I’ve been trying to write regular blog posts about products, designers and all the things that catch my eye for a while now as it was a fun thing to do – I love discovering new things and sharing them as far as they go. However it is too much of a challenge with all the things that I’m busy with that its simply not possible to keep it up and so I have decided to delete that item off my to do list for now.. This gives me more time to work on other exciting projects and to source new products for the shop, so keep visiting and stay in touch from time to time!

Its unusual to see animal trophy heads made out of wire and straw and thats why we love it! Jabo from Zimbabwe makes trophy heads of animals, such as: Springbok, Giraffe, Zebra, Buffalo, Elephant and Rhino. 

Get in touch if you would like to place an order: hello (at) bonsela. co. za

Iconic label paper from South Africa and African motives are used for these funky bowls. Available here in various colours and sizes. Design by Wola Nani – Hand-made by women who live with HIV/AIDS – with each purchase you help empowering their lives.

Unique and super fun drinks coasters with motives from 9 South African provinces: Limpopo, North West, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Nothern Cape, Eastern Cape, Western Cape, Free State, Kwazulu Natal. Each printed on beermat board for waterproofing. Design by Essie Letterpress. Purchase here.

GROWbag is a unique outdoor planter that serves only one purpose: To fit into ones life and any living space! The easy way to grow own vegetables, herbs, plants and succulents regardless of the size of the garden, balcony, driveway or wall and roof space.

We have taken old billboard vinyl skins that would normally be thrown away and converted them into our own unique planters. This recycled vinyl is highly durable and incredibly long lasting – which makes it the perfect material for our GROWbags! Each GROWbag is handmade in Cape Town by skilled producers who pride themselves with quality work and ethics – empowering their staff members and creating jobs.

For more information and to buy click here.

Its been an long but interesting journey.. Bonsela was down for a couple of months due to some maintenance of the online shop and setting up of a new structure. Unfortunately this process took longer then anticipated as it does with such a complex job of running an ecommerce website. One of the downsides of an online business is that most images and blog posts have to be uploaded again one by one – thats the reason some of the old blog posts are missing content – something I will fix when I find time..

For now I’m happy to be back online and will do my best in future to keep you updated with new stuff that make living on the tip of Africa an exciting journey..

However the time offline has been wisely spent on various inspiring projects including wholesaling of Bonsela products, but also creating new projects like designing a range of planters called GROWbag made out of upcycled billboards. I’ve also been busy with other work that has nothing to do with selling and creativity, but has to do with ones connection to the own body – as practitioner of a body based modality called TRE (Tension & Trauma Releasing Exercises).

..All of which filled my heart with great joy! I would like to thank all of my friends and clients who have been super  supportive in the process and encouraged me to do what I’m passionate about!

Twisted golden brass hoop earrings – Traditional Fulani tribe – Country of origin: Mali

Available in 3 sizes.

Frances White cleverly managed to find the balance between handmade and digital. She is the artist and surface designer who created these beautiful multi-colour printed cushions.
The design was inspired by the delicate flowers of the West, East and Northern Cape regions in South Africa.

The South African Wildflowers – The design is from a large oil painting that I painted of indigenous flowers, birds and butterflies.

The Picturebook Johannesburg Garden Birds

Picturebook West Coast Succulents

(The last two patterns consised of drawings that have been coloured in by children and then scanned and digitally collaged.) Very cool!

Stunning crochet baskets made out of hemp.