hand-made SA products craft shop & product of the month

March Craft Sector Meeting 4 March ‘09

new logo colours, PROUDLY PROMOTED BY THE new branding 1 CLICK our quick link CCDI Activities index index for easy navigation editorial pg 3 sector news pg 4 • Thys Carstens: Turning wood into a work of art • Magpie sets Barrydale alight • Barrydale weaves more than a story • Kunye products go global • Rural Outreach: Plans to broaden our support to you • The CCDI 2009 Exhibition Collection

design matters pg 7 • Entries invited for SABS Design Award • Product of the Month – a kelpvuvu creativity, innovation & design pg 8 • Visit to Two Oceans Aquarium: Fishing for new ideas • Make prototypes, experiment – free of charge • From feeling… to seeing… to sensing… to making enterprise development pg 11 • Learn how to run a business • Craft Operational Management • CCDI GIFT corporate warehouse Market Readiness Programme

in the marketplace pg 12 • Scandinavia: Real demand for quality hand-made SA products • Trade leads • 10th International Jazz Festival • Sell at the KKNK Festival • Exhibit with us at Decorex Cape • Craft shop of the Month • Communication: an important tool for business development by Madoda Fani, The Potters’ Workshop. Photo by Eric Miller. Insect Elegance by Madoda Fani, The Potters’ Workshop.

Cape Craft & Design Institute | Iziko laseKapa pg 14 loBuchule noBugcisa | Die Kaapse Instituut vir this city Handwerk & Ontwerp • “Cape just beautiful”, say SA travelers

C/o CPUT, Box 652, Cape Town, 8000, 75 Harrington Street, East City Cape Town 2010 update pg 15 +27 (0)21 460 3982 | [email protected] www.ccdi.org.za Editor: Marjorie Naidoo billboard pg 16 Journalist: Hélène Rossouw Graphic Design: No Bull Studio March Craft Sector meeting

You are invited to attend the monthly Sector meeting, which the Cape Craft & Design Institute offers to give you a great opportunity for networking, and receiving information, insights and knowledge – at no cost to you. The meetings always take place on the first Wednesday of the month. The next meeting is on Wednesday, 4 March 2009, at the CCDI premises, 75 Harrington Street.

One of the speakers will be Pam Naidoo, from the City of Cape Town, who will give a briefing on the City’s planning for 2010. We urge you not to miss this. At the February Craft Sector meeting, Justin Fiske, creator of mobile sculptures, fascinated the audience when he spoke about the influence his residency in Japan had had on his work. 2 Invest in yourself and weather the storm Experts agree that the global slump is the worst since the Great While this is all still mostly speculative, keep your eye on the light at Depression in the 1930s – and interactions I’ve had with people from the end of the tunnel. the US and Europe in the last few weeks confirm this anecdotally. What does this mean for us – a sector that is primarily about non- What does this mean for us? essential consumer goods? While doing some internet surfing to get some facts and opinions I To some extent it seems like we are also sheltered from the worst got excited at Google’s long list of positive headlines: “SA recession of the storm because in reality we are quite a marginal, small sector. unlikely”; “SA not moving into recession” etc. Then I saw the articles Also, word on the ground is that people are still busy making and were written in April, June, Oct 2008. This year the headlines are a selling – some busier than they’ve been before. And while retailers little bleaker: “SA to weather the storm”. Which I guess is still better report that things are slower, they also say people are still spending – than sitting right in the eye of it. just on smaller and/or more durable goods. But the reality is we’re closely linked to the global economy and In a way this is good news for us – and perhaps our opportunity in 74,000 people have already lost their jobs. “We’ve been hit by falling the crisis: to increase the consumer base of people who appreciate commodity prices, declining exports, investment outflows and a good quality handmade products that provide value for money and weak rand, all of which have slowed GDP growth and caused severe value to life. Now could be the time for us to win over new customers recessions in certain sectors. Yet our financial system has not seized and clients – who will stick with the handmade when the good times up, our banks remain sound, and we have been spared the big return. corporate collapses that have become an almost daily event abroad,” says Old Mutual chief economist Rian le Roux . Of course it is also possible that the good times won’t return – that the ‘heady’ conspicuous consumption years are over – and that we And while the economists argue that the first half of the year will are at the beginning of a new kind of lifestyle that is about slower be difficult and some sectors will actually go into recession (like and less-is-more consumption. In which case, we can still win if we autos, residential construction, mining, commodity exporters, retail continue to position ourselves as producers of good quality, lower trade and small business), they also say things should improve in the volume, higher value products. second half of the year. But what all of this requires - as scary as things seem – is to take A couple of things have ‘saved’ us including the interest rate hikes the time to invest in yourself, your business and your products – and we moaned about; the National Credit Act which reigned in banks’ be prepared for the future. We’ve put together a fantastic array of lending practices and consumer borrowing; exchange controls that activities over the next few months to help you do just that – make the limited SA banks’ exposure to international credit risk; and the weak most of them! And do let us know how you are faring. rand (somehow there’s always two sides to this coin). Going forward, the government’s R787 billion public infrastructure programme along with Interest rate cuts, a drop in consumer inflation, lower petrol prices and possible tax relief, should see household ERICA ELK income increasing and with it consumer spending. And then of EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: CAPE CRAFT & DESIGN INSTITUTE course, there’s 2010 and a still steady stream of international tourists sources: http://www.sagoodnews.co.za/economy/sa_should_weather_economic_ who still see us as a value for money destination. storm_better_than_most.html http://www.moneyweb.co.za/mw/view/mw/en/page662?oid=254835&sn=Detail New logo colours, new branding

With great enjoyment, even with glee, the CCDI is able to change its logo colours each year to stay in line with colour trends – and we still applaud designer, Sharon Rushton, for her design of this versatile representation of the solid, best-practice work done by the CCDI.

This year we have added a strong branding logo, to signify our promotion and support of Cape Craft. The branding imaginatively portrays the creative flair of Western Cape craft producers and designer-makers, and the supporting understructure of the CCDI

as the craft sector body. The branding will be seen on our stands PROUDLY PROMOTED BY THE at all the shows we take part in, and on all our promotional printed material. The Programme Panel is open for bookings The panel is a one-on-one process which will help you access appropriate support from CCDI and those of our partners, and help you make decisions about where you want to take your product and business. The Programme Panel consists of CCDI staff with design innovation, business development and market access skills and knowledge. During the session – which can last 50 minutes, you have an opportunity to talk about your product, your business and the challenges you face. It is an open-ended discussion but through the process you will find out more about the CCDI activities on offer; you can get practical advice and market access opportunities. Programme Panel interviews take place every Wednesday - except the first of the month, when we have Craft Sector Meetings. The first session is at 10am and the last at 2pm, with bookings being filled up from the morning. While you are here you can also arrange to have your products photographed for our website and update your database information. The Programme Panel is for ‘newcomers’ and ‘old hats’. Last year 107 craft producers made use of the Panel. To make a booking call Mandisi on [email protected] | 021-460-3662. 3 sector news

hen you walk into Thys Carstens’ home in the northern the lathe, transforming it into suburbs, he points to the cupboard that ‘started it all’. a Thys Carstens signature WWhen in 1985 his wife voiced her need for a cupboard in piece. black- and yellow-wood he had to deliver. Finding nobody that could Where did the idea of turn drawer knobs in black wood, he saw a lathe and a set of chisels resin come from? “From advertised in the Cape Argus. He turned the knobs and that started the outset I knew that if I him on his woodturning journey. He fell in love with woodturning and was to be noticed I had has never lost his passion for it. to do something different. Thys, who is a part-time pharmacist, says that their friends often try I experimented with a to persuade him to make furniture, but in his own words, “that is in number of materials but the past. Now I love my ‘potjies’.” my first pieces in resin were favourably accepted. It just Resin worked for me.” Thys’ woodcraft is characterized by various types of material inlaid in Sometimes Thys’ resin. He also fills up cracks and voids in the wood with a mixture of perseverance is severely copper powder in a resin-base, creating stunning pieces in which the tested, as in the case of the copper colour is highlighted. In pieces where he makes use of colour bowl on which he had spent many hours of hollowing, shaping and resin, the beautiful bowls and platters take on a life of their own, when sanding. He decided to put it on the lathe for one final turn, and as held up to the light. he switched the machine on, it cracked and split in half before his “Turning pieces on the wood-lathe requires a keen eye for shape and eyes - hours and hours of work lost in a split second. form, a fair amount of skill and sometimes a lot of effort and time,” Then there was the most exquisite pot which he had just finished. It says Thys. At times he spends weeks on a particular project. A lot of was sanded, with resin inlays, and had taken weeks to complete. He work is sometimes done off the lathe, such as hand-carving. carefully put the piece on the floor to make sure it wouldn’t fall, but Transforming something attracted his attention. Alarmed he turned around abruptly, He uses a lathe with electronic speed control, a gift to himself when he in that moment tripping over the pot and scattering his pride and joy turned 65. The speed is adapted to the job on hand. After mounting over the floor in a thousand pieces. Such a loss is irreplaceable. It is the wood on the lathe, the outside is shaped and sanded to final impossible to carve another pot exactly the same. finish. It is then reversed and hollowed out. Once he is satisfied with Awards the shape, it is again turned and sanded and finished with a couple The awards Thys has received have been well-earned, reflecting his of layers of finishing oil. This process is entirely done by hand off the determination and skill. The first recognition for his work was in 1998 lathe. When resin is used in the design, it is cast into the form the at the Vita Awards in Cape Town. His piece with branches set in resin design requires and turned on the lathe. Here a lot of work is done off led to him being invited to the 2000 Vita Awards in Pretoria, where he was honoured with the silver award for a trio of wood-and-resin pieces. More invitations followed. Now Thys has pieces in private collections around the world. He is one of the founder members of both the SA Woodturners Association, as well as its Western Cape branch. He says the associations’ efforts to promote the craft of woodturning have paid off. “Lathe-turned wood items have been elevated from ‘salad bowls and ash trays” to a recognised form of craft art, with prices to match.” He is also one of 8 partners who promote and sell their creations at the V&A Red Shed Craft Workshop. They describe their work as “the very best artistic woodturning in SA and on par with the best available throughout the world”. For more information, or to join the WCWA, contact Eric Thornton on 082-465-4237 l notnorth@mweb.co.za. Award-winning woodturner Thys Carstens. 4 he people of Barrydale didn’t realize what was about to hit them when Scott, Shane, Sean and Richard settled there. TBut the burst of creativity produced by the artists of Magpie, cannot leave one untouched. Magpie creates chandeliers from any possible kind of recycled object - with such wild imagination that one feels one is entering a magical world. It is hard to imagine more beauty from ordinary waste and throw-away things. A number of local people have been welcomed into this imaginative process and taught to make delicate light ampoules and jewellery. Magpie is regularly used to dress large venues for banquets or major events, turning the room into a fairyland of subtle fantasy. Once a year they stage a fabulous exhibition of exotic lights, followed by a fancy-dress party which draws crowds from the entire region (anyone in ordinary clothes is ‘bounced’) and which flows into the streets, with guest houses and hotels overflowing, a boost for tourism on Route 62. And where creativity abounds, other creatives gather – see story on Barrydale Weavers.

Magpie’s delicious Chigubu lights, a triumph of creativity over ‘waste’. The Magpie exhibition invited guests into a magical world. Barrydale weaves morethan a story n the small town of Barrydale in the Klein Karoo region, is a group of people weaving fabrics on wooden hand looms the old fashioned Iway. The project started with one trained weaver, Themba Gwebu, who arrived in Barrydale with his loom, and who was keen to teach his craft to others.

Themba was the first trainee of Rudi Bergman, a Master Weaver from Germany, who had set up a carpet weaving industry in Swaziland. Their partnership grew into the well known Shiba Handcraft of Swaziland. Barrydale Hand Weavers operates from the old cinema building, A few years later Themba met designer Carol Morris and he began which is spacious and ideally situated. There are six looms with a his own small weaving business, working at home at night to supply number of trainee weavers. The products are very popular and the fabrics for Carol’s design business. Carol eventually moved to business is growing rapidly with plans to purchase more looms and Barrydale, and the decision was made for Themba to join her and train more weavers and assistants. assist in training local people in the area to weave. The rugs are woven with a cotton warp thread and a thick soft thread for the weft, giving a rug with a luxurious feel, and which is also durable and washable. The fabrics are woven using a high quality thread for both warp and weft, with a thicker yarn woven in here and there to give the fabric a more textured look and feel. The weaves are encouraged to use their design skills by introducing colour and pattern into the woven products.

For more information, contact Carol Morris on 028-572-1729 l [email protected]. 5 Kunye products go global!

t the end of last year, Alison Coutras of Kunye, and her allowed me to meet the organizers of the husband, Dimitri, made Cape Craft proud when their products, décor for the Clinton Global Initiative, which Awhich included gigantic giraffes, formed part of the décor was to be held three weeks later. This at the annual general meeting of the Clinton Foundation’s Global resulted in an order for my products, which Initiative (CGI). included 2 two-meter giraffes and one 2½ meters. This was fantastic exposure for The Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) was established in 2005 to bring Kunye.” together global leaders to take action to address some of the world’s biggest challenges. Alison was invited to attend the opening ceremony, which was attended by heads Alison tells the story: “My presence at the New York Guitar Festival of state and other global leaders. The gala reception was held at the Museum of Modern Art, New York City. The programme concentrated on challenges and opportunities in four focus areas: education, energy and climate change, global health and poverty alleviation - areas in which Kunye is very active.

The following day was the Clinton Global Citizens Award Ceremony, where former President Bill Clinton recognized extraordinary people making a positive impact on the world. The meeting was opened and chaired by Clinton and brought together heads of state, business executives, directors of NGOs, academics, and philanthropists, to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges and transform that awareness into tangible action. Kunye’s paper boxes from recycled magazines were used on the tables to hold glass candle holders.

One of the highlights for Alison was when Norman Isdell, the chairman of Coca Cola, was given an award together with one of Kunye’s recycled plastic Coca Cola Chickens.

Alison’s story goes to show how important it is to participate in international expo’s, and capitalise on the opportunities along the way! Rural Outreach Plans toour broaden support to you

raig Carbutt joined the Cape Craft & Design Institute at the producers access to support. Plans are afoot to offer a greater variety end of last year as Rural Outreach Co-ordinator. In this article, of services, and make our support more widely available. If the CCDI CCraig outlines his impressions of the challenges that face craft is unable to assist you, we will refer you to a professional body. producers in our rural areas, and his plans for 2009. Be pro-active Rural Outreach is a challenging baby to nurture. One has to try and be everything that the CCDI offers - to all the regions - most of which are It is your responsibility to get the ball rolling. It is up to you to call us separated by the mountains and the bushlands of this vast province. and ask for support. If you feel you have not been contacted by the It is impossible for one person to track down all the people that could CCDI, make that call or drop us an e-mail - you make contact. We benefit from the services of CCDI. I would like to urge you to send me would love to hear of your new ranges and new techniques. Share the names and contact details of craft producers in outlying regions. your knowledge with us, because this exchange is what it is all about. Knowledge is freedom! Plans for 2009 I look forward to connecting with craft producers I have not yet met, For 2009 we have expanded the Rural Outreach Programme to and to introducing the wonderful services that the Cape Craft & encompass the whole of the Western Cape. Each region offers its Design Institute offers. own challenges, and these are constantly changing. It is my task to keep abreast of developments within each region, and to give craft Craig can be contacted on 072-760-2963 l [email protected]. 6 The CCDI 2009 Exhibition Collection Every year since our very first city venues, and the offices of we will begin to curate the 2010 and they applauded a group of exhibition – world [piece] at the partners of the CCDI. Exhibition Collection. Leading Lights, who produced CTICC in 2003 – we have staged breathtaking work that excels in beautiful and thought-provoking The whole exhibition comprises Selection process the manipulation of material, form exhibitions in public spaces in work of 63 craft artists working and imagination. Cape Town and surrounds. These in a range of media. Ceramics The Exhibition Collection is have helped us raise the profile of are the most prominent but other anchored by a Core Collection This Exhibition Collection Cape Craft, stimulate creativity, media used includes textiles, group who produce consistently was selected by a committee, innovation and new products, wood, glass and mosaics, beautiful and interesting work. In consisting of: and created a platform for craft beadwork and items made from addition, the selection committee Alan Alborough - craft sector and producers to exhibit in spaces recycled material. The work is acknowledged a New Notions artist - manager Creativity, Design and places they never were able on loan to the CCDI for the year group of craft artists, who and Innovation programme, Cape to do before. and will be available for sale at produced work that stretched Craft & Design Institute the end of the year, after which their own creative boundaries; Farzanah Badsha - art curation This is the first year we are - Africa Centre and Spier Con- curating an Annual Collection – temporary our considered response to a Erica Elk - craft sector and artist never ending stream of requests - executive director: Cape Craft & for craft items for display and Design Institute our desire to ensure that the Bianca Mpahlaza - creative best handcraft of the province is industries - Commercial Arts showcased regularly. and Entertainment, Department of Economic Development & Design Indaba Expo Tourism Margie Robertson - retail - Africa A part of the 2009 Exhibition Nova Collection will be on display at the Bart Vervekken - industrial design Design Indaba Expo. Later on in - head, Department of Industrial the year, objects will be displayed Design, Cape Peninsula University at Decorex Cape, in outlying of Technology. regions of the province, at various The foyer of the CCDI offices in 75 Harrington Street was recently turned into an impromptu photo studio, for some large objects. Photographer Eric Miller, perched on the chair, took the beautiful pictures for the catalogue of the CCDI 2009 Exhibition Collection. Erica Elk, executive director, and Zanele Donker, receptionist, watch with interest. design matters Entries invited for SABS Design award The SABS Design Institute is inviting product designers to enter for their 40th anniversary SABS Design Excellence Award. The award winning products will be exhibited during October at Gallagher Estate as part of the SABS Expo. Some winning products will form part of the 40th year commemorative exhibition and all winning products will be listed in the 40th year commemorative publication. The call to enter will officially kick off at the Design Indaba Expo in Cape Town on 27 February. The online registration will go live on 9 March. The closing date for registration is 8 May, and the final date for submission of compulsory information is 12 May. No late registrations will be accepted. For more information, contact Zenobia, 012-428-7038 l [email protected] International juror The Design Institute has invited Prof Carlos Hinrichsen as international juror for 2009. Professor Hinrichsen has been the director of the School of Design, Instituto Profesional DuocUC de la Pontificia Universidad Catolica in Chile since 1992. He graduated as an industrial designer in Chile in 1982 and holds a Master of Engineering degree which he received in Japan in 1991.

The CCDI GIFT corporate warehouse Product of the Month Product is “kelpvuvu”, made of kelp or bamboo collected on the beach, and then decorated by hand. The product is a of themonth new initiative by KELP, an acronym for Kelp Environmental Learning Project. Adam Carnegie of KELP says the aim is to create a fun product that is sustainable, has a low carbon footprint, and provides an opportunity for creative entrepreneurs. For more information, contact Adam, 021-705-3950 l 083-455-5805 l [email protected] l www.kelpvuvus.co.za.

7 creativity, innovation and design

Visit to Two Oceans Aquarium: Fishingfor new ideas n 14 February the first in the series of Iconic Site Visits was prevented many people from engaging with this exciting project. held at the Two Oceans Aquarium. These visits fall within the There were over 50 phone call responses to this invitation. Oinitiative of the Visual Awareness Programme which aims to expose craft producers to well-chosen visual material that will inspire The next trip is to Table Mountain on 7 March 2009. and motivate them. Each participant is given an A5 visual diary and a fine liner as well as free entry into the venue. Karen Stewart, the 2-6 March, Kellogg Creativity Workshop facilitator, gave an introduction to the objectives of the programme and encouraged all participants to go into the aquarium as artists, We are looking for committed craft producers to take part in a 5-day not tourists. Everyone was encouraged to engage all their senses creativity workshop at the CCDI. Each day you will be here from and open themselves to the design and inspirational potential held 9-4 and will be taken through an integrated creative enhancement by not only the venue, but programme. You will also also its location, the yacht be participating with club and marina of the V&A craft producers from Waterfront. neighbouring countries and South African Participants documented, provinces. This is both through the use of the an excellent networking visual diary, cellphones and creative enhancement and normal cameras, opportunity. Please do not interesting patterns, register unless you are able colour schemes, shapes to make every day from and more importantly 9:00 - 4:00! Workshop costs new ideas. There was a R100. feeling of excitement and most people felt inspired 16-20 March 2010 by the trip. The follow-up Creativity Workshop workshop is in 4 weeks time where everyone will Committed craft producers share ideas and present are similarly sought to take their prototypes of new part in a 5-day creativity products based on the workshop at the CCDI, that experience. will focus on opportunities for craft production for 2010. The workshop will enable One day of the workshop the participants to share their ideas and get honest and diverse will include an introduction to the FabLab’s computer aided design feedback from their peers about what they are developing. The technology. Please do not register unless you are able to come workshop will also help the CCDI to measure the impact of this kind everyday from 9:00 - 4:00! Workshop costs R100. of activity on people’s creative development. Simphiwe Mogongo will handle all registrations for workshops. The only problem encountered with the workshop was that 5 out Contact Simphiwe on 021-460-9027, Mondays, Wednesdays and of 20 people did not bother to attend or inform of their decision to Fridays from 9:00 -13:00. No registrations will be accepted outside abstain. This lack of commitment by some craft producers seriously of these hours. Interested creatives must complete a registration inhibits the reach of the project, wastes the CCDI’s money and also form, and pay, to secure your place for a workshop.

8 FabLab: Make prototypes, experiment – freeof charge

ew craft producers and designer-makers realise that they can The FabLab workshops offer the time to explore, play, discover. During the 22 make prototypes of their designs, and experiment with different January workshop Lorin Strieman and Joe Mapfuno (extreme right) were guided by FabLab assistants David van Staden (left), and Lukhanyo Makeleni (centre) in Fmaterials, with the help of innovative staff at the FabLab – exploring options. absolutely free of charge. The FabLab (its official name is the AMTS FabLab Cape Town) is Lorin had this to say afterwards: ‘I was most one of 6 in South Africa and of many around the world. Located impressed and have learned of new opportunities in the CCDI building, on the 4th floor, it is the ideal laboratory for in design; now I need to think how to apply craft producers and designers who are developing prototypes for my ideas to new applications especially laser products, students completing projects, inventors and engineers possibilities. Thank you!” wanting to experiment and play. Cut, engrave Machine usage is free, but you have to bring your own materials. We do not sell or supply any materials. The most popular of the available machines, is the laser cutter to cut and engrave on perspex, cardboard, wood, fabric and paper. With the Open times vinyl cutter you can cut stickers out of adhesive vinyl, or cut designs We extend a sincere invitation to you to come and visit the FabLab out of vinyl for ironing onto fabric. Our CNC milling machines cut - even if you have no idea yet how we can help you. Our open- three-dimensional objects, and is ideal for small objects and jewellery, access times are Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:00 till as well as cutting circuit boards. At the electronics workbench you 16:00, and Saturdays till 12:00. On Tuesdays the FabLab is closed can assemble circuit boards, motors and lights. Sewers can try their for special projects, training, maintenance and group bookings. hand at the industrial sewing machine and overlocker. Workshops Experiment only On Thursdays the FabLab runs workshops, aimed at introducing craft There are some limitations to using the FabLab. We are not a service. producers to the FabLab. Participants are trained in computer and You have to physically come and experiment yourself, but there are machine usage. We accommodate only 4 people per workshop, so always trained assistants to help you operate the machinery and the you will have an assistant working with you the entire time. You can software. Remember, you cannot do any mass production in the come back in open-access times for follow-up training. Workshops FabLab. If you want to produce multiple copies of the same item for cost R50. Book your place by filling out a registration form. For more distribution, we will refer you to such a business. information, contact Pieter on 021-460-3813 l [email protected].

The March FabLab workshops will be on 5, 12 and 26 March 2009. Contact Pieter on 021-460-3813 to register.

From 16 to 20 March there will be a creativity workshop around the theme ‘Place 2010’. Contact Karen on [email protected] l 021-460-8379.

After the 29 January combo Creativity/FabLab workshop Sisa Qwesha, Hylton Mitchell and Tafara Karidza were thrilled to show off their completed products.

“Focusing your life solely on making a buck shows a certain poverty of ambition. It asks too little of yourself. Because it’s only when you hitch your wagon to something larger than yourself that you realize your true potential.” - Barack Obama (www.takethelead.co.za)

9 From feeling... to seeing... to sensing... to making...

A work produced on the workshop - a gorgeous flare of colour Wendy Hitchcock ran a nature workshop for craft producers, which involved a visit to Kirstenbosch and then some creative drawing and even more creative production. The pictures tell the story:

The group ‘feels’ their way through Kirstenbosch - touch, texture and Karen Stewart, co-facilitated the workshop, here with Sisanda Mbana. shape were very important.

Experiencing nature with your fingers - Jo Crockett leads Nokuthula Zikhali to ‘see’ through feeling... Wendy Hitchcock, co-facilitator. Christine Stoffel’s awsome recycled protea;

Shahida Sallie blind drawing... … and Joyce Mfene... Jim Chiota shows off his clay aloe, and Nokuthula her stitched aloe. 10 enterprise development

NQF 4 Skills Programme: Learn how to run a business Do you want to have a successful craft business? and how to streamline your production capacity to maximise your Are you open to new ideas? Can you make time profits. for learning? The programme is designed to be flexible and accessible so that people are able to consistently demonstrate the competencies If you answered YES to the above questions, then you cannot pass up required working safely and effectively in craft enterprises in general. this opportunity to apply for the Skills Programme in Craft Enterprise. The qualification is the foundation for development into other areas of craft such as design, production, enterprise and marketing. The Cape Craft & Design Institute is providing an opportunity for 20 craft producers to take part in the Craft Enterprise (NQF4) Skills Programme When? in 2009. This skills programme is relevant for people who need the skills The 5-month training will take place from April till August 2009. Training and knowledge to run and operate their business effectively. This is an is scheduled to take place in 5-day training blocks. Learners will be opportunity to improve your competence in craft entrepreneurship and expected to attend all training days and submit homework assignments product development. This learnership is fully funded by the National and projects. Skills Fund through the MAPPP-SETA, Department of Labour. Where? Purpose Training will take place at the CCDI, or other appropriate venues in the This training is designed to help people who are already in a craft City. business and who wish to improve their design, production, marketing and business skills in order to be successful entrepreneurs. Download application forms from the CCDI website, www.ccdi.org.za, or You will be taught the skills to properly run your financial and contact Sarah Polonsky 021-460-3724 l [email protected]. The administrations systems; how to successfully market your products closing date is Friday, 6 March 2009.

NQF 5 Learnership: Craft Operational Management The CCDI is providing an opportunity for 20 When craft business owners or managers to take part The year-long training will take place from April 2009 – May 2010. in the Craft Operational Management (NQF5) Training is scheduled to take place in 5-day training blocks. You Learnership in 2009-2010. will be expected to attend all training days and submit homework Purpose assignments and projects. This qualification is primarily intended for application in the small/ Where micro craft enterprise environment. The qualification will give you the Training will take place at the CCDI, or other appropriate venues in opportunity to obtain the competence in craft entrepreneurship, event the City. and marketing management and product development. Download application forms from the CCDI website, There are no fees for the learnership, as it is fully funded by the National www.ccdi.org.za, or contact Sarah Polonsky 021-460-3724 l Skills Fund through the MAPPP-SETA, Department of Labour. [email protected]. The closing date is Friday, 6 March. A selection panel will interview applicants on 10 or 12 March 2009. GIFT Warehouse Market Readiness Programme Would you like to be a supplier to the CCDI GIFT of the full programme of activities. corporate warehouse? If you would like to participate in the programme, please submit your Does your product suit the corporate market? name and contact details together with a short motivation as to why you and your product are suitable for the programme (if possible you CCDI GIFT will be running a programme of activities over twelve should also include a photograph of your product). You may hand- months, from April 2009 to April 2010, to help a selected group of deliver to CCDI GIFT corporate warehouse, 3rd floor, 75 Harrington craft producers to become ready for business within the corporate Street by 13 March 2009, or post to CCDI, c/o CPUT, Box 652, Cape market. The programme will cover product refinement and innovation, Town, 8000. business skills and systems, production scheduling and processes, as well as market dynamics. These activities will mainly take place For more information, contact Neildon Pieterson at CCDI GIFT on over weekends, with most being held on Saturday mornings, so that 021-460-8374 l [email protected]. there is limited impact on your production time. All applicants, as a condition of participation, will be required to A maximum of 12 crafters can be accommodated in the programme meet with the CCDI Programme Group to discuss their products and the final choice of participants will be made by GIFT based and business. The CCDI Programme Group consists of the CCDI on their experience within the corporate market. There will be no programme staff and meets with craft producers every Wednesday participation cost for the selected craft producers but you will be on an appointment basis. Appointments must be made with Mandisi nd required to sign an agreement committing yourself to the completion Kibito at the CCDI office, 2 floor, 75 Harrington Street | 021-460-3662 l [email protected]. 11 in the market place

Real demand for quality hand-made SA products in Scandinavian market

he CCDI and Isandi, our wholesale and retail partner based in Keyring fatigue Norway with footprints all over Scandinavia, lit a partnership Tfire some few years back. This has translated into export Isandi’s Kjersti Lie Holtar commented that the products offered for opportunities for craft producers in the Western Cape, and lately also Christmas were in general relevant for the market, “however, there mentorship opportunities. is room for more textile-based Christmas products, in combination with food and wellness products”. She also said that in general there A recent Isandi report indicates that the Scandinavian market still is a ‘key ring fatigue’, referring to products that are insignificant for proves lucrative for local craft producers. Last year showed an everyday use. These products therefore remain charity products. increase in purchases of almost 40% from 2007 to 2008, amounting to approximately R2 million in craft purchases, of which R850 000 Communication were products made by Cape craft producers. The CCDI and Isandi are working well together, and in general suppliers Trade shows delivered on time and met export-compliance requirements. However, suppliers need to focus on more efficient business communication Trade shows in Scandinavia have also yielded excellent sales and techniques – in particular slow responses to correspondence and the media coverage for Isandi and its suppliers. The participation at the confirmation of orders has been a problem. Gave & Interior trade show in August 2008 generated R500 000 worth of purchasing orders. This demonstrates that there is a real demand Profile SA craft for high quality handmade South As in the past, Norwegian media coverage for Isandi and its suppliers African craft products remain impressive. In 2008 more than 70 media publications featured in the Scandinavian Isandi products, and it is expected that this trend will continue. It is market. interesting to note that there is absolutely no automatic correlation between media exposure and sales. Kjersti stresses: “The challenge The largest volume remains to build the profile of SA craft, and get it into the main-stream Cape suppliers market”. are TinTown, JoJo Wire Metal and Isandi is gearing up for participation at Formland in Denmark. The Streetwires, while products that seem to attract the most media attention are textiles Haldane Martin, and interior products, with a lot of emphasis on recycling. The media Carol Boyes and favourite is undoubtedly Heath Nash and his “bucket lamp” – once JoJo are the largest again selected for the trend exhibitions at Gave & Interior, as well as value suppliers. Formland.

Send your questions on the export market to Vuyisile Mshudulu on [email protected] l 021-460-3944. Wire art by JoJo Wire Metal. Trade leads Walvis Bay tour operator seeks products Producers of export-ready nautical / beach house décor items are requested to contact Cathy Visser from Levo Tours - a tour operator based in Walvis Bay, Namibia. They have recently opened a craft shop at their departure site. They are also in need of shells, wooden / ceramic light houses, anchors, sea birds, anything to do with sea life and décor. For more information, contact Cathy Visser, on 064-207-555 l 081-129-6270 l fax 064-200-709 l [email protected]. Cambodian contact A Cambodian company is interested in importing arts, curios and stationery from South Africa. For more information, contact the South African Embassy in Bangkok, Thailand. Contact person: Phaopha-nga Auyyanon on +662-659-2900/2906 l satrade@loxinfo. co.th. (Excerpt from the dti Trade Bulletin, Ref TIS3508)

12 10th Cape Sell at the Town International KKNK Festival We would like submissions from craft producers for the CCDI stand at Jazz Festival the Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees in Oudtshoorn, from 4 – 11 April. This is a great marketing and selling opportunity. Contact our Rural Outreach Coordinator, Craig Carbutt on - 021-460-3815 l The Cape Craft & Design [email protected]. Institute invites craft producers to participate in the CCDI Gift Shop at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival at Exhibit with us the CTICC on 3 & 4 April.

The Jazz Festival has grown at Decorex Cape into a hugely successful This is a call for craft producers to participate with us in the annual international event since its Decorex Cape Exhibition at the CTICC, from 24 – 27 April 2009. inception in 2000. Entering its 11th year, Decorex Cape promises to be a celebration of Cape Town’s most delicate and daring spaces by talented style The festival’s winning formula shapers, trend makers and décor creators. of bringing more than 40 international and local artists to The Cape Craft & Design Institute invites applications for individual perform over two days on five spaces as well as participation in the gift shop on the CCDI stand. We stages has earned it the status would like to offer an opportunity to 8 craft producers who would like of being the most prestigious to exhibit and sell their own products within the CCDI stand. For only event on the African continent. R2000.00 you will receive:

a 3m x 5m stand with floor and wall To participate in this exciting • assistance with styling of your space event, contact Jo-lene • Sathorar on 021-460-3982 • use of a credit card machine (a small fee may be charged) l [email protected]. The deadline is 6 March 2009. Participation in the gift shop will carry the usual 20% commission to cover cost of sales. Contact Jo-lene Sathorar on 021-460-3982 l [email protected]. The application deadline is Friday, 6 March 2009.

The Rain stores are certainly attracting attention. Jo-Lene Sathorar, Market Access Facilitator: Local and National, paid them a visit to find Craft Shop out more: of themonth “Stepping into the Rain store at the V&A Waterfront, an immediate calmness comes over you. The wonderful smells reach all your senses and you find yourself exhaling...soothing tones of creams, white and stone fill the store and friendly assistants greet you. “

Products in this beautiful store range from bath oils to scrubs, slippers and gloves to beaded cream vessels and candles, and are reasonably priced. Owner Bev Missing, based in Swellendam, is in search of new handmade products for her stores. She is interested in candles made of vegetable or beeswax, ceramics, body brushes and bathmats. Bev is also on the look-out for hand-woven baskets with lids, as well as any bathroom items, especially custom-made products.

Are you making a product that would compliment Rain’s range? If so, contact Bev on 028-514-2926 l [email protected] or Jo-lene on 021-460-3982 l [email protected].

The Rain boutique lifestyle stores: RAIN store V&A Waterfront, Cape Town RAIN store, Willowbridge Lifestyle centre, Shop 60, 39 Carl Cronje Drive, Tyger Valley RAIN store Swellendam, 274 Voortrek Street, Swellendam RAIN store Cedar Square, Corner Witkoppen and Cedar Road Fourways, The Rain store is the Craft Shop of the Month. Bev is in search of hand-made products to compliment her sensual range. Johannesburg 13 Communication: An important tool for business development n his capacity as Market Access Facilitator for Export & Retail or are slow to respond to enquiries from buyers. This frustrates at the CCDI, Vuyisile Mshudulu has gained some insight into the the buyer, and affects business deadlines and the running of their Inecessity of efficient communication to run a successful business. businesses. At the CCDI we experience similar problems when we He offers some valuable guidelines: communicate vital information about programmes and events to craft producers. Late responses impact negatively on our schedules, The issue of communication between craft producers and the plans and the service we provide to you, the producer. retailers, agents and wholesalers they supply, has always been a challenge and is increasingly becoming a sticky point. This has led to Be professional crafters and retailers sometimes misinterpreting the role of the CCDI Not prioritising communications has the potential to create a bad as an organisation which acts to facilitate business relationships impression about the professionalism of your business. between these entities. Since the CCDI has been in operation, we have emphasized what we This brings us to a list of important questions:- are, rather than what we are not. However, for clarity, we are now • When last have you updated your details on the CCDI spelling it out: database? • How often do you check your e-mails? • When last did you introduce new products to your range The CCDI is not: and have they been captured on the CCDI database? • A producer, nor a retail/wholesale buyer of craft • When you are away at an exhibition both in SA and products abroad, who checks your e-mails and how often? • An agent for craft producers, retailers or wholesalers • Who can be contacted when you are unreachable? • A solution to every problem in the craft sector • Do you receive our newsletter and if so….do you read • A financier – we do not give financial assistance it? • Do you have e-mail and if not …..Isn’t it time you had one? Be reach-able • Do you know how to set it up? If not, go to your nearest We advise craft producers who participate in CCDI market access internet café. It’s a free service to set up an e-mail opportunities to communicate with your buyers. You should ensure address and it costs very little to use the facility at the that you are reach-able by whatever mode of communication internet café. (telephone, cell phone or e-mail) you have agreed to communicate We do understand that for some people it is a much broader challenge with the buyer. of computer literacy but we have to start somewhere to address the It is equally important that your selected mode of communication is communication challenges that we currently experience. operational at all times. Craft producers sometimes don’t answer Take control “private number” calls. That could be your most important client. At times crafters lose their cell phones, and then we are unable to make The importance of communication as a tool to grow and develop contact with you. your business cannot be over-emphasized. Although we are here as an institute to assist you to overcome challenges and obstacles to Respond quickly grow your business, there are some vital aspects you just have to It seems that the majority of problems occur in e-mail and cell phone take full control of. Communication is one of them. communication. Craft producers either don’t check their e-mails, This city “Cape just beautiful” – say SA travellers “JUST beautiful” is how the majority of South African travellers describe Cape Town and the Western Cape. A recent AC Nielsen survey reveals that, while Paris is called romantic, New York buzzing and Rio de Janeiro the carnival city, Cape Town is mostly admired and remembered for its beauty.

The study commissioned by Cape Town Routes Unlimited and conducted across South Africa last year named “beautiful white sand beaches” (46.3%), “friendliness” (41.4%), “relaxation” (39.6%) and “good food & wine” (37.3%) as the other main phrases domestic travellers use to describe Cape Town and the Western Cape.

“Cape Town and the Western Cape is a stylish destination. It’s a place where you can indulge in natural beauty – across six regions, all year round - shop for the world’s most famous fashion brands, gourmet dine under a galaxy of spectacular stars, and sip cocktails while watching some of Africa’s most breathtaking sunsets. It’s a place where you can feel beautiful.” 14 2010 update

A splendid turn-out of 70 craft producers signed the register for the 2010 briefing at the end of January! A big THANK YOU, ENKOSI, BAIE DANKIE, to everyone who came and or spread the word about it! • Ensure that you / your business are registered on the CCDI Support 2010 community activities database. Database registration forms are available from Mandisi Kibito on [email protected] l 021-460-3662. The adopt-a-nation campaign, and other initiatives organized by • Complete the 2010 Inspiration workshop programme the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport are application form, and pay a registration fee of R100. opportunities to share in the various 2010 activities, including meeting some of the 2010 Ambassadors, Western Cape soccer pro’s, such This programme is highly subsidised, so the registration fee only as Thabo Mngomeni, and Desiree Ellis. The Western Cape’s adopted covers your commitment to attending. nation is Iraq! Participants of these 2010 Inspirational workshops are invited to For more info on these regional community activities, contact the submit products at least 4-6 weeks after the session they attended Western Cape Department of Sport: 2010 Social Legacy Programme on the following dates: Head: Ronald Gabriel on 021-483-9523. • 1st session 16 – 20 March; deadline for application For any 2010 queries contact Thandeka on [email protected] l 6 March; product submission by 5 May 021-460-8380. • 2nd session 20 – 24 April; deadline for application 10 April; product submission by 9 June 2010 Inspiration Workshops • 3rd session: 25 – 29 May; deadline for application 15 May; product submission by 14 July These workshops are due to begin in March, and space is limited to 12 participants per session at each of the 5-day sessions hosted Simphiwe Mogongo will handle all registrations for workshops. from 08:30 – 16:00, so, apply in good time before the closing date! Contact Simphiwe on 021-460-9027, Mondays, Wednesdays and Who qualifies to apply? Fridays from 9:00-13:00. • Your enterprise needs to be based and operational in the A friendly reminder: that the 2010 related sample submission dates Western Cape. are as follows: 6 March & 10 April.

FIFA Confederations Cup South Africa 2009 ™ 1 March will mark 15 weeks to kick-off of the FIFA Confederations Cup South Africa 2009 ™. These matches will be a dry-run for systems that will be implemented during the 2010 FIFA World Cup ™. Should you be interested to make your way to the live games in the various venues, here is the match schedule for the FIFA Confederations Cup South Africa 2009 ™, so that you can plan accordingly!

Johannesburg: Rustenburg: Bloemfontein: Free Dates: Pretoria: Loftus Versfeld Ellis Park Royal Bafokeng State Group Matches Sunday 14/06 16h00 1) RSA / IRQ 20h30 2) NZL / ESP Monday 15/06 3) 16h00 3) BRA / EGY 4) 20h30 4) USA / ITA Wednesday 17/06 5) 16h00 5) ESP / IRQ 6) 20h30 6) RSA / NZL Thursday 18/06 7) 16h00 7) USA / BRA 8) 20h300 8) EGY / ITA Saturday 20/06 9) 20h30 9) IRQ / NZL 10) ESP / RSA Sunday 21/06 10) 20h30 12) EGY / USA 11) ITA / BRA Semi-Final Wednesday 24/06 20h30 13) 1st A / 2nd B Thursday 25/06 11) 20h30 14) 1st B / 2nd A ¾ Place& Final Sunday 28/06 15h00 15) L13 / L14 20h30 16) W13 / W14

Group A teams: RSA: South Africa; IRQ: Iraq; NZL: New Zealand; ESP: Spain Group A Matches: numbers 1; 2; 5; 6; 9 & 10 Semi-Finals: 1st A & 2nd B teams Group B teams: USA: USA; ITA: Italy; BRA: Brazil; EGY: Egypt Group B Matches: numbers 3; 4; 7; 8; 11&12 Semi-Finals: 1st B & 2nd A teams L: Semi-Final Loser W: Semi-Final Winner 15 Mark these Great Cape Eventsin your diary

Design Indaba 25 February 1 March Riebeek Valley Olive Festival 2 – 3 May Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour 8 March Wacky Wine Weekend (Robertson Valley) 4 – 7 June ABSA Cape Epic Mountain Bike Race 21 – 28 March Vodacom Funny Festival 15 June – 19 July Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees (KKNK) - Oudtshoorn 4 – 11 March Pick ‘n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival 3 – 12 July Cape Town International Jazz Festival 3 – 4 April Franschhoek Bastille Festival 11 – 12 July Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon 11 April Virgin Mobile Cape Town Fashion Week July / August SA Cheese Festival (Franschhoek/Paarl) 23 – 27 April Clanwilliam Wild Flower Show 27 – 31 August Lamberts Bay Crayfish & Cultural Festival 23 – 26 April Darling Wild Flower Show 18 – 20 September Prince Albert Olive and Town Festival 1 – 2 May Hermanus Whale Festival 24 – 27 Sept ember Cederberg Festival (Clanwilliam) 2 – 3 May Cape Town International Kite Festival 24 – 25 October Discovery Cape Times Big Walk 8 November billboard

ACT/DALRO Performing Arts Scholarship

The Arts & Culture Trust (ACT), in association with the Dramatic, Artistic and Literary Rights Organisation (DALRO) has announced the launch of a new 2009 Scholarship Programme. For the next three years, 2009 to 2011, one student at tertiary entry level will annually be awarded a grant of R75 000 towards the costs of their undergraduate studies in Performing Arts at a leading accredited tertiary institution of their choice.

Learners around the country will participate in a national competition where they will be assessed on their singing, dancing and acting potential. The 1st regional round will be held at the South African National Schools Festival in Grahamstown, from 12 - 16 July. A limited number of registrations will be subsidised.

The closing date for registrations is 30 April. Download registration forms from http://www.act.org.za/resources_downloads.htm. For more information, contact Pieter Jacobs, 011-802-7646 l [email protected]. African Secret seeks premises and new producers African Secret is a new African BEE enterprise that buys, sells and manufactures items made in Africa. They are looking for new craft producers and manufacturers. The present product range consists of clothing, leather hand bags and other, leather sandals, jewellery, pottery, glassware, wooden items and African curios. They display products from charity organizations. They are also on the look-out for premises, a location with high traffic that suits locals and tourists alike. For more information, contact Carlyn Morgan, 072-982-8867 and Stacey Jane Smith, 082-477-1227 l [email protected]. IBSAS assists businesses with websites IBSAS will build a 5-page website for your company within 48 hours. The monthly hosting fee is R115. For more information, contact the IBSAS call centre 086-111-5467. Vacancy at Philani Nutrition in Khayelitsha Philani has a long-running skills-training and income-generation project, training Our receptionist, Zanele Donker, will be away for 4 unemployed mothers to produce craft products (weaving/ silk-screen printing/ beading) months to have her baby. She was ‘showered’ with at 5 Nutrition and Development Centres in Khayelitsha, Crossroads and Philippi. The gifts by well-wishing staff members – in the picture with Lynne Taylor and Girl Yeki. company has a position for a Coordinator to be based at the Development Centre in Site C, Khayelitsha. Contact Fiona Burtt 021-387-5124 l [email protected]. Experienced office manager seeks employment Patricia Byrne, 57 years old, is seeking employment in the Jewellery and Craft sector. After two years of running such a business as the office manager, she is available to start immediately. Patricia has lots of experience in marketing and the retail sector and her strength is administration and systems. She is trustworthy and highly organised with excellent computer skills, and is knowledgeable on PAYE, UIF, VAT, etc. Contact Patricia on 082-899-6509 | 021-788-8419.

“We need to internalize this idea of excellence. Not many folks spend a lot of time trying to be excellent.” - Barack Obama (www.takethelead.co.za)

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