Nicky in Portrait
The Creative Spirit Behind Our Crochet Décor
If you’ve ever discovered one of our vibrant Sunny Bees nestled within one of our solar lanterns, you know the charm and joy they transmit. But who is the person behind these tiny works of art? Meet Nicky, a creative soul who blends various materials and techniques to craft truly unique pieces. When you meet her, you immediately sense her passion, depth, and inspiration. With Nicky’s deft hands, yarn and fabric transform into little masterpieces that are not only visually stunning but also rich in storytelling. At Sonnenglas, you might know Nicky through her handcrafted crochet bees. And that’s just one facet of her creativity. Beyond bringing sunshine into our lanterns, she’s already busy exploring new projects - so prepare to be surprised by the innovative crochet designs that await you. We sat down with Nicky to learn more about her art and the journey that has led her here, and we’re excited to share her story with you.
Nicky’s Path to Art
A Journey of Healing Through Creativity
Nicky describes herself as a Christian and creative crafts artist, who has dabbled in many disciplines. Yet her artistic journey didn’t begin with yarn or hooks - it started with words. “I started with poetry,” she recalls. From the start, art was her way of healing, a means to process pain after a significant life challenge. Over time, she discovered sewing and crocheting. Although her mother tried to introduce her to crochet at an early age, it wasn’t until later that Nicky truly found solace in it. Guided by YouTube tutorials and her own curiosity, she picked up various techniques and honed a talent that she now uses in countless ways. She is self-taught and her crocheting skill is her claim to fame, though she admits that she actually enjoys sewing a bit more. Bookbinding, specifically creating junk journals, allows her to use all of her skills within one project, making it one of her favourite types of art.
Victoria Yards: A Place to Grow
Her journey eventually led her to Victoria Yards, a bustling creative hub in Johannesburg that’s also home to our Sonnenglas Factory. Here, prompted by a poetry event and even a pair of crocheted socks, she connected with a community of dedicated creatives. Initially, she would read stories to children and then introduce them to the art of crocheting or sewing. “Victoria Yards not only nurtured my artistic growth but also taught me the business side of my work - showing me the value of quality over quantity and helping me price my work appropriately.” She appreciates the open, collaborative spirit of the space, where working with fellow artists and makers is part of the creative journey. Whether it’s bookbinding or embroidering canvases, Nicky is always eager to incorporate new ideas into her work.
Where Sunshine Meets Crochet Art
Collaborating with Sonnenglas
At Sonnenglas, we have always championed sustainable and innovative ideas, so it almost felt destined that Nicky would become part of the family. “When I met Stefan, the founder of Sonnenglas, I was in a pit trying to pull myself out. I can say that Stefan came and threw in a rope to get me out and helped me to get cleaned up from the mess.", she recalls. That conversation sparked the idea of creating a concept together, that seamlessly suits our solar lanterns. Initially, Sonnenglas was a mystery to Nicky, which slowly unfolded to her, and now it’s a place she calls home. “The Sonnenglas lamp is something truly special,” she exclaims. “It’s like capturing something big like the sun, but in a small container.”
Sunny Bees: Heartfelt Uniques
Each crocheted bee is a little masterpiece. Nicky typically chooses colors on the fly from her stash, letting her intuition and faith guide her in creating fresh and vibrant looks. “Sometimes I run low on materials, and I dive into my supplies to find just the right scraps,” she laughs. And that’s exactly what makes every bee one-of-a-kind. When asked about her inspiration, she explains, that nature is her biggest motivation, and she begins her creative process with a theme that captures a client's personality mixed with her own creative flare to bring to life a simple, authentic idea.This blend of intuition and spiritual guidance gives rise to designs that are as joyful as they are heartfelt.
Art in Harmony with Nature and Sustainability
For Nicky, sustainability isn’t just a trendy buzzword - it’s at the very heart of her work. Much like our commitment to solar energy at Sonnenglas, she strives to recycle materials or creatively repurpose remnants in her projects. “Sustainability has always been important to me,” she says. For instance, she often uses leftover fabric from Victoria Yards in her pieces. This philosophy perfectly echoes the values behind Sonnenglas: harnessing the energy of the sun, fueling creativity, and promoting an eco-friendly, fair production process. The results are designs that are inspired by nature in both color and form.
Little by Little: A Creative Journey
An Artist Who Brings Radiance to Hearts and Glass
Nicky is not only the creative force behind our enchanting Sunny Bees, but also a living testament to the seamless blend of art, faith, and sustainability. Her story and artwork embody the belief that greatness often begins from humble origins. When you hold one of her unique creations, you feel the pulse of her passion and spiritual connection - and that is what makes her art so special. Her work tells stories of healing, growth, and hope, and we are incredibly proud to have her as a member in our creative network. Despite her shyness, especially in crowded places, she dares to be different and plays the game by her own rules. She is content to shine her light in the little corners God has placed her. If her work had a theme song, it would be This Little Light of Mine, because "I'm small and tiny but the light in me shines brighter even in my silence and the same can be said about the Sonneglas solar light, even on cloudy days it's still a trusted and reliable gadget."
Looking Ahead
To young and upcoming artists, she'd say that every open door is an opportunity for growth, no matter how rocky the road. When asked about what the future holds for hereself, Nicky is smiling: “I’m always on the lookout for new ideas and the chance to meet others who share my passion for art - ‘Little by little is great gain’ - I’m excited to continue evolving and see how my projects grow.” Already busy developing new prototypes and exploring innovative ways to integrate her techniques with our products, one thing is certain: wherever Nicky goes, she brings with her a splash of color, a dose of joy, and a touch of spiritual depth.