❤ Lucky Packet Design: Clay name tags

After a relaxed start to 2012, I am delighted to announce that The Lucky Packet will be supplying a few of the upcoming niQi living luxe workshops with clay name tags.

If you would like to attend any of these workshops, please check out the website here.

These workshops are wonderful and you'll be able to grab a Lucky Packet freebie while you're there :)

Photo courtesy of Saaleha

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! 

❤ Lucky Packet Design: Sneak peek - Hijaab/Scarf pins

The Ask Nanima Expo is the first time that The Lucky Packet will be selling goodies.
I am both nervous and excited at the same time.

Here's a sneak peek of some of the handcrafted hijaab pins that are up for sale at the expo.
Please visit our stall to check them out!

Unfortunately a special lady's work that I was supposed to showcase for the expo was withdrawn due to unforeseen circumstances.  However, like the Princess Charming's that they are, Saaleha from Soul&Paper and Naqiyah from NiQi have agreed to allow me to showcase their amazing pieces of work at my stall.  Yes, you can buy Saaleha's gorgeous cards and shweshwe notebooks and Naqiyah's beautiful tea towel sets from me on the day of the expo!  Please note that there aren't card facilities at the expo, so cash is a must.  If you don't have cash, some of the items might be available for order afterward (depending on what gets sold or not).

See you on Sunday, 16 October 2011 at Greyville Primary School, Lenasia.

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 :)