After searching for "truly South African" favours on google, I came across The Heartfelt Project and my face lit up after browsing their website with their incredible handmade items. I read the The Story of how heartfelt was started, and I couldn't help but have such respect for Martha Letsoalo who found hope when it seemed all was lost.

With 19 dedicated women, The Heartfelt Project has a long term goal that includes helpin thoushands of women by providing job opportunities and creating a unique brand which is instantly recognised throughout the country. There is no doubt in my mind that these women will make it happen, and I hope that all South Africans can support their worthy cause, even if it's simply by telling others about them.

This is the reason I got all excited:

Their range includes (but not limited to) beautiful fridge magnets and brooches,

Keyrings and bookmarks

They also have an entire range dedicated to our furry friends and animals, (which also includes the big 5)

They have a beautiful wedding favour range which also includes felt bouquets and bouttonniers, all of which can be viewed here

To all the ladies at The Heartfelt Project, Martha Letsoalo, Julie Hadley, Charlene Mphuloane, Grace Letswalo, Cecilia Mafunisa, Johanna Mmatsatsi, Lena Majatladi, Katlego Nkuna, Mina Maluleka, Francie Finn, Samantha Yeowart, Olga Tlhokamoni, Bogadi Katoane, Mananki Ringane, Mpho Molefe, Sinah Ringane, Rosemary Sehoole, Magdeline Dithole, and last but not least Lesego Maluleka, keep up the good work girls, you are a true insiration to all South Africans.  

To get in touch with the ladies at Heartfelt contact Charlene on charlene@theheartfeltproject.com or phone her on +27 0823482988

The peacock feather first became a popular design motif during the Art Nouveau movement. With exquisite colours, it continues to be a popular choice when adding a touch of exotic glamour to wedding décor. Be careful when incorporating peacock feathers into your wedding as less is more in this case. Instead of using the actual feathers in every aspect of the wedding, bring in beautiful shades of plum, eggplant, lavender, sage and apple instead. Keep it classy - just a handful of peacock detailing will do the trick.

Nifty ideas to incorporate with this colour combo

• Add some peacock flair to your wedding hair by adding a beautiful peacock feather to your hair piece.
• Your guest book and pen is another area that’s easy to incorporate the feather without going overboard.
• Who wouldn’t love these shoes?! With stunning detail on the side of the shoe, it incorporates the colours beautifully and is a definite must.
• Surprise everyone by attaching a peacock feather to your garter.
• At the ceremony, insert a peacock feather into the pew arrangements to truly make a statement of your chosen theme.
   

Flowers for this colour combo

• Roses
• Lisianthus
• Veronica
• Dahliahs
• Hydraengea
• Calla Lilly
• Succulents
• Tulips
   

These days you can be as daring as you like with your wedding colours.  From non-traditional black and tiffany blue, from cerise pink to boldly brown - no matter your taste in colour, anything goes!  Whilst looking for some “brown” wedding colour inspiration, I came across these beautifully modern, boldly brown invitations.  I love the colours used and that brides are now moving away from traditional wedding stationery designs, toward something more modern and “designer”.

No longer do you have to do the “ribbons and bows” thing when creating your wedding invitations. Instead, ask a graphic designer to design your wedding stationary to reflect your personal style and taste.  Get them printed professionally and voila, you have gorgeous wedding invitations that will definitely draw attention.

Check out Bella Dancer Wedding Stationery in KwaZulu-Natal or BlackCoco Designs in Gauteng if you’re looking for a graphic designer that specialises in creating wedding stationery that’s perfectly you!