Ballo featured in the Homo Faber Guide

We’re honoured to be featured on the Homo Faber Guide, a global platform dedicated to celebrating craftsmanship and the people behind it.

The guide highlights artisans, workshops and studios around the world that are preserving and evolving traditional making practices, and we’re proud to represent Cape Town’s craft community as part of that story.

Craft at the centre

The feature explores how Ballo frames are made and the values behind our workshop.

Ballo was founded with the idea that design should reconnect people with nature and the joy found in everyday moments outdoors.

That philosophy shows up in the materials we use and the way we work. Our frames are crafted from locally sourced and reclaimed materials, including wood and fabric offcuts, cork, recycled plastics and plant-based acetate.

By giving these materials a second life, we aim to reduce waste while creating eyewear that carries a story of where it came from.

Made by many hands

Craftsmanship is central to the Ballo process.

Every pair of frames passes through numerous stages of production and multiple artisans in our Cape Town workshop before it is finished.

From shaping and finishing to assembly and packaging, each step reflects the pride and skill of the people who make them.

For us, making locally is about more than proximity, it’s about building a workshop culture where craft, creativity and collaboration thrive.

A global community of makers

The Homo Faber Guide connects Ballo with a global network of artisans who share a commitment to craftsmanship and thoughtful design.

Being included is a reminder that craft is still evolving and that small workshops around the world can play a role in shaping how things are made in the future.

You can explore the full Ballo profile here:

View the feature →