Our crafting process at Dis' & Dat'
Discover the heart and soul behind every unique piece from Dis' & Dat'. We share our journey, our passion for sustainable materials, and the creative spirit that brings new life to discarded treasures. Join us as we weave stories into our handcrafted items, connecting you to nature and mindful living.
Our sustainable inspiration
From a young age, we, Rasta and Brenda, have been passionate environmentalists. Our love for natural, sustainable products and our desire to reuse items destined for the garbage heap sparked the creation of Dis' & Dat'. Rasta finds immense joy in carving wood – the feel, the scent, the energy it holds. He particularly enjoys salvaging discarded furniture or broken trees, believing it brings new life and continues the story of a once-living being. Brenda has always been drawn to pinecones, sticks, rocks, and shells, using these natural materials to foster an awareness of nature's beauty. We believe all of nature's treasures carry unique medicines, and working with them truly releases a deep connection to the earth.
From nature to creation
Our creative process for items like driftwood hangings begins with strolling along the beach, waiting for pieces to "call out" to us. We see an untold story in each piece, interpreting its narrative and flow – where it drifted from, how long it has been part of this world, and its unique shapes and textures. Becoming a part of that story is our inspiration. The felt garlands evolved from an abundance of felt scraps from our ornaments. Unable to discard such beautiful remnants, Brenda spent hours cutting small squares to create colourful garlands, each one hand-sewn. The most rewarding part of the process is when these creative ideas actually manifest; actualizing an idea keeps our passion alive.
Conscious crafting for a better world
At Dis' & Dat', most of our work is driven by an awareness of our environmental impact. We constantly ask: what can we save? How can we integrate nature into people's lives? How can we reduce our waste footprint? A significant portion of our work is done by hand – carving, sawing, sanding, and sewing – to minimize electricity use. Brenda once spent years hand-stitching a quilt from her old silk shirts and outfits from the 70s and 80s, achieving immense satisfaction from every stitch. We hope our customers appreciate our dedication to sustainability and the mindful craftsmanship infused into every unique item.
"The artistry and commitment to sustainability in Dis' & Dat's pieces are truly inspiring. Each item tells a story and brings a piece of nature's beauty into your home."
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