Thursday, September 2, 2010
Dusty Shelves!
The doll project has been shelved until we receive some help through sponsorship. Even though the Soccer World Cup period was lousy, we have met amazing people that recognise the potential of the project and are out there seeking help on our behalf. During the waiting period, we have started making brown fairies and although we didn’t get the contract we were aiming for, this project promises to help many families that are currently suffering under the economic strain. If you are one of those individuals that know people in positions that may assist us, please let me know so that I can introduce the program to them.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Dissapointments abound
Dissapointments are generally directly related to expectations; which in turn is related to promises made. We entered this Soccer World Cup period with our share of difficulties; apparently due to 'miscommunications' we lost out on the first opportunity that presented itself. With enthusiasm, we bounced on the second possibility and, combined with the promises made, we were happy to put our fate in the hands of the Africa Heritage Society. Big Mistake!!!
Monday, May 31, 2010
Soccer World Cup News
The cat is out the bag and it is official; our dolls are Africa Heritage Dolls and we will be present during the games at the Africa Heritage Institude.
Three important incedents have happended during the past two weeks. First was the news that we will be presenting our dolls during the World Cup which brought about the need for a partnership to help carry the can. Within minutes of sending out my distress signal, a partnership was born and a new doll saw the light. More of this can be viewed on www.ragdolls.co.za. Once the energy started flowing again, our benefactors, Rearabilwe, expressed their desire to continue with the program. I learned so much from this whole process.
My main lesson was NOT to take things so personally. It is with 20-20 hindsight vision that I can recognise; when we disagree on one point, we don't necessarily discontinue the whole project. Doing creative work has brought the dramaqueen to the surface and caught me off-side like you would not believe.
So, for now, we will focus on the World Cup and pick up the pieces after. There is much to do and very little time left. I will keep you updated as things transpire.
Three important incedents have happended during the past two weeks. First was the news that we will be presenting our dolls during the World Cup which brought about the need for a partnership to help carry the can. Within minutes of sending out my distress signal, a partnership was born and a new doll saw the light. More of this can be viewed on www.ragdolls.co.za. Once the energy started flowing again, our benefactors, Rearabilwe, expressed their desire to continue with the program. I learned so much from this whole process.
My main lesson was NOT to take things so personally. It is with 20-20 hindsight vision that I can recognise; when we disagree on one point, we don't necessarily discontinue the whole project. Doing creative work has brought the dramaqueen to the surface and caught me off-side like you would not believe.
So, for now, we will focus on the World Cup and pick up the pieces after. There is much to do and very little time left. I will keep you updated as things transpire.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Sponsors Needed Urgently
Three weeks ago, we suffered a knock when Rearabilwe halted the program. It has taken me this long to work through the denial phase of this loss and here I am now; ready to re-plan, re-strategize and re-focus on what it is that I wish to achieve. I have divided the program into two distinctive parts. Each of these need different approaches and will deliver different results. Before I launch into an explanation, I would like to share the delight I experienced when I received the latest consignment of dolls.
This doll was made in the image of a well-known TV presenter, Andile Gaelisiwe, because the caregiver who made her sees her as a role model. I have attempted to make contact with Andile and will give her first option at purchasing this doll. Can you see the resemblance? I think it is remarkable that creativity like this is hidden in our own backyards.
The two sides of the project.
Short Term Plan.
Although I have been stock piling for the Soccer World Cup, I have also attended various gatherings over weekends to collect cash for our benefactors. This has proven to be totally unsuccessful. A very difficult decision had to be made as far FIFA was concerned. They wanted 500 dolls and the stock, at the time that the project was halted, was around 250, leaving me no choice but to withdraw. They have however, offered another option where the current stock can be sold to the soccer visitors from their offices. I will consider this option seriously if and when it becomes a reality.
You may remember - if you don't, then read the first entry on this blog - that the 200 Mamma dolls were made to create the original fund. That agreement will be honoured and although this fund may or may not bridge the gap, the decision does not lie with me. In order to keep the project alive for long enough to allow the long-term options to be realised, I have split my focus into two.
Long Term Plan.
There is a South African Market in Europe later this year where the dolls will be an absolute hit. The dolls that are left over from the World Cup will be sent there. A contact from the USA is promoting the dolls through her channels and although I have not seen any results yet, I am positive that this will come. When and if the demand is there, the project will flow once again. At this stage I am bargaining on the international market taking the overflow from the local, post World Cup, market and then letting it be. Unless off course I receive some help from somewhere.
This is perhaps the time that you can draw on your own contacts to find the help that this project needs. Please email me on rheeders@mweb.co.za if you have any bright ideas.
This doll was made in the image of a well-known TV presenter, Andile Gaelisiwe, because the caregiver who made her sees her as a role model. I have attempted to make contact with Andile and will give her first option at purchasing this doll. Can you see the resemblance? I think it is remarkable that creativity like this is hidden in our own backyards.
The two sides of the project.
Short Term Plan.
Although I have been stock piling for the Soccer World Cup, I have also attended various gatherings over weekends to collect cash for our benefactors. This has proven to be totally unsuccessful. A very difficult decision had to be made as far FIFA was concerned. They wanted 500 dolls and the stock, at the time that the project was halted, was around 250, leaving me no choice but to withdraw. They have however, offered another option where the current stock can be sold to the soccer visitors from their offices. I will consider this option seriously if and when it becomes a reality.
You may remember - if you don't, then read the first entry on this blog - that the 200 Mamma dolls were made to create the original fund. That agreement will be honoured and although this fund may or may not bridge the gap, the decision does not lie with me. In order to keep the project alive for long enough to allow the long-term options to be realised, I have split my focus into two.
Long Term Plan.
There is a South African Market in Europe later this year where the dolls will be an absolute hit. The dolls that are left over from the World Cup will be sent there. A contact from the USA is promoting the dolls through her channels and although I have not seen any results yet, I am positive that this will come. When and if the demand is there, the project will flow once again. At this stage I am bargaining on the international market taking the overflow from the local, post World Cup, market and then letting it be. Unless off course I receive some help from somewhere.
This is perhaps the time that you can draw on your own contacts to find the help that this project needs. Please email me on rheeders@mweb.co.za if you have any bright ideas.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
The First Children
This project has far exceeded our highest expectation. The first 6 caregivers that took part in the project have grabbed this opportunity with both their hands. The have started producing dolls within the first month and we would like to introduce you to the first group of Kiddy Dolls that we have purchased.
Our long term goal is to sell the Kiddy Dolls on the international market. We are currently exploring the possibilities in both the USA and Europe. Until this market is fully established, we are making these Kiddy Dolls available at R500 each. They will be accompanied by their own village scene and their individual stories in the form of a handwritten note from their creator.
To place an order, please contact me, Kate Rheeders at rheeders@mweb.co.za or phone me on 083-757-1101
Our long term goal is to sell the Kiddy Dolls on the international market. We are currently exploring the possibilities in both the USA and Europe. Until this market is fully established, we are making these Kiddy Dolls available at R500 each. They will be accompanied by their own village scene and their individual stories in the form of a handwritten note from their creator.
To place an order, please contact me, Kate Rheeders at rheeders@mweb.co.za or phone me on 083-757-1101
Mammas done and dusted
At last, all the Mamma Dolls are made, dressed and boxed. We even sold 4 yesterday to Linda Coutsides - one of our most loyal supporters. She says that the recipients were delighted with their gifts, especially those who received dolls that were already posted on the blog. We took a group photograph of the whole series this afternoon to show them to you.
You may notice that we did a total of 15 different looks. The reason for this was the fear that once they are sold, they are gone and we will not even have a reminder. One full set will be kept back as an example of this link in the chain of dolls. Individually, the dolls look as follow:
Each doll is approximately 30cm long - the scene of the village behind their individual pictures was done on an A2 paper. They are placed in a hand-made box, lined with a village scene and relevant information and are selling at R300 per doll.
To place an order, please contact me, Kate Rheeders at rheeders@mweb.co.za or call me on 083-757-1101.
You may notice that we did a total of 15 different looks. The reason for this was the fear that once they are sold, they are gone and we will not even have a reminder. One full set will be kept back as an example of this link in the chain of dolls. Individually, the dolls look as follow:
Each doll is approximately 30cm long - the scene of the village behind their individual pictures was done on an A2 paper. They are placed in a hand-made box, lined with a village scene and relevant information and are selling at R300 per doll.
To place an order, please contact me, Kate Rheeders at rheeders@mweb.co.za or call me on 083-757-1101.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
The Mammas
Meet the Mammas
As reported in the previous entry, approximately 200 dolls were made to kick start the fund. These were assembled and stuffed by volunteers and patiently waited for their turn in the 'dressing room'. I must admit, it looks quite freaky if you don't know what they are. On this particular heap are only about 50 dolls waiting in anticipation.
We decided to dress and decorate the dolls in the image of the caregivers and in the order of their participation. 14 dolls of each person were made and the intention is to make 14 variations of the first 14 caregivers. That will give us 196 dolls for this first phase.
First was Deliwe; a 48 year old woman who has proven to be dedicated and extremely capable with a sewing machine. She makes all her own clothing and even sews for others. The challenge for Deliwe was to fabricate by hand; a skill that she has not needed up until now. Her representation was dressed in red and blue with exaggerated eyelashes. Isn't she gorgeous?
Beauty is a young lady who is mother of two; her youngest is about 6 months old. She prides herself on her chubby babies and what sets her apart is her style of wearing bandannas. She is a keen soccer fan and it was decided to dress her in an outfit (orange and black) with soccer balls in the design.
Senzeni is the youngest person in the group; she is only 23 years old and the sweetest young lady you can wish to meet. Always with a smile on her face and ever so keen to learn, there has not been a task that she was not willing to try. She has a round face and very fine features that resulted in the doll dressed in yellow and brown. Isn't she stunning?
Initially we anticipated the need of a translator to ensure that everybody understands the instructions. This has proven to be totally unnecessary mainly because of Anna. In her sixties, Anna speak fluent Afrikaans and translates for any and everybody when we fall onto our mother tongues. She is a real giggle and loves to chat about neighbourly matters. She always wears a head band and the smile is permanent.
Three of us are working against the clock and I will upload pictures as the dolls become human. I have to admit that the caregivers have overtaken me; they have produced their first two kiddy dolls and I will upload pictures soon.
If you are interested in helping us with the finer finishes, please contact me via email. Take care and we'll chat soon.
As reported in the previous entry, approximately 200 dolls were made to kick start the fund. These were assembled and stuffed by volunteers and patiently waited for their turn in the 'dressing room'. I must admit, it looks quite freaky if you don't know what they are. On this particular heap are only about 50 dolls waiting in anticipation.
We decided to dress and decorate the dolls in the image of the caregivers and in the order of their participation. 14 dolls of each person were made and the intention is to make 14 variations of the first 14 caregivers. That will give us 196 dolls for this first phase.
First was Deliwe; a 48 year old woman who has proven to be dedicated and extremely capable with a sewing machine. She makes all her own clothing and even sews for others. The challenge for Deliwe was to fabricate by hand; a skill that she has not needed up until now. Her representation was dressed in red and blue with exaggerated eyelashes. Isn't she gorgeous?
Beauty is a young lady who is mother of two; her youngest is about 6 months old. She prides herself on her chubby babies and what sets her apart is her style of wearing bandannas. She is a keen soccer fan and it was decided to dress her in an outfit (orange and black) with soccer balls in the design.
Senzeni is the youngest person in the group; she is only 23 years old and the sweetest young lady you can wish to meet. Always with a smile on her face and ever so keen to learn, there has not been a task that she was not willing to try. She has a round face and very fine features that resulted in the doll dressed in yellow and brown. Isn't she stunning?
Initially we anticipated the need of a translator to ensure that everybody understands the instructions. This has proven to be totally unnecessary mainly because of Anna. In her sixties, Anna speak fluent Afrikaans and translates for any and everybody when we fall onto our mother tongues. She is a real giggle and loves to chat about neighbourly matters. She always wears a head band and the smile is permanent.
Three of us are working against the clock and I will upload pictures as the dolls become human. I have to admit that the caregivers have overtaken me; they have produced their first two kiddy dolls and I will upload pictures soon.
If you are interested in helping us with the finer finishes, please contact me via email. Take care and we'll chat soon.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)