I'm Chantel, founder and maker at Mashona Designs based in Eastbourne, aka the Sunshine Coast. I create handmade, colourfully conscious accessories and homeware, inspired by by Zimbabwean heritage. I use a range of sustainably sourced African textiles and upcycled materials, to reduce my environmental impact. I'm a self-taught sewist, with a passion for vibrant colours, and love working with African textiles from traditional to contemporary. I source my fabrics as remnants/offcuts and virgin fabrics are selected from suppliers, who buy from local African artisans. Virgin fabrics I select, are produced using traditional hand printed techniques, with small batch production. To reduce waste, upcycled materials such as pre-used hessian coffee sacks or discontinued climbing rope, are incorporated into my work. Each of my designs has the intention, to add a touch of African vibrancy to everyday life!
