The Heartfelt Project
Heartfelt was the first craft group we had the privilege of supporting, and it holds a very special place in our hearts. Founded by Martha Letsoalo and Julie Hadley in the rural community of Makapanstad, South Africa, Heartfelt is a skills development and job creation initiative rooted in traditional handcraft skills using felt and beadwork.
The women who are part of the Heartfelt Project are extraordinary makers. They arrive every day with pride and purpose, pouring care into every felt and beaded piece they create — not simply as a product, but as an expression of skill passed down and refined over generations.
Their work is sold across South Africa and internationally, with a portion of every sale donated to a local charity supporting the Makapanstad community. But what drives this project is something deeper — the unshakeable belief, shared by every one of these women, that what they make matters and that they have the power to make a difference through it.
We celebrate the hands, hearts and stories behind every piece. We honour the women who have shaped Heartfelt into what it is today, and we remember the remarkable legacy Martha left behind. Though she is no longer with us, her spirit continues to inspire every stitch, every smile and every life touched through this work.
If you haven't yet watched the Heartfelt documentary, today is the perfect day to discover the women, the purpose and the journey behind this extraordinary project. ▶ Watch the Heartfelt documentary
Karoo Angels
There Is an Angel Factory in the Karoo...
From two small communities in South Africa's Karoo, thousands of handcrafted angels travel each year to homes across the world.
The story began in 2006 in the tiny village of Vondeling, in the beautiful Baviaanskloof region of the Karoo. Vondeling Optel Craft was established as a community upliftment project sponsored by the Sarah Baartman District Municipality. Craftpartner founders Gardi Oosthuizen and Hannelie Herselman trained local artisans, and after extensive development, the very first Karoo Angel was created.
Her name was Justine. Made from carefully hand-knitted wire, adorned with beads and sequins, and with tiny feet peeking from beneath her dress, she remains a beloved member of the Karoo Angels family today.
In 2008, Kjersti Lie Holtar explored Christmas products for the Scandinavian market and suggested an angel made from locally sourced ostrich feathers. From this idea, Levona, the first ostrich feather angel, was born.
Today, Karoo Angels brings together two community craft groups, Vondeling Optel Craft and Rietbron Craft, working as a co-operative. Many local households are involved in the production process, and the project continues to support and strengthen these rural communities.
More than 20 years later, every Karoo Angel is still made entirely by hand. Each one reflects the community where it was created, carrying a story of craftsmanship, heritage, hope and opportunity from the heart of the Karoo.
From the archives of kykNET, a South African Afrikaans-language television channel, we are delighted to share this wonderful video featuring the Karoo Angels. Please note: the video is in Afrikaans with English subtitles. Watch the Karoo Angels on kykNET.
Kapula Candles
Based in Bredasdorp in South Africa's beautiful Overberg region, Kapula creates vibrant handmade and hand-painted candles inspired by Africa's vibrant colours, bold patterns and joyful spirit.
What began as a hobby in Ilse Appelgryn's kitchen in 1993 quickly grew into a family business in 1994. Today, Kapula remains family-owned and continues to create distinctive handcrafted candles that are recognised for their bold colours and unique African designs.
Every candle is handmade from start to finish using carefully sourced raw materials, with quality at the heart of the process. Kapula's distinctive designs are brought to life by a talented team of artisans and hand-painters, creating pieces that reflect both creativity and craftsmanship.
In a small farming community where employment opportunities can be limited, Kapula remains committed to traditional handmade production methods, helping to create sustainable employment and develop valuable skills within the local community. More than 90% of the workforce are women, many of whom have been part of the Kapula family for over a decade.
For more than 30 years, Kapula has woven together artistry, community and purpose, creating hand-painted candles that carry the warmth and beauty of the Overberg to homes around the world. Through every flame and brushstroke, Kapula continues to share what they call The Warm Art of Africa with homes around the world.
The Hippo Studio
Based in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, Hippo Studio is a small pottery producing handcrafted, hand-painted ceramics. Their work combines functionality with artistry, creating individually hand-painted pieces that depict African wildlife and ethnic design. The studio's range includes dinnerware, tableware and homeware, with every piece celebrating Africa's landscapes, wildlife and character. Vibrant, uniquely African-inspired and completely individual, no two pieces are exactly alike.
At the heart of Hippo Studio is a commitment to nurturing the creative talents of local artists and artisans. The studio provides a safe place to work and build new skills, allowing creativity and craftsmanship to flourish. Each artist hand-signs the pieces they decorate, taking pride in their work and adding a personal connection to every piece.
Creating each ceramic piece is a team effort. It begins with the potter shaping the clay before skilled decorators bring each design to life through colour, pattern and individual style. The work is then completed through the experienced hands of the moulder, kiln packer, glazer and stock controller, all of whom play an essential role in the production process.
Hippo Studio uses high-quality imported white earthenware clay and approved glazes to create ceramics that are both beautiful and practical. Their products are food safe, non-toxic, microwave safe and dishwasher friendly.
More than just a pottery, Hippo Studio is built around its people. Through creativity, collaboration and skilled craftsmanship, its artisans create distinctive ceramics that share a little of Zimbabwe's culture, talent and artistic heritage with the wider world.
Jacarandell African Carvings
Based on a farm near Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, Jacarandell African Carvings is a small co-operative carving business creating handcrafted wooden gifts and home décor from the heart of Africa. Using mainly Jacaranda wood, the team transforms locally sourced timber into beautiful and functional pieces that showcase the skill and creativity of Zimbabwean craftsmanship. As Jacaranda is an invasive, non-native tree species in parts of southern Africa, the wood is often sourced from trees removed through management programmes and repurposed into beautifully crafted products.
The co-operative is made up of three talented carvers, each with their own specialist skills. Donald Sibanda is renowned for carving spoons, spatulas, salad servers and knives. Ndubeko Ndlovu creates African animal and bird decorations, as well as doorstops and wooden boards. Brian Ndlovu produces a wide range of carved boards, doorstops, nativity sets and Christmas animals, each reflecting his attention to detail and craftsmanship.
The business is managed by Frances Randell, who oversees product design, sourcing wood and materials, marketing, networking and quality control. The carvers are paid per completed product at fairly negotiated rates, helping to ensure their skills and craftsmanship are recognised and valued.
Like many small businesses in Zimbabwe, Jacarandell African Carvings has faced significant challenges over its more than 25 years of operation. There have been times when the future of the business was uncertain, but through resilience, determination and a passion for their craft, the team has continued to grow and create.
Today, Jacarandell's handcrafted carvings combine practicality with artistry. From functional kitchen utensils to decorative animals and festive creations, each piece is individually carved by hand, making it as unique as the artisan who created it.
