A few weeks into the refashioning of Cape Grace's 121 guest rooms and suites and the new level of distinction is taking shape. As the fourth floor - with its hues of maritime blue and earthy neutrals - nears completion, the stories of the Cape and beauty of the botanical kingdom take root and become real in their new home on the West Quay of the world famous V&A Waterfront. It's the creation of exclusive fabrics and custom made metal, glass and leather items, as well as the exposure of the old antiques and artifacts which add depth, texture and a timeless style to the refreshed guest rooms at Cape Grace. It's the talent of today's local people that brings to life the characters of the Cape's past, making the refashioning process an incredibly warm and delightful story of humanity. Coordinated by Weixelbaumer Design, one of the many small businesses involving local people in the change of look and feel at Cape Grace, is Cape Town based African Sketchbook Fine Art Fabrics. Artists employed from surrounding townships do everything in the fabric painting process from mixing colour pigments according to tried and tested recipes to painting once-off designs. Using tools and templates, such as stencils and screens, every section of fabric is painted by hand. Hence, each finished product is an original work of art and carries the signature of its creator. "We've learned that if they can paint a swirl, we can hone hidden talent and teach local enthusiasts to paint elaborate, intricate designs," comments African Sketchbook Creative Director Dianne Christian. "The artistic touch is always apparent in the subtle colour variations. The stroke of the artist's brush gives each finished item an individual look." Bespoke African Sketchbook fabrics depicting a variety of Cape flowers such as the blue Agapanthus and purple Plectranthus sewn into curtains, bedspreads and tapestries are starting to fill fourth floor guest rooms and suites. Elements such as merchant ships, Imari China plates as well as detailed sea charts relating to the Dutch East India Company's early voyages also make a statement on custom-made fabrics. As brush strokes create original fabric art, so the hammer of artist blacksmith Conrad Hicks forges designs from recycled wrought iron and steel. Working from the character filled old art-deco cinema, The Bijou located on the edge of the vibrant city centre, Conrad Hicks is another of Cape Town's talented artists specifically commissioned by Weixelbaumer Design to create hand made, once-off functional metalwork. Conrad, trading as The Blacksmith Forge, designs his own work and relies completely on traditional blacksmithing techniques to create beautiful products such as gates, fireplaces and lamps. Besides the impressive power and hand hammers, heavy anvils and billets which dominate his studio, Conrad's work would not be possible without the intense presence of a sweltering furnace. He uses a traditional forge to heat metal before hammering, splitting and punching it into shape. Having a conscience for the environment, Conrad took the opportunity to clear his farm of alien vegetation and produce natural, clean burning charcoal from Rooikrans wood, consequently providing work for local farm communities. "Blacksmithing is something I can see myself doing for the rest of my life. To create functional art never fails to captivate me. It's something you can never become the master of… there is always room to innovate," says Conrad as he reveals the finished lamps for Cape Grace's rooms. African Sketchbook and The Blacksmith Forge are just two of the many local businesses drawn into the refashioning project, injecting an incredible amount of passion and "Cape" creativity into the new décor. The use of local talent again reiterates the hotels core values as well as Interior Designer, Kathi Weixelbaumer's vision to create a hotel unlike any other seen to date - an original experience which touches the heart of the traveller as it supports the spirit of the community. Editor's notes: * Cape Grace is owned by Meikles Africa Hotel Group. * Cape Grace website - www.capegrace.com Issued by: Bridget Gardiner Bridget Gardiner Public Relations Tel: 021 713 3527 Cell: 083 635 2077 On behalf of: Cape Grace Contact: Eleanor Williams PR & Marketing Executive Cape Grace Tel: 021 410 7121 Carol Cowan Global Sales Manager Tel: +27 21 410 7057 E-mail: carol@capegrace.com Elle Reinink Sales and Marketing Manager - Europe Tel: +44 (0) 131 665 1511 E-mail: elle@capegrace.co.uk Tamsyn Fricker Sales and Marketing Manager - Americas Mob: +1 404 414 0549 E-mail: tamsyn@capegraceusa.com