Being creative with wire and beads
South African wire and bead animals are always a winner, particularly among foreign visitors to our shores
WHEN Cris Chiweshe was an art student at school, he fell in love with wire and bead work, and has been making a living out of his passion since 2005.
‘The tourists love to buy South African animals and trinkets made of wire and beads and, when tourism is booming, I am very busy,’ said Cris.
‘Now that there are not as many tourists as in previous years, things have become quiet and more difficult for me.’
Cris also sells his handmade items at the local flea markets in Richards Bay but these, too, he says have been shrinking in recent months.
With a wife, a nine-month-old child and a mother to support, Cris has started walking the streets of Richards Bay carrying examples of his work in an attempt to make more sales and gather more orders.
‘I have ready-made examples of my work but I can also make items to order, as well as bulk orders for shops that want to buy and sell them.’
Cris uses good quality materials to make his wire animals and trinkets, which he brings in from Durban.
‘The quality is good and the prices are better, which means I can keep my prices down as I am able to keep my costs down,’ said Cris.
He is now well-experienced at his work and says he can make virtually anything customers ask for.
For find out more about Cris’ wire creations, he can be contacted on 078 1212774.
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