Acts of Love

Inspiration

Pottery as Therapy

Clay Therapy 

Therapeutic benefits of clay:

1. Self-esteem:

You need very little skill to sculpt with clay – it is all about practice. Pottery can help increase self-esteem for people who believe that they lack creativity. There are no limitations, boundaries or expectations to deliver the perfect piece of art – it is in any event never possible to predict exactly how the finished product will look (glazing is still a mystery to me…). Making something useful (plates, cups) gives a sense of accomplishment – you create something that will last, something that will benefit your environment and help the people around you. Pottery can lead to a sense of accomplishment. 

2. Relaxation:

The sensation of rolling, pressing, moulding and squishing the clay is very enjoyable for people of all ages. It relieves stress and often opens up discussions within the pottery group, I believe that this will also be the case for children opening up to therapist… 

3. Anger management:

Nothing beats the feeling of man-handling a piece of clay on a bad day; and to be honest there are times when you have to be rough with the clay to get the effect that you want. The pounding and smashing is not purely for my emotional benefit, but also a vital step in removing air bubbles (yes, I am sticking to that theory).

4. Increased creativity:

Imagination is key for pottery, you express your creativity though your art. You can create whatever you wish out of the clay and if you don’t like it – you start over! The group dynamic in our pottery class is such an encouraging, open one. Tips, tricks and suggestion often get bounced off each other and there is constant synergy between us. Clay leaves an “imprint” of oneself; feelings move through hands into the clay making the invisible visible. 

5. Other benefits:

Improving Problem Solving Skills – no picture or piece of inspiration comes with a how-to guide.

Improving Decision Making Abilities – you have to make hard choices and let some of the control go (especially when glazing as an amateur).

Developing and Utilizing Patience – doing pottery as a once a week activity does require patience, a single piece can take up to a month from start to finish.

My Pottery Experience

We are sometimes trapped in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, so creativity is a necessity for me in the battle against conformity. I recently started pottery classes as an escape form the mundane. The clay offers a very therapeutic release of tension. As much as music and my choral singing can offer hope and freedom of thought, pottery offers me that same sense of inner peace.

Pottery offers me a way to express my love for family or a friend as it is a very time-consuming, intense labour of love. These are just pieces I made for friends. It is definitely a learning experience with a steep learning curve. I will try do some nice shots of the finished products in a future post.

I hope to take this new hobby further in the future.

“Love what you do and do what you love. Don't listen to anyone else who tells you not to do it. You do what you want, what you love. Imagination should be the centre of your life.”

― Ray Bradbury

A Brief History of Pottery 

Pottery can be traced back more than 10000 years back. The transition from nomadic hunters and gatherers to the more stable lifestyle of farming changed the needs of people. Pottery was born out of necessity – the necessity to water crops. Early pots were “disposable” and they were built by stacking rings of clay and firing the end product in a hole in the ground, under a bonfire.

The major shift from pots for drinking, watering and pouring to an established art form is credited to the Greeks. The Greeks experimented with characters from Greek mythology and the use of colour. From there pottery saw the invention of the potter’s wheel around 3000BC; this first potter’s wheel was known as the slow wheels. During the next century the slow wheel developed into the better known fast wheel that was by then largely used in most parts of Europe and Asia. 

Pottery evolved from there to the Chinese Porcelain breakthrough 600AD, this porcelain was made from white kaolin clay combined with ground granite and yielded a fine, delicate artefact. The move to mimic porcelain (which was expensive to transport due to its delicate nature) intruded unique, colourful glazes. 

The potential for clay in the modern world is still endless. New shapes, techniques and compositions still wait to be discovered; an example of this will be to see how 3D printers integrate clay, porcelain and stoneware to create unique never before seen bespoke items.

Pottery is here to stay.


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Capital Craft Beer Academy Review

Capital Craft Beer Academy 

“Capital Craft Beer Academy is a restaurant which specializes in serving quality foods together with the best craft beers that South Africa has to offer.” 

 

I recently converted to the craft beer lifestyle, and Pretoria is abuzz with craft beer prospects. Capital Craft in Menlopark hit the nail on the head (or you can say they capped the beer potential) by launching Pretoria’s first dedicated craft beer eatery. 

 

Capital Craft boasts a wide variety of Craft Beers, special imports and even some ciders and wine for the non-beer drinker. I found a special liking to the Pumpkin Ale that they have on tap, but the choices are truly endless. The beer is perfectly matched with pub-style food; baskets and burgers are the foodstuff of choice and they supplement the beer and atmosphere superbly.

It is still a new restaurant so there are some glitches to work through; new staff that get overwhelmed at times (especially if you need to find a reserved table) and on one occasion they ran out of some of the more popular beers. But these issues are minor and they will definitely iron them out in future.

I recommend:
The Pumpkin Ale and Mushroom burger.

Trading hours:
Wed – Sat: 10:30am – 12:00am
Sun – Tue: Closed

Contact:
Tel: 012 424 8601
E-mail: info@capitalcraft.co.za
www.capitalcraft.co.za

Photos by I Love Pretoria 

Chic Geek Part 4 - Doctor Who Inspired Decor 2.0

Doctor Who Decor and my 5 Favourite Doctor Who Quotes

Doctor Who is a historical factually accurate depiction of a time-traveling genius. It shows his need to love and be loved. He explores the universe with his companions in a Sexy (blue) TARDIS. The Doctor believes in Humanity and our ability to see love and hope in all situations. 

All of these products are from Etsy. Have a look at www.etsy.com and be inspired.

Top 5 Doctor Who Quotes

“In 900 years of time and space, I’ve never met anyone who wasn’t important” 

“I am and always will be the optimist. The hoper of far-flung hopes and the dreamer of improbable dreams.” 

“I love humans. They always see patterns in things that aren't there.”

“For some people, small, beautiful events are what life is all about.” 

“There’s a lot of things you need to get across this universe. Warp drive… wormhole refractors… You know the thing you need most of all? You need a hand to hold.”

Bonus Round:

http://www.hypable.com/2013/11/14/best-doctor-who-quotes/

7 Styling Tips for Interior Shoots

Styling tips:

It is often required in the Interior Design Industry to style photo-shoots. A styled shoots brings an ordinarily flat, two dimensional interior scene alive. With the proper use of props and design principles you will be able to make a clinical space feel inviting and ultimately inspire someone with ideas that they can more freely translate into their own home. 

1. De-clutter:

Clear out all unnecessary items that do not add to the Interior. Keep fashionable/décor items out and showcase them. Examples include to keep your La Crueset pots in the kitchen or the designer coffee table books in a lounge, but lose all excessive clutter.

2. Use props to compliment a theme:
Whether it is citrus fruit or perfectly aligned bottles in a kitchen or antique books in a study, make sure you stick to one central THEME.
As a Stylist you can bring along your own props, some must have items include: · pillows and throws in many different colour options
· books, lots and lots of books!
· stacking boxes, trays and baskets to help organise clutter
· unique décor items e.g. ceramic vases, globes etc
· fresh flowers
· various vases (clear options match everything), you’ll need short , tall, large and small containers and vases
· white towels for bathroom shoots · white dishes, fruit (citrus fruit adds nice interest to kitchen shoots), food props like Italian bread

3. Balance:Use symmetry; draw a mental line through the centre and mirror-image items. Keep enough different elements to keep the image interesting. 

I would advise to sharpen up on the classic design principles just to have some background knowledge. Click here for a quick recap on Balance, Emphasis, Rhythm, Scale and more.

4. Arrangements:
Create interesting focus areas. Use a tray to help streamline grouped items. Play around with colours, textures and themes. 



5. Tell a story:
An interior shot should represent a lifestyle. Add reading glasses on an open book; light the fire in the lounge. It is advised to keep the dining table simple (don’t OVER tell a story just to create a model home). Use shoes, sweaters and throws to create a homey, relaxed atmosphere.



6. Use people, animals and furniture to your advantage:
Pull out a chair, show mom and daughter working together in the kitchen. A successful interior feels natural and welcoming.



7. Experiment:
Experiment with layouts. And most importantly: HAVE FUN!


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5 Tips on How to Display Collectables

Tips for displaying a collection 

I am a collector of various things, but my passion lies in collecting toys and artwork especially my brother's (check out JohDel by clicking here). My toy collection includes Star Wars villains, a magnificent TARDIS, a sad little WALL-E and many more little creature that bring me joy to look at. It is always so much fun to display them and have people take notice and smile.

 

5 Tips on Displaying Collectables

1. Group Colours
To display collectables effectively you can group items in terms of colours. White vases, red vintage toys or a pencil collection arranged by colour.

2. Variety within collection
Use items that are similar, but still different. A variety of shapes, fabric textures, odd sized vases, themed toys, key designs all add some variety within the collection. A collection of identical items is boring, so make sure the items differ in some way.

3. Display collectables systematically
Make sure not to have too many items as this can look too busy and you lose the essence of the display. For something more unique and more substantial, like globes, hats or vintage cameras, you only need three or four or the collection may start to look boring and overdone. Display bigger items systematically; lined, “framed” or grouped is always a good starting point.

4. Display what you Love
Do not just buy bottles or vases just to fill up a collectables display. Make sure you love each bottle, vase, toy, or piece memorabilia.

5. Play and enjoy
Create scenes, artworks or even let the collectables interact. If you like collecting toys, let some of them interact in fun, creative ways.



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Inspired by Nature - My 10 Favourite Quotes

Tree Inspiration

I draw a lot of inspiration from nature when I work and design. This is just a fun post with some images and my 10 Favourite Nature and Design Quotes.

I felt my lungs inflate with the onrush of scenery—air, mountains, trees, people. I thought, "This is what it is to be happy.” 

Sylvia Plath, The Bell Jar

The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature. 

Anne Frank

Trees are the earth’s endless effort to speak to the listening heaven. 

Rabindranath Tagore

Choose only one master – Nature.
Rembrandt

No house should ever be on a hill or on anything. It should be of the hill. Belonging to it. Hill and house should live together each the happier for the other.

Frank Lloyd Wright

Those who look for the laws of Nature as a support for their new works collaborate with the creator.

Antonio Gaudi

One of the first conditions of happiness is that the link between Man and Nature shall not be broken. 

Leo Tolstoy

But Nature flies from the infinite, for the infinite is unending or imperfect, and Nature ever seeks an end. 

Aristotle

Reading about nature is fine, but if a person walks in the woods and listens carefully, he can learn more than what is in books, for they speak with the voice of God. 

George Washington Carver

Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you. 

Frank Lloyd Wright

Copper Interiors - Inspiration

Copper Inspiration

Copper takes me back to my childhood. The nostalgia that copper invokes in me gives me a great appreciation of the past. As a modern consumer bombarded with mass-produced items copper gives a sense of quality, of being unique. I would love to see the mass-produced, industrial age get a craft-revolution wake-up call. As a consumer I would love to see quality and durability triumph over cheap and disposable.

Design is in everything we make, but it's also between those things. It's a mix of craft, science, storytelling, propaganda, and philosophy. 

Erik Adigard

Have a look at some modern copper inspiration. I love combining copper with Navy or Rose Pink.

 

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How to display art: Layered Art

Art Stacking Inspiration

Layered art or art stacking is a method of displaying art in a more flexible way. This is very appealing for young art collectors and creative and it is also a great way to display art when you are renting a home/flat and cannot damage the walls. 

Leaning artwork doesn’t require any holes that can cause problems at a later stage. It gives you freedom to move and play with our artworks. Should you decide the piece does not agree with your décor, simply remove it. 

Art is a very personal thing and therefore anything goes. Add in other elements into the display that complement the artwork; a favourite ceramic vase, memorabilia from a trip or even a collector’s item that you cherish.

Remember, there's no right or wrong way anymore. Be creative!

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Indoor Garden Inspiration

Indoor Gardens

Hope you get inspired! Even with limited space, you can always bring nature into your home. 

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Rainy Day Inspiration - White Interiors

Fresh White Interior Design Ideas

It's been raining for 2 weeks straight! Time for some rainy inspiration. 

 

White Interiors Maintenance Tips

White interior designs are great to give an area a light, fresh look and making a small room look bigger, but can be difficult to keep clean. Stains on white surfaces are often permanent, therefore the best way of maintaining the white interior design is through prevention. 

Prevent stains by covering furniture with a blanket or throw when eating. It is also advisable to use washable wall paint. Clean the stains and dirt immediately after spotting them, also choose easy-to-wash materials and removable upholstery (slip-covers) to make washing easier.

 

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Chic Geek Part 3 - Star Wars Inspired Decor

Subtle Star Wars Interior Design

When you have two older brothers you can't really grow up without know a thing or two about Star Wars (and Poker). This is something so very close to my heart and I looked all over the internet for a more subtle approach to Star Wars in interiors, higher standards and all that.

"I am a Jedi... like my father before me."

Enjoy!

 

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Chic Geek Part 2 - Dr Seuss Inspired Decor

Dr Seuss Inspiration

I grew up with Dr Seuss. "Die Kat Kom Weer" (Afrikaans The Cat in The Hat comes back) was an all time favourite! I loved the rhythms of the rhymes, the characters and the mess!

As an adult I still find Dr Seuss inspiring and I even used a quote by the Great Docter (no offence to Doctor Who fans) in my About Me page. 

Hope you enjoy the decor inspiration!

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Chic Geek Part 1 - Doctor Who Inspired Decor

Doctor Who Decor Inspiration

Wiki Description:

Doctor Who is a British science-fiction television programme produced by the BBC. The programme depicts the adventures of the Doctor, a Time Lord—a time-travelling humanoid alien. He explores the universe in his TARDIS, a sentient time-travelling space ship. Its exterior appears as a blue British police box, which was a common sight in Britain in 1963 when the series first aired. Along with a succession of companions, the Doctor faces a variety of foes while working to save civilisations, help ordinary people, and right wrongs.

My Description:

Doctor Who is a historical factually accurate depiction of a time-traveling genius. It shows his need to love and be loved. He explores the universe with his companions in a Sexy (blue) TARDIS. The Doctor believes in Humanity and our ability to see love and hope in all situations. 

In short: Doctor Who is just pure awesome! Complete fun and truly a great show. So here are some Doctor Who inspired Interiors.

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Great Interior Design from Amsterdam, HEYLIGERS

HEYLIGERS design + projects

HEYLIGERS design + projects is a Dutch Interior Design company based in Amsterdam. The firm was established over 20 years ago and started with Interior Office Design projects. They are an innovative company whose emphasis is on exceptional design, state of the art technology, durability, and finding the best possible working environment for their clients.

HEYLIGERS believe that Interior Design can stimulate changes in tasks, workflows and management. “It is of vital importance to inform and inspire the staff with the design. Communication leads to inspiration.”

Over the years the firm evolved and HEYLIGERS is now an all-encompassing Interior Design firm.

HEYLIGERS also focuses strongly on sustainable design. To read more on the Greencalc+ standards go to http://www.constructiondurable.com/docs/SureacTrust@GT261005.pdf for the full PDF. 

Visit their website and have a look around - the Dutch is an added bonus if you're Afrikaans, as it is always a lot of fun (and easier than you think) to translate Dutch to Afrikaans. ;)

Have a look at some of their inspiring designs!

10 Things Frank Lloyd Wright taught me

10 Things Frank Lloyd Wright taught me

Frank Lloyd Wright was born on June 8, 1867. He is one of the most controversial, creative and inspiring architects. For me, Frank Lloyd Wright his Prairie Style (see terms below) was based on an “easy living” approach; a home for individuals. He believed we needed fewer, larger rooms which flowed more easily from one to the other. He also introduced the Textile Style, which led to the Organic Style and then the Usonian Style. One can say that Frank Lloyd Wright started the Green Building Principles with his belief that buildings should be made from the land and benefit the land.


1. Nature will always inspire:

“Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you.” 



 

2. The importance of open space, in design and in life:

“Space is the breath of art.” 

3. Always design for the individual:

“There should be as many [styles] of houses as there are kinds … of people and as many differentiations as there are different individuals. A man who has individuality has a right to its expression and his own environment.” 


 

4. Design and Nature should always be interconnected:

“No house should ever be on a hill or on anything. It should be of the hill. Belonging to it. Hill and house should live together each the happier for the other. 

5. Architecture tells the story of the past, the way people lived, and how we’ve evolved and how we still grow:

“Architecture is life, or at least it is life itself taking form and therefore it is the truest record of life as it was lived in the world yesterday, as it is lived today or ever will be lived.” 
 

 

6. Constant hard work and dedication will lead to success:

“A professional is one who does his best work when he feels the least like working.” And “I know the price of success: dedication, hard work, and an unremitting devotion to the things you want to see happen.” 
 

7. Design is about balance:

“Less is more only when more is too much.” 
 

 

8. Always strive to improve yourself through knowledge i.e. Evidence based design:

“Get the habit of analysis - analysis will in time enable synthesis to become your habit of mind.” 
 

9. Believe in who you are and what you can achieve:

"The thing always happens that you really believe in; and the belief in a thing makes it happen." 

 

10. Look for beauty in every aspect of your life:

"If you foolishly ignore beauty, you'll soon find yourself without it. Your life will be impoverished. But if you wisely invest in beauty, it will remain with you all the days of your life." 

 

So long Frank Lloyd Wright

“Architects may come and architects may go
And never change your point of view
When I run dry, I stop awhile and think of you”

Terminology:

Prairie Style:
Prairie houses and other buildings were generally two-story structures with single-story wings. They utilized horizontal lines, ribbon windows, gently sloping roofs, suppressed, heavy-set chimneys, overhangs, and sequestered gardens.

Textile Style:
Frank Lloyd Wright used the most basic material in building (concrete) to imitate textile  designs.

Organic Style: 
As with Falling Waters and most of Frank Lloyd Wright better know projects this style of architecture  refers to the promotion of harmony between human habitation (houses, museums etc) and nature.

Usonian Style:
Usonian Homes were typically small, single-story L-shaped houses without a garage or much storage. These L-shaped houses were designed to fit around a garden terrace on an unusual and inexpensive site. Constructed with native materials, flat roofs and large cantilevered overhangs to help with natural heating and cooling, as well as introducing natural light with clerestory windows. There is s strong visual connection between the interior and exterior spaces in all Usonian homes. 

 

 

For more info on the Duncan House please visit http://www.polymathpark.com/