POLOKWANE – Although the festive season is characterised by overspending and overindulgence, there are those who would rather avoid the former.
Naomi is someone who enjoys making gifts and expressing her creative side.
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“Growing up I was not always fortunate to have gifts bought for me and my siblings. Things such as clothes and toys were not always bought every year as it is a norm in our society. So as I grew older I started making clothes and simple jewellery pieces for myself and eventually family and friends and now clients.
“It is very easy to make a piece of clothing once one has put their mind to it,” she explained.
One of the easiest gifts to make, or rather decorate, is a coffee mug. The coffee mug can be decorated or painted on, wrapped then sent off as a gift.
“If you have a sewing machine, one can consider making a piece of clothing such as a formal shirt or even a dress for a close family friend or loved one,” Naomi added.
When you are looking for the perfect gift for a teenager, nail polish could just be the way to go.
“I know moms of daughters will thank me for this, buy three different colours of nail polish and nail polish remover, put them in a small box that closes, wrap it and give it to your daughter, she will love it,” she explained.
Her clothing brand, which specialises in customised traditional and African print clothing, is yet another example of a DIY gift which one can sew together.
“As a clothing designer I always go the traditional route of designing special matching outfits for my family such as matching shirts we can wear when we go out to family functions and picnics. I would advise anyone who has a skill and an eye for detail to try this, your family will love it,” she explained.
Naomi would also like to urge others into trying their hand on a more cost-effective alternative as opposed to the norm.
“Nothing quite conveys your effort to another than a DIY gift so I urge everyone to get out of their comfort zone and get busy with their hands this festive season,” Naomi concluded.
