Home Grown Fair

Sign of the Times

2011-07-20T13:18:00.000+02:00

We had such fun taking pictures of us holding our signs on the last night of the show!  We are all a bit loopy on a combination of adrenaline, caffeine, exhaustion and that 

"school's out" buzz!  

If you have enjoyed reading the posts on the fair, keep taking a peek as I will keep you in the loop regarding our talented exhibitors as well as the new creative entrepreneurs I will be scouting for next years fair!

With fond memories

2011-07-05T15:43:00.000+02:00

The show always ends with mixed feelings and usually a dose of flu too!  There is relief that the long hours are over and all the deadlines have been met and also a bit of sadness saying goodbye to new and old friends.

It was wonderful to be awarded Gold medal awards for The Homegrown Fair, The Kids Shoppe and to see the Food Market win gold medal again too.  Thank you to everyone who contributed to a successful event and for your passion to showcase the amazing creative talent we have on our doorstep.  

I will definitely be posting more stories on the fair, more photo's and feedback from our participants... so keeping taking a peep!

The amazing MENDHI painting by Shireen Mansoor who was at the fair to show her talent!

Wise Buys

2011-07-02T17:45:00.000+02:00

Well, the fair has just over a day of trade left and I have been thinking about the wonderful selection of products that have been available! In these times it is more important than ever to spend wisely and to make good choices as consumers.  I hope that you choose to invest in our local economy and support Durban designers.  When things are tight it is tempting to just look for the cheapest option, often imports, but this may cost all of us in the long run. 

Mooi has some great ideas for buying wisely with a dress that can be worn 7 ways!  They also sell a very versatile shrug. Their store in Glenwood is a treasure trove of vintage  goodies and offers retail space to several designers to sell their ranges such as Blue Star, Tiger Lily, Miss Moneypenny, Josephine, Life of Sundays and Petit Pois!

I don't want to get on my soap box too much, but I guess what I am saying is the cost of what we buy is more than just the amount on the price tag!  Food for thought I hope.

The cutest cookies by Bon Moment Bakers!

Speaking of food...tomorrow is your last chance to sample some of the best KZN has to offer. The Food Market Traders offer exceptional value for money and the opportunity to taste before you buy! Don't miss huge chocolate brownies for only R 10! An amazing selection of preserved meats by Wild Meats, a large slab of nougat at Forest Fairies for only R15! Delicious fresh juices for R 10! Excellent curries from Dolly's curry Den, quiches and much much more! Well those are just a few of the things I have nibbled on this week!

Delicious fresh juice from Sir Juice - I love the Strawberry!

Got a Sweet Tooth?

2011-07-01T08:40:00.000+02:00

Come and meet Tasha from Tasha's Fantastic Fudge!  Tasha  has been part of the Homegrown Fair since it's humble beginnings 4 years ago!  

Her dynamic fudge business also started from small beginnings as a single mom's effort to supplement her income.  Tasha has applied her creative flair to the making of fudge and loves to experiment with flavors and combinations such as biltong or chilli!  Her original fudge is the most popular - still made with real butter!

If Tasha herself is not at her stand you will meet her son Darryl, Mr Personality at our fair!  He is such fun to be around and keeps everyone's spirits up when the long hours take their toll.  It is wonderful to see that Tasha has not only succeeded in business but has obviously done a "fantastic" job as a single mother too!

Tasha's nephew taking a bite out of a fudge cookie!


Tasha's fantastic selection of fudge flavors!

Cool Locals come to the show

2011-06-30T15:19:00.000+02:00

Hello

I am Nadia from Cupcake Couture and I have a stall in this year's Homegrown Fair. We have formed a small community within the hall and all the stall owners get on really well so in between playing shop shop we have a jolly time chatting!

Some very cool locals have blogged about the Homegrown Fair...take a look at their posts and photos by clicking on the links below.

Remember we are here until Sunday 3 July and would love to see you!

The Woodnewz Stall taken by Cherish.

Ask Ashe took some great snaps of the stands.

Have you blogged about the Homegrown Fair? Leave us a comment and let us know as we would love to feature your post.

Show Tickets - GIVE AWAY

2011-06-29T09:01:00.000+02:00

We have 5 pairs of tickets to give away!  Please email your name and cell phone number to terrysart@cybertek.co.za.  Please title the email "Show ticket giveaway".

The first five emails received will win the tickets and I will email directions to collect the tickets.

The tickets will be valid for Friday, Saturday and Sunday!

Fine and Fashionable Furniture

2011-06-28T14:30:00.000+02:00

One of the great things about the Homegrown fair is that you will not only see really cool designs and artworks but you are likely to meet the creator of them too.  Unlike just dealing with a sales rep in some big corporation you can come and speak to the designer who is often open to doing custom work for you too.

A great example of this are some of the furniture designer's at the show such as our new exhibitor's, Father and Son team, Theuns and Daniel of Woodnewz.  They have launched a stunning range of small pieces inspired by the set of Modern Men. (above).

You can also meet Nevin at the Ikhaya stand - he is the one missing a digit on his finger, a dead give-away that he is "the real deal" and has worked a little too close to the blade!

Carine from Dodo also customizes old pieces to give them new life and the result is stunning!

whimsy's world

2011-06-27T22:52:00.000+02:00

whimsy's illustrations are utterly charming with a gentle humor and have been applied to notebooks, calenders and wrapping paper so that this beautiful artwork can be used in a practical way.  At the show this year, whimsy has launched not only a new series of illustrations ("the questions dragons ask"), but her artwork has been printed onto her new range of T-shirts for ladies and children.

This popular artist and illustrator has a cult following in Durban and it is great to see her have the opportunity to expose her talent to a wider audience at the Homegrown Fair.

I think I will definitely be adding the paper plane t-shirt to my wardrobe! 

New series..."the questions dragons ask"

Designer Kids

2011-06-25T22:16:00.000+02:00

I have often heard people complain that they cannot find really cool things for children.  These designing mom's from ilovebokkie and Yummi did something about it and have launched businesses based on creating the most adorable and cool things for littlie's!  

For the first time at the show we have stalls exclusively selling locally designed handmade children's products.  You are really missing out if you don't come down to the show and look for The Kids Shoppe alongside the Homegrown Fair. 

*Best entrance is from the ICC side at gate B (opp Hilton Hotel) that will bring you directly into the fair.  If you come in from the Workshop side - make your way across the show to the East side to find the Hall)

ilovebokkie's ellie drawing table


Beautiful knitted, sewn and crochet range by Yummi!

Ready, Steady, Go

2011-06-23T21:16:00.000+02:00

It's the night before the show opens and I am bleary eyed, exhausted but so excited for opening day tomorrow!  I am so proud of all our homegrown talent for all their hard work, amazing creativity and effort.  We have an incredible fair and I hope news travels far and wide that it will be so worth the effort to come and see.

I am looking forward to showcasing my own artworks and here are a few pics of handmade art journals I have been making.

Well done everyone - you are stars and I wish you all the best!

Baked Apples stuffed with Jennings Fudge

2011-06-23T14:00:00.000+02:00

Jennings Fine Foods is a family run business, which was started by a mother and daughter team. Their passion for our handmade confectionary started 12 years ago with very humble beginnings!  It is still made the good old fashioned way, on the stove with lots of loving care. 

Thanks Joanne Jennings for this winter pudding recipe!

Baked Apples stuffed with Jennings Fudge

 
50g Sultanas
100g Jennings Fudge, chopped
50g Pecans, lightly toasted and chopped
1 tsp Cinnamon
2 tsp Caster sugar
1 tsp Vanilla extract
25g Butter, melted
Juice of half an orange
8 Medium Golden delicious apples, washed and cored
Double cream for serving

Preheat oven to 180°C
Combine the sultanas, fudge, pecans, cinnamon, caster sugar, vanilla extract, butter, and orange juice in a mixing bowl.
Place the cored apples into an ovenproof dish and spoon the mixture into the centre of the apples.
Bake for 35 – 45 minutes or until the apples are tender and golden 
Remove from the oven and place an apple onto a serving plate. Spoon the cooking liquid over the apples, and serve with double cream.

Show Competition:  

We will be running a fun competition during the show.

Guess how many pieces of Jennings fudge are in the Jar? Purchase any Jennings product from our stand to enter the lucky draw.

Olivia Villet

2011-06-22T07:02:00.001+02:00

Olivia Villet has recently returned to home soil after 10 years in the UK where she started her career as a children’s book illustrator. Whilst she still continues to illustrate books she has also launched an exciting range of children’s art. Olivia’s original artwork, prints, cushions and new card and gift wrap range will be on sale at The Kids Shoppe.

Stationary that will move you!

Follow at Olivia Villet Illustration on FB or visit  www.oliviavillet.com

Decadent Desserts

2011-06-21T20:11:00.000+02:00

Decadent Desserts is about lemon meringue pie made the good old fashioned way with real lemons and egg whites, proper apple tart, baked with fresh apples that make the kitchen smell like cinnamon for days.   My mouth is watering just thinking about it.  This chocolate cake looks totally decadent, I am already dreaming of a nice fat slice!

95 percent of their ingredients are sourced locally and all their staff are local ladies that we have trained from domestics to bakers. 

Show specials- are cartoon character chocolates R5 & cupcakes also R5!             

KZN Beauties

2011-06-20T06:00:00.002+02:00

Adi Weerheim has an established career as a corporate and commercial photographer.  She is embarking on a new venture using her skills to create stunning photographic art. 

She says, “My style at the moment is simple, clean images that have been enhanced digitally to produce a visually impact-full photograph in keeping with the “Made in Durban” theme”. 

I am selling my images as print only, finished on canvas or framed.

www.adiw.co.za

or the albums on my facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Adi-W-Image-Studio/144658095553414

So Tweet!

2011-06-19T07:00:00.000+02:00

Glasshoppers really know their stuff when it comes to being creative with glass!  Their range is remarkable and diverse - platters, stained glass, lamps, mosaic, mobiles, jewelery and more!  This talented couple will do commission work for your home too. I love these adorable birdie platters! 

Look Twice!

2011-06-18T07:00:00.000+02:00

The Body Bar is bringing a stunning new concept to the show! Her bath & beauty deli will be selling "slices of soap", "delicious" cupcake bath bombs and all kinds of beauty lovelies - all 100% natural. Sarah has put a huge amount of research into her products and is ready to launch at the show! Who could resist taking home one of these beauties to pop in your bath!

Food Fanatics

2011-06-17T09:33:00.000+02:00

The Food Market is a one-stop shop at the show promising a real taste of what KZN has to offer –  nuts, biltong, homemade confectionery, coffee, biscuits, free range chicken, venison meat selection, curries, bunny chows, fudge, quiches, homemade mayo, nougat, fresh fruit juices and lots more!

Supporters of the 'local is lekker' movement will be pleased to find out that The Food Market has a vision to uncover to the people of Durban the many hidden jewels within the KZN food industry – showcasing the skills, variety and selection of homegrown food and products that exist right here on our doorstep.

The Food Market has received numerous rave reviews from local celebrities & food fundi's and  scooped The Outstanding Outlet – Market Category (east region), at the Eat In SA Produce Awards, in 2010 and 2011!  Well done to their passionate ambassadors, Nick Papadopoulos, Eric Edwards, Emma Dunk and Karen Brokensha.

Contact: Emma Dunk 083 707 0531 / info@thefoodmarket.co.za

Website: www.thefoodmarket.co.za

Neat Freak

2011-06-16T09:18:00.001+02:00

Need to save time? Money? Space?  Clutter getting out of hand?

Come and meet Isabelle, KZN’s very own organizational GURU!  This KZN brand covers everything to do with ORGANIZING – your office, home, kids rooms and more.  They have an amazing selection of products to make organizing a breeze.  Isabelle is very eager to share her ideas and is also available to consult.  So all the “neat freaks” out there and “neat freak wannabees”, come and get some inspiration and nifty ideas from her.  www.neatfreak.co.za

Lovely Lun@tic

2011-06-15T13:49:00.000+02:00

These are the ultimate little "frocks" for our sunny Durban lifestyle! Owner Taryn Fowler imports the fabrics but the range is 100% made in Durban. They make me think of strawberries, splashing in the sea and daisy chains. Every little girl should have one, or two, or three...

Cool Ikhaya

2011-06-15T08:48:00.003+02:00

"Arts and Crafts" used to be associated with grannies and hippies!  Not anymore!  Craft is trendier than ever and Ikhaya's designs are always ultra cool!  Their stunning new range of hanging plywood lights will be available at the show.

Welcome

2011-06-13T22:12:00.001+02:00

Welcome to the Homegrown Fair Blog! This blog is an extension of the fair that takes place once a year where the best of our Durban homegrown talent showcases their work at the East Coast Radio House and Garden Show. We are all proudly part of the Durban creative community and this blog is a way that we can tell you our stories... what we are making, what inspires us, what we are bringing to the show, what goes on behind the scenes!

Here's a peak preview -"Enchanted Garden" Pedestals by Dodo Designs, Jennings Fine Fudge & Vintage treasures from Mooi!

2011-06-07T23:55:00.001+02:00