Designer profile: Aladdin’s De Light

Aladdin's De Light

It’s perfectly understandable that after a visit to the KwaZulu Natal Midlands a person might find it difficult to live anywhere else. This is certainly true of Jan and Louise. A holiday to the area was all it took to convince this talented couple that Nottingham Road is where they belong. Jan and Louise are Stained Glass specialists with decades of experience between them and they opted for a life of artistic creativity and fresh air, away from the rush hour traffic and big city crime they experienced in the Free State.

The little village of Nottingham Road nestled amongst the lush green rolling hills of KZN became their new new home. Over the years they have happily become entwined in the lives of those in the artistic community of the magical Midlands Meander.

Alongside Jan and Lulu’s small shop is a studio and exhibition area where they produce ceramics, stained glass, decoupage, candles and many other handcrafted and affordable treasures. Their shop has also become a haven for hungry and thirsty Meanderers, who stop off to indulge in Lulu's Pies, Ginger Beer, Rusks, Biscuits, Jan's Olives and other Deli stuff.

Visit Aladdin’s Corner to meet the friendly faces that live and labour there. Pop in and visit them at Nottingham road. Turn right at the top of the off-ramp and follow directions to Nottingham Road. Just after the Junction take the turn to the right and travel under a railway bridge. Take the first turn to the left and there they are — on the right hand side next to the Spar.

Tel/Fax: +27 (0)33 266 6460

eMail: info@aladdins.co.za

Making a statement with stained glass – tips from an expert.

When it comes to making an entrance, nothing captures old world charm and elegance quite like stained glass. Stunning in doors and amazing at adding a splash of colour to windows, stained glass is such a versatile medium with which to express the feel of your home or business. How then do you go about getting the perfect piece for you? Well, Louise van Niekerk of Aladdins-de-Light says that it all starts with finding the right artist…

“My very first tip is always to find a stained glass artist whose work you like and identify with. With stained glass design and conceptualising there comes a stage in the whole process where the only place the design is alive is inside your designer’s head.

A good designer will listen to the client’s ideas, use reference materials provided and interpret these within the scope of what is possible in stained glass and the client’s budget (Yes, sometimes a bit of marriage counselling when faced with opposing ideas is necessary).

So what do you need? A near accurate measurement is helpful in establishing a quote. I always like to visit my clients’ houses as far as possible. Palermo may be a bit challenging, but if you are willing to fly me out, I am open to persuasion...

If not, then photos, especially of the style of the house, the interior and the exterior to gauge the client’s taste and style, swatches and other samples are useful.

It is a good idea to look at examples of the artist’s work and to look through design books to give you an idea of what is possible. Most people do not realise that stained glass can be traditional or timeless and elegant or modern and minimalistic.

Once you have decided on a design, your quote can be done and you will be required to pay a deposit. In my mind, doing the design and choosing the glass is the most important part of the job. If you get that right, making the panel is just hard work until you are finally rewarded when you lift the assembled panel and see how your vision turned out!”

Rejuvenate your creative spirit at Aladdin’s

If you plan on taking a meander through the Natal Midlands you might just come upon Aladdin’s de-Light, a unique adventure that showcases the multiple talents of owners Louise and Jan van Niekerk and other artists in the area.   Here you are invited to share in their magical world and learn from experienced and renowned artists in a variety of crafting courses.

Jan and Louise are both stained glass specialists and offer you the benefit of their expertise and years of experience in their weekend stained glass courses. Beginners will learn the basics, whilst more advanced students get the opportunity to create and take home their own stained glass lamp shade.

Ceramics classes for young and old offer you the chance to get down and dirty and rediscover your creativity. There is the regular weekly pottery class, which covers everything from handwork to wheelwork, the Raku weekend course (one of Louise’s personal favourites) and pottery parties for the kids.

If that doesn’t interest you then there are always mosaics, decoupage, creative de-stressing, pastel, drawing, mixed media or life drawing courses. There is just so much to do, learn and create. Visit their website to find out more about what’s on the go at the mo.