Tsa Lapeng

Tsa Lapeng is a community operated business, running in the village of Makgolokoeng. The story begins in 2008, when a local community charity called Tshwaranang began working with Rheola, with funding from the N3TC. Beginning with just five ladies designing and creating their own items, or putting their own mark onto Rheola’s design, the label now works with 20 women, and is hoping to expand whilst retaining sustainability.

One key aim of the label is to allow women to live and work in the village, their natural environment, to produce authentic items without the disruption of industry and commuting that so often results from modern business. Thus the label is called Tsa Lapeng, or “made at home” in the local language, Sotho. All of the products are individually made and collectively designed. All materials are made from natural fibres, with organic where possible, and often with newer fibres, such as bamboo. Expect quality and a personal touch with every item you purchase!

Product Range

Below you can see samples of the many products the Tsa Lapeng ladies create. Please click the photos for a larger image, and feel free to get in contact.

Roses

One of our most popular designs, our roses were the first products the Tsa Lapeng ladies worked on. Handmade from a fine bamboo yarn, they have a shine rarely seen in other yarns.

Highly fashionable, they can be worn as accessories in a variety of ways. Pictured here are 4 different styles: as Pin-on Roses, Hair-tie Roses, Roses with Bag Clips and Large Cotton Flowers.

Crochet Flowers

These flowers, hand crocheted by the Tsa Lapeng ladies, are designed for you to add to clothing, accessories or furnishings.

Individually wrapped, and once again made mostly of the beautiful bamboo yarn, they will liven up any design project.

They are available in many colours and designs - contact us for more information.

Hearts

Fabric hearts, hand stitched by women in Makholokoeng, are beautiful additions for the home.

Their texture needs to be seen and felt, and each comes with an attachment cord, for hanging on doors, walls - or anywhere else!

As with all our products, available in a variety of colours and designs - please contact us to find out.

Head Bands

Available in sizes suitable for all children, these cute headbands are a perfect present for mothers and children alike.

Made from 100% cotton, these attractive accessories are handmade entirely by the Tsa Lapeng ladies.

For more information on the options in colour and design, please contact us.

Kiddie Knits

Available in sizes suitable for all children, these beautiful jerserys go down wonderfully with mothers and children.

The beanies, made by Rheola's Knitwear label, then embellished by the Tsa Lapeng ladies, are a big hit amongst teenagers and women also.

Available in a range of colours and designs, please contact us for more details.

Baby Throw & Pillow

This beautiful throw and pillow is a great gift for new or expectant mothers - although it is so pretty is begs to be used in other situations too!

The material is made by Rheola's Knitwear label, then embellished by the Tsa Lapeng ladies.

For more information on the style and feel, please contact us.

Knitted Shawls

This original knitwear is a delightful accessory, especially in those long winter nights, but light enough to be worn in summer also.

The fabric, composed from 100% cotton, is made by Rheola's Knitwear label, then decorated with ornate rosebuds by the Tsa Lapeng ladies.

We have many different types and colours available: please send us an email for details.

Tinned Scarves

These lovely scarves are embellished with a Tsa Lapeng Rose on top, and presented in a decoupage tin.

Almost too good to remove from the tin, these make a fantastic gift for ladies who enjoy beautiful items.

As with all our products, available in a variety of colours and designs - please contact us to find out.

Cell Bags

Hand crocheted cellphone bags, entirely made by our ladies in Makgolokoeng. Highly colourful, and popular with children and adults of all ages!

Made in several sizes, they will fit cellphones of all sizes, whilst providing a stylish accompaniment to any outfit.

Knitwear Bags

These lovely personally decorated bags are made by Rheola Knitwear, and are ideal for shopping trips, or simply as handbags.

They are decorated by the ladies from Tsa Lapeng, who add their own individual and personal touch to each one.

There are two types, the top more simplistic, the lower bags are fully lined, with more decoration.

Please click the images to see larger versions of each style.

Crochet Bags

Hand crocheted entirely by the ladies from Tsa Lapeng, with every bag you are guaranteed an original and individual creation.

Perfect for the woman who has everything, or simple loves beautiful things.

As you can see, there are many styles, more, in fact, than we could photograph here. No one bag is the same, giving them a unique quality not seen purchasing from a normal store.

Please click the images to see larger versions of each style.

Feel free to contact us to find out more information about our range of colours and designs.

Beaded Wire Designs

These lovely wire designs come in a range of adornments, with bag clips, keyrings, or bookmark styles.

Representative of the wirework that has long been traditional in South African culture, each is handmade by the Tsa Lapeng community.

As with all our products, available in a variety of colours and designs - please contact us to find out.

Beaded Bottle Skirts

Made by hand, these elegant wine bottle skirts will liven up dinner parties, or evenings spent with friends.

Carefully threaded by our ladies in Makgolokoeng, they bring an original flavour to the table.

As you can see, they come in a wide range of colour and designs: please contact us to find out more.