June 2020 - Highway Durban

Elaine’s fascination for the shapes of insects,
plants and stones found in the country is the
force behind Kool Kulture and her Khameleon
jewellery range which she sells online and at
the Shongweni Farmers’ Market on the first and
last Saturdays of the month.
Each individually crafted item is unique and
a true reflection of the characteristics of the
study piece. From the tiny breathing holes
found dotted across the thorax of the hawk
moth, to the miniscule hairs on the legs of the
elephant mosquito, Elaine’s eye for detail is
painstakingly evident.
Her range includes the ever-popular
butterflies and dragonflies, ‘I have an
ongoing love affair with the Hawk Moth,’
she says, touching the piece that she wears
around her neck. There was the frogs and
chameleon stage, birds of prey, the cutest bees
… “have you seen how gorgeous the blue bum
bee is?” and a unique range of flies which had a
group of entomologists in a froth as they lined
up to purchase the little critters.
‘I’m happy to make up something special
on request for individuals and have created
some interesting items for special birthday
celebrations and anniversaries,’ she says.
Her creativity knows no bounds. Apart from
her jewellery design and manufacturing,
Elaine has dabbled in a number of creative
arts. The walls of her home are adorned with
some of her paintings, her workshop shares
space with a sewing machine and overlocker
… ‘I like to make my own clothes’ and she
has also experimented with medicinal plants,
developing a range of cosmetics.
‘I blame my dad. Growing up on a farm we
did everything ourselves.’
She also admits to having a go at making
pottery and keeps her hands busy while
watching TV with knitting or crocheting.
Every piece of
my jewellery is a
talking point and
each has a story
‘I just can’t sit still!’
Creative pursuits aside, it is
outdoors where she thrives and
finds herself in her element,
surrounded by the beauty of our
natural environment. She is actively
involved in conservation pursuits
and an enthusiastic member of
local environmental groups and
societies.
‘Every day is a learning experience
for me. There is always something
new and fascinating to see or
explore, whether it’s an unusual
caterpillar, some unwelcome aphids
appearing on a plant, or a visiting
bird … it never ceases to amaze and
delight me.’
When she does settle down to
relax, Elaine says she enjoys reading.
The bookshelves around her home
are filled with titles that reflect her
interest in the natural world around
her. ‘I love to read books that are
interesting and informative. It must
be half story and half science,’ she
says laughing.
Her family is another joy in her
life and her creative pursuits and
passion for the environment
have been passed on to her two
daughters who in turn are raising
her three grandchildren to be
equally aware and sensitive to the
world around them.
Follow Kool Kulture on Facebook
and Khameleonjewellery on
Instagram or contact Elaine
on 082 492 9451.
June 2020 Get It Highway • Berea • Durban North 13