Craftsmanship
The items below are all designed and (hand) manufactured by Harold. He attended the Higher Technical Institution St. Jansberg in Maaseik, Belgium.
In the first three years of school, all items were made by hand. In doing so, he grew to become a master craftsman in his field.
Craftsmanship is crucial in today’s society because it provides a necessary counterbalance to the rapid pace of mass production and digital, disposable culture. It is valued for prioritizing quality, sustainability, and human connection, offering products that are built to last rather than designed for obsolescence. Craftsmanship preserves traditional techniques and skills which work in harmony with nature, preventing them from being lost to mechanization.
Special bicycles
Smoothie bike
A smoothie bike is a stationary bicycle equipped with a blender, where pedaling powers the blade rotation to mix smoothies, juices, or shakes. These eco-friendly, human-powered machines require no electricity and promote fitness, healthy living, and sustainability.
This particular design is handmade and unique in its kind: made of solid birch wood, with RVS parts as well as in-house designed parts, giving it a very exclusive and sturdy look.
Wooden balance bike 3-6 years
This solid wooden balance bike is a handmade and unique design with an exclusive and rugged look. The solid rubber wood is locally sourced, making it one of a kind. Because of the adjustable saddle, this bike is suitable for children age 3-6. It is designed by Harold Leonardus Matheus.
In total, 300 balance bikes were hand-manufactured in 2013 at the Woodlife Center for Craftsmanship in South Africa. They were sold to (Montessori) schools, bike shops and individuals. At Woodlife Center for Craftsmanship, people from impoverished rural areas were trained in technical and vocational skills, to offer them better opportunities in the South African labor market.
