Time for my master class in wire and bead work with Patrick.
He is a self taught wire artist who has been fine tuning his skills for the past 13 years.
The last 8 years have been spent working outside a retail shop
just off the corner of 7th Street and 4th Ave in Linden.
Aside from beads, bought in town and wire, purchased from the local hardware store,
the only tool required is this pair of long-nose pliers.
I was under the impression that the bead work was added one at a time.
In fact it is the exact opposite...the beads are placed on a wire,
which is then wrapped around the frame work of the item being "constructed".
I have to say that Patrick works at lightning speed...
this ladybird key ring took him about 45 minutes to complete.
This Rhino took him around 7 hours to complete.
A stunning piece that will add an element of Africa to any tourists luggage.
Or for that matter as part of home or office décor right here in South Africa.
Right before my astonished eyes, the head emerges.
Note that the framework has been reinforced with wire
to take the weight of the beads without buckling
And this is how to get the beads onto the wire.
By sticking slightly bent wire into the packet and shaking the beads.
I was informed that up to 20 wires can be done simultaneously.
But you do need to make certain that they cannot fall off the other end!
A twist in the wire prevents this, however I was told that mistakes happen
and in the process beads have ended up on the ground...
Slowly the body begins to take shape...
In order to keep the shape of the insect, the beads are placed on either side of the spine.
And here are the finished products.
Completed and ready for sale...
Patrick can be contacted on 0624002899,
if you would like to commission him to make something special.
Just some of the items that Patrick has "in stock"...
Chameleons seem to be very popular.
With a major cycle ride coming up in Johannesburg,
perhaps one of these would make for a great gift for a participant?
All the way from Madagascar...
The vehicles are made out of recycled tin and come in a variety of designs.
Brian...
Aside from being one of the local car guards,
he also sells a range of shopping bags and woven mats.
Christopher...
If you are looking for something to read,
then stop and have a look at what is on offer.
Books to suit all tastes can be found here.
Brooms and feather-dusters at prices
less expensive than the local supermarkets
Brian is also a rather busy car guard.
Always with a smile and a friendly word to share
with drivers either arriving or leaving.
Buy your tree decorations NOW.
So, come and shop at our mini strip mall right in the heart of Linden.
Support these vendors who provide services in our suburb.
Support local, support Linden.
As a frequent traveller and athlete,
The Practice will be keeping me in top condition.
They can do the same for YOU!
"Travel & Things" relies on Pentax cameras
and SanDisk,
supplied by
When last did you actually print a photograph?
"Travel & Things" images are printed
at their store in Cresta.
Great service, friendly staff
and more importantly awesome prints.
To find their current specials
or to locate a store nearest to you:
My laptop is serviced and cleaned by Jade Van De Sandt
He is a local IT consultant who is doing awesome work at affordable prices.
To contact:
This is how I get about when I am in Johannesburg.
Travel & Things is sponsored by:
Extreme Bike Stealth.
The new way to travel in the city.
Cool Ideals is my service provider of choice.
They enable me to ensure that my articles
and images are sent fast and effortlessly.
Not to mention all the other benefits that FTTH offers...
Like stability and affordability!
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and may not be used without permission
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