From shaping and fabricating clay or cloth to designing with paint or graphite, we’ve compiled a list of hands-on arts and crafts activities in Johannesburg for some of the most engaging spots where you can get imaginative and thus create.
Discover the traditional art of block printing at Blocks & Hue
Blocks & Hue are bringing the traditional art of block printing to art-lovers and curious minds alike with their monthly, hands-on, block printing workshops. Hosted three to four times per month in Johannesburg, these three-hour workshops run from 10am to 1pm and are designed to be both inspiring and accessible, with no prior experience needed.
Guests are guided through the beautiful process of block printing using over 200 handcrafted Indian block stamps and a wide range of vibrant, non-toxic paints. Participants create their own custom-printed piece to take home while learning a timeless textile art form in a warm and welcoming space.
Cost: Each workshop is R800pp including access 200 handcrafted Indian block stamps, a wide range of vibrant paint colours, expert step-by-step guidance, a light snack and a drink. Book online
When: Multiple times a month from 10am to 1pm
Where: Under Bar, 11 Rothesay Ave, Craighall Park, Randburg | Prison Break Market, 10 MacMillan Rd, Glenferness AH, Johannesburg (on select days)
See the schedule here
The Kim Sacks School of Ceramics and Fine Craft Art
Slow down, switch off and reconnect with your creative side at the Kim Sacks School of Ceramics and Fine Craft Art. Working with clay has long been associated with mindfulness, offering a calming, hands-on practice that encourages focus, creativity and relaxation.
The school offers a range of weekly ceramics classes for both beginners and experienced makers, with weekday and weekend sessions available. If you’re not ready to commit to ongoing classes, there’s an eight-week Saturday course as well as a monthly casual clay session. Their once-off Clay Experience is designed for anyone wanting to explore the tactile and therapeutic qualities of clay in a welcoming, creative environment.
Cost: Enquire and book via email [email protected] or call 067 704 3926
When: Various
Where: 153 Jan Smuts Avenue, Parkwood, Johannesburg
Studio Artwave workshops
Step out of your comfort zone and learn a new art skill with a variety of workshops in ceramic-making, life drawing, punch needle art, textured art, tote painting, portrait painting, and more.
Studio Artwave creative workshops are meant to suit every skill level, being completely beginner-friendly but also the perfect, relaxing art experience for self-considered pros. The workshops are all about having fun, relaxation and connection.
Artwave is a space where anyone can explore their creativity, meet like-minded people, and enjoy making art. Arrive for a complimentary drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) and snacks to enjoy while you get creative.
The workshop experiences include fully guided art tuition by art professionals, excluding the Art Cafe experiences, which are fully self-guided and do not include complimentary drinks and snacks.
All materials are provided, and while you may receive an apron for some of the messier sessions, it is suggested that you wear something that you aren’t afraid to get damaged during the art sessions. Workshops are open to anyone aged 5 and up, though the punch needle workshops have a minimum age limit of 12 years old.
Cost: From R85pp to R750pp (dependent on the chosen workshop). Book online
When: There are multiple workshops per week at various times
Where: Artwave, 44 Stanley Avenue, Milpark, Johannesburg
Goethe Writing Club Inauguration/Launch
This is your sign to start writing again!
Join the inaugural/launch of the Goethe Writing Club, a community of aspiring writers meeting in order to train their writing muscles and improve each other’s writing.
The community will meet every third Thursday of the last month of the quarter. Everyone will be required to write a piece of fiction (any form of fiction), up to 3000 words each and upload it to a shared folder, as well as read everyone else’s writing in order to prepare for the meeting.
Writing themes and challenges will vary with each assignment. For more information, contact Ana Maria Panait at [email protected]
Cost: Free entry
When: Launch on Thursday, 18 March 2026 from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. Takes place every third Thursday of the month
Where: Goethe-Institut South Africa, 119 Jan Smuts Ave, Parkwood, Johannesburg
PULP Paper Works
Find out more about the timeless craft of bookbinding with the hands-on workshops at PULP Paperworks. Hosted by a team of skilled bookbinders and paper artists, these creative sessions introduce participants to a range of traditional techniques, including exposed spine binding, concertina books, hardcover binding and handcrafted paper projects.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced maker looking to expand your skills, each workshop offers expert guidance in a welcoming studio environment. Rooted in sustainability and a love for handmade craftsmanship, PULP’s workshops are as much about slowing down and creating with intention as they are about learning a new skill.
Cost: From R480pp, enquire via email [email protected]
When: Various opening times
Where: Victoria Yards, 16 Viljoen St, Lorentzville, Johannesburg
Create clay painting for all ages
Choose from a vast array of unfired bisque and a wide selection of colourful paints to create crockery that is both personal and unique at this casual art cafe. Create promises a leisurely day painting in a relaxed environment with friendly staff at hand to assist you with any painting techniques that you might wish to make use of.
To keep the creative juices flowing, the venue serves delicious coffee and is fully licensed with an exciting range of cocktails and wine in store.
Cost: Various, book online
When: Various opening times
Where: Venues in Modderfontein and Lonehill
Glass art and creations from scratch at the Pisces Glass Studio
Discover the art of stained glass at Pisces Glass Studio, where creativity and craftsmanship come together in a welcoming studio setting. Suitable for beginners and those with some experience, the workshops introduce participants to traditional stained glass techniques, from cutting and shaping glass to foiling, soldering and finishing a beautiful handcrafted piece.
With small class sizes and expert guidance throughout, you’ll gain practical skills while exploring the timeless beauty of this centuries-old art form.
Cost: From R750pp, see the full rate breakdown here. Book via email [email protected] or call 067 720 1099
When: Various
Where: The studio is located in Randpark Ridge
Clay Cafe
Let the expert hosts at Clay Cafe Maggies Farm teach you new skills in the fun and relaxing environment of their studio space in Lanseria.
Their aim is for every attendee to own a personalised and beautiful functional piece of art for their home that they can be proud of. Guests will collect their finished ceramic pieces once they’re ready. There’s also a menu featuring breakfast, pizza, sandwiches and a kid’s offering.
Choose from an extensive range of local clay cups, plates, vases, ornaments and other beautiful homeware accessories and be sure to dip your chosen item in water before applying paint. The team is on standby to teach you the ceramic painting essentials and some specialised techniques.
Cost: Bisque items are priced individually from R100 to R500 and include paints and equipment to be used during your visit. Book via Dineplan
When: Wednesday to Sunday from 8am to 5pm
Where: Maggie’s Farm, R512 Pelindaba Road Lanseria, Johannesburg
Moody Cyanotype classes at Alternative Print Workshops
Step into one of photography’s oldest printing techniques with this hands-on Cyanotype Workshop at Alternative Print Workshops. First developed by Sir John Herschel in 1842, the cyanotype process produces striking monochrome prints in the distinctive Prussian blue that has fascinated artists for generations.
Experienced printmaker Dennis da Silva guides participants in exploring the history behind this alternative photographic process before learning how to mix the chemistry, coat paper and create their own prints. Each attendee will leave with two original cyanotype artworks: a creative photogram and a photographic print created from a digital image submitted before the workshop. Suitable for beginners, curious creatives and anyone aged 12 and older.
Cost: Enquire via email [email protected] or call 082 450 8489
When: Half-day experience, from 8am to 3pm
Where: Parkside Centre, c/n Ostrich & Parrot Streets, Bromhof, Randburg
Jewellery making at Studio Loubser
Whether you’re curious about jewellery making or looking to refine your existing skills, The Jewellery School offers creative classes for every level. Led by experienced jeweller Liz Loubser, students learn a wide range of jewellery-making techniques and design principles while creating their own handcrafted pieces.
Small class sizes ensure plenty of one-on-one guidance, with beginners and advanced students learning in a welcoming, collaborative environment. Participants can join as hobbyists or follow a structured curriculum that combines practical projects with theory and drawing.
New for 2026 is an Advanced Class, designed for experienced jewellers wanting to further develop their technical expertise and creative practice.
Cost: See the full rate breakdown here, and book via email [email protected] or call 064 756 4283
When: Afternoon, evening and weekend classes are available
Where: 11 Cecilia Avenue, Risidale, Johannesburg
Coco Craft Studio
If you’re big on crafts or new ways to spend some quality time with the crew, Coco Craft Studio offers fun and unique rug tufting classes in Johannesburg. This craft class in Midrand provides a relaxing and beginner-friendly space for you to experience the magic of tufting by learning how to set up your own frame, operate tufting guns and finish your design.
The session includes an insightful introduction to rug tufting and basic techniques and shares the colours available before you get to try your own design. An instructor is on standby to help you make tufting rugs, wall hangings, and mirror frames in no time.
Cost: 35cm x 35cm – R500pp. 50cm x 50cm design – R950pp. 70cm x 70cm design – R1450pp. 1m x 80cm design – R1950pp | Book online
When: Wednesday to Friday, 9am to 3pm. Saturday & Sunday, 9am to 4pm
Where: Prison Break Market, 10 MacMillan Rd, Glenferness AH, Johannesburg
Made in Workshop woodwork sessions
If you’ve ever wanted to learn practical making skills, Made in Workshop is one of Johannesburg’s most exciting creative spaces. As South Africa’s largest shared makerspace, it offers hands-on classes in woodworking, metalworking and digital fabrication using professional-grade equipment.
Whether you’re interested in traditional joinery, furniture making, CNC routing, welding or laser cutting, the workshops are led by experienced makers and cater to everyone from complete beginners to seasoned creators. Beyond learning a new skill, you’ll join a vibrant community of designers, hobbyists and entrepreneurs who share a passion for building and creating. It’s an inspiring way to gain confidence with tools while bringing your ideas to life.
Cost: From R1499pp, see the full rate breakdown here. Book via email [email protected] or call 010 745 1577
When: Various
Where: 10 Naaf St, Strydompark, Randburg
The Pottery Studio
You’ve seen so many shops, studios, and cafes that offer pottery painting that you’ve reached the stage of wanting to make your own pottery. It’s a natural progression fuelled by the feeling of having that raw cup, plate, or figurine head in your hand.
At The Pottery Studio in Bryanston, seasoned clay professionals, John and Michelle, will expand your horizons into the full-body experience that is pottery making. They don’t offer once-off lessons as students are encouraged to learn the basics first before taking their time with a project like a vase or wall mount.
The Pottery Studio sells lessons in batches of four and eight, once a week or twice a week for a month, and includes all the materials in the pricing. The studio also caters for varied schedules, offering night classes on Tuesdays to Thursdays to supplement the usual morning slots, so there’s no excuse not to roll up your sleeves and get stuck in.
Cost: R2550pp a month, for one lesson per week for four weeks
When: Classes are three hours long and are hosted on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursday and Saturdays from 9.30am to 12.30pm; Tuesdays and Thursdays also from 5.30pm to 8.30pm; and Wednesdays from 6pm to 9pm
Where: 24 Old Kilcullen Road, Bryanston, Johannesburg
Candle making with the experts at the SA Candle Supply
Learn all about the art and science of candle making with SA Candle Supply’s beginner-friendly workshops in Johannesburg. Perfect for complete beginners, these hands-on classes guide participants through every step of creating beautifully scented container candles, room diffusers and home fragrance mists using professional techniques and quality materials.
Along the way, you’ll learn about different waxes, wicks, fragrance blending, pouring methods and candle safety, leaving with the skills and confidence to continue crafting at home. Small class sizes and expert tuition create a fun, welcoming environment.
Cost: From R1700, including all materials. Book online
When: Various
Where: Northlands Business Park, 166 Gigantic Avenue, 37 NewMarket Rd, Northriding, Randburg
Lillian Gray Art School
At the Lillian Gray Art School, they teach classes that range from toddlers, teens, and tweens to adults of all ages, which permits a safe space to be creative, without judgment.
These classes and workshops offer a vast and diverse selection. From entertaining paint nights to workshops for watercolouring, printmaking, face-drawing, and photography. The school also recently added its very own online store, with ideal products for its students.
In case you were wondering, Lillian Gray is a Contemporary South African fine artist with international recognition and displays in New York, London, Spain, Chicago, and Miami. She believes that her work must empower people to reach their own creative pinnacles whilst also serving as an investment for all her patrons.
Cost: Classes and workshops vary from R450 upwards. For more booking information, see here.
When: Various times
Where: Lillian Gray Art School, 82 Kessel St, Fairland, Johannesburg
Abundance Moon Mosaic Studio
Reconnect with your creativity through the calming practice of handcrafting at Abundance Moon. These intimate, beginner-friendly workshops celebrate slow making and mindful creativity, inviting participants to learn beautiful handmade crafts in a relaxed and supportive environment.
Each session offers step-by-step guidance, quality materials and plenty of encouragement. More than just learning a new skill, Abundance Moon’s workshops are about embracing the joy of making, connecting with like-minded creatives and leaving with something uniquely your own.
Cost: Enquire and book via email [email protected] or call 083 459 2384
When: Various
Where: 61 12th Street, Parkhurst, Johannesburg
The Slow Studio
The Slow Studio offers Joburg and Pretoria-based craft lovers the perfect opportunity to unwind with a set of incredible creative offerings. With a choice from multiple workshops dedicated to teaching embroidery, Lino printing, and punch needling, secure your spot and grab an opportunity to create your own personal creative masterpiece!
Cost: From R415pp to R450pp, book via [email protected] or by sending a dm via Instagram
When: Various Times.
Where: Various Venues in Pretoria and Johannesburg
SofiArte Macrame knotting
Fibre artist Sofia shares the mindful art of macramé with SofiArte’s welcoming workshops in Johannesburg. These hands-on classes introduce beginners and intermediate makers to the timeless craft of decorative knotting in a relaxed, creative setting. Learn essential techniques while creating beautiful pieces such as plant hangers, wall hangings and home décor, with step-by-step guidance and all the support you need along the way.
Cost: See the full rate breakdown here. Book via WhatsApp 076 666 9516
When: Various
Where: Operating from a home studio in Fourways
Messy Masterpieces Paint Night
Messy Masterpieces is a guided paint workshop designed for everyone regardless of experience. Join for a relaxed paint night, each with its own dedicated theme.
Follow along step-by-step with a local artist to create a masterpiece. All the materials are provided, along with a welcome drink, and good vibes. The event is perfect for a girls’ night out, date night, or a solo self-care session.
The session is two hours long and the materials are paint, brushes, and easels. For bookings of two or more, please use a single name for all the tickets to ensure that everyone who booked together is seated together.
Cost: From R220pp, book via Quicket
When: Select days at 10am, 12pm, 1pm, 4pm or 6pm
Where: Various venues in Pretoria and Johannesburg
Plant-based soap making at Aurora Soap Co.
Unwind and get creative with a hands-on soap-making workshop at Aurora Soap Co. Designed for beginner to intermediate makers, this small-group experience introduces participants to the art of crafting plant-based glycerine soaps using fragrances, essential oils, colourants, carrier oils, herbs and other natural ingredients.
During the session, you’ll learn the fundamentals of soap making, from melting techniques and safety to creating unique soap inserts and beautifully packaging your finished creations. Each participant receives a soap starter pack to use during the workshop and take home afterwards, along with new skills to continue experimenting at home. With light refreshments included, it’s a relaxing and creative way to spend a morning while making something practical.
Cost: R1550pp, including all materials needed. Book via email [email protected] or call 073 941 6804
When: Saturday, 5 September from 9am to 12:30pm
Where: Cnr C.R Swart drive & Wakis avenue, Strjidompark Building unit 5, Randburg, Johannesburg
The Fine Arts Workshop
Step things up at the Fine Arts Workshop. Whether in the kitchen with their rotation of personal recipes or chasing a qualification or course to hone your professional skills, this is your first stop. Beginners are welcome but those who have basic foundations and skills of art are invited especially to enhance those skills with like-minded folk.
Founded in 1997 by University of Cape Town Fine Arts graduate, Taryn Millar, the workshop is centrally located and its reputation today is built on 25 years of experience.
Artists need to provide their own painting materials as they’ll be immersed in a world with real-life models and understand the intricacies and nuances of drawing with graphite. Classes are scaled to cater for the level of artistic experience.
Cost: Open studio classes – R3900pp for 12 lessons | Conceptual Art Making classes – R3000pp for Module 1 and R2600pp for Module 2 | Foundation drawing classes – R4000pp, materials excluded | Foundation oil painting classes – R6000pp, materials excluded
When: As per course details
Where: The Riverclub, Sandton, Johannesburg
Lavender and Time
Nestled in the avenues of Edenvale, Lavender and Time is your one-stop haberdashery spot.
Stocking an extensive range of quilting fabric, embroidery thread, knitting needles, wool, and accessories, which are used in the weekly classes, it was described by one customer as “a shop you can spend hours in”. Charmaine and the rest of the team take care of you as Shan, Dianne and Dorothy come in to take weekly quilting, embroidery and smocking classes.
The Lavender and Time team has spent years moulding the business into the kind of welcoming space only needlework can create. Be sure to check their website for a detailed schedule of the month’s classes and book in advance, as classes tend to fill up quickly.
Classes include quilting, embroidery and crochet. The kettle’s already boiling at Lavender and Time, and they’ve got a cup ready for you, so come on over and let’s get those needles working.
Cost: From R160pp (kids classes) and R300pp (adults) per class. Book via email at [email protected] or call 063 551 6909
When: Classes take place multiple times a month
Where: 80 7th Avenue, Edenvale, Johannesburg
Painting With Grapes
Painting With Grapes offers exciting pop-up sip and paint classes in Johannesburg that are simple, fun, and specifically aimed at beginners. In other words, a quirky and unique date night for you and your beloved friend or partner.
In these classes, it’s not only the creativity that flows but also the wine. Paint your own version of beautiful artwork, while you wield a glass of wine in one hand and a paintbrush in another. Each class is led by an expert artist who shares industry tips and tricks in easy step-by-step methods to help students create stunning art pieces. All painting materials are provided, such as a canvas, easel, paints, brushes, and an apron.
Painting with Grapes also caters for private parties, events, kid-friendly classes and team-building activities.
Cost: Book online
When: Multiple times a month at 10am, 6pm or 6.30pm
Where: Painting with Grapes Joburg, 19 Melanie Ave, Northcliff, Randburg
