I ❤ Workshops: NiQi | living luxe workshops

A few weeks ago The Lucky Packet attended a packaging workshops hosted by Naqiyah of NiQi | living {luxe}.    I love creative things, but I must admit, I tend to hide my gifts in a box or sad looking gift bag instead of presenting it beautifully to the special people in my life.  

The class at NiQi took me out of that mindset and altered my view on gift-giving.

Here are some tips that I picked up on the class:

• Choose a few items which match up for your gift.
• Choose a stunning box which match your items colour.
• Arrange items in the box around a main focal point.
• Decorate the box with chocolates, flowers or whatever 'fillers' you may have.
• Don't forget to use the double-sided tape to ensure that everything is secure.
• Decorate some more :)
• Cellophane cover your entire box and over your gifts (more double sided tape is indeed your friend here)
• Don't be afraid to decorate on top of the cellphone.  Use gorgeous ribbons, sticky diamante's, etc to embellish your gift
• Add note or gift tags.  Go crazy.  Use stamps and punches to achieve a beautiful overall effect.

There's no denying that any gifts that have some sort of time and effort invested in them, will a lasting effect between those who give and those who receive.  Presentation is a major factor in gifting and it can create bonds between people, and, as we have noticed from the traditional South African-Indian-Muslim weddings,  the tradition of gifting is a huge point in the festivities.

The best part of the entire hamper-making process?  The treats Naqiyah provided AND the look on the face of the receiver afterward.

I've recently applied the same techniques now for a dear friend of mine, and my friend informed me that she refuses to open her babies gifts (yes, babies! she has twins) because they look lovely wrapped up!

Judging from that result, I will definitely pay more attention to presentation of gifts more.

NiQi is currently hosting a class on 26 November 2011 in Johannesburg on table decor, menu planning, handmade paper decor, and makeup & personal styling lessons.  

The very creative Saaleha from Soul&Paper will be presenting elements on decor and Rowena from Secrets & Stilettos will be presenting on personal style and makeup.  A HUGE bonus: One lucky attendee will win a free makeover from Rowena!

If you would like to attend the class, please check out the details here.

Update:  Due to the high demand, ANOTHER workshop will be held on 10 December.  Please contact NiQi for the details!

❤ Lucky Packet Design: Post-Ask Nanima Expo

Soul & Paper, Oranges and Lemons Health and NiQi were my co-expo stall holders.
We had a lot of fun for a dry, dusty and windy day.  Some of my scarf pins did not survive thanks to the wind blowing my display over on several occasions.  Shireen, my good friend, procured a rock from some odd area of the school and it helped secure my scarf pin stand.

Thanks to Saaleha of Soul & Paper, we have some lovely pictures of items from our stand!

The Lucky Packet 
Scarf Pins

The Lucky Packet
 clay brooch pins, pendants and fridge magnets

Soul & Paper
Stunning gift cards

Oranges and Lemons
Bath salts made from pure essential oils and
dried flowers (rose petals, lavender, etc)

NiQi
Handcrafted tea towels

Please note that you can still order many and any of these items from the various links that I have posted above.  Otherwise, leave a comment below and I'll make sure the ladies all get your order! 

I ❤ South African Talent : Soul & Paper by Saaleha Idrees Bamjee

Washi tape and paper cutout = gorgeous!

I haven't done a 'South African Designer' post in a while, so I'm delighted to restart it with the most creative person I know, Saaleha Idrees Bamjee.

A writer, a designer, a poet, fellow crafter and foodie,  Saaleha has mesmerised us with her words for years.  Saaleha has now turned her creative talents to paper and has designed a multitude of amazing creations.  Her talent doesn't just stop at just paper crafts.  She writes content for media and describes herself as an 'Ideasgirl', which I think is a perfect description of her!  I'm quite chuffed that she has also helped design the spunky refreshing background that is on the The Lucky Packet today.

Saaleha is an aspiring photographer, and her latest series on Johannesburg's version of the 'Neighbourgoods Market' makes me want to run over there and gobble up all their delicious treats!

Saaleha is a multitalented gift to the world, so please do visit her Flickr page to see which card you would like to purchase so that you too can bring some of that wonderful talent into your home :)

You can contact Saaleha via the following :

Twitter:  @saaleha

Website:  http://www.saaleha.com

Email:  saaleha at gmail dot com

I ❤ South African Talent : Skinny LaMinx and Jesse

I've been following two amazing South African designers for a number of years now and figured that it's high time that I add them to this blog.

Hand printed fabric - Hearts by Jezzeprints

Jesse Breytenbach of Jezzeprints makes some of the most loveliest prints I have seen.

She has illustrated for Cambridge University Press and even has her own graphic novel titled, 'I don't like chocolate.'

'Herds handbag' by Skinny Laminx

Heather Moore of Skinny Laminx, creates the most inspired items. My favourite items have to be the 'I wish we had IKEA' set, especially since I love IKEA myself :)

Her works have appeared in different stores around the world and in many different magazines.

Heather also edits and maintains the Elle Decoration Blog.

Skinny Laminx will be featured at this weekend's Design Indaba Expo in Cape Town (27-28 February 2010) along with many other talented designers at the Threadcount collective stand.

Do visit them if you are in the area :)