Wren Wrapping

I value the wrapping of gifts and I carry this through to Wren bag packaging.

Each Wren bag is packaged in a brown paper bag sealed with a safety pin decorated with brightly coloured beads. The safety pin is a traditional South African clothing item used instead of a button to hold clothes together and in my context, it serves as a sticker closing the classic and simple brown paper bag. The safety pin can be used later for whatever reason you can dream up.

This weekend I was playing with a new and ‘bigger’ bag design that I am hoping to introduce soon. For this bag I realized I needed bigger packaging. Brown paper bags come in standard sizes and the one I use is the biggest one available. I gave this ‘problem’ some thought and this is was what I came up with:

I have used the maps that I had under my bed. These maps of Cape Town and the Cederberg were being thrown away due to printing errors, name changes or because they were out of date and I ’saved’ them thinking I would find a purpose for them someday. Until now the only purpose I have found for them were my wall-art swallows but now I can finally say – they were worth keeping. I have taken something that was waste to somebody and have given it ‘new’ life. I copied the pattern from the brown paper bag and adjusted the size proportions. I have never been good at origami, maths or patience so this was a true challenge (and I was doing it on a Sunday afternoon!). After many frustrating samples I finally got it right and I am so excited with the result.

To seal the ‘map’ bag I came up with the idea to use old stamps. This relates to the map itself, distance and ties back to the theme of ‘no waste’. To get the old and already used stamp to stick I use double-sided tape.

So now you know – if you buy a Wren bag it comes beautifully wrapped. The current size bag is wrapped with the brown paper bag and beaded safety pin, if you buy more than one Wren bag you will get the recycled map bag and South African stamp and if you buy one of the bigger Wren bags that will soon be launched you will also get the recycled map bag and SA stamp.

Silhouette Art

Silhouettes have an amazingly calming effect. I have two silhouettes pasted on my bedroom walls.

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The Shweshwe Story

This magical blue fabric has a fascinating history. The story begins in Europe where the fabric was imported from Asia, mainly India. The cloth was originally made using natural indigo dye but a synthetic substitute as well as two additional colours (a rich chocolate brown and a vibrant red) is now used.The original German Print, ‘Ujamani’ or ‘Shweshwe’ fabric was introduced to South Africa with the German settlers in 1858/9. Xhosa women took a particular liking to this stiff blue fabric and gradually replaced their animal skin garments for these newly available cotton ones. Over the years Shweshwe fabric has become an intricate part of traditional ceremonies in the rural areas.

Slowly the production of Shweshwe fabric has disappeared from Europe and today the only known producers of the Indigo Dyed Discharge Printed Fabric are in South Africa. This factory is 45% owned by the workers, creating a sustainable future for them in the Eastern Cape. Authentic Shweshwe fabrics can be identified by a trademark back-stamp on the fabric: the Three

Leopards, the South African version of the original and traditional Three Cats trademark or Toto 6. The stiff touch, smell and taste of the fabric are also unique ways to ensure the fabric is genuine. The reason for these characteristics lies in the fabric’s history:- During the long sea voyage from the UK to South Africa, starch was used to preserve the fabric from the elements and gave a characteristic stiffness and smell. Today the fabric is starched for traditional reasons. After washing, the stiffness and smell slowly disappear to leave behind a beautiful soft cotton fabric.

(Note: When washing Shweswhe for the first time the excess indigo comes out and therefore, it is advisable to wash items separately).

About Wren Bags

Wren bags are very special. Each one is unique, a one-of-a-kind, and with its own personality – just like you! A lot of time is spent making sure the colours and patterns of each bag work together. All the bags are made perfectly so that they last you a long time and meet the highest quality standards (as I am an admitted perfectionist).

Every bag is personally made either by me, or when the work load gets too much I ask for the help of two very special seamstresses from the local community.

Bag Description

• Shweshwe or traditional fabric from England (eg. Sanderson, William Morris and Liberty) are used for the bags in different combinations. Shweshwe fabric has a long history in South Africa and is the only known producer of this special fabric today.

• Hidden exterior pocket perfect for ipod, cellphone, keys or coins.

• 3 interior pockets: On one side a cellphone and wallet pouch and on the other side is a zipper pocket lined in a contrasting colour fabric.

• There is also a snap hook inside for your keys or small pouch to clip into.

• As a special surprise – each bag comes with a pouch filled with hand-picked and dried French perfume lavender from Franschoek – perfect for keeping your bag smelling great.

• The bag is closed by two hidden magnets. These magnets are very strong but are not placed close enough to cause your cellphone or other electrical objects any damage.

• Approx. Dimensions: 12.5”x3” at the bottom and 10” high. The shoulder straps are 24”.

• All Wren products are supremely crafted by hand in and by South Africa(ns). Great care is taken to ensure that all Wren products are of the highest standards.