The Finery Fair was held at the gorgeous Rosemary Hill farm in Pretoria on Heritage Day. Focusing on handmade items, the fair promised a great day out for the family.
This new event definitely delivered on its promise. It was extremely well laid out, with clear signage and a shuttle to take visitors from the parking lot (across the road) to the gate. It was not a long walk, but the heat of Pretoria can take its toll. Once you were through the gates, however, the heat was no problem - ample shade was provided, and Rosemary Farm thoughtfully supplied glass bottles filled with tap water that could be refilled throughout the day.
There were plenty of activities to keep the kids occupied while parents browsed a variety of interesting stalls. Children could ride camels or play in one of the many play areas scattered throughout the property, and live music kept everyone entertained.
There were many food options available, with several food trucks adding some colour. The Taco Kombi proved very popular, while Tutto Food Co. is a perennial favourite. The Knickerbocker Ice Cream Company offered a little indulgence and was a glorious thing to behold - we tried their sugar free chocolate and fudge ice-cream, which was absolutely divine.
The stalls ranged from art to baked goods to design, and every stall holder was exceptionally friendly and helpful. We spoke with a few of them:
Stefan Smit and Chris Valentine are two good friends, who are both accomplished artists.
Art has always been one of Stefan’s passions, although he did start out learning to play the piano. However, once a friend commissioned an artwork from him, he realised that he would be able to make money with what had previously only been a hobby. Now, he works with traditional and digital media, but prefers street murals and working with spraypaint.
Chrs started working in pencil, but soon felt that he needed to move out of his comfort zone and now works in oils and digital media. One of his favourite methods is to draw in pencil, scan the piece in, and then add layers of colour digitally. He often works with advertising agencies, and has even designed the cover of a couple of German bands' albums.
Stefan and Chris were not only exhibiting together at the Finery Fair, but will be working on a mural for Converse in Greenside, Johannesburg. Keep an eye out for it!
Lucinda Neethling is a musician and artist - some may recognise her name from the band ‘Die Melktert Kommissie’. She used to work in an art gallery, drawn to the job because she loves to paint, but she was, ironically, unable to paint because her work kept her so busy. She now works mainly in ballpoint pen, with a focus on facial expressions and eyes, and adds texture and colour with watercolours, gouache, and embroidery thread. Lucinda’s favourite piece is ‘Dagdroom, Beter as Nagdroom’. She is plagued by weird, unsettling dreams at night, and prefers the freedom to choose what she daydreams about.
We also spoke with two confectionary makers. Mmm Macarons is owned by Charlene and Marius, who turned a hobby into a business. Charlene changes the flavours she offers as often as possible, but Earl Grey & Oreo is a bestseller and remains her favourite. She likes odd combinations of flavours that work, like Berry Ganache & Turkish delight, which her customers apparently love.
Jan die Toffieman was at the New Beginnings Toffee stall - which sells so much more than just toffees. Apparently, toffees and caramels are big business, with Jan having had to expand the business twice. He makes a caramello bar, which is caramel with marshmallow fluff (delicious) and drink flavouring cubes which you add to a cup of either hot milk or hot coffee. We tried out the alcoholic flavours for a satisfying Irish Coffee without the whiskey. Jan even makes a biltong toffee, which he says goes very well on crackers!
Overall, The Finery Fair was a resounding success and we look forward to next year!
Natasha Faria was a guest of The Finery Fair