NhoNho at the weaving loom
Oak trees decorate peaceful streets while Cape Dutch and Gothic architecture reflects the richness of the history captured and preserved by the small town of Somerset East. This Karoo town was established in 1825 by Lord Charles Somerset and is home to many beautiful heritage sites and buildings of historical importance. In addition to its affluent history, Somerset East boasts exquisite natural surroundings. The town lies at the foot of the Boschberg Mountain described by some as the most beautiful mountain in South Africa. This majestic mountain complements the peaceful nature of the town with its calm streams, cool waterfalls, and its Yellow wood, Cape Chesnut and Wild Olive forests.
Locals have seen the opportunity of using the natural materials at hand and craft it into a little piece of Somerset East to take home. Whether it's a hand-made leather bag, a soft mohair scarf, or beautiful unique paper card be sure to take a little piece of Somerset East home with you the next time you visit this Karoo jewel.
Exclusively Natural
Sinethemba Arts & Culture Project create beautiful traditional clothes and hand-made leather bags from materials found locally in the Eastern Cape. Porcupine pens and tulles found on farms around Somerset East are used to embellish the leather bags and add to its unique quality. Nontuthuzelo Ndoni, who runs the project, explains that the use of natural materials along with the hand-made craft allows for each bag to be exclusive. The business has been operating since 2004 and currently consists of eight employees. The products can be purchased directly from Sinethemba in Glen Avon Community Hall, Somerset East.
Naturally Fashionable
Fashionable, luxurious mohair scarves, shawls and blankets can be found at Nojoli Weavers. Somerset East is well known as a rich mohair hub making mohair the ideal fabric to use as a reflection of the area in which these items are made. Mohair, a silk-like natural fibre that comes from Angora goats is weaved into an elite fabric. Nojoli Weavers, owned by Nhonho Decree, have been operating since 2004 and employees five locals. Find Nojoli Weavers in Yose Street Somerset East.
Notes from Nature
Creating something new from nature is the order of the day at Lukhanyo Paper Studio. Four years ago the project started to craft hand-made paper and gift-bags from natural materials found in the Somerset East area. The project created employment for 6 paper-makers through teaching them the skill and craft of using materials such as hemp, sisal, river reed and banana leaf. The project is also experimenting with Agave Americana or 'Garringboom' to offer a variety of paper. The unique hand-made paper and gift bags can be acquired directly from Lukhanyo Paper Studio in Yose Street, Somerset East or at the famous Walter Battise Gallery where it is displayed.
Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/
