Meet the Makers

Soetmelksvlei, a living history experience by Babylonstoren, honours the legacy of artisanry – past and present. 

The Jonkershuis Farm Shop is filled with beautifully hand-crafted products by local makers. Our Meet the Makers series starts Saturday 4 October, where you can meet the artisans behind the inspiring treasures. 

From October, master crafters will practise their art in and around Jonkershuis Farm Shop every Saturday and Sunday. Take a seat with them, observe, ask questions, and share stories of handmade masterpieces and heirloom traditions. If creating by hand brings you joy, step into a space where time-honoured skills, patterns and recipes are passed on. 

Embroidery – Saturday, 4 Oct.

Vuyiseka Phanzi, Xabi Mavi and Sally Harrison of Casamento will showcase their fynbos embroidery. Purchase one of their hand-embroidered cushions in the farm shop and have it personalised on the spot – a loved one’s name stitched in as a gift to be treasured. 

Flower pressing – Sunday, 5 Oct.

Lara da Silva of Field and Press, maker of the Fieldpress available from Jonkershuis Farm Shop, will demonstrate flower pressing for botanical art. She will gather blooms from the Soetmelksvlei garden to press and turn into gift cards. Join her on a blanket under the trees (weather permitting) or in the shop as she captures the beauty of pressed flowers. 

Boerseep – Saturday, 11 Oct.

Boerseep is enjoying a revival for good reason. Rescke’s Boerseep follows the age-old recipe, made from beef and mutton tallow, caustic soda and water. This traditional soap is free from additives, preservatives and colourants, tough on stains yet kind to sensitive skin – and it leaves no trace on the environment. Join Renscke Malherbe at her enamel basin and jug for a demonstration of this versatile soap’s many uses. 

Pure Bath & Body – Sunday, 12 Oct.

Tessa Rasmus will share her philosophy of pure self-care with the all-natural bath and body range created for Jonkershuis Farm Shop. Inspired by the integrity of bygone products, the range includes body cream, bath oil, bath salts and body scrub that are soothing and restorative. Sample the collection and engage with Tessa on the ingredients and processes that make it unique. 

Soetmelkvlei’s Meet the Maker series will run throughout October and November. Keep an eye on Babylonstoren’s social media for updates on future Meet the Maker events. Each session offers an opportunity to connect, engage and be inspired – and to leave carrying a little of the makers’ magic with you.