You can now furnish your home with unique, custom-made, hand-beaded chandeliers direct from South Africa. Klaylife Chandeliers are different not only because each is hand-made but because their launch is helping a community in need.
Klaylife chandeliers are imported by Melbourne-based father-daughter duo Phillip Jones and Kerri Wallace, who migrated to Australia in 1989. Wanting to keep ties with their South African heritage, they found a unique way to give back to a needy community in their former homeland. in 2014 Kerrie came across an Instagram post of clay-beaded chandeliers and fell in love with their stunning rustic beauty.
Her efforts to find out more about the product led her to South African native Merewyn De Heer, who designs and produces the centrepieces from a farm in Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa.
“My dad and I had already booked a trip to South Africa, so arranged to meet Merewyn face-to-face to see if there was a way we could work together, and import the chandeliers to Australia to reach a wider audience,” exlains Kerri.
Kerri and Phillip soon learned that Merewyn, a former advertising executive, gave up her occupation to pursue her passion for design and social responsibility.
“Merewyn is a brilliant designer and business woman but hadn’t considered exporting to an overseas market. Fortunately, my dad had spent his entire life in the industry, so from there, we entered into a really great partnership,” says Kerri.
Located close to an African HIV centre, Merewyn’s farm sought to find a way to help the local HIV impacted women, They couldn’t find work due to the stigma attached to HIV so Merewyn offered them employment.
Starting with eight HIV impacted staff; the team quickly grew to 65 women of varying backgrounds and circumstances who all wanted to work for Merewyn to produce the hanging masterpieces.
Each bead is hand-rolled, using raw clay from the region, then dried, kiln fired and dip-dyed before being masterfully strung onto unique wrought iron frames. This handcrafted process ensures no two lights will ever be the same. Every chandelier is numbered and comes with a certificate of authenticity, in addition to being fully compliant with Australia’s electrical requirements.
The chandeliers are available to order from Curious Grace here in Australia. Chandeliers come in a range of colours and sizes, with a 12 to 16 week turnaround time from order to delivery.
“We hope those looking for a unique and show-stopping centrepiece – whether it be for a home, hotel or restaurant – will consider klaylife chandeliers as a beautiful addition to their space,” says Phillip.
“Not only are the Klaylife chandeliers stunning creations, they go a long way in helping a small group of South African women be self-sufficient to support their families and local community.”
You can see more of the work and unique designs from Klaylife Chandeliers on klaylifecom, follow then Faceboook : klaylife, Twitter : @klay_life and Instagram : @klaylife
Do you like these beautiful Klaylife chandeliers? Would you have one in your home? How do you feel about supporting a community in need?
If you liked this article, then check out the amazing butterfly paper pendant lamps from Curious Grace.
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