As long as I can remember I have had the urge to create! As a child my bedroom smelt of paint and turpentine; canvasses and other artistic media were scattered everywhere. After completing studies in 3D Design in Cape Town, I knew that mass production was not for me. I longed to make timeless, unique hand crafted articles.
I left South Africa and set off on an adventure, teaching English and exploring the Asian continent. During this time, while working in remote northern Thailand, I was fortunate to spend time with a local who taught me the art of crafting handmade leather bags.
It was here that I spent my afternoons experimenting with different tools and stitching tequniques.
Coracha bar and leather shop in Chiang rai
My first handmade leather handbag
Since my return to SA in 2009, I have honed this craft, creating bags with contemporary, rustic elegance for women who care about the environment, enjoy their freedom, like being off the beaten track and who appreciate the natural ‘flaws” in the leather that I incorporate into my designs.
All my bags are handcrafted in South Africa using a combination of leathers and leather off – cuts sourced from the footwear and furniture industries to create a sustainable product. I use a combination of different stitching techniques, leather types, textures and colours to bring you a unique Mandara bag.
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