Home - Aardvark Studios

Crafting Botswana's signature textile one stamp at a time.

Rolls of fabric printed by hand.

Unique lino stamps designed.

Aardvark Studios was established in 2020, by Lien van der Linde as a textile design, printing and manufacturing studio in Maun, in homage to the giant cement aardvark sculpture we built near Gweta circa 2000.

Local Flora and Fauna, such as the humble Mopane tree, the Okavango Delta’s exuberant Tswii, and the magical, often unseen creatures that live amongst its flowers and leaves, are chosen as an ode to our natural world. Lino stamps are hand carved and individually made, fabrics are uniquely hand printed, transforming often drab locally found raw safari materials into something totally fab for the contemporary palette.

These authentic treasures are created here in Maun Town, handcrafted by talented local artisans, so that you can own a piece of beautiful Botswana to take home with you! From bespoke, handmade soft furnishings to large-scale refurbishments - Aardvark Studios' skilled artisans will take your dreams from drab...to fab!

SIGNATURE TEXTILE COLLECTIONS

Botswana's Signature Textiles - inspired by Nature

The Majestic Mopane (Colophospermum mopane) with her unique leaves can be seen all over Botswana. Inspired by the signature butterfly-shaped leaves of the Mopane tree, this hand-printed textile design reflects the natural symmetry and grace of this iconic Botswana flora. The intricate patterns capture the earthy hues and delicate veins of the leaves, bringing the elegance of the African landscape into your home, evoking the beauty of nature's unique geometry.

The Magical Tswii (Blue water Lily), with her captivating flowers, serves as the muse for this soft, flowing textile design. The delicate petals and calming blue hues of the Tswii’s blossoms, together with the floating, lace-like leaves, are captured in intricate hand-printed patterns, reflecting the serene and mystical essence of Botswana’s water landscapes. This design brings a sense of tranquility and harmony to any space.

Another local favourite - the fabulous Flamboyant (Royal poinciana), with her striking flowers, giant seed pods, bold, fiery blossoms and sculptural seed pods, inspired this vibrant textile range. The brilliant reds and oranges of the flowers, combined with the distinctive shape of the pods, are blended to create a dynamic and eye-catching pattern, embodying the flamboyance and energy of Botswana's natural beauty.

COLLECTION OF

Products & Services

Welcome to Aardvark Studios, where our passion for bespoke design extends far beyond our exclusive textile creations. While we specialize in hand-crafted fabrics, soft furnishings, and bespoke textile products, our interior design services are equally renowned.

From complete soft refurbishments and custom-designed furniture to large-scale installation and art pieces, our design solutions are tailored to meet your unique vision. Whether you're looking for a personalized interior transformation or a one-of-a-kind piece to enhance your space, Aardvark Studios brings artistry, craftsmanship, and innovation to every project.

Products

Soft Furnishings, Fabric Goods & Bespoke Interior Items; available in signature print collections, as well as limited edition print ranges.

Tablecloths

Available in the following sizes:
Square: 140cm x 140cm
Rectangular: 140cm x 210cm, 140cm x 240cm, 170cm x 250cm.
Round: Custom made.

Table Runners

Available in the following sizes:
Medium: 40cm x 140cm
Long: 43cm x 170cm

Napkins

Keep it earth-friendly with fabric napkins, available in the following sizes:
Square: 20cm x 20cm, 40cm x 40cm, 50cm x 50cm

Scatter Cushion Covers

Available in different shapes and sizes, with zips, single- or double-sided print.
Square: 45cm x 45cm, 50cm x 50cm
Rectangular: 30cm x 70cm

Makeup Bags & Pencil Cases

Made from our signature textile ranges and lined with 100% cotton - durable and washable.

Tote Bags

Durable, washable, and made from our signature textile ranges, with webbing handles - big enough for A4. Approx. 40cm x 40cm.

Tea Towels

A beautiful addition to any kitchen, and made from our signature textile ranges - 45cm x 70cm.

Bespoke Interior Items

Made by skilled local Artisans & Craftsmen from Botswana.

Lampshades & Light Installations

Made to order in standard- and custom sizes, covered with our signature hand-printed fabrics, or custom-made according to specifications.

Curtains & Blinds

Custom-made to order according to specifications, using only the finest materials and hand-printed fabrics.

Headboard Art

Custom-made according to specifications.

Upholstered Cushions & Pouffes

Custom-made to order according to specifications, using only the finest materials and hand-printed fabrics.

Paper Products

Meticulously hand-crafted by resident artists, ideal for portfolios, booklets, and notepads.

Fabrication & Interior Design Services

Delivered by skilled local artisans and craftsmen.

Soft Refurbishments and Interior Design Elements

From new soft furnishings to interior overhauls - for private projects, lodges, restaurants, and shops.

Sourcing & Procurement

Need something unique or specific? Let Aardvark find it for you! With years of experience in the interior- and design industries, we know all the right people.

Art Services: Box Framing, Installation Pieces, Scenic Murals, and Sculptures.

Professionally done and made to specifications, small to large-scale, interiors and site-specific exteriors. Available for commissions.

Theatre & Film Services

Set design and -construction, props fabrication and -procurement.

Fabrication & Building

We're able to provide the following professional services, by skilled local craftsmen:

Welding, Carpentry, Painting, Plumbing, and Tiling (including mosaics).
Scenic, Sculpting, Basket- and Palm Weaving, Paper Making, Masks and Puppets.
Tailoring, Upholstery, Leather Work, Millinery, and Garment Making.
Furniture Making, Deck Building, and Woodwork.

AARDVARK STUDIOS' RESIDENT ARTISANS

At Aardvark Studios the people make the difference. Meet our resident artisans and craftsmen whose skilled hands make and mould our bespoke goods.

Lien

Director & Designer

With a background in theatre-, textile-, and décor design, Lien burst onto the Botswana art scene in 2000 when she built Africa’s largest Aardvark sculpture. After furthering her studies in the US, and gaining many years of experience in South Africa, she returned to Botswana in 2019 with a family and a keen desire to enrich the lives of people with art. The natural beauty of the delta inspired a range of textiles, and after seeing a gap in the market for locally handcrafted products and bespoke goods, Aardvark Studios was born. Today their hand printed fabrics, designs, and products are becoming known and loved in local markets, curio shops and are traveling the world over.

Hlezipi

Seamstress Supreme

With over 30 years’ experience in sewing and tailoring, Zipi joined Aardvark Studios in 2021. Her famous saying, “these hands cannot make anything that’s not beautiful” got her hired on the spot, and has proven true time and time again. Her vast knowledge about sewing, fabric, and technique is enough to fill a library, and she proves her worth in gold every day. We cherish her instinctive interpretations and natural eye for design, which makes her an invaluable asset at Aardvark Studios.

Letso

Textile Printer & Artisan

With a unique background in the Museum fabrication industry, paper making, box framing, and carpentry (to mention a few of his many skills), this kind and friendly gentleman easily mastered the art of lino printing. A well-respected and multi-talented local Maun artist in his own right - Aardvark Studios is lucky to have him as a resident artisan (and self-appointed HR manager). Letso is a constant source of inspiration, seeing art in everything, and helping Aardvark Studios to make the world a more beautiful place.

Phenyo

Lino Artist & PA

In 2022, Aardvark Studios had the capacity to expand, and was looking for a new artist to join their team. And like magic, a young 26 y/o Motswana man walked into our small, hot, outdoor container workshop… looking for a job as an artist! His skills were put to the test by hand-printing hundreds of red camelthorn pods at random, until he was dreaming about them. Today, Phenyo is an integral concept designer and print-artist, with an instinctive understanding of organic patterns that mimic nature, and has perfected the art of hand carving the most intricate lino stamps. All while also being the “master of the music” – an integral element of our creative process in this hot little workshop in a dusty donkey town!

Seikanyeng

Seamstress & Fabric Artist

Kind and careful Seikanyeng, or Cee as we like to call her, is as reliable as the African sun, and shines with a light just as bright. Cee joined Aardvark Studios in 2023 with a warm smile, as a highly skilled seamstress – who happens to be excellent at not only sewing, but also the creation of 3D fabric artworks and patterns… an unexplored avenue for us thus far, she’s always dreaming up new ideas! She is also capable to sew the finest linen to the hardest outdoor plastic with a flawless finish – Cee’s many talents know no bounds and are always evolving at Aardvark Studios.

Gorata

Production Assistant

Aardvark Studios’ youngest recruit, the shy Goratamang recently completed her sewing certificate in Clothing Design and Textiles at YWCA in Maun, and joined us in 2023 as production assistant. Her hands were ready for anything and she quickly became lovingly known as the “iron lady”. She’s perfecting her pattern-cutting skills, sewing the majority of our various zip bags, and finding herself more and more boldly attracted to the variety of interesting things happening in the printshop. Her keen interest in learning new things has immersed her in the workshop world, where every day we discover new skills for her to explore.