Eendag op n reendag

1.5.8 Eendag op n reendag

Eendag op n reendag is a blog created by Marietjie Beeslaar for her jewellery label Skermunkil. Marietjie is a 32 year old jeweller and designer from Muizenberg, Cape Town. She completed her studies at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology in 1999. She began her jewellery label Skermunkil in 2006 and has since taken Cape Town and the rest of the country by storm. As well as having exhibited at the Cape Town Design Indaba for the past 3 years running (since 2007) Marietjie’s work can be found in stores across the country.

Her work which consists of intricately delicate pendants, rings, earrings and badges can be found in many stores including The Space and Tinsel in Johannesburg and Mungo & Jemima, The Wardrobe and Journey in Cape Town. Her jewellery has a unique, recontextualised element which I love. She works with multiple mediums including silver, gold, resin, wood, enamel, perspex, antique cutlery and broken crockery.

“I love it when old or everyday things are taken from their original context and recycled or redesigned into something completely new and beautiful. I love Frauke Stegmann’s Milnerton Market Is Nice range of ceramics and I love Heath Nash’s big colourful plastic lights. I also love the beautifully illustrated handmade books by Lyndi Sales of Fynbos Plants and I love Heather Moore’s amazing paper cut-outs - I want them all!” - Marietjie Beeslaar

Eendag op n reendag is a blog that I really enjoy. I find it easy to follow, informative and yet extremely personal and I chose to include this blog for these reasons. This blog demonstrates how a blog can be used to connect with fans or followers of one’s work. When I read the posts on Eendag op n reendag I feel as if I am being allowed to peek into Marietjie’s collection of memories and eclectic life. By her post subject I feel that I can tell that she is a soft hearted, loving individual. Her casual writing style also makes people feel comfortable in contacting her or commenting on her work.

Eendag op n reendag is an extremely effective marketing tool for Marietjie too. Many other bloggers have created links to her site from theirs by commenting on her work, allowing new people to discover her blog.

The first post (posted on Wednesday June 30th 2010) from Eendag op n reendag I will be discussing is entitled Skermunkil. This post is a good example of marketing and advertising used in a blog. Here Marietjie is informing followers and viewers that she is currently working on new jewellery and trying something different and is providing a platform for comments and participation from readers. Marietjie is also providing the information that she is opening her own etsy store and has made a link to her etsy page. In one click she has the viewer perusing her online store. Very clever.

The second post (posted on Wednesday May 26th 2010) I have included is, I feel, more of a personal post. The post is about a song, Total Eclipse of the Heart by Bonnie Tyler. Marietjie is letting the reader know something about her that they would have only found out through personal conversation. The post also has the fun and interesting element of having a video that the reader can play it straight off of the blog. I found it impossible to not click the play button. A mood is instantly set as soon as the video plays.

Overall I feel that Eendag op n reendag is a fantastic example of the use of a blog by a jewellery designer. It is a pleasure to follow. It is interesting, fun and informative. It flows well and allows the reader to feel a part of Marietjie’s design process. This blog has proved to be the bridge between Maritjie's label and the people who wear her jewellery, people who would like to wear her jewellery and people looking for new and interesting designs.