Into the Woods

1. Wooden Planter Bunnies by Design Werkstatt
2. Klipspringer Cushion by Fairy Caravan, Cushion Cover by Skinny Laminx
3. Scalloped Gilt Studs by Smith Jewellery
4. Brass Circle Necklace by A Bird Named Frank
5. Flying Foxes iPad / Tablet Sleeve by the WREN design
6. Fox & Bunny Illustration by Intaglio Prints
7. Raw Oak Cheese Boards by MOKO
8. Wooden Bird Studs by Design Werkstatt, Bird Placemat by Handmade By Me
9. Mixed Metal Necklace by Forever Love
10. Hand-painted Brooch by Picnic Ceramics
11. Man and Pigeon Illustration by Patrick Latimer

A Beautiful Evening at the BWASA Regional Awards

We could definitely do this dress code every night! Eliana, Thessa, Chantal & Melany

Wonderful company, glamorous gowns and tuxedo's, and, of course, hearing the inspiring stories of 16 sixteen phenomenal business women - what a perfect way to spend an evening! The BWASA Regional Awards recognise the talent, determination and resilience of each nominee and celebrated and the journeys of each with short video. We were also treated to hearing guest speaker Liezel van der Westhuizen and her incredible story of success.
 

The Awards Evening was held at Kelvin Grove, Newlands

A huge congratulations to BWASA Regional winners!
Kerry Seymour of Splash Pr - Entrepreneur
Jeneen Galbraith - Galbraith Rushby - Professional
Natalie Du Toit - Indigi Designs - Emerging Entrepreneur
Tracey Chambers - The Clothing Bank - Social Entrepreneur
Nomzamo Kasana - Glacier - Corporate

Thank you to the BWASA for the amazing work that they do for all women in business in our country - sharing the success of the nominees encourages, inspires and gives back to the community in the most meaningful way.

Chantal with her mum, Sharon, looking so elegant in Smith jewels

To tell the truth, we are immensely proud of Chantal every day. Overhearing even the most casual conversation about what KIN really means, about South African design and entrepreneurship will leave you in no doubt of her passion and commitment to what she does. But, we have to say, seeing her last night looking ever so chic and glittering with gorgeous jewellery by Anna Raimondo of Smith, our combined hearts of KIN swelled. Thank you Chan, for your enthusiasm, guidance, energy and vision. You are an inspiration and it's a privilege for all 117 of us KIN to work with you.

Beautiful images from the WREN design

We have loved every one of the WREN design's recycled PPC Cement Bag products since we first met their papery splendour but, after the recent Tablet Sleeves photoshoot -we have to say- we are completely besotted. Wendren and her team borrowed some KIN items to complement the look and feel, and created a beautifully-expressed personality for each sleeve.

Have a look at some of the gorgeous compositions below and don't forget, you can buy the iPad and Tablet Sleeves online here :)

Brown Paper Laptop Sleeve by the WREN design, featuring : Fabric Calendar by Mochloco, Airship Illustration by Intaglio Prints, Wooden Bowls and Bird by MOKO

Bicycles iPad Sleeve by the WREN design, featuring white ceramic "paper" boats by Rebecca Townsend, illustrated postcards by Julia Mary Grey

Postscript iPad Mini Sleeves by the WREN design, featuring upcycled keyboard magnets by Recreate

Flying Foxes Tablet Sleeve by the WREN design, featuring : timber stands by JA!, framed owl illustration by Intaglio Prints

Follow the WREN design on Twitter here

All images shown here belong to the WREN design and may not be reproduced without permission.

Chantal Nominated for the Regional Business Achiever Awards

Chantal has always been passionate about business in South Africa. It's one of the core reasons KIN is a strictly South-African-made platform. Chantal firmly believes in the ethical success of South African business and of running her own company in a way which truly supports the economy, KIN's 112 contributing designers, staff and herself. Designers and customers alike love getting caught up in serious conversation with her when they pop in to drop off stock or pick a gift, and it's because her enthusiasm is boundless and her sense of true purpose wonderfully contagious.
 

Chantal & Eddie

It's very exciting news that Chantal has been nominated for the Businesswomen's Association Regional Business Achiever Award. If you popped in to KIN on Kloof last Friday, you were probably caught on the edges of film as Chantal's first interview got underway.

Who is the BWA?
"As the voice of women in business, the Businesswomen's Association of South Africa (BWASA) is the largest and most prominent association of business and professional women in the country. It plays a key role in highlighting the current status of women in leadership and acts as a lobby group that advocates on women's business issues in an effort to transform the economy."

 http://www.bwasa.co.za

 

What are these awards all about?
"Since 2001, BWASA has held the annual Regional Business Achiever Awards (RBAA) in recognition of women throughout the country who are contributing to business, whether as entrepreneurs, professionals or in corporate business or government. The RBAA are a highlight on the business calendar of every BWASA branch. The awards are run independently by each branch, and include up to six categories, including: emerging entrepreneur, entrepreneur, social entrepreneur, professional, corporate and government... With 10 BWASA branches around South Africa, the RBAA offer a mechanism to reward women across all sectors, wherever they are based, as well as a platform to showcase the talent that each region has to offer."

  http://www.bwasa.co.za

The award winners are announced next Thursday at a gorgeous, glamorous awards evening - join us in holding thumbs for our KIN, Chantal. We would SO love to see her celebrated with some well-deserved recognition.

KIN on Kloof is looking fressssshhhh!

Our walls are whiter than white, our shelves are full of the wonderful designer objects that we're known for and, we have to say, we have the most beautiful new print ledges. A mere four days and our doors are back OPEN! Have a browse through some pics of the shiny new KIN on Kloof :)

Ah just LOOK at those gorgeous print ledges!

Full of colour as always :) Ceramic Bunny by Sootcookie & Felt Apple Pincushions by Skaapie

Delicate new sterling silver pieces by Bountiful Jewellery

Eddie at leisure - some things never change :)

New mini resin & fabric studs by Patatie

Beaded Cuffs by Gillian Fuller & Framed Paper Cut Artwork by Artymiss

Gorgeous roses from our forever-KIN, Thessa

Illustration by Maria Lebedeva, Egg Cosies by Jelly Bean Milk & Heart Studs by Forever Love

Table Mountain Original by Elsabe Milandri, Paper Cut Place Cards by Artymiss, Sterling Silver Studs by Forever Love

Our brass tap has been here from Day #1 and ain't going nowhere ;)

Three BRAND NEW jewellery boxes full of glitz

Home for all the beautiful designer pieces and home for us :)

Fathers Day 2015

We've rounded up some of our handsomest gifts for Fathers Day on the 21st June -

why not treat your dad to something stylish, useful and made right here in South Africa!

Collapsible Laptop Stand by Unfayzdesign, R390

Pistol, Cowboy and Moustache Gilt Cufflinks by Smith Jewellery, R295 - R345 per pair

Printed Paper iPad/Tablet Sleeves by the WREN design, R340 - R405

Printed Glass Coasters by Cabo Design, R50 each

Illustrated A4 Art Print by Jaco Haasbroek, R565

St Silver T-Rex Tie Clip by Eon Hoon, R460

Raw Oak Cheese Boards by MOKO, R65

Gilt Soldier Tie Pin & Matching Gilt Cufflinks by Smith Jewellery, R1140 for the set of 3

Viking Ceramic Bowl by Sessi Bee, R295

Dippy Egg Board by Alice May Designs, R250

Winter is Magic!

1. Buitensingel Street, Photographic Rain Series by Dave Robertson
2. Grumpy Bear Hotwater Bottles by Kooky
3. Brass & Wood Necklace by Dor&kie
4. Fabric & Resin Studs by Patatie
5. Wooden Coaster Set by Mocholoco
6. Balaclava Bear by Trollus Maximus & Sootcookie
7. Crochet Egg Cosy by Jelly Bean Milk
8. Fire Illustration by Jaco Haasbroek
9. Leather Studs by White Rabbit Days
10. Crochet Beanies by Strictly Handmade
11. Jackass Penguin Illustration by Alan Munro
12. Gem Drop Necklaces by Inge Marais

Skinny Laminx Launches #DiggiDot

Last Friday we had the pleasure of popping in to Skinny laMinx on Bree Street, for the fun and festivities that were to announce the launch of their new #DiggiDot range of fabrics.

#DiggiDot is gorgeous, complementing the existing fabrics with some simpler and some more complex new designs so that a lovely array of pattern textures and rhythms are created. Should you choose some of the new designs as additions to an already-loved collection of Skinny laMinx cushions or other plush fabric-covered items, the newcomers will play with the originals and effortlessly enliven your collection.

What better for an overcast afternoon than to nibble delicious mini cupcakes while watching Heather Moore's deft hands demonstrate block printing in the cosy upstairs studio.

One of our highlights, and a wonderful way for everyone to interact with the colours and patterns of the new range, was a choose-your-own bunting section. Samples of the new fabrics were neatly laid out and we could all pick, choose, combine and contrast the lovely swatches while Skinny laMinx's seamstresses patiently sewed them together on cotton twill tape right and there so that our bunting could come home with us.

It's always a treat to visit Skinny laMinx, but wow! What a beautifully crafted, interactive and playful introduction to the new fabrics - thank you for a fun start to the weekend ladies :)