What a busy year it has been, and with the Christmas holidays just around the corner, once again I find myself mentally shutting down. I will not be posting between now and the New Year, so would like to take this time to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and wonderful New Year. I hope the holidays will be a time of joy and togetherness for you and your loved ones, and may 2013 shower you with blessings of good health, happiness, success and seeing your dreams come true.

Until the New Year, take care!

Thuthuka
In September I visited International Jewellery London to see what was happening in the world of jewellery. It was dazzling to say the least with a range of businesses from precious gem dealers to independent emerging designers. Several countries had trade exhibition stands showcasing the designs and opportunities with their various sectors, and stopping by the South African pavilion, I got chatting with several of the individual designers and business representatives. Amongst them was Thuthuka, a jewellery development programme that was founded in 2009, and is an initiative of South African based organisation Jewellery Africa. Thuthuka works with young emerging jewellery designers from community jewellery schools and tertiary institutions, and focuses on promoting contemporary South African design, by encouraging individuality and craftsmanship amongst their students. Products produced include jewellery and tableware, all hand made in limited editions, some of which were on display at International Jewellery London in the form of exquisite statement necklaces and beautifully crafted spoons, which would make lovely keepsake gifts.

Thuthuka, meaning to grow and develop in isiZulu, equips students with the necessary skills in areas such as sales and marketing, to help towards gaining employment or creating their own businesses and generating sustainable incomes. Thuthuka holds an annual competition; which is open to all participants in community jewellery groups and tertiary institutions.

Batonga Stools
Bursting with colours that are right up my street, Australian retailer Safari Fusion is always guaranteed to lift my spirits, and yesterday as the view outside my window gradually disappeared under a rather depressing blanket of mist and fog, unexpectedly finding myself on the site provided the perfect antidote. I love joyous happy colours and the brighter the better, so was instantly taken with some colourful Batonga stools, that are hand carved in Zimbabwe by the Tonga, who historically reside in the Zambezi Valley region to the West and North West of the country.  

Carved from a single block of wood Batonga Stools are best known in their natural wooden state. The addition of a colourful coat of paint gives them a contemporary makeover, making them perfect for modern home interiors, dotted around the space, as handy extra seating or side tables.

Bundu Bags
I do like messenger bags for their practical functionality, given they are usually roomy enough to store a laptop or iPad, and South African based Bundu Bags have a trendy range oozing a retro cool vibe, one that calls to mind Graphic Art, specifically the '60s trends of Op Art and Mod style. Bundu Bags' collections also include beach bags, totes and cute bags for kids. Employing traditional basket weaving techniques, Bundu Bags are made from commercial recycled cargo strapping, upcycling a product that would most likely end up in landfills. The strapping is first cleaned and then woven into the designs and shapes required using colour combinations that include blue, black, red and white. The bags are waterproof and feature an adjustable shoulder strap, magnetic closing and three zippered pockets on the inside. In keeping things local, traditionally printed Shwe Shwe fabric is used to line the interior of the bags, giving a contrasting burst of colour and pattern when opened.

Founded by Colleen Thompson, Bundu Bags was created around the belief that lives can be changed with design, and following this ethos Bundu Bag is a fair trade business, and located just outside Johannesburg, South Africa, works with forty women, who are invested in the success of the business.

Artlantique
Weathered by the elements, wood salvaged from old or discarded fishing boats is given a new lease of life as contemporary furniture collections, whilst retaining the hallmarks of its former life. Along the coasts of West Africa fishermen have long been a common sight, making daily trips into the ocean in brightly coloured narrow boats crafted by highly skilled craftsmen; and it is this connection between fishing and carpentry that inspired Artlantique to produce its distinctive and colourful furniture, which design in Spain by Ramón Llonch and handcrafted in Senegal by a team of master craftsmen.

The boats are made from untreated Samba wood and feature layer upon layer of paint as fresh coats and designs are added over the lifespan of the boat. Artlantique works with local craftsmen and their apprentices to produce the furniture pieces from the reclaimed wood. Boats that have passed their useful life are bought from the fishermen, transported to the Artlantique workshop where the craftsmen decide how best to utilise the wood, taking into consideration the size of the boat and colour combinations. 

No two boats are ever the same, making each Artlantique furniture piece unique. The designs are simple relying on the illustrations and layers of peeling paint to add character and texture, in the process telling the stories of livelihoods; thousands of nautical miles spent riding the waves; and those of the people that carved them to withstand the daily demands of carrying fishermen and their catch.

Decléor Voyage – Madagascar Scented Candle
Premium aromatherapy skincare specialists Decléor introduce a relaxing candle infused with 100% natural essential oils, whose scent and packaging evoke the rich and diverse eco-system found in Madagascar. Tonka Bean, Vetiver, Vanilla, Ylang Ylang, and Grapefruit are combined to create a blissful luxurious fragrance that naturally perfumes your living space whilst contributing to your wellbeing. Free of Palm oil, the Decléor Voyage – Madagascar Scented Candle has a sixty-hour burn time.

Deriving their formulations from nature, Decléor is committed to responsible and sustainable sourcing of the plants used and has set up a project called ASMADA that works towards the conservation of Madagascar's eco-system and also supporting local communities. To date the project has seen more than 100 000 trees planted in the Masindray Valley; and £4.30 from each candle sold will be donated to ASMADA.