May Inspiration : Moments of Light

1.  Letterpress Card by judith+kevin
2.  Brass & Silver Necklaces by A Bird Named Frank & Transcendence Print by Dave Roberston
3.  Leather Fan Earrings by White Rabbit Days
4.  Sawed Brass Rings & Beaten Brass Tribal Cuff by Smith Jewellery
5. & 6.  The Tale of How by The Blackheart Gang
7.  Hand Block-Printed Cushion Cover by Henri Kuikens
8.  Laser-cut Wooden Earrings by Daze
9.  St Silver Fawn Necklace by Reverie Designs
10.  Pale Mountain Journey Illustration by Lovely Sweet William
11.  Oxydised St Silver Wishbone Necklace by Eon Hoon Jewellery
12.  Pale Cross Journey Illustration by Lovely Sweet William

Autumn Inspiration

1. Sterling Silver Fudge the Rabbit Pendant by Forever Love
2. "I hate the beach" Diorama by Flagg... 
3. Dippy Egg Board by Alice May
4. Block-printed Pouch by Henri Kuikens
5. Brass & Sterling Silver Leaf Pendants by Inge Marais Jewellery 
6. Bunny Pillow by Fairy Caravan
7. Fabric & Resin Studs by Patatie
8. Surebuild Laptop Bag by the WREN design
9. Thread Artwork by Molomimi
10. Upcycled Computer Keyboard Magnets by Recreate
11. Boston Terrier Illustration by Patrick Latimer
12. Wooden Rainbow by MOKO & Ceramic Bunnies by Chandler house

Almost here!

1. Mini Wooden Trees by Design Werkstatt; Paper Star Garlands by Amelie
2. Fabric Pouch by Henri Kuikens
3. Wooden Reindeer Ornaments by Design Werkstatt
4. Stamped Brass Leaf Necklaces by Inge Marais
5. Table Mountain Cheese Board by MOKO
6. Freestanding Paper-cut Tree by Artymiss
7. Advent Calendar by JA!
8. Wooden Dippy Egg Board by Alice May Design
9. Happy Coaster Set by Mocholoco
10. Christmas Cards by Patrick Latimer
11. Spoon Table Runner by YumYum
12. Cement Bowls by All Things Authentic; Jewellery by: Offbeat Melody, Smith Jewellery, Tessa J Kelly, Long Jean Silver, A Bird Named Frank

Snuggle Up for Winter

1. Heart Cups by Eleven Hundred Ceramics, Raindrop Cushion by Henri Kuikens
2. Share the Warmth Illustration by Arnelle Woker
3. I Am Light Necklaces by Bountiful Jewelry
4. Crochet Apple Cosie by Jelly Bean Milk, "Delicious" Cushion Cover by Nelle
5. Daddy Bear Brooch by Papertales
6. Tea Scrabble Coaster by Mocholoco
7. Porcelain Lovebird Necklace by Sarah Walters, Framed Papercut Artwork by Artymiss
8. Brass Signet Rings by Long Jean Silver
9. Felt Hot-water Bottle Covers by Grumpy Bear
10. Grumpy Bear by Kooky
11. Cork Toast Coaster Set by Papertales, Ceramic Mug by My China
12. Tea & Rusk Card by Papertales
13. Leather Scalloped Necklaces by White Rabbit Days
14. Small Raw Oak Boards by Moko
15. "Warm" Mini Print Set by JA!
16. Hand-painted Ceramic Studs by My China
17. Brass Studs by Schwarzie

who we are and what we do

One of the tasks that seemed to keep shifting about ever since we relaunched our website last year was the "About Us" page. We pondered how to best introduce and represent ourselves online...because we really wanted something to boast about, something which we look at and get that delicious chuffed feeling when we did. But this is an "About Us" page. It requires awkward portrait photo's that no one in the world wants to pose for (more awkward than your ID photograph when you were 16 years old)...so what to do? Chantal (being the idea-generator that she is) sighed aloud one day, "If only we could look as amazing as the characters in Jesse Breytenbach's graphic novel!" And then her eyes got that "Ooo-Ooo-this-is-a-good-idea!" look. It's one of the invaluable perks of working with over 100 talented designers, that with a phone call and a few emails, we now have the best "About Us" page that we've ever seen - with portraits of ourselves that we absolutely love. 
Thank you Jesse!


Chantal  is the proud owner of KIN. It's her eyes that have the creative vision to see all of who KIN is and what it can grow to become. Chantal's road to entrepreneurship was driven by her deep desire to do business differently. Combining her love of art, business and yogic philosophy, she believes in changing the world one connection and one sale at a time. She is a skilful multi-tasker, which allows her to support all aspects of the business and yet simultaneously see a panorama of KIN as a whole. Chantal also has an enviable knack to think up excellent concepts and ideas, and to see possibilities that ordinary eyes miss.

Eddie - Having spent his formative months in an art gallery, Eddie has a nose for great design. He’s the type of guy that knows your thoughts before you think them and, in truth, we actually all work for him. With just one of his big-eyed glances, he has us happily doing his bidding –  “A plate of bacon, Eddie? Why right away of course!” He has a heart even bigger than those big eyes, and if you ever need cuddles, Ed is always up for a tummy rub. Naturally, Ed is the Director of Loves and Licks.

Eliana - Although she has the style and street cred of the New Yorker that she is, E’s heart is definitely South African. She looks after all our precious products – from styling and merchandising in the stores, to handling all ordering and stock with our collective of over 100 designers. E dexterously manages the beasts that are Pastel accounting and monthly stock take, and ensures our stores are full to the brim of the things we all love so much. With her compassionate and no-nonsense attitude, E also organises our HR side making sure our KINfolk are healthy, happy and listening to good 80’s playlists.

Melany - Mel is that rare creature in which creativity and business is combined. A pinner of interests and avid online shopper, Mel uses her unique skill set to run KIN online and build her designer-maker company Font and Heart. Mel manages our social media calendar and gets a little over-enthusiastic when KIN followers comment, like and get involved. She also plans our window displays and regular photoshoots, enjoying choosing items from KIN’s vast array of goodies to style for our online store and monthly newsletter, or to suggest to our regular stylists and press.

Tasneem - Taz manages our Kloof Street store. Her bubbly nature and natural passion allow her to handle local and international visitors with ease. As she is a gifted fine artist herself, Taz has an innate love and understanding of KIN’s designer-made products. She is also involved with Kloof’s monthly window exhibitions and can often be seen in the window boxes drawing the most wonderful things on the glass. As KIN on Kloof is a neighbourhood store at heart, Taz our city bowl girl is a perfect fit.

Fazlin manages our V&A store and looks after our Angels who work the night shifts (did you know KIN at V&A is open from 9am – 9pm everyday?!). She speaks several languages and often has us enthral to the wonderful tales of her international travels and adventures. Her effortless warmth and openness ensure she is an instant favourite with even the most hard-to-please international guest. Ever since The Great Flood of 2014, we are in awe of her well-structured thinking and smooth organisation, and know that Fazlin is definitely the right sort of lady to look to in a crisis.

Thessa - A non-native to these lands, arriving in Cape Town eight years ago, it only took four years for The Mountain to imbue the entrepreneurial spirit to Thessa’s love of design. Thessa co-founded and managed KIN with Chantal, constructing our signature visual merchandising style and heading up many of the exciting projects with which KIN has been involved - such our mentorship program and various expos. In 2013, Thessa was offered the irresistible opportunity to coordinate the Dutch Embassy's World Design Capital 2014 programme, and build relationships between Dutch and South African design and innovation. Although off on a new adventure, Thessa remains an integral a part of the KIN family and we love our catch-ups over coffee more than ever.

Celebrating Mothers Day 2014

“Mothers and their children are in a category all their own.
There's no bond so strong in the entire world.
No love so instantaneous and forgiving.”
Gail Tsukiyama, Dreaming Water

1. Ceramic Mugs by My China, Raw Oak Board by Moko, Pop-Up Card by Simple Intrigue

2. Leather Journal by Wessel Snyman Creative

3. Set of 3 Mini Prints by JA!

4. Sterling Silver Studs by Long Jean Silver

5. Hand Block-Printed Cushion Covers by Henri Kuikens

6. Wooden Scrabble Coasters by Mocholoco

7. Letterpress Thought Card by judith+kevin

8. A5 Notebook by Soil Design

9. Ceramic "Paper"boats by Rebecca Townsend

10. Ceramic Teacups & Saucer by Noleen Read; Ceramic Sunlight Soap Trinket Box & Bunny by Homebaked Ceramics at Chandler House; Fynbos & Resin Drops by Daya Heller; Bracelets, Earrings & Necklaces by A Bird Named Frank; Rings & Necklaces by Long Jean Silver; Necklaces by Starbright Girl, Rings by Famke, Porcelain Lovebird Necklace by Sarah Walters

10 Birds by 10 Designers

When we asked ten KIN designers if they could each make a bird for our World Earth Day Window Exhibition, all that we specified was that it should fit in the palm of one's hand and be made from a material with which they love to work. The results are incredible - each personality and individual sense of creation is beautifully evident. All the proceeds the birds and MOKO's exquisite houses will go directly to Soil for Life in support of their food-gardens initiative.

Belinda Ormond

One of three delicate ceramic seagulls with oxidised wing-tips sculpted by hand by Belinda.

 Chasteau de Balyon

We just love this happy crocheted parrot created by Cynthia of Chasteau de Balyon

Font and Heart

Melany Hodgson of Font and Heart's bird is made entirely from paper and wire with hand-cut feathers.

Gillian Fuller

This glamorous "Cape Startling" beaded bird is designed and made by Gillian Fuller from high quality seed beads.

Gillian Fuller's intricately beaded "Cape Starling" made from high quality seed beads.

Head on Design

Joanna Orr of Head On Design created a beautiful wooden bird scene that is easily assembled in 4 pieces - too clever!

Henri Kuikens

In true Henri Kuikens style, Jesse Breytenbach skilfully hand-printed a bird for the exhibition.

Inge Marais

No challenge too daunting for Inge Marais Jewellery - she created an exquisite, fully-functioning, brass Kingfisher puppet, with copper feet and st silver pins. Each part is cut and assembled by hand.

Keri Muller

Keri Muller of Simple Intrigue created a beautiful 3D bird with multiple layers of paper - transforming discarded sheet music into a very classy little creature.

Nick Marcus

You may recognise the signature smile of our bright little friend, Woodstock, skilfully sculpted Nick Marcus.

Skaapie

Tamryn Kastern of Skaapie created a small flock of beautiful hand-made felt birds with beaded legs.

And what do our birds nibble on while they expectantly wait to be purchased? Why a bunch of bright hand-made felt apples by Skaapie!

World Earth Day Window Exhibition

 

For this year’s “Green Cities” themed World Earth Day, Dagmar Grimmelikhuysen of MOKO, Soil For Life and KIN have worked together to create a fresh display for our Kloof Street store's window boxes. 

Dagmar installing her collection of beautiful bird houses

Ten generous KIN designers have made unique birds and these hang amid MOKO's handmade wooden bird houses above Soil for Life's garden boxes. The bird houses are wonderfully unusual and feature different shapes, textures, techniques and materials.

Begun in 1970, Earth Day has grown to be the world’s largest secular civic observance and this year’s focus, on the need to create sustainable communities, is playfully illustrated with this collection of unique birds and their homes. 

Prince planting the lush window boxes created by Soil for Life

KIN is proud to be the platform for the collaboration’s message and all proceeds from the sales of the bird houses and the birds will go directly to Soil for Life to support their township gardens initiative.

World Earth Day is on 22nd April 2014 and our Earth Day window exhibition will run from 28th March to 24th April.

All birdhouses by MOKO

Birds created by : Belinda Ormond, Chasteau de Balyon, Font and Heart, Gillian Fuller, Head On Design, Henri Kuikens, Inge Marais, Nick Marcus, Simple Intrigue, Skaapie

In support of Soil for life:

Happy Inspiration for March 2014

"Be who you were created to be, and you will set the world on fire." - St Catherine of Sienna

March at KIN is all about showing off your colours - not just accepting yourself, but really celebrating all the individual qualities, quirks and weird talents that make you who you are. 

1. Cards by Schwarzie
2. Colour-In Postcards by Henri Kuikens
3. Mini Print by JA! (sold in sets of three)
4. Felt Heart String by Skaapie
5. Thought Card by Keri Muller
6. Wooden Rainbow by Moko
7. Notecards by Artymiss
8. Colouring Book by Colour Africa
9. Animal Magnets by Design Werkstatt (sold in sets of two)
10. Notebooks by Font and Heart
11. Stickers by judith+kevin
12. Knitted Octopi by Wolmer

February 2014's Love-ly Inspiration

A Month of Love is all about a bit of fun & frivolity and we're choosing to celebrate it with everyone we love - from our best friends to our brothers to our mentors (because letting someone know how much they mean to you is never a cliché). If you're stuck for fantastic options, pop into KIN on Kloof or KIN at V&A - we love the quest for a perfect gift, and we'll wrap it up ever so prettily for you! If you're too busy to be out & about then do have a browse online at all the lovely pieces we've recently made available at kinshop.co.za.

1 - Perspex Heart Studs by Papertales (with a Design Kist cushion cover in the background)
2 - Just Kissed by Mieks Knickers
3 - Brass & Sterling Silver "I Love You Like.." Necklaces by Inge Marais
4 - I Love You Pop-up card by Keri Muller
5 - Block-printed pouch by Henri Kuikens
6 - Hand-thrown Ceramic Teacup by Noleen Read
7 - Sterling Silver T-Rex Tie-clip by Eon Hoon
8 - Wooden Scrabble Coasters by Mocholoco (on a cushion cover by Skinny La Minx)
9 - Pink Ruche by Mieks Knickers
10 - Sterling Silver Infinity and Circle Rings by Famke
11 - Love is Free A4 Print by Lovely Sweet William
12 - You Belong Here A4 Print by Papertales
13 - Set of 5 Love Tags by Papertales
14 - Resin Flower Studs by Chasteau de Balyon
15 - Small Ceramic Bunnies by Sootcookie

January Inspiration, Organisation & Motivation

2014 is finally here! 

With big plans in our heads and bigger dreams in our hearts...now it's time to hustle!
To help you off to a smooth, organised and inspired start, we thought we'd share a few of the tools we've been enjoying so far this year...

1. Table Mountain 2014 Calendar by Fiddlesticks
2. A5 Zesty 2014 Diary by Schwarzie
3. Affirmation Cards by Soulshine Living, deck of 36 cards
4. Sausage dog & Shongololo Rulers by Green Grass Design
5. Large Pouches by Henri Kuikens
6. Perspex Bangles by Kooky
7. Set of 3 Mini Prints by JA!
8. A6 Notebooks by Papertales