In the Karoo there is time to create
Prince Albert is a small, isolated town in the semi-arid Karoo region of South Africa.
A more gentle pace leaves space for thought, creativity and care.
The small group of women who are Handmade Karoo Handgemaak work together to create the beautiful range of products you see on this site.
Each completed product is recorded against the name of the creator and when that specific item is sold, she receives the crafter’s share of the sale.
For some crafters this is a way to earn a substantial income. Others may have less time or energy and that is fine too. For them the earnings are less important than the joy of creating and being part of this special group where warmth and support floods every work morning.
Our workshop mornings are a time to connect
We meet twice a week at our workshop for a morning together.
This is when we hand in completed items, check progress on new patterns we are working on, have tea and connect.
We go home with a restocked bag – ready to work whenever we find time before getting together again.
Our Journey
Handmade Karoo Handgemaak was born on a hot and windy day in September 2010. A few women got together to see if they could create livelihoods using their hands.
Each one had different skills. Some could knit, crochet and sew. Others were good at admin. Another had creative ideas.
The first few ideas were transformed into products. It took a while for the product list to be developed into what it is today, but that journey was supported by the values of the group that were ingrained from the beginning.