Studio Sneak Peek : Head On Design

A Sneak Peek? What's this? Chatting over tea at HQ one day, we were marvelling at how lucky we are to work with such an array of wonderful designers, and in doing so get to know them, their spaces, people and pets. Suddenly we thought, "We should share them!" and voila! we now have a spot on the blog for Studio Sneak Peeks!

We were fortunate enough to spend some time chatting to Joanna Orr, the talented hands behind Head On Design, in her sunlit showroom in Canterbury Studios where she shared some of the history of her animals and many amusing lessons she's garnered along the way from being a small-scale start-up to a streamlined business able to cope with multiple large orders.

Jo's elegant sculptural pieces are a play and an ironic twist on the traditional "hunting trophies". She has taken a concept so tainted in our green, eco-conscious age and transformed it into something beautiful, iconic and earth friendly. Both the ranges of trophy heads and the free-standing animals stocked at KIN are made from sustainable materials - Xanita (a strong, recycled cardboard which is 100% re-pulpable), a thinner recycled paperboard for the smaller sculptures, or bamboo.

Instead of being symbolic of man's power, Head On Design's figures celebrate the inherent beauty of African animals, and highlight Joanna's innate understanding of form and flawless expression of it. Through her design work, Jo is also cultivating an understanding of how precious these creatures are, and the most recent addition to the range, the rhino, has been created to bring awareness and funding to the right people, with the hope that of saving these majestic creatures from extinction.

The muted, natural colours compliment the ethos of the company and enhance any interior space - indeed we have spotted the trophy heads in glossy magazines, boutique restaurants and even at the high-fashion J&B Met.

The animals are made up of laser-cut 2D pieces that slot perfectly together to create the exquisite 3D sculptures. Each comes flat-packed with full instructions for fun and easy assembly. There is something wonderful about opening a small, neat cardboard box full of abstract shapes and transforming them into the complex animal structures of the Nguni, Kudu, Elephant and Rhino.

Browse or buy Head On Design items online here

Follow Head On Design on Facebook here

Studio Sneak Peek : Inge Marais Jewellery

A Sneak Peek? What's this? Chatting over tea at HQ one day, we were marvelling at how lucky we are to work with such an array of wonderful designers, and in doing so get to know them, their spaces, people and pets. Suddenly we thought, "We should share them!" and voila! we now have a spot on the blog for Studio Sneak Peeks!

Last year we were lucky enough to spend some time in the exciting studio of Inge Marais where she expertly demonstrated how she makes her "I Love You Like..." Heart Pendants right from a blob of silver all the way to a carefully hand-coloured piece of beauty hanging on a chain.

 

A little more about Inge and her passion for what she does:

I studied for my BA in Jewellery Design and Metal Technique at the University of Stellenbosch. It’s an all encompassing jewellery course where we learn how to make jewellery from scratch: from granules of metal to a finished piece, with some gemology, drawing, printmaking and photography thrown in for good measure. After completing my BA, armed with all the skills I’d need, I decided to do my MA in visual arts, specialising in jewellery design. This was 4 years of jewellery-making bliss where I could experiment and play to my heart’s content, culminating in my MA exhibition entitled ‘Transformation’ at the BLANK projects gallery in Cape Town. I then worked as a manufacturing jeweler and goldsmith in London, mostly for one British designer, while doing my own bits on the side. This was a wonderful experience but now I’m back in SA and making my own jewellery full time.

The content of my new work grapples with what it means to be back living in South Africa - it is starting out with having quite a bit of focus on nature and what I take from being outdoors - the freedom, the space. Where I see this going is me re- exploring my culture, mixing in the Afrikaans. I also draw inspiration from my loyal partner in crime who would sometimes just come to me out of the blue and say – hey you should make a sputnik.

I work with sterling and fine silver, some copper and brass. I oxidise and leave some pieces  un–pickled so that the traces of the heating process remains. I’ve used enamel paint in the past – that might make a comeback.

My jewellery can be fun, humorous, ironic and clever but always beautiful and delicate. It is personal, whimsical and honest, sentimental and romantic. I use image and text in some ranges but in other ranges I use repetition and pattern to create objects that are tactile. Movement and where the piece sits on the body is very important to me.

It's been so wonderful to get to know Inge, her dedication to her art-form and her love of the extraordinary found in everyday moments. Her ranges have grown to really reflect the light-hearted, spirited artist that she is, and we can't wait to see what is in store for Inge Marais Jewellery in the year ahead.

Follow Inge on Twitter here

Find Inge on Facebook here

Beautiful Gifts on Happy Budgets

Share your love of local this Christmas!

Proverbs Colouring Book - Colour Africa at KIN
22pages of beautifully illustrated proverbs from all over Africa. The proverbs are words of wisdom that teach children universal truths in an engaging and interactive way. Respect, compassion and teamwork are central themes. Environmentally friendly and non-toxic. Educational, fun and with activities suitable for ages 4-8 years.
R50.00
At KIN on Kloof, KIN at VA & online at kinshop.co.za

Mini Print Sets by JA! at KIN
Mini prints of Alta Stegmann's illustrations, printed on Environment Wove paper (a high quality 100% recycled acid-free paper)
R55.00 for a set of 3 prints
At KIN on Kloof, KIN at VA & online at kinshop.co.za

Small Board with Leather Tie by MOKO at KIN
Raw oak cheese board, perfect for picnics this summer
R60.00
At KIN on Kloof, KIN at VA & online at kinshop.co.za

A5 Black & White Prints by Simple Intrigue
Printed on 100% recycled 220gsm off-white card
R90.00
At KIN at VA & online at kinshop.co.za

Cape Town Ambigram Letterpress Prints by judith+kevin at KIN
Beautiful letterpress prints of judith+kevin's flawless Cape Town ambigram
R95.00
At KIN on Kloof, KIN at VA & online at kinshop.co.za

Ceramic Bunnies by Chandler House at KIN
These pastel cuties come in pink, blue, green and yellow, as well as white with stunning navy delft-like prints
R100.00
At KIN on Kloof and KIN at V&A

Brass Africa's on Silk by Eon Hoon at KIN
Handmade brass domed Africa on strong silk cord in white, black or red
R115.00
At KIN at VA & online at kinshop.co.za

Ceramic Bowls by Clay Creations at KIN
White bowls with gorgeous detail and touches of colour
R115.00
At KIN on Kloof and KIN at VA

Wooden Scrabble Coaster Set : Tea / Eat by Mocholoco at KIN
Set of 3 pine coasters, burgundy felt back
R120.00
At KIN on Kloof, KIN at VA & online at kinshop.co.za

Small Pouches by Henri Kuikens at KIN
Hand blockprinted on thick cotton-linen blend. Fully lined with zipper along the top.
R135.00
At KIN on Kloof & KIN at VA

Felt Heart String by Skaapie at KIN
Bright multi-coloured handmade-felt hearts and circles on white cotton string.
R145.00
At KIN on Kloof & KIN at VA

Candle Shades by Sharon B Design at KIN
Heat tolerant tealight candle shades printed with a beautifully illustrated scenes of South Africa
R150.00
At KIN on Kloof, KIN at VA & online at kinshop.co.za

Brass Bracelets by A Bird Named Frank at KIN
Large brass square on fine brass chain
R160.00 to R180.00
At KIN on Kloof, KIN at VA & online at kinshop.co.za

Cape Town, An Illustrated Poem by Julia Mary Grey at KIN
A personalised account of life in the Mother City told through the emotive poetry and illustrations of one of her residents. Size A4, 92 pages with every page is illustrated and printed in full colour
R180.00
At KIN on Kloof, KIN at VA & online at kinshop.co.za

Bar Studs by Long Jean Silver at KIN
Handmade rectangular bar sterling silver studs
R190.00
At KIN on Kloof, KIN at VA & online at kinshop.co.za

Smith Tiepins by Smith Jewellery at KIN
Gilt silhouettes on sterling silver pins
R195.00
At KIN on Kloof & KIN at VA

Silver Bracelet with Clay & Brass Beads by A Bird Named Frank at KIN
A mix of handmade clay and solid brass beads on sterling silver chain. Each bracelet is unique as none of the handmade clay beads are exactly the same.
R220.00
At KIN on Kloof, KIN at VA & online at kinshop.co.za

Chandelier Earrings by White Rabbit Days at KIN
Laser-cut dusty pink leather earrings with rose quartz drops on sterling silver hooks
R230.00
At KIN on Kloof, KIN at VA & online at kinshop.co.za 

 

White Ceramic Vase by Chandler House at KIN
A mini edition of Chandler House's iconic Phrenology Head Vases
R230.00
At KIN on Kloof & KIN at VA 

I Don't Like Chocolate by Jesse Breytenbach at KIN

A collection of Jesse Breytenbach's elegant illustrations that form a graphic novel which plays with our complex relationship with food.

R225.00

At KIN on Kloof, KIN at VA & online at kinshop.co.za

Affirmation Card Deck by Soulshine Cards at KIN
A deck of 36 beautifully illustrated affirmation cards that encourage positive thinking patterns
The message on each of the cards is inspired by the spirit & beauty of South Africa.
R235.00
At KIN on Kloof, KIN at VA & online at kinshop.co.za

Cushion Covers by Schwarzie at KIN
Digitally printed onto 100% cotton, these covers are from Schwarzie's brand new Nature's Confetti range
R250.00
At KIN on Kloof

Studio Sneak Peek : Sharon B Design

A Sneak Peek? What's this? Chatting over tea at HQ one day, we were marvelling at how lucky we are to work with such an array of wonderful designers, and in doing so get to know them, their spaces, people and pets. Suddenly we thought, "We should share them!" and voila! we now have a spot on the blog for Studio Sneak Peeks!

 

With a background in film and advertising, Sharon Boonzaier is an established artist and designer, who explores a wide variety of creative mediums ranging from drawing and oil paintings to murals and lighting. There is magic in the simplicity of her tea-light shades which effortlessly turn her sketches into quiet, contemplative 3D objects.

Sharon often creates artwork that celebrates South Africa’s indigenous fauna and flora and urges the viewer to make steps towards protecting it. She is one of the founding members of The Concious Art Collaborative, a group of artists, designers and film makers who contribute to finding solutions for conservation.

Sharon's studio is an enchanting space to visit! Shelves are stacked high with palettes, textured papers and canvases, and work tables decorated with glass bottles of coloured inks and paintings paused in completion while layers dry. She often holds art classes there, and it's a treat to hear her talk about her own work, the new directions she is exploring and the passion she has for portraying the beauty of nature.

To follow Sharon on Facebook click here
To browse her gorgeous tealight shade range click here

The #RemakeChallenge : Smith Jewellery teams up with finalist Leandra du Bruyn

Brass Organic Oval Wreath Necklace by Anna Raimondo

We paired KIN jewellery designer Anna Raimondo of Smith Jewellery with Remake Challenge fashion finalist Leandra du Bryn as the work of both designers has a simple, elegant focus with a subtle play on textures and pattern.From the very start, Anna has had a clear vision of what and who Smith Jewellery is, and the standard of quality that it embodies. It has been such a privilege to watch her collections grow and develop into the incredible brand that they form today.

The hand-crafted luxury of Smith stems from Anna's attention to each element of a piece - everything is made by her hands and is unique in its natural intricacy. For her inspiration, Anna draws from the multitude of textured cultures and environments that she encounters when she follows her second passion - travelling. Each trip away results in a cornucopia of gathered ideas that she can bring into shape and form when back in her studio.

Leandra du Bryn's inspiration board for the Remake Challenge

  What Leandra's says about her transparency collection for the Remake Challenge:

"I firstly, really looked at the Ford EcoSport and searched for something to use from the car. The fact that there are so, many different textures combined in the car inspired me to also create a variety of textures in my designs. I gained most of my inspiration from the Ford EcoSport and especially used the tire track pattern in my designs. The spare wheel at the back of the car made me think of the pattern of cotton crochet and therefore I also incorporated it a lot, which linked to the transparency theme."

Oxydised Sterling Silver & Brass drop Earrings and Brass Studs by Anna Raimondo

From a pair of small stud earrings to the most complicated avant garde necklace, Anna has a signature style. There is playfulness in the delicate balance between the clean lines of contemporary minimalism and the elegance of organic form. Each design speaks of an usual hand-picked history while maintaining a light classical elegance.

Leandra's fashion drawings for her Remake Challenge submission

Brass Organic Oval drop Earrings & Necklace by Anna Raimondo

Oxidised Sterling Silver Hollow Oval Ring and Necklace by Anna Raimondo

For the Remake Challenge pieces, Anna used gleaming polished brass and matte oxydised sterling silver which compliments and heightens Leandra's neutral palette. We love how, when put together, Anna's pieces add hints of richness and shimmer to the soft textures and layers of Leandra's outfits.

Brass Organic Oval Necklace & Ring by Anna Raimondo

 

Anna Raimondo (left), Leandra's lovely model (centre), Leandra du Bruyn (right) at the Remake Challenge Photography Shoot

More pictures on Anna & Leandra's collaboration coming soon!

But for now :

Read more about the Remake Challenge here!

Follow Smith Jewellery on Facebook here!

The #RemakeChallenge : Eon Hoon teams up with finalist Kelly Ricardo

Brass & Sliced Pencil Crayon Necklace by Eon Hoon

We paired KIN jewellery designer Eon Hoon with Remake Challenge fashion finalist Kelly Ricardo
as the work of both designers is edgy and definitely at least a little dark. Eon was one of the very first KIN designers and has contributed to many of the exhibitions and projects that we have embarked on, but, even knowing him and his work as well as we do, we are constantly drawn to the sense of mystery his designs effortlessly embody.

Kelly Ricardo's Inspiration Board for the Remake Challenge

In Kelly's words:
"My Transparency collection, titled ”Now You See Me”, was inspired by hypnosis. I’m intrigued by the fact that as you are hypnotized, your mind is heightened and open to an altered mental state you’ve always had yet haven’t made use of. The colors often used in the process of hypnotising are black and white, hence my choice of monochrome as part of my collection. Smoke as well plays a part in my inspiration; it has the capability to hide things that aren’t heavily covered. Which is why I chose sheer fabric. If a cloud of smoke is thick enough, it can cover up a lot. So, only those who wish to find out what it is hovering over will get to know. Just like in hypnosis, only the curious and daring will uncover the secrets."

Brass & Sliced Pencil Crayon Ring by Eon Hoon

Eon is always pushing the boundaries of jewellery design through combining unusual, overlooked objects with fine metals and lifting them into the sphere of the precious object. We love his choice of reclaimed pencil crayons as a medium to compliment Kelly's submission. The thin slices of wood and coloured crayon create interesting geometric patterns and fit perfectly into the Remake Challenge's goal of showcasing sustainable fashion and investigating alternate materials.

Two of Kelly Ricardo's Fashion Drawings for the Remake Challenge

Although Eon is constantly exploring new materials and methods, each piece maintains his original high standards for quality and fluent wear-ability. As always, we can't wait to see more of what Eon dreams up into beautiful, captivating jewellery.

Eon Hoon and Kelly Ricardo at the Remake Challenge Photoshoot

More pictures of Eon & Kelly's collaboration coming soon!

But for now :

Read more about the Remake Challenge here!

Follow Eon on Facebook here!