There’s something magical about seeing a Nehanda Design Mobile hanging gently above a cot, dancing in the light, whispering stories through shapes and colour. But the journey from idea to completed piece is one that carries care, collaboration, and a whole lot of heart.
The Ideas That Lead the Way
Unlike mass-market décor, our products don’t begin in a boardroom. They begin in conversation.
Most of our designs have their roots in custom requests. When we receive the same idea multiple times—whether it’s a specific animal, a cultural symbol, or a local landmark—we listen. If it aligns with our values and creative vision, we begin the process of exploring and developing the idea further.
Some designs also come from personal passion. A love of travel, animals, the natural world, or meaningful places like Kalk Bay and Pangolins often inspire our collections. These pieces aren’t trend-driven. They’re soul-driven.
We’re also conscious of what each design means in context. Whether it’s a nod to a traditional fable, a coastal memory, or a baby’s unique name, we ensure the design isn’t just beautiful—it’s personal.
Behind the Scenes
While our felt is cut by machine for precision, all elements are carefully hand-finished. The painting and embroidery processes are especially detailed and time consuming, requiring excellent eye sight and emaculate fine motor skills.
It’s the small touches that set our work apart—the bright orange of a sunbirds breast, the repetitive yet random pattern on the zebra, the peaceful smile on their faces. These are pieces made not just by hand, but by heart.
We’ve put a lot of time into perfecting how our mobiles are assembled—from how they balance, to how they move. We now use strong, locally manufactured thread from ACA Threads, and we conduct strength tests to ensure every element is secure, even after months of use.
We’ve learned over time that safety and beauty must go hand in hand. That’s why we work in small batches, test constantly, and refine as we grow.
Thoughtful and Personal
Each mobile is made-to-order. No bulk production, no shortcuts. This allows us to personalise, tweak, and adjust as needed. Many of our customers ask for small changes—different colour combinations, extra dangles, or special meaning added—and we welcome that.
A child’s first space is sacred. We want our mobiles to honour that.