Tuesday 26 January 2010

A LONG PROCESS

I started a line of wine glass charms, which I am loving. It all started in St Emilion, wine capital of France, last December. My friend Urvi and I were talking about wine glass charms and how annoying it is to lose your glass at a party or even if there is only 4 of you!
So I thought I might try it and Urvi placed the first order with a set of 12. I made them last weekend and I am actually quite proud of what I have achieved! My dear hubby is making a wooden stand to present it and then I will post some photos on this blog.
I just love trying new things!

Saturday 23 January 2010

GET TO KNOW ME


My name is Rachel van der Horst, and no I am not dutch like a lot of people presume because of the surname... I am a french girl married to a south african boy, hence the surname. I've been in the UK since 1993 but I am still a frenchie at heart, always will. I created my company Thanda Creations after years of making cards for others. My love for planning and having great parties comes from years of working in the hospitality management and meeting great people.

My mentor in this world I have to say is my mother in law, Gloria van der Horst, she is a craft genius and I have to say, I probably wouldn't do the job I love today without her, so thank you Gloria!
My inspirations come from travel and the people I meet, also from papers I find on my french or south african trips, I love a great paper, I see it and then my mind starts to work and design new creations, same when I see a new venue, I can visualize the wedding and the decor within a few minutes, I get very exited and I love it!

But my greatest love (apart from my hubby that is) is travelling, I never get enough of it. You know when you play the game "what would you do if you win the lottery", travelling the world is the first thing that comes to my mind, always. I worked in travel for over 6 years and travelled the world myself, living in New Zealand for a year as part of it, but finding the little gem that nobody knows about or going to places that are so unknown (for now) that they ask you to name a newly discovered diving spot, that's magical! And that's why I started Thanda Weddings Abroad, specializing in France & South Africa, my favourite countries in the whole world for romance and beauty. What else can I say about myself?

I LOVE my job because there is nothing better than creating new designs and having a bride thanking you at the end of her big day. I also love travel, good food & great wines, I actually base my travelling on food sometimes; I would drive for hours just to try a new gastro pub in the country... did you say crazy? maybe. I am not a great sport's fan but I know snowboarding is a great part of my life and always will be, and I will probably be the old lady you see on the slopes way past my 60th birthday, I hope so anyway. I always try to make people happy, although from time to time it doesn't always come across like that, probably my french way of doing stuff, I guess...

I HATE selfish, ignorant and inconsiderate people, and if someone doesn't respect me, I make sure they know it, I am quite straight forward that way. I also hate bad costumer service and cucumber with a passion. I have seen most of the Friends episodes about 5 times but still laugh at them, never get tired of it; but my favourite Tv show at the moment is Dexter, I can't get enough of it!

Wednesday 20 January 2010

A LITTLE BIT ABOUT US




Hello, My name is Rachel van der Horst, designer and owner of Thanda Creations Ltd, a company based in the UK providing great stationery and event planning.
Whether you are getting married or expecting a baby, we will provide a great piece of stationery to impress your friends & family.
THANDA WEDDING PLANNING will help you create your perfect day without the stress.
We love
all things pretty, whether it's a vintage cupcake holder to a beautiful piece of paper found in South Africa for our new collection.

Through this blog, we will help you with your wedding invitations themes, your babies photos, or how to get the best out of your wedding theme?
We welcome your questions and advice with open arms.