Looking back

2014 was a challenging but every positive year.  We were confronted with styles,  which were way above the average. We ran out of storage space from time to time, as some orders were bulker than others.  We did interesting,  creative lamps for once-off projects. Our new lampbase division took off with a big BANG. And we are looking forward to 2015. Herewith a little peak of what happened behind the scenes...

Being creative 

A glims at our new lamp base collection

Ready, steady, go....

Plan & create

Pleated pendant shades

With a Fringe

Today, the girls made lovely pendant lampshades in a crisp white light woven fabric. It wad finished off by fringing the bottom. A beautiful look to compliment any room!

A new lamp base

What an interesting day!  One of my clients brought an interesting glass "pot" for us to turn into a lamp base. Well well - we all wondered what was the use.  It has an inscription of "British Syphon"  and a patent number .

I went on the internet and found this interesting information regarding this glass pot:

 This is a Seltzogene soda siphon. These siphons are much sought after as ornaments. The lower glass globe contained the water (or another liquid) to be carbonated whereas the upper globe contained a mixture of tartaric acid and bicarbonate of soda.

This example is in very good condition and is marked British Syphon Company London - Patent 15686. It stands 50 cms in height and is very heavy for its size, weighing in at approximately 6 kilos.  Period:  20th Century

I also found more info on the following facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/CM-Creative-Corner/432376820168203?ref=stream&hc_location=timeline

It looks as if this soda siphon could date from the 1870's.  Unfortunately, due to age, the mesh wire is missing (the wire marks are still visible on the pot).  It is made of very thick glass (so that it dont break in the gas making process) and I think the wire mess was there for protection, in case the glass should break.

For now, it will get a second life as a lamp base and will still make its owners proud - for not many people has a lamp base which date from the 1870's  -  140 years later......

Lining a lampshade

A lining inside a lampshade dims the light and just gives a better presentation.  Here we are lining a lampshade after we designed and made the frame, then twist pleated it and the last step - the lining and trim.

And this is the completed lampshade...

And this all happened.....

2012 was a wonderful year, with so many blessings!

I scanned through the photos to refresh my memory and wow, all the creative work, which I have almost forgotten!!!   If this dont get me geared for 2013....

I made a list of the ones very close to my heart, and then limited it to 40, but to write about it all, will be to long. So I cut it in half, then in half again. And then again...

Gourmet Boerie - 

the place to be seen in Kloof Street, Cape Town

Interior:  Salome Gunter Interiors  
Photo image:  - Photography by Charlie Sperring
Read what the House and Leisure magazine has to say about this Hot Spot in Cape Town

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Tasting Room of  Van Loveren Wine Cellars

 near Bonnievale, Western Cape 

Interior: Ernani Interiors, Strand

Large photo:  Kevin Gillot Photography

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At Home Decor Shops 

Country wide

window display

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Poetry - Decor Shops 

Country wide

Mother's Day window display

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Oaktree 

Brooklyn Mall - Johannesburg, Gauteng

Interior: Spin Interiors

Photo image:  Spin Interiors

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The Famous Franschoek Pancake House 

Franschoek, Western Cape

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There are many more....

Some -  once-off for a house or many pretty bling lampshades for a wedding....

but let us look forward to

2013

Lampshades for a Wedding

Yes, it is this time of the year!  Wedding time!  Today, we finished another batch of lampshades for a wedding.  These were covered in pearl color silk and finished of with little beads.

The bride had her own idea of the size of the lampshades, so we had to make it from scratch - designing, wiring, covering & lined.

 Its has such a romantic feeling to it and me heart weakens....

Hanging Lampshade Trends 2012

The history of lampshades and the current trends always fascinate me.  I am forever search for the latest trends, and doing research on lampshades.  Once day, (when I retire), I will hopefully have sufficient info to write a book.  Until then, I search the net.  I found this very interesting blog by Theresa regarding hanging lampshades.  She added beautiful pictures to it.  Enjoy!

Hanging Lampshade Trends 2012