Elsje Designs create bespoke and unconventional ideas and designs that will set you apart.

More wedding pics from our Karoo wedding

2012-02-03T16:33:00.001+02:00

My friend Annatjie Kirsten took these pics. I really think for a non-professional, she has done so well! I proudly share a few more pics from our karoo wedding:

Pimms served after the ceremony in Mrs Balls chutney bottles.

2 cool dudes... Francois Potgieter and Noel Burger.

So happy and so in love...

I loved my dress!

My beautiful mom and me.

"The last rays of 2011" - tied to the paper parasol.

The view towards Gamkaspoort Dam.

My mom had this fab wedding cake made - so beautiful!

A special moment between my god mother and me, Aunt Elsa.

The very talented and musical in-laws!

The bubbly.

The "other man" in my life, little Hubertus. My brother's little boy.

The seats covered with whispy padding and tied with white Petersham.

My dad looking oh so happy and radiant.

The official photographer, Andre from Vivid Blue.

It was fab to have him and Fralene at our special day, they are such special people.

After the ceremony.

My camera shy friend, Annelie Smuts. Caught in the act!!

My aunt having a joyous moment - one of my favourite pics!

George Malek congratulating his best friend.

Annatjie Kirsten, me and Annelie.

Annatjie surprised me with these gorgeous photographs, thanks again!

Hierdie was die mees intieme seremonie wat ek ooit bygewoon het, en kan net ‘n geestelike verdieping tot gevolg he. Dit was geweldig opbouend, en ek dink omdat daar so min gaste was (ons was seker so rondom die 40) het dit baie bygedra.

My sussie, Carisa, het die volgende mooi brief aan haar dogters geskryf, wat ongelukkig nie by die troue kon wees nie, om die dag te beskryf.

Met ons aankoms Saterdagoggend (nadat ons die tweespoor paadjie met ‘n afgrond aan die een kant moes aandurf – my swak hart!) is ons met ‘n viertrek wildbesigtiging voertuig na die piekniekplek geneem vir lekker gesels, piekniek, manne het krieket gespeel, ekt lekker saam met my ouers gehuil toe ons daar afklim (ag wat, met die vertrek het ek sommer vir almal gese ek huil maklik, toe het ek nie meer omgegee nie). Daarna is ons 2 na die dam toe waar ons oornag het.

Ekt geen foto’s van die onthaal daarna nie: net tydens die opelug seremonie. Dit was baie aandoenlik. Ons ouers het die laaste paar tree met Els tussen hulle, die bultjie opgestap. Aan die einde van die seremonie kon almal wat wou die egpaar seen – ekt nooit besef EK kan ook iemand seen nie! Die Van Niekerks is baie talentvol: die een seun, Lood, het tjello gespeel, 1 die viool, en 3 vd kleindogters en Louis se skoonsus het in 4 stemme vir hul: God seen jul waar jul ook mag gaan: so so mooi, alles met die blou berge in die agtergrond. Na die seremonie het ons Pimms gekry voordat ons na die lodge vertrek het. Daar, hoef ek nie te vertel nie, was aandag aan detail en net die mooiste van alles reeds reggesit. By die ingang was die gastelys wat oor elkeen teenwoordig iets te se gehad het: my het gese ek hou van eie groente en kruie kweek; hou van kook en lees interessante boeke; my dogters beskryf my as ‘n overachiever met ‘n graad op 50. Ons het eers in die lapa bymekaargekom waar neef Schalk my ouers beklink het met mooi woorde en ‘n glasie; toe Louis se oudste broer op sy ouers, en daarna Louis wat iets vir elke gas spesiaals gesê het.

Die tafels was verstommend mooi – hou dan nou anders? Alles meesal in wit. Oral hang iets feestelik, horlosies, vlaggies met kinderfoto’s van elke gas, foto’s uit die verlede van ons gesinne, baie baie glass domes/bell jars met interessanthede daarin (heelwat windpompies uit laser gesny van dik papier, hier en daar ‘n koedoe, karoobossie, voeltjie, en oral origami blomme gevou uit ou FAK liedjies. Let wel, daar was geen vars blomme by hierdie troue nie. Elk sy eie wit lapservet met woorde van “my hartjie my liefie” aan jou stoel vasgeknip, en ook jou eie plekmatjie met ‘n popup toneel - myne was van ‘n boom met koutjie wat daaraan hang. Die kos was uit die boeke! Mama Madeleine se troukoek was ‘n plaasdam, met twee skapies by, ‘n doringboompie, en ‘n windpomp in die agtergrond.

Sondagogg het almal wat wou die son gaan groet met ‘n boodskap uit die Bybel. George, ‘n ongelooflike interessante man, het daarna weer in die lapa ‘n boodskap vir Els en Louis gebring vir die huwelik. Dit is so ongelooflik dat ek dit gaan oortik en aan die gaste stuur, want almal wou daarna dit weer hoor. Hierdie vriend van Louis kom van Alexandrie in Egipte, het twee doktorsgrade in teologie, en ene in sielkunde. Van daai mense by wie se voete jy wil sit en net luister. ‘n diep mens – ons wil later die drade met hom optel.

Ek kan nie uitgepraat raak ook die belewenis wat dit vir my en vir W was nie. Hy was baie emosioneel die naweek, en ek dink dit was goed vir ons. My hoofgedagtes na die naweek: ons land is pragmooi en baie dele is nog heeltemal ongerep; hierdie egpaar is soveel maal geseen, en soveel positiewe dinge het rondom hulle gebeur die naweek; ons dien ‘n ongelooflike Here by wie niks onmoontlik is nie. Ek glo onwrikbaar in die huwelik, en glo uit my hart dat hulle 2 dit sal kan maak werk.

Carisa Smuts

More travel inspired wedding invitations

2012-01-31T21:59:00.002+02:00

Herewith some travel theme styled invitations from various blogs.

Travel inspired wedding invitations

2012-01-30T20:00:00.002+02:00

We spotted these lovely travel-inspired wedding invitations on Betsy’s blog…how gorgeous are they?! The postage stamps atop handmade French paper, bound with baker’s twine and sealed with wax, and of course the jaw-dropping calligraphy of Betsy Dunlap…we’re in love.

Popular bell jars back in stock!

2012-01-28T20:30:00.000+02:00

Let’s celebrate with these printed cloches or bell jars, winner of the product design competition. It is impossible to find a more beautiful gift or decor item!

Large cloches R360

Small cloches R290

HURRY! First come, first serve basis.

Freebie Friday: Aphrodite font

2012-01-27T19:00:00.032+02:00

Subscribe to our blog and receive this Valentine's gift from Elsje Designs, called Aphrodite. Just because we are feeling happy, in love and generous! Send us your email address to verify your subsription and we will reply with the ttf file.

Happy Friday!

This offer expires end of January 2012.

Chalking it up (even more)!

2012-01-25T17:00:00.000+02:00

This is currently my favourite design concept! Have just done something similar today for the J&B Met.

Inspirations from www.customchalk.com

more chalkboard inspiration

2012-01-25T13:00:00.001+02:00

More chalkboard ideas...

2012-01-24T19:25:00.002+02:00

Paint a tine with blackboard paint and write your table number onto it! I think this is so original and easy DIY! As an added bonus, fill them with after dinner mints.

I love these fab idea for placemats, a dinner menu or table number!

Another easy DIY gift for a creative friend.

A creative table seating card.

more on Elsje's own (Karoo) wedding

2012-01-24T10:27:00.002+02:00

My beloved aunt, after whom my parents named me, Elsa Verhoef, wrote this beautiful note to us after our wedding.

"I had a farm in Africa ..." sê Meryl Streep in Out of Africa.

I WITNESSED THE BIRTH OF A MARRIAGE IN THE KAROO...en ek ervaar net soveel passie en verwagting van hierdie gebeurtenis op Boschluyskloof in die majestieuse Seweweekspoort.

Beslis het ek 'n voordeel bo die ander gaste gehad. Vanaf Dinsdag kon ek begin leef in die dampkring van twee mense wat mekaar WIL verstaan, WIL liefhê, 'n mooi toekoms WIL bou.

WAT 'n bederf!

Daar was soveel mooi op Boschluyskloof.

Gerard en Ans, die eienaars, is unieke mense wat nie omgee vir harde werk nie en die ekstra (10) myl met entoesiasme te loop nie. Hulle weet meesterlik om spesialis mense te ontgin. "Multi tasking" en bronne benutting kry by hulle die absolute betekenis.

Toe ons begin uitpak aan wit en geel, oranje, blou en pienk papier lanterns het die opgewondenheid en verwagtinge begin kriewel. Hier moet ek myself vasvat om nie te verdwaal in die detail van kunstig uitgedinkte planne wat gestalte gekry het in bont lekkergoed, gedrukte servette en parmantige papier uitsnysels van verliefdes, duifies, bokke en windpompe nie. Die glasklokke het elkeen sy eie storie statig afgewys en alles was so mooi gehul in vrolike kerslig en wiegende wit lanterns.

Ek onthou: al die vrolike gesigte, die goedheid-gevoel wat ons almal omvou het. Ons almal WOU vir Louis en Elsje gelukkig sien - dis waarvoor ons gebid het.

WOW ..... en wat 'n prentjie het die twee gemaak!! Louis in sy kraakwit linnepak met kenmerkende oop glimlag en Elsje stylvol met geelgoud bedruip en 'n glimlag wat alles sê.

Die seremonie opgehef deur Lood se inspirerende tjello voordrag, wyse woorde en sagte saambind van twee liefdes strome, was vir my heilig.

Die omgee vir mekaar, die simplistiese rykheid van die omgewing, die gedagtes deel wat diep uit jou binneste los gewoel het, was 'n oase vir 'n siel. Dit het jou gevul met soveel wakker entoesiasme vir die nuwe jaar dat jy die borrels byna tasbaar kon aanraak.

P.J. se kos was verruklik en alles was byna 'n oordaad van skeppende idees van kruie en spys en aromas van heeeeeerlike genot.

Dan 'n uitroep teken oor die hele gebeurtenis - die terugreis tussen oopgekloofde graniet, spekbos en doringboom en in jou hart die wete : God is hier teenwoordig ! DIT is wat daar tussen die bruin Karoo koppe so spesiaal was. Die belewenis van liefde en verwagtinge en bereidheid om daarvoor te werk, was toe al die tyd geseën met die Groot Teenwoordigheid.

Die troue moes juis dáár voltrek word, die belewenis móés oor 'n paar dae gestrek het, want dáár is ek deurweek met 'n ander entoesiasme en aanvaarding van die lewe self. George het vir Louis en Elsje gesê : " Rest in your marriage ...:"

Rest in your situation, want God is daar teenwoordig en Hy is in beheer.

Dankie vir die ervaring !

t. Elsa

I start with a tingle, a kind of feeling of the story I will write. Then come the characters, and they take over, they make the story.” Karen Blixen

---

Dear Mr and Mrs Van Niekerk, Louis and Elsje,

It was on the top of the mountains, under the clear and spotless skies of the Karoo, as the gentle breeze playfully ruffled the skirt and the beauty of the bride, that we who ascended the mountain to behold the uniting of your lives to each other, could not help but have a feeling of beholding a transfiguration, taking that which was ordinary in our lives and changing it into the extraordinary. Our spirits were lifted on high as our hearts, our minds and our eyes beheld what love can do. And as I glanced at the unity of spirit of we who had ascended the mountain with you, I am bold to say that in our silence we all said, “God, it is good for us to be here; and let us make temples and remain on the mountain.”

To the lamentation of everyone, our joy began to mingle with the sadness of having to depart and descend to our daily, ordinary living in this world.

On the top of the mountain and under the skies of the Karoo you have had a foretaste of that Kingdom of love, joy and peace.
I love you Elsje, I love you Louis,

George

---

Louis and I chose the Karoo - not because both of us are actually from there - but because of its simplicity, its beauty. After 10 years in the wedding industry, I've seen it all, done it all. This time round, I wanted something stripped, plain, touched by God and pure. Simplicity, no frills or fuss, just surrounded by wildlife, kudus grazing in the distance, the wind sweeping our hair and absolutely no man made decor. We wanted the openness, the beauty of our gloriously stunning country. Which reminds me yet again of Karen Blixen's words:

“If I know a song of Africa, of the giraffe and the African new moon lying on her back, of the plows in the fields and the sweaty faces of the coffee pickers, does Africa know a song of me? Will the air over the plain quiver with a color that I have had on, or the children invent a game in which my name is, or the full moon throw a shadow over the gravel of the drive that was like me, or will the eagles of the Ngong Hills look out for me?”

It was a day touched by love. It surpassed my wildest dreams. And I am blessed beyond words with someone as special as Louis. I carry my new surname with excitement and pride.

Mini Chalkboard Signs @ R6 ea

2012-01-23T15:03:00.000+02:00

I sourced these practical mini-chalkboards for my wedding. They are very handy for table numbers, canday buffet tags, seating cards - or anything you need to communicate to your guests.

We stock them at R6 ea, excluding vat.

Minimum quantity of 24.

Make up magic - thanks Naomi!

2012-01-19T17:57:00.000+02:00

When I started my business 10 years ago, one of my first clients was a beautiful young Naomi Wessels and her handsome fiancee, Glen Broomberg. We became instantly friends and I was a guest at their lavish Franschhoek wedding. This time round, I was privileged to have Naomi and Glen at my wedding! Ten years later...

Not only is she a fashion stylist but also a well known make up artist and, as you can imagine, both of these came in really handy! Naomi was a real friend with late night frenzied phone calls and giving all sorts of advice - much more than just clothing and shoes!

On my wedding day we decided make the most of the view and she did my make over sitting on a stoep overlooking the beautiful valley (it was a clear Karoo summer's day with a cool breeze). It couldn’t have been more memorable, the breathtaking view, my serene mother-in-law, Barbara, joined us for a few laughs and kept us company, while Erika, my brother’s cute red headed 10 year old daughter, was fascinated with the make up process – commenting all the time!

It was a very special afternoon, surrounded with very special people. Thank you Naomi, you made me feel like a glamorous and gorgeous.

Naomi and I had lots of fun, trying on dresses, shoes, earrings – having such a close and trusted friend help make these (often overwhelming decisions) much easier. Not only is she very talented at what she does, but she always has a wise word and is such a bubbly, fun person.

Naomi B Collection

If you ever need advice regarding make-up or personal fashion styling, you can drop Naomi an email at naomi@chic.co.za. Her and her family are in the process of emigrating to California, so (sadly) she isn't doing much work locally anymore. She has, though, started importing a clothing range(Naomi B Collection) which she sells privately and if you want to know more about that or when Sale Days are, just send an enquiry to the same email address.

Herewith a few make up tips for your special day:

1. A well-manicured brow
Enhancing a full, sculpted brow makes you appear more polished and takes years off your face.

2. Flawless foundation
The trick to appearing perfectly airbrushed is making sure the foundation is fully absorbed into your skin, rather than simply sitting on top of your skin. I bought Primer recently from Woolies and can recommend it.

3. Warm, cheerful cheeks
They make you look happier than muted tones do—and that's the idea on your wedding day, right? Try a cheerful shade of pink.

4. Don't skimp on the lips
Wear plenty of color to plump your pout. Unfortunately, there's no shortcut to finding your perfect shade. Try on a variety of shades at the makeup counter until you find "the one."

5. Naturally you but even more beautiful
Your make up should be an enhancement of what you normally wear. For example, if you usually go for the natural look, stick to natural colours but slightly stronger. You don't want to try out blue mascara and red lipstick! Remember your fiancé is marrying you, so he should at least recognize you! Saying that you should define your features stronger than what you usually do, so they show up in photographs. You should feel comfortable in the make up you are wearing, this is not the time to try out anything drastic.

Elsje's wedding: meeting Louis before the ceremony

2012-01-19T10:22:00.000+02:00

Since we got married on a koppie at sunset, we realised that Louis and I would need to fit a photo session in before the ceremony. My genius friend, Gina and her husband arranged for us to meet in such an exciting way - that made this meeting very memorable. We met on a dirt road - driving towards each other and then walking to each other. Louis brought a special bottle of chilled champagne and we celebrated this special moment, crying, laughing and sharing the precious moment.

Paper lampshade

2012-01-18T16:32:00.000+02:00

I made this lampshade for my wedding and filled it with personalised messages and images for my guests. It was lovely to see how much time they spent reading all our heartfelt messages. The images and artwork I used was old botanical images of the Acacia Karoo (Soetdoring), old Karoo bookplates, fossils, antique paintings, birds of the area - I loved the process - I kept on finding new (old) images! And none of the images were just generic, every artwork, message and poem was chosen for a reason. I also tried to celebrate my beautiful karoo with all its plants, birds, animals, mountains.

It was difficult to stick to a colour scheme (and I didn't want to either as it can become a bit rigid), but I did try to focus on the Soetdoring-trees - which was in full bloom with their happy yellow pom pom flowers.

A few of the images I used...

Since it was New Years, one of the themes was clocks - in all shapes and sizes.

The ceremony

2012-01-18T06:00:00.002+02:00

Elsje got married!

2012-01-17T15:31:00.000+02:00

Never ever dreamt of such a happy day! Herewith a sneak peak... What would you like to see - have received millions and zillions of stunning pics from Vivid Blue and can't publish them all (would've loved to...). Let me know and I will post!

Cool lemonade served... and you're invited!

2012-01-10T18:30:00.000+02:00

Pop in for a cool and complimentary glass of lemonade!

On top of it, we are still in a generous mood: the consultations in January free of charge - hurry to make your booking now as we are almost fully booked!

More on Lemonade (some useless but interesting information)

It is believed that lemonade was originally created by the medieval Egyptians over 1500 years ago. At this time in Cairo, the bottles of lemon juice were mixed with sugar to make a popular drink known as qatarmizat.

But it officially started with limonade in France. It was simply water with some pure lemon juice added for a spritz of flavour. In french the addition of -ade adds action or process to a noun. When you’re using something that blocks, it is a blockade. So using lemons in your drink naturally made it lemonade.

However, as the word got nabbed by the English, it was solely meant as the drink, such that the -ade suffix now refers to any carbonated soda beverage in the UK. They have lemonade, limeade, orangeade, or other-ades depending on the flavour. In England, Australia, and a few more countries lemonade could refer to any sort of lemon-lime soda similar to Sprite or 7-Up brands.

The American style lemonade, which is a mix of water, lemon juice, and a whole lot of sugar may be called cloudy lemonade in Europe, but it would be very difficult to find in a store. In India and Pakistan (where fruit punch originated) lemonade would be called nimbu paani, but it might also add some salt or ginger to the ingredients.

But you know what they say; When life gives you lemonade… make lemonade!

Thoughts for today

2012-01-07T13:00:00.008+02:00

Tangerine Typography

2012-01-06T12:48:00.018+02:00

Pantone Reveals Color of the Year for 2012:

2012-01-05T04:38:00.075+02:00

Dance into the New Year with this vivacious and appealing reddish orange!

Beginning of last year I blogged about the 2011 color of the year, PANTONE 18-2120 Honeysuckle. This shade of pink encouraged us to face everyday troubles with verve and vigor. Tangerine Tango, a spirited reddish orange, continues to provide the energy boost we need to recharge and move forward.

“Sophisticated but at the same time dramatic and seductive, Tangerine Tango is an orange with a lot of depth to it,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®.

“Reminiscent of the radiant shadings of a sunset, Tangerine Tango marries the vivaciousness and adrenaline rush of red with the friendliness and warmth of yellow, to form a high-visibility, magnetic hue that emanates heat and energy.”

Over the past several years, orange has grown in popularity and acceptance among designers and consumers alike. A provocative attention-getter, Tangerine Tango is especially appealing in men’s and women’s fashion. Fashion designers featured in the PANTONE Fashion Color Report Spring 2012, including Tommy Hilfiger, Nanette Lepore, Cynthia Steffe by Shaun Kearney, Elie Tahari and Adrienne Vittadini, are incorporating this attractive orange into their spring collections. A fun, lively take on a traditional autumnal hue, Tangerine Tango will surely carry through to fall fashion as well.

A winner in cosmetics because of its versatility, Tangerine Tango is a bit exotic, but in a very friendly, non-threatening way. Add a sultry flair to lips, cheeks and nails with Tangerine Tango. An unexpected eye shadow color, Tangerine Tango is a complementary opposite that flatters blue or green eyes. When paired with brown eyes, it brings out an amber cast.

Energize interior spaces with Tangerine Tango patterned home accessories. Pillows, bedspreads and tabletop accessories in this high-impact hue add spice to any room. Or incorporate Tangerine Tango appliances and personal electronics for an unexpected pop of color. Looking for an inexpensive way to perk up your home? Paint a wall in Tangerine Tango for a dynamic burst of energy in the kitchen, entryway or hallway.

Cheers to a blissful new year!

2012-01-04T16:07:00.000+02:00

What are you wishing for this year?

I am wishing for..

• time.. more time to think outside the box, set new trends and to do what needs to be done and then relax.

• cleaning out.. time to clear out the clutter and start to focus on what is the most important in family and business this year.

• change...this year promises to bring about some wonderful changes for me as a a newly wed wife! Loving it...

• wishes.. I wish to laugh more this year and enjoy the gifts that I have been given.

Bright and beautiful wishes for 2012!

From all of us at Elsje Designs

Closed for the holidays

2011-12-22T21:50:00.000+02:00

During this Christmas season,

May you be blessed
With the spirit of the season,
which is peace,
The gladness of the season,
which is hope,
And the heart of the season,
which is love

Elsje Designs will be closed from 22 December to 4th of January. We look forward to a year of creativity and inspiration!

DIY Christmas Decorations

2011-12-20T16:20:00.000+02:00

The most beautiful Christmas ornaments are made of white cardboard.

Materials

- thin cardboard
- glue
- pencil
- scissors
- yarn

To do this:

1. Draw the patterns on the cardboard and cut them off.
2. Fold by the dotted lines.
3. Glue the yarn to the desired place.
4. Spread glue on the vanes and fold them inside.
5. Let the decorations dry.

http://www.scandinaviandeko.com/blog/diy-christmas-ornaments/

Year end sale: while stock lasts

2011-12-07T13:18:00.000+02:00

Visit our pop up shop in our Durbanville studio for items marked down to less 70%!!!

Snag some of our paper delights, ribbon and paper off cuts. Paper humming birds at R1 ea, striped ribbon @ 50c per meter, gift tags, printed placemats from R5 ea, velvet gift bags, Swarovski buckles, texturised paper, scrapbooking paper, printed pencils and much more!

Weekdays between 9am to 5pm (or early evenings by prior arrangement).

We look forward to meeting you!

18 Burton Road, Aurora, Durbanville - across the Aurora Shopping Centre. Visit our website http://www.elsje.co.za/ for a map.

Moustache mania!

2011-12-06T15:44:00.000+02:00

I have no idea where this trend came from, but I think it's fun and quirky! Its not only restricted to weddings either, I've seen them everywhere - on glasses, mugs and napkins.

As part of our year end sale we are selling the photobooth props (including moustaches, lips and glasses) at R3 ea. The pop up shop is still on - so hurry, while stocks last!

Budget-savvy ideas to save on your invitations

2011-12-02T11:29:00.000+02:00

Weddings are an expensive affair for everyone. These once in a lifetime event do come at price, in literal terms. During one's wedding, saving at any small thing can mean a lot.

If you're a budget-savvy couple, you're probably looking to save money wherever you can. One area you might not have thought of is your wedding invitations. Don't think you need to buy flimsy paper or discounted blurry printing. You can still have an elegant wedding invitation but save money.

Here are a few ways of saving money on your wedding invitations:

1. Do it yourself

If you are a do-it-yourself person, this is the perfect opportunity to get creative. You are welcome to book a consultation with me, and I will help you to get a stunning concept on the table – something quick, easy and stylish for you and your bridesmaids to create. But please do remember that you will need to allow plenty of time to make your invitations, make it a special enjoyable time, invite some family & friends around to help out. Rule of Thumb!! Give Yourself Enough Time. You may think you are saving time and money by making your own wedding invitations, but these crafts are not always as time saving as you may think.

2. The Little Extras

Intricate invitations with jackets, bows, multiple layers of paper and other embellishments are very popular these days. But those little extra details can really add up. Instead go for the classic look of a simple invitation printed on a high-quality paper.

3. Standard Size Invitations

There might be extra costs, so be aware of the following:

• It is a square letter

• It contains very rigid items such as wood or metal

• It has clasps, string, buttons, or similar closure devices

• It has an address parallel to the shorter dimension of the letter

• It contains items that makes the surface to be uneven

• The length divided by height is less than 1.3 or more than 2.5

4. Proofread

A no-brainer, perhaps, but you'd be surprised how many people find errors on their wedding invitations and have to re-order with extra rush charges. Get a couple of trusted friends or colleagues to look over the invitation for extra insurance. Make sure you've got all the details of names, date, time, location, and RSVP correct!

5. Postcard RSVP

Rather than a folded card and envelope, use a postcard for your RSVP. Not only will you save on weight for your invitation postage, but you'll save postage for each RSVP.

6. Order extra invitations and envelopes

This might seem counterintuitive, but since almost every couple remembers someone that they HAVE to invite at the last minute, you'll want to have a few extra wedding invitations. And since it's likely that you'll make a few goofs while addressing them, order extra envelopes as well. It will cost you a little extra now, but save you lots of reprinting and rush charges later.

7. Go digital

Another way that is becoming increasingly popular is sending the invitations over the emails. These invitations can be just as creative as well as budget and environmentally friendly. Digital invitations will work for those friends and family who have access to this type of media; however, you may still want to purchase some invitations to send through the mail for those who don’t. This will save on both printing and on postage. We have recently created an old vintage book that can be paged by your guests – truly unique and a show stopper!

8. Barter for the best price!

photo: Lizelle Lotter

Hurry! Our year end sale has just started!!

2011-12-02T10:41:00.002+02:00

Paper @ R1 per sheet, Swarovski buckles @ R5 ea, gorgeous gift tags @ R1 ea, fashion jewelry at less 50%, fans @ R10 ea, ribbons @ 50c per meter - and much more! Come and shop in the studio while enjoying a cup of tea and a cupcake!

colour palette inspiration

2011-12-01T16:45:00.000+02:00

Purple really brings a feeling of elegance and beauty. This rich color can be paired with almost any color to make the perfect wedding color palette. Purple symbolizes dignity, tolerance and togetherness, and it is also associacted with royalty and spirituality.

A simple white invitation can be tied with a striking purple ribbon, placed in a white envelope with purple lining. Or a lilac card with deep purple print. For a modern twist, a cream card with bold plum polka-dots can be really different.

And there's such a beautiful range of shades to pick from - mauve, lavender, violet, orchid (a light shade that is almost pink), royal purple, mulberry, plum, grape... and every shade in between!

What colors are a compliment to purple? Try yellows, blues, greens, black, pink, and of course, white.

11 reasons to love elsje designs

2011-11-30T21:05:00.000+02:00

1. We love being fashion forward and always embrace new design trends.

2. Elsje Designs turned 10! We have been creative since 2001 and have withstood the test of the times.

3. Not only are we invitation experts, but Elsje and her team are also passionate about sharing ideas on adorning the big picture.

4. We have established a library of more than 20 000 creative stationery designs.

5. We employ a small team of talented women – ensuring that every order is handmade with love.

6. As an innovative design team, we love exploring new techniques like velvet printing, lasercutting and printing on canvas.

7. We are passionate about our planet and have invested in environmentally friendly printers.

8. Our passion for exclusive lettering is visible in our font collection exceeding 12 000.

9. We love local - always aiming to support homegrown talent and produce.

10. Because our clients mean the world to us, we welcome any feedback or suggestion to better our service.

11. We strive to go above and beyond expectations to keep our customers on cloud 9!

Hot summer specials!

2011-11-25T12:10:00.003+02:00

Congratulations to Judy & Christo!

2011-11-22T12:31:00.000+02:00

Congratulations to Judy & Christo on your special day from all at Elsje Designs. We wish you many years of love & laughter.

We adore this gorgeous couple's wedding pics! Compliments to Herman Agenbag Photography for the inspiration and fabulous pictures.

Lovely laser cut names for the lawn

2011-11-17T17:07:00.000+02:00

We absolutely love these large laser cut names available in a range of gorgeous fonts. Not only do they look fabulous, they can be pegged into the lawn to add to the ambiance of your outdoor event.

To add a bit of pizzazz to your summer function, they are also available in various shapes or perfect for company logo's for a corporate event.

For further information or to place an order, please contact admin@elsje.co.za.

Fab Franschhoek Wedding!

2011-11-11T17:49:00.001+02:00

The most anticipated wedding of the year, when Hans from the Aleit group got married to Babette. What a privilege to be a wedding guest at this special event! Hans & Babette’s wedding in Franschhoek is definitely one of the most chic and gorgeous ever.

Up to now, no wedding has ever been held at the Huguenot Monument, but that was all to change – Hans & Babette vowed that they wanted to get married at the exact same place that Hans popped the question. As his colleagues at The Aleit Group know, nothing is impossible for Hans – and he honored his reputation by getting a once-off license for the ceremony at the Monument! Don’t ask how…

That was not the only surprise they had in stall…

Guests were made to believe that the ceremony would be conducted at the Dutch Reformed Church. As the pews filled up, Hans entered with an 80′s Boom Box, took position on the pulpit and announced that he was not getting married in the church – he pressed PLAY and waltzed out to the tune of “Phantom of the Opera”!!

The guests followed, still not knowing where they were going… posters by Elsje Designs fixed to lamp posts en route the monument gave subtle hints of the destination – The walk complimented by a half-way champagne stop at Reuben’s – Most people were quite stunned when they arrived at the Huguenot Monument!

This post features all the photos from Babette (La Residence) & Hans’s (Basse Provence) preparations, all the way through to the end of the ceremony.

Please visit Zara-Zoo to see all the beautiful photographs. Andre of Vivid Blue Photography for helped the ZaraZoo team to cover this one!

• Venue - Huguenot Monument

• Make-up - Alicia Buckle

• Coordinator - The Aleit Academy

• Decor - Floral Affairs

• Dress - Abigail Betz

• ZaraZoo Photographer - Stefan Steenkamp

• Assistant - Laura da Paixao

I would just like to add that flowers was the most beautiful I have ever seen!! The bride looked radiant, lovely and beautiful. The food and service was flawless – as with all the Aleit events.

Everything that touches us, me and you,

Takes us together like a violin’s bow,

Which draws one voice out of two separate strings.

Upon what instrument are we two spanned?

And what musician holds us in his hand?

Oh sweetest song.

From “Love Song”, Rainer Maria Rilke 1875 – 1926

printed paper bags!

2011-11-09T14:58:00.000+02:00

We are in love with these cute printed paper bags, printed with glossy vegetable ink. Choose from several fun designs or have your own bag designed at an additional cost of R350. Gorgeous for your candy buffet, party gifts, lucky packets or anything that you would like to present in a colourfull way.

Colours can be changed to suit your style.

For more info, please contact +27 (0)21 976 7111.

Beautiful Bridesmaid's

2011-11-08T17:38:00.000+02:00

Oh boy, how happy are we that horrible bridesmaid's dresses are a thing of the past (well, we hope so, anyway!)

Bridesmaid's dresses don't necessarily have to be boring. Play with different colours, textures, styles and accessories when choosing dresses for your bridesmaid's. Draw inspiration from different fashion periods and give it a modern twist.

And remember: it might not be HER wedding, but she deserves to look great, feel comfortable and show a bit of her own style. She is after all your best friend!

Picture Perfect Wedding Invitation

2011-11-03T13:54:00.000+02:00

We love this viewmaster wedding invite from Melangerie Inc and Lesley Weiner. The invite uses a vintage viewmaster and photos from the couple’s engagement to help bring the joy of their union to their guests. It’s an original and engaging experience for the guests, and will definitely get people talking about the wedding.

Christmas e-card special

2011-10-26T13:36:00.003+02:00

Ever thought of sending a branded digital Christmas card or e-card to clients, associates and friends?

A bespoke Christmas e-card, branded with your company colours, logo and personal greeting.

E-cards are simply an electronic version of a standard greeting card that you can send by e-mail. You simply choose your card from a selection, customize it and click send, and the lucky recipient will receive your card within seconds. They have become wildly popular in recent years due to the many advantages they have over traditional paper cards.

Hurry, this offer is only valid till 8 November 2011!!

Coral Crush II

2011-10-25T17:02:00.000+02:00

Paper Parasols

2011-10-20T06:50:00.000+02:00

With the Summer events season well on it’s way, we are pleased to offer a fantastic and gorgeous solution to keep your guests cool throughout the day. The paper parasol is fun and quirky as well as functional. They provide a great accessory and are perfect for creating interesting photographs. The parasols can be used at morning or afternoon events, add a great deal of atmosphere and can be used as unique favours or gifts for your guests.

Elsje Designs is pleased to offer white paper parasols at R69.00 each on purchases between now and the end of November 2011. Please note there is a minimum order of 25 units.

Should you wish to place an order, please contact us on admin@elsje.co.za.

The Perfect Pinwheel

2011-10-17T18:05:00.000+02:00

This week our production team has been very busy with exciting ideas and inspirations. If you are looking for an innovative concept that can be used for a variety of events including invitations, kids parties, baby showers, table decoration or simply to have something beautiful in a room, we are pleased to be able to offer you a pinwheel solution.
The pinwheel can be printed or non printed. It is available in a variety of stunning paper options and embellishments. Each pinwheel is hand-crafted with scalloped edges and can be personalised to your specific requirements. We love the versatile pinwheel!

Should you require any further information or wish to place an order, please contact us on admin@elsje.co.za

Going digital...

2011-10-14T10:26:00.000+02:00

Whilst we still adore the craft associated with colourful print, beautiful paper, ribbon and embellishments it is vital for us to keep up with the changing times. We are pleased to be able to offer electronic solutions for our clients in addition to the printed alternative.

Electronic “Save the Dates’’ and “e-vites” are a cost and time effective way of informing or inviting guests to your event. Be it your wedding, year end work function, birthday party, baby announcement or festive season greeting, digital announcement or invitations, we are able to design according to your theme, colours, look and feel to allow your unique touch to filter through.

We would recommend that electronic announcements are used in conjunction with physical invitations.

To find out more, please contact us on admin@elsje.co.za.

White paper & Bamboo Fan special @ R15 ea

2011-10-13T19:09:00.000+02:00

Stay cool this summer with this limited offer at R15 each (normal price R27 each) minimum order: 25 units. These plain white paper & bamboo fans are an attractive addition to any summer celebration. A must have accessory for hot summer celebrations.

As an optional extra, you may choose names and dates to be printed on the handle. Maximum 20 characters.

Limited offer, while stock last.

6 ways to save money on your invitations

2011-10-06T14:20:00.000+02:00

If you're a budget-savvy couple, you're probably looking to save money wherever you can. One area you might not have thought of is your wedding invitations. Don't think you need to buy flimsy paper or discounted blurry printing. You can still have an elegant but cheap wedding invitation.

Here are 6 easy ways of saving money on invitations:

1. Digital Save the Date
E-mail an eye-catching Save the Date to your guests (one year to 6 months prior to your wedding) . This will allow your guests to indicate whether they are able to attend, therfore reduce the number of printed invitations you need to order.

2. Different Printing Techniques
An embossed invitation is a beautiful – but an expensive one. But there are alternatives. Laser printing (the same kind used for magazines, postcards, etc.) is perfectly appropriate and flawless quality.

3. The Little Extras
Intricate invitations with jackets, bows, multiple layers of paper and other embellishments are very popular these days. But those little extra details can really add up. Not only will you pay for their cost, but there might be hidden assembly fees (or extra work for you), as well as additional postage costs. Instead go for the classic look of a simple invitation printed on a high-quality paper.

4. Standard Size Invitations
Some people mistakenly think that as long as their invites weigh less than one ounce, they can use a regular first class stamp. Not only is this not true, but most invitations weigh more than an ounce.

Postage will be more if:
· It is a square letter
· It contains very rigid items such as wood or metal
· It has clasps, string, buttons, or similar closure devices
· It has an address parallel to the shorter dimension of the letter
· It contains items such as pens that cause the surface to be uneven

5. Proofread
A no-brainer, perhaps, but you'd be surprised how many people find errors on their invitations and have to re-order with extra rush charges. Get a couple of trusted friends or colleagues to look over the invitation for extra insurance. Make sure you've got all the details of names, date, time, location, and RSVP correct!

6. Order extra invitations and envelopes

This might seem counterintuitive, but since almost every couple remembers someone that they HAVE to invite at the last minute, you'll want to have a few extra wedding invitations. And since it's likely that you'll make a few goofs while addressing them, order extra envelopes as well. It will cost you a little extra now, but save you lots of reprinting and rush charges later.

Fashion Trends for Summer

2011-09-29T14:28:00.000+02:00

Plunging neckline

Turn up the heat for spring 2011 with the women’s plunging neckline, a neckline that has captured the imagination of designers from the likes of Gucci to your local artisan.

Maxi dress goes sheer
Every season trends evolve, and every season two trends merge. In that regards, summer 2011 will be no different from what has come before it. What will be different, however, is the season’s take on a staple for many women’s summer wardrobe: the maxi dress. In spring 2011 it’ll merge with another trend favourite to give us the sheer maxi dress trend.

Lace clothing
No, it’s not new. But, like all trends that span multiple seasons, it has evolved. Lace influences for summer are more to the classic side with quality antique-style fabrics the key to the trend. Less of the allover, stretch lace and more of the unique takes.

Crochet & macrame
These are two fabric finishes that could had to return: the re-rise of 70s fashion, the popularity of nautical, and a love for lace guaranteed it.

Tassels
Sometimes a little detail is all it takes to change the feel of a garment. One of the most popular trimmings is one that signifies luxury or, at times, the exotic. Adorning everything from handbags to shoes to dresses and hats.

Women’s tuxedo
Thanks to the likes of Tom Ford and the re-rise of 1970s fashion, the women’s tuxedo makes its comeback and carries on into next season. But given it was also on-trend as recently as 2008, this is one fashion trend you could definitely get wrong this season.

Pleats
Able to be worn softly or with an edge, they’re a style that might seem ever-green – but don’t let that fool you. Pleats are at the fore in spring / summer 2011, in fact, they’re dominating women’s fashion for the season. And they’ll continue to do so into next year.

Bell bottoms
With skinny pants and jeans now so common that they no longer make a statement it was inevitable that a different style would emerge as a trend. It didn’t necessarily have to be this one, but with the come back of all things 1970s it was inevitable that fashion forward people would turn to bell bottoms / flared pants as their style of choice.

Wide leg pants
By now the general experiment with cuts of pants and jeans that aren’t skinny should be evident: women’s pant trends in spring 2011 are defined by this experimentation with everyone keen to see options for women that simply aren’t skinny. Hence alongside the flares are wide leg pants and jeans.

Capri pants
For every trend exists its opposite. So as spring / summer 2011′s fashion trends allow us to welcome flares back into our wardrobes, so too does it allow for an opposite style, in the form of capri pants, to make a showing.

Tail hems: dresses longer at the back
They’ve been seen as an alternative to the summer mini skirt or maxi dress for sometime, and for spring / summer 2011 ‘tail hems’ continue their reign as the more interesting alternative to both.

Stripes
Stripes are a dominant part of any spring / summer season, though usually, year on year, featuring a variation on the theme. Summer sees stripes with an unsurprising nautical dominance.

Jumpsuits & playsuits
They’re something of a yoyo trend: one season they’re in, the next season they’re out. For summer they’re back again, reinterpreted to fuse in many of the season’s other fashion trends.

Crop tops
It was 2009 that we last focussed on this look as a trend, and back then it certainly wasn’t a trend for the whole year. This is very much a high-summer 2011 look, one great for the hottest of weather and party atmospheres, such as festivals.

Choker necklaces & cuff bracelets
If you’re looking to make a statement with your accessories this summer, then be sure to turn to the accessory that has captured our imagination this spring / summer and will easily carry over to next season. It’s the solid jewelry trend and it includes everything everything from cuffs to collars.

Cat eye sunglasses
With the warmer weather comes the need to update your sunglasses collection with a new and on-trend style. For summer the best accompaniment to a vintage-inspired look is a shape that screams ’50s/’60s glamour. From the very subtle to the extreme..

One&Only: Lavish new venue and special offer

2011-09-28T16:55:00.004+02:00

This urban chic waterfront resort provides an unprecedented level of luxury. They have recently relaunched their wedding venue with glamorous chandeliers, cream and crystal opulent decor.

We at Elsje Designs are proud to offer for the month of October 2011, a special package to all the One&Only bridal couples:
• a complementary on-site consultation at the One&Only with Elsje, owner and creative director.
• digital Save-the-Date (to the value of R650) included in their stationery order over R3 000.

To launch this magnificent new venue, the hotel is offering:
• a 90 minute yacht cruise
• luxury honey moon suite for 2 nights
• a romantic petal and sparkling wine turn down
• complimentary menu and wine tasting for the couple in Reuben's restaurant.
• dance floor, tables, chairs, all cutlery, crockery and glassware
• crisp white, floor length table linen
• and my favourite... a complimentary first anniversary dinner in Reuben's restaurant!

Incredible value at R20 000.

For more information, please contact info@elsje.co.za or +27 (0)21 976 7111.

Love and Typography

2011-09-28T11:51:00.006+02:00

We’re mad about typography at Elsje Design, and we’re always looking out for amazing type artists. One such individual is Marian Bantjes, a Canadian designer-typographer and she made a name for herself creating Valentine’s Day Cards. These aren’t your average Valentine’s Day cards though; they’re incredibly intricate and beautiful gestures of love. Her designs are unbelievably personal for instance; in 2007 she created over 150 individual designs.

Blogpost by Natalie Irish - the latest member of our staff.

Fashionable Friday: It's not orange, it's CORAL!!

2011-09-23T17:02:00.002+02:00

It's not orange, it's not pink, it's coral!

The perfect colour for your summer wedding.

Come on brides, be adventurous... We can't wait to get crazy with coral.

Pencil + Patience = Art

2011-09-20T09:38:00.005+02:00

Pencil – only a tool used for painting, drawing, or putting down notes in the margins. But not Getty Dalton. This 45-year-old resident of Bridgeport turns ordinary pencils into miniature sculptures, without using a magnifying glass.

Dalton works very slowly. He does not use any special tools: for he needs only a blade, a sewing needle and a very bright light. To protect their vision, the author works for one and half hours a day. One tiny sculpture may take several months. “When I tell people how long it takes me to create sculptures, they simply do not believe me, – says Getty. – My patience is simply amazing people, because nowadays everyone wants to be quicker, faster and faster.

Book your consultation now!

2011-09-19T17:12:00.003+02:00

With the summer season looming, consultation fees will increase as of 1st of October 2011. In order to take advantage of our winter consultation fees, contact us on + 27 (0) 21 976 7111 to book your creative consultation before the 1st of October 2011. We are pleased to now offer telephonic consultations to those who are unable to visit us in the studio.

Since we are already in a festive mood, we will surprise you with a fun gift in true Elsje Designs style... Hope to see you soon.

Lollipop order of service for a summer wedding

2011-09-16T16:57:00.001+02:00

Trendy Thursday: emphasis on embossing

2011-09-15T10:28:00.009+02:00

Want your printed materials to feel, as well as look, different to others?

Embossing explained

Embossing makes something stand out from the page. It impresses an image or text into a surface using an engraved metal die (see top photograph). This creates a raised impression. If the impression is to be sunk, it is known as 'debossing'. You might also have come across the terms 'blind embossing', which means that no foiling or printing is required, and 'foil embossing' where foil is used in the process.

Emboss to impress

Embossing gives elegance to all kinds of printed materials including stationery and envelopes, invitations, wedding cards, thank you notes, gift bags and other promotional goods. The ultimate style statement being an envelope with an embossed flap - see photograph of a wedding invitation we have done recently.

Embossed business cards make a fantastic first impression in the corporate world. Along with matching embossed stationery, they mark you out as a smart and professional organisation to do business with.

Blog post by Mari Voges, graphic designer and emboss expert at Elsje Designs.

New Business Partner @ ED

2011-09-13T11:14:00.003+02:00

We are pleased to welcome Sarah as our new Business Manager at Elsje Designs.

Sarah hails from Scotland but grew up in Johannesburg where she studied Marketing and Business Management. Heading to the UK in 2000 she lived in London for 5 years before returning to Cape Town. Sarah's 15 years experience includes hospitality, retail and growing an international business within South Africa with expansion into multiple African markets. She has been privileged to work with exclusive, global brands and thrives in dynamic and fast-paced environments. With a specific focus on the luxury market, Sarah's commitment to excellence and client satisfaction is unwavering.

Sarah's energy and passion to produce a driven, focused and enthusiastic team will no doubt leave every client in awe. Out of hours, Sarah enjoys travelling the globe, pilates, exploring local wine farms and reading.

Sarah's 5 loves:
Travelling
Eating at new restaurants
Reading autobiographies
Lazy Sunday afternoons with family and friends
Frozen margherita’s

Sarah's 5 loathes:
Cruelty to animals
Swimming in the freezing Atlantic Ocean
Long queues
Mopane worms
Crying children on aeroplanes

Paper Hummingbirds special @ R6 ea

2011-09-06T09:58:00.002+02:00

Limited offer on these gorgeous paper hummingbirds - table decor and a seating card combination! To order, email us: info@elsje.co.za

Welcome Spring!

2011-09-05T20:34:00.003+02:00

We were recently priviledged to part take in a shoot with Christine Meintjies & Doreen Winking in Munich, Germany. Stunning work Christine! And Doreen, we love working with you! I will be doing some more blog posts on this special shoot.

Elsje Designs are selling these paper humming birds @ R8 ea. They are adorable and can be used as seating cards - the perfect way to seat your guests this spring. For more info, please contact the studio on 021 976 7111.

Position Available: Business Manager for Elsje Designs

2011-08-23T13:05:00.001+02:00

Business Manager: Elsje Designs

Elsje Designs are looking for an vibrant and ambitious business manager for our bespoke graphic design studio, in Durbanville. Basic salary of approx R14 000 to R18 000 per month - to be reviewed with the possibility of profit share, based on performance of 6 months.

Job description:
• this position requires initiative and lots of energy in a fast paced business
• planning and coordinating of production schedule and deadlines
• financial management and bookkeeping (cost accounting)
a good understanding of budgets, targets and financial forecastings.
• experience in cost accounting and/or costing of products
• highly proficient in Word and Excel
• the ability to liaise with clients and suppliers
• a systematic and highly organised go-getter
• must be able to manage a small team well (3 designers, 3 production workers)
• ability to deal with demanding high season during the summer months
• performance and target driven
• planning of daily studio workflow and meeting of deadlines
• general admin of the studio
• experience of basic HR management
• full time position with overtime when needed

Minimum requirements:
• business degree or diploma
• minimum or 3 years management experience
• strong organisational, business and people skills

It will count in your favour, if:
• you are passionate about project management
• knowledge of printing and/or design processes
• you are a numeric whizz
• you have knowledge of the events and wedding industry
• you would enjoy a creative and trendsetting design studio
• basic marketing skills
• you are immediately available.

Only candidates with the minimum requirements need apply to info@elsje.co.za

font love

2011-08-17T13:18:00.002+02:00

As a graphic designer, I'm always scouting for new fonts. Just love the simplicity of this one. Let me know what fonts you love.

Come on Summer!

2011-08-05T09:32:00.005+02:00

This spring and summer you will find yourself wrapped in heavenly fabrics, adorned with fabulous vivid colors, as well as soft neutrals. I will blog about these trends at a later stage.

Celebrate this spring personified with a palette mostly named after flowers: iris, viola, daffodil, poppy, and geranium. Unsurprisingly, should this color scheme take your fancy, this one should be worked into your Spring 2011 wardrobe as a part of your florals.

Look again this spring to seeing lace, and floral prints in the shops...

Thistle, Turquoise, Lemon and Peony

2011-07-14T11:47:00.001+02:00

More colour inspiration, Elsje Designs pics mixed with Flights of Fancy.

peach, melon and pewter

2011-07-07T19:31:00.002+02:00

I got inspiration for this moodboard from Flights of Fancy - I obviously tweaked it quite a bit. Top right hand pic from Lizelle Lotter - still one of my favourite photographers in the Southern Hemisphere...

Eco-friendly ideas for your celebration

2011-07-06T09:58:00.003+02:00

When I stubled across this great idea, I thought its a lovely DIY for our readers. I got it from www.tokketok.com, quite a stunning site for lovely ideas. This invitation is lined with an sheet of paper towel. And the message (menu or invite) written directly onto the envelope and taped the flatware to the inside of the envelope.

the handwriting and paper towel make it a little more casual.
if you want it fancier, you can print directly onto your envelope
and make a liner with a paper napkin or even a fabric one.

have a lovely week everyone!

The new trend in celebration planning is to factor in environment friendly ideas, items, and locations to achieve the ultimate green party! If you think about it, there is a lot of paper products used during the celebration process.

Here are some Earth friendly ideas for your celebration:

•Use local flowers that are readily available to save on fuel costs transporting flowers.
•Offer a menu that is totally organic and preferably locally grown. Give leftovers to local homeless shelters.
•Keep the amount of driving for your guests to a minimum. donate the calculated mileage costs your guests will be driving to a organizations that plant trees and care for the environment.
•Ask guests to bring a donation for programs that preserve the rainforests or actually helping the earth, in lieu of expensive gifts.

If you have any great ideas to share, please send them to me!

Something new...

2011-07-04T15:12:00.004+02:00

We are in love with these very graphic floral 3D cards. Perfect if you want to impress your guests with something different.

Travel style invitation

2011-06-28T16:31:00.004+02:00

When I saw this stunning invitation on Etsy, I got so excited and felt I just had to share it with our readers. Though it's a designer in the USA that created it, I'm sure it we can do something similar with our own unique Elsje Designs take on it. We admire such clever and fresh concepts in invitations!!

The designer writes: This invitation is styled after a vintage map, with your names, wording, and a little X over where you are getting married. The map will fold up and fit into a square 6x6 envelope, complete with a tag and baker's twine holding it all in place. You can choose any map you like, whether it's a specific state or another country, just ask!

You can also find more details visit our blog: http://ellotheredesign.blogspot.com/

Extended Winter Warmer Freebie!!

2011-06-23T12:17:00.015+02:00

We have decided to extend our special on our handpicked range of designer Save the Dates. This winter warmer is just in time for all the year end weddings! Please contact us for more information.

Since the 1930's movie Water for Elephants, was such a visual inspiration, we decided it must be one of our themes for the Save the Date catalogue. I predict that this theme will be a very popular style for decor and stationery in the coming season.

An old circus poster - love the colours!

One of the Save the Dates we have created to suit the vintage circus feel - more in the catalogue!

And finally, its always nice to end off with a love quote...

Book your stationery

Get creative with these lovely old images

2011-06-15T18:05:00.003+02:00

Eye candy to brighten a cold winters day!

2011-06-13T14:33:00.002+02:00

Travelling Save the Date

2011-06-10T13:51:00.000+02:00

Free Save-the-Date offer for the month of June!

2011-06-07T20:12:00.000+02:00

Welcome to our new studio manager!

2011-06-03T11:35:00.003+02:00

Happy days are here again, the lovely Vinette has joined our team on the 1st of June. She spent the last almost 3 years working as the Functions Co-ordinator at the Two Oceans Aquarium. We received about 700 CV's (crazy). Vinette stood out, as she has been an avid admirer of Elsje Designs for sometime, so it was essentially her dream to be part of our family! Also her vibey and organized energy is contageous. Welcome Vinette, I hope you would feel loved and appreciated in our close knit family.

Get to know Vinette better...

Loves:

• My husband and beautiful 6 month old baby girl, Tatum (meaning cheerful and full of spirit).
• All things pretty, colourful and creative.
• My family, friends and church community.
• Assisting brides in all things relating to their big day.
• Fresh ideas, implementing new systems & marketing.
• Meeting deadlines!

Loathes:

• Getting up early in winter.
• Chaos – I like a highly organised environment.
• The colour orange.
• Being late in anything (appointments, deadlines or promises) – not an option!
• War movies.
• Not making time to stop and smell the roses.

Vinette had the following to say about her future at Elsje Designs.
I would like to bring the following to the team:

- A highly organised streamlined administrative process making it quicker, simpler and easier for both client and Elsje Designs Team.

- The creation and implementation of a comprehensive marketing campaign aimed at bringing in more business, especially focused on tapping into the corporate market.

- An injection of fun and energy in an often deadline driven environment.

(Beach) Weddings by Marius

2011-05-30T20:49:00.004+02:00

One of the people that we are always overjoyed to work with, is surely Marius! Stylish, well organised, meticulous, professional, always happy and sensible, but allowing us the utmost in creativity and pushing the boundaries... It is a joy to not only know him, but to work with this style savvy guy as well.

Marius, we look forward to the next trendsetting Garden Route wedding!! Well done.

Izandi and Du Toit's Save the Date!

2011-05-25T14:22:00.002+02:00

Izandi from I do weddings, is a young, vibrant, wedding planner with a killer sense of style and personality to match. When she came for her stationery consultation, we just knew that this would be something out of the ordinary. Her briefing was quite clear: not the usual, please!

We have already conseptualised the invitation, all that I can disclose, is that it would be trendsetting and a future best seller!

The team at Elsje Designs live for FRESH ideas and breaking the mould with new creative concepts in stationery.

Vintage Circus II

2011-05-24T15:36:00.002+02:00

Beautiful Bavarian Wedding!

2011-05-23T19:44:00.002+02:00

It is always a joy to work with Doreen in Munich. This time round Verena and Paul's stationery fitted perfectly to their Bavarian themed wedding, it was stylish yet Bavarian which was important to the couple.

For more about Doreen's lovely work, please visit www.doreenwinking.de

Yellow and Gray, still my favourite colour combination!

2011-05-11T14:08:00.005+02:00

I love yellow and gray, especially this goldenrod shade with the earthier putty tone – it pops in the most subtle way…

Trying to find a fun and easy way to show off photos and present seating cards at your wedding? Look no further… than your laundry room that is! The simple DIY idea of using clothespins and hanging things from clotheslines is a great alternative to a typical table set up. Perfect for an outdoor wedding, virtually anything can hang from large or small lines.

As for the color palette… that’s just me! I love the soft creams and bright golds that scream warm summer time and tie all of the photos together so well.

Flights of Fancy for the most inspirational ideas ever!

Eco trends in stationery

2011-05-10T14:10:00.003+02:00

Eco Trends in Stationery

By Patricia Norins

Eco-conscious consumers have been voting green with their wallets for a while now and green paper has consistently been a top eco-staple. As technology makes new kinds of papers and recycling options available, the variety of green stationery grows ever stronger and attractive. Here are some enduring trends in environmentally and socially conscious stationery that no retailer can afford to ignore.

Inking the Deal
Vegetable dyes and soy inks are environmentally friendly alternatives to petroleum-based inks. Green vendors are increasingly switching to these inks and dyes to create vibrant and colorful patterns on a variety of stationery. Elsje Designs invested in a vegetable ink printer about 2 years ago, not only does it print superb quality but its also environmentally friendly - we love it!

Recycled Still Rules
Looking for a “must-have” when it comes to green stationery? Look no further than recycled paper stock—a no-brainer for true greenies. Even better, recycled paper is more than just a nod toward the eco-conscious; it looks chic and far removed from the dull papers of yesteryear. It’s no wonder—recycled rules! Pop into the studio to see our latest range of beautiful recycled papers.

Tree Huggers
Who says you have to cut down trees to make paper? Not any more. Paper made from stones and other easily renewable materials is catching on. Elsje Designs are stocking sugar cane paper, bamboo paper and even plastic recycled paper - we love these new environmentally friendly papers. Even better, the manufacturing process consumes significantly less energy than traditional ones.

Can’t Pooh-pooh This!
Talk about true recycling! All manner of dung is getting a second look as a component for fun stationery. Elephant dung leads the charge here. Stationery products made from this truly renewable material look great and, as an added bonus, tell a great story. And yes, they don’t smell.

Sow Green!
A veritable garden in a card. Such is the thesis of the plantable card which was introduced a couple of years ago and has grown in popularity ever since. The cards (and bookmarks too) are impregnated with seeds and the entire package can be planted in any garden. The idea continues to please green thumbs and non-gardeners alike. This lovely paper product is manufactured in the Western Cape by previously disadvantaged women.

Doing Good
It’s a twofer that most consumers love—buying a gift that will also do good at the same time. Socially conscious stationery vendors are coughing up proceeds of sales to a variety of charities and consumers love to join in the effort. Elsje Designs is passionate about this concept and have been doing it for the past 10 years!

How will the Royal Wedding influence wedding trends?

2011-05-06T14:52:00.004+02:00

As they say, “everything old is new again” and what is likely to reverberate from the April 29, 2011 wedding is a revival of traditional wedding touches. Among the trends you may see in the next couple of years are:

Lace and Sleeves:

For years sleeveless gowns have overshadowed their less popular, more modest cousins, regardless of the season. With her Grace Kelly-inspired gown by Sarah Burton at Alexander McQueen, however, Kate (who will henceforth be known as Catherine) has certainly popularized the sleeves once more. She’s also restored sexy-but-demure lace to its former glory, making “classic” new again.

Understatement:

From her own sophisticated gown to her meaningful, understated bouquet which included myrtle planted by Queen Victoria, to her sister’s breathtaking yet sleek dress, Kate selected understated and stylish elegance over drama at every turn. Even the couple’s first kiss was quick and delicate. While the scale of the overall wedding was royal and epic, the details were personal; just the way a wedding should be.

Natural Beauty

Natural looking make up can be just as glamorous as a smokey eye. The people’s new princess proved that your wedding day look can be perfect without being over the top.

Big Bouquets Be Gone

Quite the opposite of Princess Diana’s elaborate cascading bouquet, the new princess carried a modestly sized and simple wired bouquet of sweet lilium, myrtle, and lily of the valley.

Living Ceremony Decor

Beautiful trees that lined the aisle of Westminster Abbey, as a symbol of commitment and longevity, were an elegant alternative to the popular candelabra aisle pieces.

Return to Tradition

Welcome back heavenly choirs, understated and simplistic elegance, and traditional ceremonies. It’s no longer about the bling but rather the love shared as two lives combine.

The Royal Wedding

2011-05-03T09:30:00.006+02:00

It was Annemie's last day on Friday. We decided to all dress up like royalty and enjoyed the wedding of the year in typical English style with scones and tea! All enjoying the festivities but also with a bit of sadness, saying goodbye to our studio manager after 4 years at Elsje Designs.

Herewith the official invitation to William and Kate's wedding....

Over the weekend, I came across this lovely tongue-in-the-cheek invitation on Etsy, I thought I just need to share it with you! A typographical print to celebrate the royal wedding! It mixes typical London iconography such as crowns, soldiers, a tube sign and Westminster Abbey, with bunting, a corgi chewing a union jack and a wedding car trailing posh artifacts!

Hope you all had the opportunity to watch the Royal Wedding. We surely had lots of fun on Friday!

2011-04-19T18:02:00.002+02:00

Elsje Designs

STUDIO MANAGER

STILL WANTED!

Durbanville bespoke and fast-paced, vibrant graphic design business needs left brain person that is brilliant with administration, management and planning. Requirements: strong leader, costing and business qualifications and/or minimum 3 years experience. Salary R12 000 with great upward potential. Scroll further down to view a complete job description. Email your CV to info@elsje.co.za.

Garland of names

2011-04-14T10:26:00.002+02:00

These photographs by Maria Ikonomopoulou are absolutely breathtaking! Originally for an exhibit, the shapes are actually names cut from paper. I adore the simulated waterfall effect and the concept of being clothed in names of loved ones is brilliant.

Fashion evolution through the decades

2011-04-13T16:55:00.002+02:00

Since all of us love fashion at Elsje Designs, our attention was captured by a history of fashion trends as silhouettes - and we knew you'd enjoy it too!

So what do we think will happen beyond the end of the chart? It's all a little bit of history repeating: being right now in the tail end of a seventies revival, we expect to creep back to those later sixties and potentially the roaring twenties in coming seasons. This inspired information comes via retrogasm.

Beauty and the Blue Bull

2011-04-13T15:08:00.003+02:00

Gorgeous beauty queen, Elodé married the formidable Flip van der Merwe, from the Blue Bulls ruby team. We created this stylish digital thank you card with the couple's favourite wedding pics.

Fabulous feedback

2011-04-12T16:34:00.004+02:00

We have worked on a extremely stylish wedding with Jayne and Andries, getting married in Plettenberg Bay. Gina Potgieter was the stylist and coordinator, we delight in collaborating with her, as she's always got the coolest and most fashion forward ideas. This celebration was no different.... Navy blue, white and a hint of gold. The scene was set for a magical wedding with lots of contemporary elements, like the brown paper bag with gold stitching (featured here) and the monkey chandelier menu inside. (Thanks to Nita that worked tirelessly with me on this job, and for taking this beautiful photograph.)

Dearest Elsje Team

I have been meaning to call ever since I first laid eyes on our absolutely gorgeous wedding stationary but with no signal at the venue and even less here in Madagascar, I have had to resort to email!

After our meeting, I was completely uninvolved in the whole stationary process and although I had no doubt that you and your team would do a brilliant job, I could never have anticipated the quirky, OH-SO-BEAUTIFUL stationary that arrived in Plett perfectly on time, despite the very tight deadline that you were given. Our stationary really made the decor and wowed our guests. Without it the wedding would certainly not have been the same!

The beautiful origami order of services looked stunning hanging from the Milkwood outside our ceremony venue – I loved all of the special details that you included that represented Andries and I so perfectly. It was so meaningful to be able to use my great granny’s old sewing table and the canvas seating plan with gold stitching looked perfect draping over it!

The cute images of the insects looking through the binoculars made a perfect balance of old and new – we spotted tons of photos being taken of this feature!

The menus turned out even better than I could ever have hoped – the gold foiling was sublime and I was so excited to see our monkeys hanging from the chandelier – one of my favourite images that the brilliant Gina found!

You used everything we gave you so cleverly and managed to surprise us with special extras that only a phenomenally creative team could think up! I saw many guests leaving with their adorable pop-up-place-mats tucked under their arms but am thrilled that most of the lazer-cut pieces under the cloche made it back into their boxes – I am so excited to find the perfect place for these in our home as well as for the wooden monkeys who I suspect will be living in our pot-plants on the kitchen windowsill!

Right from day one and especially during the last couple of weeks (when I had so much on my mind that I was barely able to think straight) you and your team made the stationary process an absolute breeze and one of the most fun and rewarding parts of our wedding.

You realised that we had big ideas and a small budget and managed to guide and advise us on how to get maximum impact without breaking the bank!

I will sing your praises to everyone I meet and look forward to the next excuse to have something special designed and made by Else Designs! Thank you for your energy, enthusiasm, astounding creativity and professional follow through!

With love Jayne (& monkey)

Distinguish yourself with Social Calling Cards

2011-04-11T17:24:00.001+02:00

Calling cards have made a fashionable reappearance in our fast-paced 21st century lives. It is far more casual yet refined to give during social occasions. These cards will help remind people of new acquaintances. It can almost be viewed as a way to brand your social identity. They are the perfect personal introduction for those occasions when a business card is too business-like. What is a social calling card? A visiting card, also known as a calling card, is a small paper card with one’s name and personal details printed on it. What is the history to a calling card? They first appeared in China in the 15th century, and in Europe towards the end of the 16th century. The footmen of aristocrats and of royalty would convey these visiting cards to the servants of their prospective hosts seriously introducing the arrival of their owners. In formal Victorian times, they were used when making introductions and home visits. The difference between a calling card and a business card… During the heyday of calling cards, using a business card for a social purpose was considered bad manners. Today, while business cards are great for making business contacts, they still aren’t really suited for social situations. They probably have your work number and work email, and not much else on them. Think of all the times you meet someone you’d like to see again. Handing them a business card is too stiff and formal. Ditto for simply having them put your digits into their phone. What do I put on my social calling card? Your blog or website address; Twitter username; Facebook or Myspace name (if it’s different than the one on the card); Email address; Instant message name and mobile number. Social Calling cards in 2011 and beyond? Essentially, social calling cards are just like business cards except they don’t “state your business”. They simply have your name and contact information. This is a much more stylish way of presenting your details as opposed to scribbling your name and personal email address for people. Often there are instances where you would like to give people your personal contact information and keep business separate. Social calling cards are also useful while traveling. You can meet some wonderful people during your journeys and they make it very easy to exchange personal information. For Newlyweds, they are a great way to share your new name (if you went that route) and/or your new address. Because there are no rules for today’s social calling cards, they are great avenues of self-expression. These can be less serious than your business card.

Saying good bye to Annemie, our studio manager.

2011-04-06T20:10:00.004+02:00

At the end of the month we will be saying goodbye to the most loyal and dedicated colleague, that any company can dream to have. Annemie, we will miss you and just our best wishes accompany you on the road ahead as a children's wear designer. We have lots of happy memories to treasure!

We are still looking for the right candidate to fill Annemie's shoes and hope to appoint the right person by mid April. If you do know of someone interested, please forward this email on to them.

STUDIO MANAGER: brief job description

Take charge of the day to day operational planning in the studio:

Dealing with initial enquiries, interface with clients, develop orders and bring the designers to the forefront as need be. Formulate all quotes and secure orders as well as deal with all variations in mandates. Allocate various jobs to designers and assume overall responsibility for the performance of the production staff. Help, in conjunction with Elsje, to create a productive, energetic and fulfilling working environment Ensure that service levels are exemplary and that output is attuned to client needs Maximise profitability Interface closely with Elsje regarding the strategy, direction and general conduct of the business Specifically develop a marketing plan and personally promote the business and secure corporate clients. In conjunction with the accounting function, develop a simple yet effective reporting system. Interface with the accounting function in regard to inputs and invoicing and collection of debtors Interface with Elsje and the accounting function in regard to the budget and performance against budget.

Weekdays from 8am to 5pm. Salary R12 000 negotiable.

Requirements: business degree or diploma and at least 3 years experience as a manager.

Send your CV to elsje@elsje.co.za or phone 021 976 7111 for more info.

Ballet inspiration

2011-04-05T20:21:00.000+02:00

Studio Manager wanted

2011-04-04T19:50:00.004+02:00

Elsje Designs is looking for a dynamic studio manager to guide a vibrant team of creatives!

Remuneration: R10000 - R13000 per month negotiable

Education level: Business Degree or Diploma or at least 5 years experience in project management

Travel requirement: Occasional

Tasks include:
• General Project Management
• Must be brilliant with organising and meeting deadlines
• Planning and coordinating of work flow within Elsje Designs
• Basic financial management and bookkeeping
• Costing of products and quotes to clients
• Liaise with suppliers, clients and wedding planners
• Flair for new trends in fashion and decor
• In depth knowledge of Excel and basic knowledge of Pastel
• Fast learner and the ability to multi-task
• Excellent numeracy and writing skills

Ideally we are looking for a left brain go-getter that is brilliant with project management, administration, management and planning. To work in a creative, fast paced design environment!

Contact details Elsje 021 976 7111 elsje@elsje.co.za

Studio Manager needed for Elsje Designs

2011-04-01T11:12:00.003+02:00

Elsje Designs soek 'n dinamiese en energieke studio bestuurder vir ons unieke en fun Grafiese Ontwerp Studio in Durbanville. R12 000 onderhandelbaar. Stuur jou CV aan elsje@elsje.co.za of besoek www.elsje.co.za om te sien wat ons doen! Elsje Designs are looking for a dynamic and energetic studio manager for our bespoke and vibrant Graphic Design Studio in Durbanville. R12 000 negotiable. Send your CV to elsje@elsje.co.za or visit http://www.elsje.co.za/ to see exactly what we do!

Rubberstamps Rule!

2011-03-31T21:20:00.002+02:00

What a great way for a DIY bride to enhance her stationery. We can help out with a stunning design and you can get creative with your invitations, envelopes, cocktail napkins, thank you cards - anything! From R200, depending on the design.

Cigar invitations for a Cuban party

2011-03-25T09:22:00.003+02:00

We did these cuban cigar invitations for a birthday party end of last year. Definitely something different - the cigar had a typical vintage band designed around the rolled brown paper (to resemble a cigar) - and the invitation itself was written in a letter format with a lovely messy handwriting font.

Hurry and place your order

2011-03-24T18:20:00.003+02:00

We are placing our first order tomorrow morning at 9am for these beauties.... Let us know and you can save on courier costs, as well make use of the same courier service. But remember, we are ordering at 9am. They will sell out very fast, so hurry if you want one of these coveted bell jars. Order them, baie emailing admin@elsje.co.za of phoning 021-9767111 with your code and quantity.

Coveted designer cloches on limited offer!

2011-03-23T10:36:00.005+02:00

Let’s celebrate with these printed cloches or bell jars, winner of the 2010 product design competition. It is impossible to find a more beautiful gift or decor item!

Large cloches R320
Small cloches R280

HURRY! SPECIAL ONLY WHILE STOCKS LAST OR TILL END MARCH 2011.
Courier fees ranging from R100 to R200 per order, minimum of 3 bell jars per order.

Brag Tuesday!

2011-03-22T13:32:00.004+02:00

Dear Valued Elsje Designs clients, followers and supporters

We are well into 2011 and we are thrilled about the improvements we have achieved in this our business these past weeks:

• We got the help of a consultant, Carisa Smuts (cell 083 324 5710) to assist us to simplify our business - KISS! Keep it simple, stupid. What a change she made!!! I can really recommend her business savvy combined with people skills - we loved working with her and would like to continue to do so. She also provided much needed moral support in this time of change with two new designers!

• We have improved our website and made the online shopping experience easier for all our customers from afar.

• We are Tweeting at least twice a day - giving you constant updates of what we are up to!

• We have uploaded our new and updated Rental Catalogue on our online shop.

• Since our Rented goodies are so popular and due to public demand, we are selling some of these items - so download the catalogue with rental and/or sale prices.

• We have uploaded confetti ideas on the wedding pages.

• We are finishing all our deadlines a day early - no more last minute rushes. Phew, what a relief....

• We are bursting with excitement over our Letterpress machine and can't wait to use it regularly. Keep your eyes open for specials in winter.

• We have started a "what's new" section to show to all our visitors that is keen for fresh ideas.

With your help and feedback we would like to further improve... Please email us with any ideas, comments, feedback - one condition: that you are brutally honest!

Mail them directly to me, the owner on elsje@elsje.co.za and I will keep them highly confidential.

Regards
Elsje

new "menu" artwork for hot foiling/embossing

2011-03-18T10:33:00.002+02:00

As you might have heard, Elsje Designs recently invested in a letterpress and foiling machine. It's still very much brand new and this will be one of our first jobs on this monster! I have just created this stunning artwork. We are sending it off to the plate maker this morning... Please hold thumbs! This particular artwork will be hot foiled in gold onto a brown paper bag. But it could also be used in future to print in any colour, including white. The quality is marvellous and we are very excited with this new venture in our portfolio. We can't wait to use it for embossing, letterpressing or hot stamp foiling.

your menu printed on a satin ribbon

2011-03-17T18:13:00.003+02:00

We have done this stunning idea for the Aleit group. Working with them is always fun as we get to push the envelope! Prices start at R20 per 1m ribbon, depending on your quantity. For more info, contact 021 976 7111 or info@elsje.co.za or visit http://www.elsje.co.za/weddings_Menu.html for more menu ideas.

4 new items added to our rental list

2011-03-16T16:19:00.004+02:00

Above left:
bold and beautiful glass crystal to hold your menu and/or table number

Above right:
chic Roman numerals as an alternative to the usual table numbers

Bottom left:
ornate gold mirrored perspex frames, perfect for a photo gallery combined with table seating

Bottom right:
very popular at the moment - birdcages to hang your origami birds from with your table seating or guest messages

ELSJE DESIGNS
RENTAL CATALOGUE

Your event decor can be dramatically enhanced with the use of items from the Elsje Designs rental catalogue.

If you rent, it doesn't take a fortune to create the look you love. Not only are these items functional but also complementing your look. The Elsje Designs team can easily customise your stationery for these items, to fit in with your decor. Alternatively, rent the items and to add your own stationery. Many of these items can be customised to suit your needs.
Listed in the catalogue are stylish ornate table numbers and frames, chic modern Roman numeral table numbers, interesting alternatives to money boxes and display items to make your table seating more fun and interactive for your guests. These items can transform your celebration and give something for your guests to talk about long after the event has passed.

Elsje Designs strive to supply products that represents the current trends within the celebration industry, aiming to provide a selection of popular or unusual items for your event decor.

For further information on having products customised or sourced, please email our studio on info@elsje.co.za or phone +27 (0) 21 976 7111.

all prices listed exclude vat

Rental Catalogue

2011-03-15T19:05:00.005+02:00

Fun Photobooth props!

2011-03-14T13:03:00.002+02:00

We received this fun photograph from a client last week - what a stunning idea to have this made (or to make yourself) for your wedding pics. Just imagine how much fun your guests will have!!

You can order it from Elsje Designs at R25 per unit.

Edible Art Cakes

2011-03-10T11:35:00.005+02:00

We recently met a very sweet girl called Maggi. She arrived at the studio with a gorgeous portfolio her cakes.

Her business is called Edible Art Cakes and she specialises in individually designed Wedding cakes. Maggi is able to fulfill any of your Wedding cake wishes and will ensure that the Wedding cake will complete your dream wedding, whether you are looking for a modern or traditional style cake.

Chocolate Wedding cakes are becoming increasingly popular and our recipe must be tasted to be appreciated! We also provides your special cake for Birthdays, Christenings, Corporate events and Anniversary cakes to complete the special occasion.

http://www.edible-art-cakes.co.za/

Maggi: Phone 071 390 5329

Welcome to our 2 new designers!

2011-03-09T17:08:00.002+02:00

Elsje Designs is proud to welcome Mari (left) and Nita (right) to be part of our creative team. Mari studied Graphic Design at CPUT and worked for a printing company for the past two years. Nita studied at the Stellenbosch Academy of Design and Photography. After her studies she worked as a photographer (she's brilliant!) and explored the world for 2 years.

To celebrate this special occassion, we asked Maggi from Edible Art to surprise us with a decadent chocolate cake.

Mari het die volgende te sê oor haarself:

Ek glo dat alles in my die lewe met 'n doel gebeur.

'n Paar dinge wat ek love...
1. 'n Klient wat ek kan beindruk met my kreatiwiteit
2. My hond, Blaze en Kattie, my kat, ha ha ha!
3. My ma se kos
4. Dinosaur Wine Gums
5. Die reuk van die Weskus na die reën
6. 'n Lekker middagslapie
7. Less is more

'n Paar dinge wat ek loathe...
1. Skottelgoedwas
2. Gradient fills
3. Baie admin
4. Oefening
5. 'n Oorvol Inbox
6. Stomp skêre
7. Pienk

Nita skryf die volgende oor haarself:

"I do not feel I have wisdom enough yet, to love what is ugly."
Stendhal

'n Paar dinge wat ek love...
1. Musiek wat my laat move
2. Mooi afrikaanse woorde
3. Die eerste happie van iets lekkers (en ook die laaste)!
4. Skemer
5. My bed
6. Geverfde toonnaels
7. Enige skakering van groen

'n Paar dinge wat ek loathe...
1. Lou tee of koffie
2. Stryk
3. 'n Stadige rekenaar
4. Onoorspronklikheid
5. Clutter
6. Enigiets fake (mense en modes)
7. Drop shadows in designs

a dream come true....

2011-02-28T19:22:00.004+02:00

Elsje Designs was overwhelmed with joy when yet another decor magazine featured us in their "trends" section! I'm so grateful to everyone that made this possible... And being there on the day, Lana and Annemie, thanks a million, you made it even more fun!

Courtesy of House and Leisure, photographed by Ryan Patrick

Okasie now in Jozi!

2011-02-23T10:40:00.003+02:00

Okasie is truly the most amazing and creative floral designers I have ever met, and lovely people too!

Good luck with this new business venture, I'm sure Joburg will love you as much as we do.

2011: the year of the rabbit

2011-02-17T11:54:00.003+02:00

Fun facts about the year of the Rabbit

1. The rabbit is considered the luckiest sign
Unlike Western astrology, with its ever-shifting, daily horoscopes, those born under the sign of the rabbit are said to be kind, wise, gentle, considerate and, yes, fashionable. The rabbit is considered one of the most fortunate of the twelve animal signs and is the emblem of longevity. It is said to derive his essence from the Moon.

2. It promises a mellow year
Coming between the Year of the Tiger and the Year of the Dragon, which are both reputed for their global tumult, the Year of the Rabbit seems like it will be a piece of cake by comparison, claims Chinese Astrology.

3. Rabbit celebs
Albert Einstein, Frank Sinatra, Pope Benedict XVI, Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt and Johnny Depp were all born in the Year of the Rabbit.

Ps. Bunnies have been my favourite sign for a long time I was spoilt rotten when Lana (the most efficient and fashionable intern ever) came to visit on Tuesday with a whole stack of bunny gifts - featured in the photograph top left. Thanks Lana!