The Most Ambitious Sticker in the World

That's right. This morning I got the news that my wedding to Blink got a finalist in the Loerie awards in the Live Events category.What makes this exciting is the fact that the other fianlists are huge brands who spent millions on their events. I didn't spend a cent. OK I did pay to rent a suit - R487.50 (that includes shoes and the tie). here are all the finalists:

I went to McDonald's this morning to grab a cup of coffee. When I saw the employee of the month board on the wall I noticed they didn't have 'an employee of the month' for August! Anyway after I did my thing the manager made a poopoo in his pants. I mean really, it's McDonald's for Blink's sake - not the American embassy. He obvioulsy doesn't know who Blink Stefanus is or what a hard little worker he is! Get a life Mr manager!

Yesterday someone sent me a mail. When I opened it I smiled. You see Old Mutual launched their new campaign a while ago and one of the people who features in the campaign is the artist Mbongeni Bhutelezi. What makes Mbongeni flippen amazing is the fact that he creates art out of rubbish. That's right, he melts plastic bags and paints with them. As part of the new Old Mutual campaign he was commissioned to create a huge art work out of platic showing their new pay off line 'Do great things'. A documentary was made of the process and he was interviewed. And guess what he was wearing on the day??

Nice shirt Mbongeni!

Examples of his work: 'Soccer player"

Self portrait

The place I'm freelancing at told Lientjie who works in the kitchen at at recepetion, to stop wearing Blink Stefanus t-shirts. I get the idea they are threatened by Blink! The challenge was to find a new way to get exposure... The stat machine.

Turning the corner of the glass into ad space.

Hey who's that??

Today I saw Lientjie wearing a white shirt over a Blink Stefanus t-shirt.

ME: Why are you wearing that over your Blink Stefanus t-shirt?

LIENTJIE: HR complained.

ME: About what?

LIENTJIE: They're saying I'm advertising your brand and I'm not working for you I'm working for this place.

ME: That's bullshit. You can wear what you like.

LIENTJIE: Ja but they complained.

This really pissed me off. In fact I started seeing little grey dots (I only see these when I get really angry). So I went to HR.

ME: Hi. I overheard from someone that Lientjie has to cover up her Blink Stefanus t-shirts.

HR: No it was just a joke.

ME: Oh ja because I thought it's a silly thing to ask someone.

HR: No it was just a joke. I saw her wearing a Blink Stefanus t-shirt every day this week and I told her it looks like she's modeling your brand.

Slowly the little grey dots disappeared. And I can see clearly once again. But then again HR could be lying...

Lientjie's unhappiness with this unflattering shirt is obvious. Look closely and you'll see the Blink stefanus t-shirt underneath.

That's the Lientjie I know!

Last night I was thinking of new places to show my logo and t-shirts. I decided to sell my cat on Gumtree and make sure that the Blink Stefanus logo is clearly visible in each shot. This advertising space is free and I managed to show off three garments.

This is what the ad says and below are the pics I uploaded:

PLEASE GIVE DOPIE A LOVING HOME

I'm moving house and can't take my beloved cat Dopie with. He is six years old, friendly and house trained. I'm really heartbroken and I want him to go to a serious cat lover. He comes with toys, a sandbox and dancing shoes. He'll be the perfect companion for a recently divorced person between the ages of 55 and 57. No children. Thank you.

You can check out the ad here

http://johannesburg.gumtree.co.za/c-Pets-cats-kittens-PLEASE-GIVE-DOPIE-A-LOVING-HOME-W0QQAdIdZ224667934

The ad will probably only be on there for a day or so.

So I finally got my new Blink Stefanus t-shirts and I'm over the moon. And today I'm going to show them to you. I've asked Lientjie who works at MetropolitanRepublic to model them for me. Lientjie works in the kitchen. She also takes refreshments to client meeting and sometimes she plays receptionist. There are a few reasons I chose her to be the Blink Stefanus model. She's pretty, cool and she's got attitude.

I've also decided to give Lientjie all the t-shirts she's wearing in the pics. You see Lientjie is the perfect ad for Blink Stefanus. She doesn't sit behind a desk all day long. She walks around in the building, goes into all the offices to collect empty cups. She fills up the coffee machine and there are always 5 or more people hanging around waiting to get their fix. She's also seen by all the clients. So of she wear a Blink stefanus t-shirt everyone will see it.

Silver on black. I also did the silver BS logo on light blue, dark blue, light brown and white.

"I said it's over. As in O-V-E-R!"

The copy in the bubble says 'Fokof'. This t-shirt was designed by 'n Vega student. The brief was what would Blink Stefanus say if he could speak.

"What part of Tsek don't you understand?!"

"It's Tuesday but this Blink Stefanus t-shirt makes it feel like Friday."

"I was born to look good. But this Blink Stefanus t-shirt helps".

Silver on light blue.

Lientjie can wear Blink Stefanus anytime!

A few months ago a fellow blogger (Tannemuis) said she wants to do a story about Blink Stefanus. Late last night my mother phoned.

Mom: Why didn't you tell me?

Me: Tell you what?

Mom: That there's a story about you in Rooi Rose.

Me: Ma

Mom: Ja my kind

Me: There's a story about me  in Rooi Rose.

It's in the September isue

The article is about how I'm making Blink Stefanus famous without using any money.

Dankie Tannemuis!

Yesterday was quite stressful. You see I took part in another reverse shoplifting stunt. This one was different to the previous reverse shoplifting stunts. I’ve previously placed Blink Stefanus t-shirts in clothing stores but this time I went a bit further. Last week I bought t-shirts with designs on them, took them home, tagged them and yesterday I took them back. I was nervous and it felt as though everyone were watching me – including the security guys behind the cameras. But it worked out and I didn't get arrested. Yah!

Some of the shirts I had my eye on.

I bought this one...

and this one...

and this one.

Then I had these Blink Stefanus badges made.

I took the badges and the t-shirts to a tailor who sewed them over the designs.

I now had to sneak them back into the clothing store.

The vehicle and bag that was used in the 'crime'. The t-shirts were on their original hangers.

Sneaking the bag in wasn't easy as I had to make sure the hangers weren't showing. Once I had a trolley I walked around and placed objects over the bag.

When I got to the t-shirt section I simply took them out of my bag and placed them on the rail.

Oor en uit

I got to work this morning and as I was making a cup of coffee Lientjie walked in wearing a Blink Stefanus t-shirt. That made my day.

Lientjie is responsible for a whole range of things - from keepng the kitchen clean to playing receptionist between 1 and 2 and now also modelling for Blink Stefanus. I'm so impressed with her modelling skills I've asked her to model the two new BS t-shirt I got yesterday. Watch this space.

There is a reason why my wallet is always full of Blink Stefanus stickers. I never know when an opportunity will arise.

Its ok.I am doing what will be good for my baby.He deserve a home that will love and care for him and that i have found in you.
Just deposit the money into my account below and send me a fax(0865380400) or email with the proof of payment.

Bank Name:ABSA
Account Name:RP BESTER.
Account Number. 9247812166. Absa Bank.
Reference:Terrance

I will be waiting to read from you once you do the deposit.
Thanks for every thing you offered me.

Stefanus Nel  to Keyana

show details 11:55 AM (2 hours ago)

No thank you! You don't understand how happy she is. Two weeks ago we found out that the metal plate in her head has shifted. This was not good news at all. Luckily the doctors offered to replace the metal plate with an asbestos plate. My family has been through a lot! But you have restored my faith in the human race, human beings and mankind.

My little girl is so happy she drew you a picture of our family with Lucky the hedgehog. Do you like it?

Is it a cheque or savings account?

wow i like the picture.
Its a Savings Account.
Just let me know when you deposit the money.
Thanks

Stefanus Nel  to Keyana

show details 12:39 PM (2 hours ago)

I'm making the deposit at 1 (it's lunchtime then). I like people who are kind and friendly...people like you. Are you married? Do you ever come to Johanneburg? If you come you can come and stay with us. We're moving to a house in Joumasepoes. It's a suburg just outside Johannesburg.

Just a few more questions about the hedgehog.
1.How big do they get?
2.Can I keep him in an ice cream tub (empty)?
3.How old do they get?
4.Does he eat fish? What about low GI chocolates for diabetics.

Thank you

I feed him with tined cat food(not the fish varieties) along with plenty of clean water, however if you can find a few slugs for him he will always be welcomed. Check that the slugs are healthy and not beginning to dissolve, an early sign of slug pellets doing their work. You will kill the hedgehog if you feed him with slugs that have been affected by slug pellets.
Never feed him bread and milk, many people seem to think this is the best food for them but it is an old wives tale. Cows milk cannot be digested by a hedgehog and it will result in dehydration and eventually death.
He sleeps in a 20 gallon long aquarium.You can also get him an incubator as open pet cages will get too cold for him.I will send the Aquarium with him.
He is 300g now and will be 500g fully grown.
I am not married and yes i have plans to come to Johannesburg.It will be a pleasure to come live with you.Thanks for offering me Shelter in JHB.
I will be waiting to read from you once you deposit the money and when i get it,i will make sure he is transported today.
Waiting

Stefanus Nel  to Keyana

show details 2:06 PM (38 minutes ago)

Hello friend

Please find proof of payment attached.

Keyana Cohen  to me

show details 2:18 PM (33 minutes ago)

That is not a bank receipt.
Are you taking me for a ride??

Stefanus Nel  to Keyana

show details 2:28 PM (29 minutes ago)

Sorry! It's the wrong one. Here's the correct one. You'll notice I've paid in an extra R500 (Total R450) for your kindness.

Thanks

Just when I thought it was over between me and the Gumtree scammer I received another mail from him this morning. Here goes:

Keyana Cohen  to me

show details 8:59 AM (2 hours ago)

I tried to get the rest of the money from my friend.So if you are still interested i will be able to send him today as soon as you deposit the R350 into my account.
I am with ABSA.So will you be able to get to ABSA and deposit the money?
Waiting

Stefanus Nel  to Keyana

show details 11:20 AM (0 minutes ago)

Dear friend,

You are too kind! How can I thank you for doing this for me. You came down from  R850 to R350. My little girl is so happy. I wish you could see her face. We cannot accept your offer without saying thank you. As a gift my little girl wants you to have this toilet roll. It's not any toilet roll. It's a toilet roll with a Blink Stefanus sticker. You can use the toilet roll for your own perusal or you can display it on your coffee table.

Attached is a picture of my little girl holding the toilet roll. She's beautiful don't you think?

PLease send me your ABSA banking details soonest.

Love
Stefanus

I'm always thinking about new ways to introduce Blink Stefanus to strangers. But my latest stunt was really fun. I started chatting with a scammer in Gumtree and email by email I showed him Blink Stefanus merchandise. It started with me replying to an ad under the 'Pets for sale' section on the classifieds site Gumtree. The pet section is notorious for scammers posting ads where they give away an animal for free but you have to pay for the transport first. Once you've paid the money into their account you never hear from them again. The ad I replied to was for a baby hedgehog that was for sale.

Here are the emails that followed.

Keyakana Cohen to me

Yes i still have him Available. but here are some few issues which i will like to make you understand and possibly address them before we proceed,
1st. I will NOT place him in a home where he would be sold to make money without love and care giving to him like what i do or even more.
2nd. I will NOT let him go to a home where he would live outside!
3rd. I will NOT place him with anyone who has any history of child or animal abuse!! and the
4th. The new home  must take time to educate themselves on how to properly care for Him.
5th. and last but not the least, i will probably turn down a home that have a large number of Predator pets that will be a threat to his life. As long as you can make me understand that you will share the love in your home with these baby, i will consider placing him to your home, regardless of your location, even if you are not located within a driving distance, i do consider courier as an option. So please get back to me as soon as you can and please advice on your exact location.Just ask me what ever you want to know about him.
Thank you for your time and interest in the Hedgehog.

Stefanus Nel  to Keyana

show details Jul 19 (2 days ago)

I'm in Johannesburg, where are you?

Keyana Cohen  to me

show details Jul 19 (2 days ago)

I am in Port Elizabeth.Like i said i can get him to any body who can't come and get him as long as he/she promise to take proper care of him and eventually know how to care for a Hedgehog.
So let me know
Waiting

I will look after him. I promise. I recently lost my wife in an aeroplane accident and the hedgehog will be a gift for my little girl who has Funshauzen's disease. When will you send him?

Keyana Cohen  to me

show details Jul 19 (2 days ago)

Thanks for that.I am sorry for the lost of your wife.
I hope your kids will be very proud to have him because he likes playing with little children.
I can send him this morning as long as you can afford the transportation cost.It will cost R850 to have him transported.So if you are ready to have him today,get back with the following information required for him to be delivered.
Your names......
Address.......
City.........
State...........
Zip code......
Phone number....
Once i have that,i will let you know my Banking details so that you can deposit the money for me to get it here and have him transported this morning.
So let me know
waiting

Stefanus Nel  to Keyana

show details Jul 19 (2 days ago)

Hello

R850 is quite a lot. I've just spent R2000 on a dialysis machine for my ageing mother. Is there any way you can try and find a cheaper transport company. Please. I've already showed the picture of the hedgehog to my girl and she can't wait to meet him. She's already named him Lucky.

Alternatively you pay the transport cost and I'll send you this sticker.

Please let me know,
Stefanus

I have talked with another courier and they can send him for R600.So if that is ok by you,we can use them.
They will not transport him until we pay.So you will have to send the money for me to pay.
So let me know the information i requested.

Thanks

Stefanus Nel  to Keyana

show details 10:28 AM (23 hours ago)

Hello

I can pay R500 only. I did budget to buy a baby hedgehog this month but only R500. Can you please pay the R100 to the transport company. If you pay the R100 I will give you this cup for free.

My postal address is

Stefanus Nel
Poepies street 73
Gietergat
1413
Johanneburg

Please send me your banking details.

Thanks

That is okay.I will do any thing to get him into a loving and caring home.
I will pay the R100.
I bank with Capitec and FNB Bank.So which is close to you that you can deposit the money.Let me know so i will provide you the details for the Bank so that you will use to deposit the money.
Thanks and waiting

Stefanus Nel  to Keyana

show details 10:58 AM (23 hours ago)

You are very KIND! Thank you! I promise to look after Lucky. My little girl keeps on asking me to show her the photo of him.  He is so cute!

As a sign of our gratitude we'd like to send you this beautiful snow dome. Do you like it?

There's an FNB bank very close to me.

Thanks again,
Stef

Wow i like it.How will you get it to me? or may be you can just keep and when i come that way i will get it.ok.
Below is the information.Send me the proof of payment once you deposit the money.

Bank :FNB
Acc Name: Linda Zwane
Acc #: 62274076111
Branch code: 250655
Reference:Terrance

Will be waiting to read from you.If you can deposit the money this morning,he will be able to catch the flight this morning.
So let me know

Glad you like it. I will make tomorrow morning. Will Lucky be OK during the flight? Do I need to get anything before he arrives??

Thanks once again for your kindness.

Stef

He will be fine on the trip.I will send all he had along with him.ok
Just let me know once you deposit the money.
Thanks

Still waiting to read from you.ok

Stefanus Nel  to Keyana

show details 10:06 AM (26 minutes ago)

Hello

Last night my brother's built-up orthopaedic shoes got stolen. It is very sad as we saved for 6 months to buy them. It was his favourite shoes and I sometimes borrowed them on Friday nights to go dancing at the club. Could you please reconsider the price. The most I can do is R350. But I will give your this washed pair of Blink Stefanus underwear for free. They've only been worn once.

If this is fine I'll make the payment at 12pm.

Thanks again for understanding.

Stef

I'm waiting for a reply but doubt that I'll hear from him again.

There are many individuals and companies out there who believe a business card is a piece of paper with your number on it. Or that a logo is a pretty design with your initials. I find this sad. Blink Stefanus is proof that great design lives on. It's proof that great design can make anything look better. And if you don't believe me judge for yourself;

A toiletroll

A toilet roll beautified by a Blink Stefanus sticker.

If I put a gun against your head and said 'choose a roll' which one will it be? If you're honest with yourself the answer would be 'the Blink Stefanus one'.

I've got Blink Stefanus t-shirts, cups, bags, stickers, sweaters and now panties! It was my birthday last week. I turned 36 on the 10th of July. I don't have issues with growing old. In fact I've never been happier! Blink took me to a romantic restaurant where I had some fish and chips. It was nice to be 100% sober on my birthday. I've given up drinking four months ago and I can definitely recommend it. At least I now can remember what Blink and I got up to. I got swimming goggles and a cap from my sister, a diet book from my friend Helene, a BJ from Blink and Blink Stefanus underwear from my friend Annette.

I'm wearing these today ( :

What is more fun to look at than Paris's punwabi? Blink Stefanus obviously!

As you I bought chocolates the other day, took them home, replaced the wrapping with Blink stefanus wrapping paper and took it back and placed it on the shelf. Today I went to Woolies to buy food. While I waited at the teller for the question 'cheque or savings' I felt a hand on my shoulder. I looked up. Two managers looked at me, the one holding one of the chocolates I tagged.

WOMAN: What is this? the woman asked while waving the chocolates in my face.

ME: Ummm it's chocolates.

The man pointed to the Blink Stefanus sticker.

MAN: Is this you?

ME: No it's my partner.

WOMAN: It looks just like you.

ME: No it's my husband. I got married to him.

WOMAN: Is this a joke.

ME: No. I can show you wedding pictures.

MAN: Are you selling these chocolates in our shop?

ME: No you are selling it. And I've aready paid for them so when you sell them you make double the profit.

I think I lost them here. The good news is I didn't get arrested. After all you can't arrest someone for reverse shoplifting! They gave me back the chocolates (which legally belonged to me.) More good news is that the other three chocolates I tagged got sold!

The pack that didn't make it... I'll have to find another way for this one to see the light

I've tagged chocolates before but this is the first time I've bought chocolates, changed the packaging to Blink Stefanus packaging and put it back on the shelf.

There are four mini slabs in a pack. I bought four packs.

Removing the packaging.

I designed this wrapping paper, tagged it and placed the slab inside.

And then I placed it back in the pack.

One of the other designs - I did four in total.

Back on the shelf.

'Ooooh I love this packaging', an unknown woman said.

I always make sure I have Blink Stefanus stickers in my wallet. One never knows when I'll need one. Today after work I stopped at the pathology lab at Sunninghill Hospital. I had my insulin and testosterone levels taken a while ago and my medical aid didn't cover everything so I just popped in to settle my account. While I waited there for the nurse to find my file I took out a sticker and tagged the pen people use to fill in their details. It might sound like a boring place to advertise but when you realise there are between 80 and 100 people going there daily it's not a bad space at all.

While I was there I decided to test Blink Stefanus's growth hormone levels. He hasn't grown much and I don't want people to tease him.