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cape

CRAFT

MARCH ‘09Official newsletter of the Western Cape Craft Sector

new logo colours, new branding

craft shop & product of the month

Thys Carstensturning wood

into art

Proudly promoted by the Cape Craft & Design Institute

Scandinaviademand for hand-made

SA products

MarchCraft

Sector Meeting

4 March ‘09

PROUDLY PROMOTED BY THE

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index

Cape Craft & Design Institute | Iziko laseKapa loBuchule noBugcisa | Die Kaapse Instituut vir Handwerk & Ontwerp

C/o CPUT, Box 652, Cape Town, 8000, 75 Harrington Street, East City Cape Town

+27 (0)21 460 3982 | ccdi@cput.ac.za www.ccdi.org.za

Editor: Marjorie NaidooJournalist: Hélène RossouwGraphic Design: No Bull Studio

2010 update pg 15

billboard pg 16

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

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

enterprise development pg 11• Learn how to run a business• Craft Operational Management • CCDI GIFT corporate warehouse Market Readiness Programme

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

editorial pg 3

this city pg 14• “Cape just beautiful”, say SA travelers

CCDI ActivitiesIn

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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.

March Craft Sector meeting

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Invest in yourself and weather the stormExperts agree that the global slump is the worst since the Great Depression in the 1930s – and interactions I’ve had with people from the US and Europe in the last few weeks confirm this anecdotally. What does this mean for us?

While doing some internet surfing to get some facts and opinions I got excited at Google’s long list of positive headlines: “SA recession unlikely”; “SA not moving into recession” etc. Then I saw the articles were written in April, June, Oct 2008. This year the headlines are a little bleaker: “SA to weather the storm”. Which I guess is still better than sitting right in the eye of it.

But the reality is we’re closely linked to the global economy and 74,000 people have already lost their jobs. “We’ve been hit by falling commodity prices, declining exports, investment outflows and a weak rand, all of which have slowed GDP growth and caused severe recessions in certain sectors. Yet our financial system has not seized up, our banks remain sound, and we have been spared the big corporate collapses that have become an almost daily event abroad,” says Old Mutual chief economist Rian le Roux .

And while the economists argue that the first half of the year will be difficult and some sectors will actually go into recession (like autos, residential construction, mining, commodity exporters, retail trade and small business), they also say things should improve in the second half of the year.

A couple of things have ‘saved’ us including the interest rate hikes we moaned about; the National Credit Act which reigned in banks’ lending practices and consumer borrowing; exchange controls that limited SA banks’ exposure to international credit risk; and the weak 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 income increasing and with it consumer spending. And then of course, there’s 2010 and a still steady stream of international tourists who still see us as a value for money destination.

While this is all still mostly speculative, keep your eye on the light at the end of the tunnel.

What does this mean for us – a sector that is primarily about non-essential consumer goods?

To some extent it seems like we are also sheltered from the worst of the storm because in reality we are quite a marginal, small sector. Also, word on the ground is that people are still busy making and selling – some busier than they’ve been before. And while retailers report that things are slower, they also say people are still spending – just on smaller and/or more durable goods.

In a way this is good news for us – and perhaps our opportunity in the crisis: to increase the consumer base of people who appreciate good quality handmade products that provide value for money and value to life. Now could be the time for us to win over new customers and clients – who will stick with the handmade when the good times return.

Of course it is also possible that the good times won’t return – that the ‘heady’ conspicuous consumption years are over – and that we are at the beginning of a new kind of lifestyle that is about slower and less-is-more consumption. In which case, we can still win if we continue to position ourselves as producers of good quality, lower volume, higher value products.

But what all of this requires - as scary as things seem – is to take the time to invest in yourself, your business and your products – and be prepared for the future. We’ve put together a fantastic array of activities over the next few months to help you do just that – make the most of them! And do let us know how you are faring.

ERICA ELKEXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: CAPE CRAFT & DESIGN INSTITUTE

sources: http://www.sagoodnews.co.za/economy/sa_should_weather_economic_storm_better_than_most.html http://www.moneyweb.co.za/mw/view/mw/en/page662?oid=254835&sn=Detail

The Programme Panel is open for bookingsThe 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 kibitom@cput.ac.za | 021-460-3662.

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 at all the shows we take part in, and on all our promotional printed material.

New logo colours, new branding

PROUDLY PROMOTED BY THE

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sector news

When you walk into Thys Carstens’ home in the northern suburbs, he points to the cupboard that ‘started it all’. When in 1985 his wife voiced her need for a cupboard in

black- and yellow-wood he had to deliver. Finding nobody that could turn drawer knobs in black wood, he saw a lathe and a set of chisels advertised in the Cape Argus. He turned the knobs and that started him on his woodturning journey. He fell in love with woodturning and has never lost his passion for it.

Thys, who is a part-time pharmacist, says that their friends often try to persuade him to make furniture, but in his own words, “that is in the past. Now I love my ‘potjies’.”

Resin

Thys’ woodcraft is characterized by various types of material inlaid in resin. He also fills up cracks and voids in the wood with a mixture of copper powder in a resin-base, creating stunning pieces in which the copper colour is highlighted. In pieces where he makes use of colour resin, the beautiful bowls and platters take on a life of their own, when held up to the light.

“Turning pieces on the wood-lathe requires a keen eye for shape and form, a fair amount of skill and sometimes a lot of effort and time,” says Thys. At times he spends weeks on a particular project. A lot of work is sometimes done off the lathe, such as hand-carving.

Transforming

He uses a lathe with electronic speed control, a gift to himself when he turned 65. The speed is adapted to the job on hand. After mounting the wood on the lathe, the outside is shaped and sanded to final finish. It is then reversed and hollowed out. Once he is satisfied with the shape, it is again turned and sanded and finished with a couple of layers of finishing oil. This process is entirely done by hand off the lathe. When resin is used in the design, it is cast into the form the design requires and turned on the lathe. Here a lot of work is done off

the lathe, transforming it into a Thys Carstens signature piece.

Where did the idea of resin come from? “From the outset I knew that if I was to be noticed I had to do something different. I experimented with a number of materials but my first pieces in resin were favourably accepted. It just worked for me.”

Sometimes Thys’ perseverance is severely tested, as in the case of the bowl on which he had spent many hours of hollowing, shaping and sanding. He decided to put it on the lathe for one final turn, and as he switched the machine on, it cracked and split in half before his eyes - hours and hours of work lost in a split second.

Then there was the most exquisite pot which he had just finished. It was sanded, with resin inlays, and had taken weeks to complete. He carefully put the piece on the floor to make sure it wouldn’t fall, but something attracted his attention. Alarmed he turned around abruptly, in that moment tripping over the pot and scattering his pride and joy over the floor in a thousand pieces. Such a loss is irreplaceable. It is impossible to carve another pot exactly the same.

Awards

The awards Thys has received have been well-earned, reflecting his determination and skill. The first recognition for his work was in 1998 at the Vita Awards in Cape Town. His piece with branches set in resin 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.

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The people of Barrydale didn’t realize what was about to hit them when Scott, Shane, Sean and Richard settled there. But 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.

In the small town of Barrydale in the Klein Karoo region, is a group of people weaving fabrics on wooden hand looms the old fashioned way. 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.

A few years later Themba met designer Carol Morris and he began his own small weaving business, working at home at night to supply fabrics for Carol’s design business. Carol eventually moved to Barrydale, and the decision was made for Themba to join her and assist in training local people in the area to weave.

Barrydale Hand Weavers operates from the old cinema building, which is spacious and ideally situated. There are six looms with a number of trainee weavers. The products are very popular and the business is growing rapidly with plans to purchase more looms and train more weavers and assistants.

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 carol@mud.co.za.

Magpie’s delicious Chigubu lights, a triumph of creativity over ‘waste’. The Magpie exhibition invited guests into a magical world.

Barrydale weavesmorethan a story

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At the end of last year, Alison Coutras of Kunye, and her husband, Dimitri, made Cape Craft proud when their products, which included gigantic giraffes, formed part of the décor

at the annual general meeting of the Clinton Foundation’s Global Initiative (CGI).

The Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) was established in 2005 to bring together global leaders to take action to address some of the world’s biggest challenges.

Alison tells the story: “My presence at the New York Guitar Festival

allowed me to meet the organizers of the décor for the Clinton Global Initiative, which was to be held three weeks later. This resulted in an order for my products, which included 2 two-meter giraffes and one 2½ meters. This was fantastic exposure for Kunye.”

Alison was invited to attend the opening ceremony, which was attended by heads 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!

Kunye products go global!

Rural Outreach

Craig Carbutt joined the Cape Craft & Design Institute at the end of last year as Rural Outreach Co-ordinator. In this article, Craig outlines his impressions of the challenges that face craft

producers in our rural areas, and his plans for 2009.

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 separated by the mountains and the bushlands of this vast province. It is impossible for one person to track down all the people that could benefit from the services of CCDI. I would like to urge you to send me the names and contact details of craft producers in outlying regions.

Plans for 2009

For 2009 we have expanded the Rural Outreach Programme to encompass the whole of the Western Cape. Each region offers its own challenges, and these are constantly changing. It is my task to keep abreast of developments within each region, and to give craft

producers access to support. Plans are afoot to offer a greater variety of services, and make our support more widely available. If the CCDI is unable to assist you, we will refer you to a professional body.

Be pro-active

It is your responsibility to get the ball rolling. It is up to you to call us and ask for support. If you feel you have not been contacted by the CCDI, make that call or drop us an e-mail - you make contact. We would love to hear of your new ranges and new techniques. Share your knowledge with us, because this exchange is what it is all about. Knowledge is freedom!

I look forward to connecting with craft producers I have not yet met, and to introducing the wonderful services that the Cape Craft & Design Institute offers.

Craig can be contacted on 072-760-2963 l carbuttc@cput.ac.za.

our support to you Plans to broaden

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Productmonthof the

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.

The CCDI 2009 Exhibition CollectionEvery year since our very first exhibition – world [piece] at the CTICC in 2003 – we have staged beautiful and thought-provoking exhibitions in public spaces in Cape Town and surrounds. These have helped us raise the profile of Cape Craft, stimulate creativity, innovation and new products, and created a platform for craft producers to exhibit in spaces and places they never were able to do before.

This is the first year we are curating an Annual Collection – our considered response to a never ending stream of requests for craft items for display and our desire to ensure that the best handcraft of the province is showcased regularly.

Design Indaba Expo

A part of the 2009 Exhibition Collection will be on display at the Design Indaba Expo. Later on in the year, objects will be displayed at Decorex Cape, in outlying regions of the province, at various

city venues, and the offices of partners of the CCDI.

The whole exhibition comprises work of 63 craft artists working in a range of media. Ceramics are the most prominent but other media used includes textiles, wood, glass and mosaics, beadwork and items made from recycled material. The work is on loan to the CCDI for the year and will be available for sale at the end of the year, after which

we will begin to curate the 2010 Exhibition Collection.

Selection process

The Exhibition Collection is anchored by a Core Collection group who produce consistently beautiful and interesting work. In addition, the selection committee acknowledged a New Notions group of craft artists, who produced work that stretched their own creative boundaries;

and they applauded a group of Leading Lights, who produced breathtaking work that excels in the manipulation of material, form and imagination.

This Exhibition Collection was selected by a committee, consisting of:Alan Alborough - craft sector and artist - manager Creativity, Design and Innovation programme, Cape Craft & Design InstituteFarzanah Badsha - art curation - Africa Centre and Spier Con-temporaryErica Elk - craft sector and artist - executive director: Cape Craft & Design InstituteBianca Mpahlaza - creative industries - Commercial Arts and Entertainment, Department of Economic Development & Tourism Margie Robertson - retail - Africa NovaBart Vervekken - industrial design - head, Department of Industrial Design, Cape Peninsula University of Technology.

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 norvalzz@sabs.co.za

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.

Entries invited for SABS Design award

design matters

The CCDI GIFT corporate warehouse Product of the Month is “kelpvuvu”, made of kelp or bamboo collected on the beach, and then decorated by hand. The product is a 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 carnegie@mweb.co.za l www.kelpvuvus.co.za.

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On 14 February the first in the series of Iconic Site Visits was held at the Two Oceans Aquarium. These visits fall within the initiative of the Visual Awareness Programme which aims to

expose craft producers to well-chosen visual material that will inspire 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 facilitator, gave an introduction to the objectives of the programme and encouraged all participants to go into the aquarium as artists, not tourists. Everyone was encouraged to engage all their senses and open themselves to the design and inspirational potential held by not only the venue, but also its location, the yacht club and marina of the V&A Waterfront.

Participants documented, through the use of the visual diary, cellphones and normal cameras, interesting patterns, colour schemes, shapes and more importantly new ideas. There was a feeling of excitement and most people felt inspired by the trip. The follow-up workshop is in 4 weeks time where everyone will share ideas and present their prototypes of new products based on the experience.

The workshop will enable the participants to share their ideas and get honest and diverse feedback from their peers about what they are developing. The workshop will also help the CCDI to measure the impact of this kind of activity on people’s creative development.

The only problem encountered with the workshop was that 5 out of 20 people did not bother to attend or inform of their decision to abstain. This lack of commitment by some craft producers seriously inhibits the reach of the project, wastes the CCDI’s money and also

prevented many people from engaging with this exciting project. There were over 50 phone call responses to this invitation.

The next trip is to Table Mountain on 7 March 2009.

2-6 March, Kellogg Creativity Workshop

We are looking for committed craft producers to take part in a 5-day creativity workshop at the CCDI. Each day you will be here from 9-4 and will be taken through an integrated creative enhancement

programme. You will also be participating with craft producers from neighbouring countries and South African provinces. This is both an excellent networking and creative enhancement opportunity. Please do not register unless you are able to make every day from 9:00 - 4:00! Workshop costs R100.

16-20 March 2010 Creativity Workshop

Committed craft producers are similarly sought to take part in a 5-day creativity workshop at the CCDI, that will focus on opportunities for craft production for 2010. One day of the workshop

will include an introduction to the FabLab’s computer aided design technology. Please do not register unless you are able to come everyday from 9:00 - 4:00! Workshop costs R100.

Simphiwe Mogongo will handle all registrations for workshops. Contact Simphiwe on 021-460-9027, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:00 -13:00. No registrations will be accepted outside of these hours. Interested creatives must complete a registration form, and pay, to secure your place for a workshop.

creativity, innovation and design

Visit to Two Oceans Aquarium: Fishingfor new ideas

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Few craft producers and designer-makers realise that they can make prototypes of their designs, and experiment with different materials, with the help of innovative staff at the FabLab –

absolutely free of charge.

The FabLab (its official name is the AMTS FabLab Cape Town) is one of 6 in South Africa and of many around the world. Located in the CCDI building, on the 4th floor, it is the ideal laboratory for craft producers and designers who are developing prototypes for products, students completing projects, inventors and engineers wanting to experiment and play.

Cut, engrave

The most popular of the available machines, is the laser cutter to cut and engrave on perspex, cardboard, wood, fabric and paper. With the vinyl cutter you can cut stickers out of adhesive vinyl, or cut designs out of vinyl for ironing onto fabric. Our CNC milling machines cut three-dimensional objects, and is ideal for small objects and jewellery, as well as cutting circuit boards. At the electronics workbench you can assemble circuit boards, motors and lights. Sewers can try their hand at the industrial sewing machine and overlocker.

Experiment only

There are some limitations to using the FabLab. We are not a service. You have to physically come and experiment yourself, but there are always trained assistants to help you operate the machinery and the software. Remember, you cannot do any mass production in the FabLab. If you want to produce multiple copies of the same item for distribution, we will refer you to such a business.

Machine usage is free, but you have to bring your own materials. We do not sell or supply any materials.

Open times

We extend a sincere invitation to you to come and visit the FabLab - even if you have no idea yet how we can help you. Our open-access times are Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:00 till 16:00, and Saturdays till 12:00. On Tuesdays the FabLab is closed for special projects, training, maintenance and group bookings.

Workshops

On Thursdays the FabLab runs workshops, aimed at introducing craft producers to the FabLab. Participants are trained in computer and machine usage. We accommodate only 4 people per workshop, so you will have an assistant working with you the entire time. You can come back in open-access times for follow-up training. Workshops cost R50. Book your place by filling out a registration form. For more information, contact Pieter on 021-460-3813 l cilliersp@cput.co.za.

FabLab:

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

Lorin had this to say afterwards: ‘I was most impressed and have learned of new opportunities

in design; now I need to think how to apply my ideas to new applications especially laser

possibilities. Thank you!”

The FabLab workshops offer the time to explore, play, discover. During the 22 January workshop Lorin Strieman and Joe Mapfuno (extreme right) were guided by FabLab assistants David van Staden (left), and Lukhanyo Makeleni (centre) in exploring options.

of charge

Make prototypes, experiment –

free

“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)

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 stewartk@cput.ac.za l021-460-8379.

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

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 shape were very important.

Experiencing nature with your fingers - Jo Crockett leads Nokuthula Zikhali to ‘see’ through feeling...

Shahida Sallie blind drawing...

Wendy Hitchcock, co-facilitator. Christine Stoffel’s awsome recycled protea;

and Nokuthula her stitched aloe. … and Joyce Mfene... Jim Chiota shows off his clay aloe,

A work produced on the workshop - a gorgeous flare of colour

Karen Stewart, co-facilitated the workshop, here with Sisanda Mbana.

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Do you want to have a successful craft business? Are you open to new ideas? Can you make time for learning?

If you answered YES to the above questions, then you cannot pass up this opportunity to apply for the Skills Programme in Craft Enterprise.

The Cape Craft & Design Institute is providing an opportunity for 20 craft producers to take part in the Craft Enterprise (NQF4) Skills Programme in 2009. This skills programme is relevant for people who need the skills and knowledge to run and operate their business effectively. This is an opportunity to improve your competence in craft entrepreneurship and product development. This learnership is fully funded by the National Skills Fund through the MAPPP-SETA, Department of Labour.

PurposeThis training is designed to help people who are already in a craft business and who wish to improve their design, production, marketing and business skills in order to be successful entrepreneurs.You will be taught the skills to properly run your financial and administrations systems; how to successfully market your products

and how to streamline your production capacity to maximise your profits. The programme is designed to be flexible and accessible so that people are able to consistently demonstrate the competencies required working safely and effectively in craft enterprises in general. The qualification is the foundation for development into other areas of

craft such as design, production, enterprise and marketing.

When?The 5-month training will take place from April till August 2009. Training is scheduled to take place in 5-day training blocks. Learners will be expected to attend all training days and submit homework assignments and projects.

Where?Training will take place at the CCDI, or other appropriate venues in the City.

Download application forms from the CCDI website, www.ccdi.org.za, or contact Sarah Polonsky 021-460-3724 l polonskys@cput.ac.za. The closing date is Friday, 6 March 2009.

enterprise developmentNQF 4 Skills Programme: Learn how to run a business

The CCDI is providing an opportunity for 20 craft business owners or managers to take part in the Craft Operational Management (NQF5) Learnership in 2009-2010.Purpose

This qualification is primarily intended for application in the small/micro craft enterprise environment. The qualification will give you the opportunity to obtain the competence in craft entrepreneurship, event and marketing management and product development.

There are no fees for the learnership, as it is fully funded by the National Skills Fund through the MAPPP-SETA, Department of Labour.

A selection panel will interview applicants on 10 or 12 March 2009.

When

The year-long training will take place from April 2009 – May 2010. Training is scheduled to take place in 5-day training blocks. You will be expected to attend all training days and submit homework assignments and projects.

Where

Training will take place at the CCDI, or other appropriate venues in the City.

Download application forms from the CCDI website, www.ccdi.org.za, or contact Sarah Polonsky 021-460-3724 l polonskys@cput.ac.za. The closing date is Friday, 6 March.

NQF 5 Learnership: Craft Operational Management

Would you like to be a supplier to the CCDI GIFT corporate warehouse?

Does your product suit the corporate market?

CCDI GIFT will be running a programme of activities over twelve months, from April 2009 to April 2010, to help a selected group of craft producers to become ready for business within the corporate market. The programme will cover product refinement and innovation, business skills and systems, production scheduling and processes, as well as market dynamics. These activities will mainly take place over weekends, with most being held on Saturday mornings, so that there is limited impact on your production time.

A maximum of 12 crafters can be accommodated in the programme and the final choice of participants will be made by GIFT based on their experience within the corporate market. There will be no participation cost for the selected craft producers but you will be required to sign an agreement committing yourself to the completion

of the full programme of activities.

If you would like to participate in the programme, please submit your name and contact details together with a short motivation as to why you and your product are suitable for the programme (if possible you should also include a photograph of your product). You may hand-deliver to CCDI GIFT corporate warehouse, 3rd floor, 75 Harrington Street by 13 March 2009, or post to CCDI, c/o CPUT, Box 652, Cape Town, 8000.

For more information, contact Neildon Pieterson at CCDI GIFT on 021-460-8374 l pietersenn@cput.ac.za.

All applicants, as a condition of participation, will be required to meet with the CCDI Programme Group to discuss their products and business. The CCDI Programme Group consists of the CCDI programme staff and meets with craft producers every Wednesday on an appointment basis. Appointments must be made with Mandisi Kibito at the CCDI office, 2nd floor, 75 Harrington Street |021-460-3662 l kibitom@cput.ac.za.

GIFT Warehouse Market Readiness Programme

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in the market place

Walvis Bay tour operator seeks productsProducers 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 levo@iway.na.

Cambodian contactA 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)

Trade leads

The CCDI and Isandi, our wholesale and retail partner based in Norway with footprints all over Scandinavia, lit a partnership fire some few years back. This has translated into export

opportunities for craft producers in the Western Cape, and lately also mentorship opportunities.

A recent Isandi report indicates that the Scandinavian market still proves lucrative for local craft producers. Last year showed an increase in purchases of almost 40% from 2007 to 2008, amounting to approximately R2 million in craft purchases, of which R850 000 were products made by Cape craft producers.

Trade shows

Trade shows in Scandinavia have also yielded excellent sales and media coverage for Isandi and its suppliers. The participation at the Gave & Interior trade show in August 2008 generated R500 000 worth of purchasing orders. This demonstrates that there is a real demand

for high quality handmade South African craft products in the Scandinavian market.

The largest volume Cape suppliers are TinTown, JoJo Wire Metal and Streetwires, while Haldane Martin, Carol Boyes and JoJo are the largest value suppliers.

Keyring fatigue

Isandi’s Kjersti Lie Holtar commented that the products offered for Christmas were in general relevant for the market, “however, there is room for more textile-based Christmas products, in combination with food and wellness products”. She also said that in general there is a ‘key ring fatigue’, referring to products that are insignificant for everyday use. These products therefore remain charity products.

Communication

The CCDI and Isandi are working well together, and in general suppliers delivered on time and met export-compliance requirements. However, suppliers need to focus on more efficient business communication techniques – in particular slow responses to correspondence and the confirmation of orders has been a problem.

Profile SA craft

As in the past, Norwegian media coverage for Isandi and its suppliers remain impressive. In 2008 more than 70 media publications featured Isandi products, and it is expected that this trend will continue. It is interesting to note that there is absolutely no automatic correlation between media exposure and sales. Kjersti stresses: “The challenge remains to build the profile of SA craft, and get it into the main-stream market”.

Isandi is gearing up for participation at Formland in Denmark. The products that seem to attract the most media attention are textiles and interior products, with a lot of emphasis on recycling. The media favourite is undoubtedly Heath Nash and his “bucket lamp” – once again selected for the trend exhibitions at Gave & Interior, as well as Formland.

Send your questions on the export market to Vuyisile Mshudulu on mshuduluv@cput.ac.za l 021-460-3944.

Wire art by JoJo Wire Metal.

SA products in Scandinavian market

Real demandfor quality hand-made

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Sell at the KKNK Festival

The Cape Craft & Design Institute invites craft producers to participate in the CCDI Gift Shop at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival at the CTICC on 3 & 4 April.

The Jazz Festival has grown into a hugely successful international event since its inception in 2000.

The festival’s winning formula of bringing more than 40 international and local artists to perform over two days on five stages has earned it the status of being the most prestigious event on the African continent. To participate in this exciting event, contact Jo-lene Sathorar on 021-460-3982 l sathorarj@cput.ac.za. The deadline is 6 March 2009.

We would like submissions from craft producers for the CCDI stand at 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 carbuttc@cput.ac.za.

10th Cape Town International Jazz Festival

This is a call for craft producers to participate with us in the annual Decorex Cape Exhibition at the CTICC, from 24 – 27 April 2009. Entering its 11th year, Decorex Cape promises to be a celebration of Cape Town’s most delicate and daring spaces by talented style shapers, trend makers and décor creators.

The Cape Craft & Design Institute invites applications for individual spaces as well as participation in the gift shop on the CCDI stand. We would like to offer an opportunity to 8 craft producers who would like to exhibit and sell their own products within the CCDI stand. For only R2000.00 you will receive:

a 3m x 5m stand with floor and wall•assistance with styling of your space•use of a credit card machine (a small fee may be charged)•

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 sathorarj@cput.ac.za. The application deadline is Friday, 6 March 2009.

Exhibit with us at Decorex Cape

The Rain stores are certainly attracting attention. Jo-Lene Sathorar, Market Access Facilitator: Local and National, paid them a visit to find out more:

“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 bev@rainafrica.com or Jo-lene on 021-460-3982 l sathorarj@cput.ac.za.

The Rain store is the Craft Shop of the Month. Bev is in search of hand-made products to compliment her sensual range.

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, SwellendamRAIN store Cedar Square, Corner Witkoppen and Cedar Road Fourways, Johannesburg

Craft Shopmonthof the

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In his capacity as Market Access Facilitator for Export & Retail at the CCDI, Vuyisile Mshudulu has gained some insight into the necessity of efficient communication to run a successful business.

He offers some valuable guidelines:

The issue of communication between craft producers and the retailers, agents and wholesalers they supply, has always been a challenge and is increasingly becoming a sticky point. This has led to crafters and retailers sometimes misinterpreting the role of the CCDI as an organisation which acts to facilitate business relationships between these entities.

Since the CCDI has been in operation, we have emphasized what we are, rather than what we are not. However, for clarity, we are now spelling it out:

Be reach-able

We advise craft producers who participate in CCDI market access opportunities to communicate with your buyers. You should ensure that you are reach-able by whatever mode of communication (telephone, cell phone or e-mail) you have agreed to communicate with the buyer.

It is equally important that your selected mode of communication is operational at all times. Craft producers sometimes don’t answer “private number” calls. That could be your most important client. At times crafters lose their cell phones, and then we are unable to make contact with you.

Respond quickly

It seems that the majority of problems occur in e-mail and cell phone communication. Craft producers either don’t check their e-mails,

or are slow to respond to enquiries from buyers. This frustrates the buyer, and affects business deadlines and the running of their businesses. At the CCDI we experience similar problems when we communicate vital information about programmes and events to craft producers. Late responses impact negatively on our schedules, plans and the service we provide to you, the producer.

Be professional

Not prioritising communications has the potential to create a bad impression about the professionalism of your business.

We do understand that for some people it is a much broader challenge of computer literacy but we have to start somewhere to address the communication challenges that we currently experience.

Take control

The importance of communication as a tool to grow and develop your business cannot be over-emphasized. Although we are here as an institute to assist you to overcome challenges and obstacles to grow your business, there are some vital aspects you just have to take full control of. Communication is one of them.

Communication: An important tool for business development

“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.”

This city

The CCDI is not: A producer, nor a retail/wholesale buyer of craft •productsAn agent for craft producers, retailers or wholesalers•A solution to every problem in the craft sector•A financier – we do not give financial assistance•

This brings us to a list of important questions:-When last have you updated your details on the CCDI •database?How often do you check your e-mails?•When last did you introduce new products to your range •and have they been captured on the CCDI database?When you are away at an exhibition both in SA and •abroad, who checks your e-mails and how often?Who can be contacted when you are unreachable?•Do you receive our newsletter and if so….do you read •it?Do you have e-mail and if not …..Isn’t it time you had •one?Do you know how to set it up? If not, go to your nearest •internet café. It’s a free service to set up an e-mail address and it costs very little to use the facility at the internet café.

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2010 update

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!

Dates:Johannesburg: Ellis Park

Rustenburg: Royal Bafokeng

Pretoria: Loftus VersfeldBloemfontein: Free State

Group MatchesSunday 14/06 16h00 1) RSA / IRQ 20h30 2) NZL / ESPMonday 15/063) 16h00 3) BRA / EGY 4) 20h30 4) USA / ITAWednesday 17/065) 16h00 5) ESP / IRQ6) 20h30 6) RSA / NZLThursday 18/067) 16h00 7) USA / BRA8) 20h300 8) EGY / ITASaturday 20/069) 20h30 9) IRQ / NZL 10) ESP / RSASunday 21/0610) 20h30 12) EGY / USA 11) ITA / BRASemi-FinalWednesday 24/0620h30 13) 1st A / 2nd BThursday 25/0611) 20h30 14) 1st B / 2nd A¾ Place& FinalSunday 28/0615h00 15) L13 / L1420h30 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 & 10Semi-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

FIFA Confederations Cup South Africa 2009 ™

Support 2010 community activities

The adopt-a-nation campaign, and other initiatives organized by the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport are opportunities to share in the various 2010 activities, including meeting some of the 2010 Ambassadors, Western Cape soccer pro’s, such as Thabo Mngomeni, and Desiree Ellis. The Western Cape’s adopted nation is Iraq!For more info on these regional community activities, contact the Western Cape Department of Sport: 2010 Social Legacy Programme Head: Ronald Gabriel on 021-483-9523.For any 2010 queries contact Thandeka on tyatyantsit@cput.ac.za l 021-460-8380.

2010 Inspiration Workshops

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 from 08:30 – 16:00, so, apply in good time before the closing date! Who qualifies to apply? • Your enterprise needs to be based and operational in the Western Cape.

• Ensure that you / your business are registered on the CCDI database. Database registration forms are available from Mandisi Kibito on kibitom@cput.ac.za l 021-460-3662. • Complete the 2010 Inspiration workshop programme application form, and pay a registration fee of R100.

This programme is highly subsidised, so the registration fee only covers your commitment to attending.Participants of these 2010 Inspirational workshops are invited to submit products at least 4-6 weeks after the session they attended on the following dates: • 1st session 16 – 20 March; deadline for application 6 March; product submission by 5 May • 2nd session 20 – 24 April; deadline for application 10 April; product submission by 9 June • 3rd session: 25 – 29 May; deadline for application 15 May; product submission by 14 July

Simphiwe Mogongo will handle all registrations for workshops. Contact Simphiwe on 021-460-9027, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:00-13:00. A friendly reminder: that the 2010 related sample submission dates are as follows: 6 March & 10 April.

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!

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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 pieter@act.org.za.

African Secret seeks premises and new producersAfrican 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 africansecret@gmail.com.

IBSAS assists businesses with websitesIBSAS 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 KhayelitshaPhilani has a long-running skills-training and income-generation project, training unemployed mothers to produce craft products (weaving/ silk-screen printing/ beading) at 5 Nutrition and Development Centres in Khayelitsha, Crossroads and Philippi. The 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 info@philani.org.za.

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.

Design Indaba 25 February 1 March

Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour 8 March

ABSA Cape Epic Mountain Bike Race 21 – 28 March

Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees (KKNK) - Oudtshoorn 4 – 11 March

Cape Town International Jazz Festival 3 – 4 April

Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon 11 April

SA Cheese Festival (Franschhoek/Paarl) 23 – 27 April

Lamberts Bay Crayfish & Cultural Festival 23 – 26 April

Prince Albert Olive and Town Festival 1 – 2 May

Cederberg Festival (Clanwilliam) 2 – 3 May

Riebeek Valley Olive Festival 2 – 3 May

Wacky Wine Weekend (Robertson Valley) 4 – 7 June

Vodacom Funny Festival 15 June – 19 July

Pick ‘n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival 3 – 12 July

Franschhoek Bastille Festival 11 – 12 July

Virgin Mobile Cape Town Fashion Week July / August

Clanwilliam Wild Flower Show 27 – 31 August

Darling Wild Flower Show 18 – 20 September

Hermanus Whale Festival 24 – 27 Sept ember

Cape Town International Kite Festival 24 – 25 October

Discovery Cape Times Big Walk 8 November

billboard

in your diary

Our receptionist, Zanele Donker, will be away for 4 months to have her baby. She was ‘showered’ with

gifts by well-wishing staff members – in the picture with Lynne Taylor and Girl Yeki.

“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)

Cape EventsMark these Great