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Passion, Unwrapped : Unwrapped's take on Chinese lanterns -
Passion, Unwrapped : The farmyard design -
Passion, Unwrapped : Unwrapped's current scatter cushion offerings -
Passion, Unwrapped : Unwrapped textiles are available by the metre. -
Passion, Unwrapped : Georgette the robot, a new design -
Passion, Unwrapped : Gift cards -
Passion, Unwrapped : Unwrapped textiles are available by the metre. -
Passion, Unwrapped : The Chinese lanterns are available in two sizes. -
Passion, Unwrapped : Mr Squirrel on a tote bag -
Passion, Unwrapped : The farmhouse design on tote bags -
Passion, Unwrapped : The scatter cushion range, so far -
Passion, Unwrapped : The scatter cushion range, so far
PHOTOS: Gavin Goodman
Childhood dreams of living on a farm are the main inspiration behind Unwrapped illustrator and textile designer Mandi Garbman’s whimsical range of soft furnishings.
Mandi, a keen artist from a young age, recently picked up her pens, pencils and paintbrushes again after a hiatus from creative pursuits. “I was always most happy when I was drawing and I had been missing that from my life,” she says.
Unwrapped was born in March this year but Mandi says it all happened without her even realising. “I had always wanted to transfer my illustrations onto textiles and this year it all just happened.”
The growing range started off with her house design, inspired by a lifelong obsession with living on a farm and “the simple life”. Although Mandi says she most enjoys creating illustrations from photographs that she has taken herself, this design was inspired by a random image she stumbled upon while trawling the net.
“I have conjured up a whole story in my head about the people and animals who live in the house and surrounding area. My plan is to do more of the interior of this house – one room will be one design, each with its own story”.
This vibrant pattern comes in Unwrapped’s bold colourways of blue and yellow, and red and yellow. It is also printed onto gift cards and classic brown paper, a simple but sweet way to wrap gifts.
Mandi’s Mr Squirrel design also comes on textiles and wrapping paper. The little critter is a visual reminder of the joy that squirrels have brought Mandi throughout her life. Mandi says that – in her imagination – Mr Squirrel lives in the surrounding woods of the farmhouse she’s drawn.
A modern take on the Chinese lantern is a stand–out feature in Unwrapped’s growing range. Using a round metal frame Mandi has created removable fabric covers that are easy to wash, or swop for a new design.
This is just the start of Mandi’s journey into soft furnishings. While she continues to offer bespoke services she will also keep on creating unique, hand-drawn designs to brighten up homes around the country. Watch this space, there are big plans ahead for this emerging designer…
More information: www.unwrapped.co.za
