One of the highlights of the annual Hobby-X showcase happening in May is giving adults and kids the chance to explore a fun hobby or try their hand at something new. Hobby-X is South Africa’s largest public expo of all things art, crafts, and self-improvement. This year, they’ve added a great variety of sessions running on multiple time slots from 4 to 7 May.

We’ve narrowed down the ones not to be missed below!

Soft, tactile toys for the little ones from Cait’s of Standford

Cait’s of Stanford is a small, acclaimed label specialising in handcrafted children’s books and toys. Founder Caitlin Hague is hosting hands-on sewing classes and how to make your own toys from scratch. On offer are sew your own teddy bear, giraffe toy, finger puppets, and two tactile play pages for kids

When: Various timeslots from Thursday, 4 May to Sunday, 7 May
Cost: R300pp per class. Book via Howler

Master mosaic and bisque with Clay Club

Clay Club is an online store that has been making bisque and mosaic accessible since 1990 with hand-painted original inserts, unique Bisque products, and DIY Mosaic Kits to try at home.

For Hobby-X, a range of delightful classes are planned such as revamping your own statement pot stand, a botanical tray for plants, or an incense holder. 

When: Various timeslots from Thursday, 4 May to Sunday, 7 May
Cost: From R174pp to R354pp per class. Book via Howler

Explore your versatility with Creative Hobbies Hub’s mixed media sessions

Creative Hobbies Hub runs online craft workshops that are filled with great techniques to take your skills to the next level. Explore their mixed media classes at Hobby-X that features ways to make a unique art box for storing mementos, cute figurines, and creating works with ground coffee and charcoal instead of paint.

When: Various timeslots from Thursday, 4 May to Sunday, 7 May
Cost: R360pp per class. Book via Howler

Learn how to make all-natural grooming goodies with DIY Naturally

Chrisda Snyman, owner of DIY Naturally, started the concept online shop to showcase only natural and organic skincare and grooming products without all the toxins. Watch and join Snyman to share her wealth of experience with sessions showing how to make your own toxic-free lipgloss, foot soak, and body scrubs (just in time for Mother’s Day!), and a vegan-friendly beauty serum that all comes with great benefits.

When: Various timeslots from Thursday, 4 May to Sunday, 7 May
Cost: From R165pp to R399pp per class. Book via Howler

Let the kids go wild with playful Elmer’s Slime encounters

Young slimers can pot, play and manouvre their own slime from Elmer’s Products, the leader in play Slime and adhesives for over 65 years. The classes hosted by Aruna Desai are a hands-on, sensory experience and the ultimate opportunity for kids to let loose with their own stretchy, fresh Slime.

When: Various timeslots from Friday, 5 May to Sunday, 7 May
Cost: R240pp per class. Book via Howler

Explore creative possibilities with Faber-Castell’s markers and wood-cased pencils

Here in South Africa, the name Faber-Castell needs no introduction. The popular brand is famous for their wood-cased pencils and a varied range of products for writing, drawing, and creative design.

They’ve partnered with creatives for a series of crafty tutorials running at Hobby-X this year. From brush lettering, mixed media artworks, bible journaling, watercolour landscapes, and doing a pencil roll with your personal touch, there’s something for all ages.  

When: Various timeslots from Thursday, 4 May to Sunday, 7 May
Cost: R330pp per class. Book via Howler

Easy, breezy plasticine classes from Jovi for kids

Jovi’s range of products promotes creative and artistic development, and learning at all stages of childhood. Their Hobby-X workshops are all centered around plasticine, which is a putty-like material. Carol Plummer is using the brand’s DIY kits to teach kids how to make funky artwork and decorate it with monsters or emojis.

When: Various timeslots from Friday, 5 May to Sunday, 7 May
Cost: R96pp per class. Book via Howler

Keep your hands busy with KCrafts paper and paint classes

KCraft offers an exciting range of quality imported products needed for a variety of crafts including paper crafting, cardmaking, scrapbooking, journaling, and mixed media.

The team is running a guided session on how to decorate terracotta pots for a quirky edge, design and make embossed birthday cards, and start an art journal with stickers. 

When: Various timeslots from Thursday, 4 May to Sunday, 7 May
Cost: From R180pp to R210pp per class. Book via Howler

Let the La Rochelle Crafts lineup of workshops unleash your inner artist

La Rochelle Crafts runs a successful arts and crafts supply store and coffee shop in Centurion. They’re also popping up at Hobby-X in Johannesburg for a series of special art classes. 

Spend one hour with an expert crafter while you uncover easy and unique ways to start bible journaling, mixed media paper works, fun lettering to show off your penmanship, and watercolour paint play techniques among others. 

When: Various timeslots from Thursday, 4 May to Sunday, 7 May
Cost: R180pp per class. Book via Howler

Kids can start their art journey with Maped Creativ’s fun BlowPen session

Kids are in for a treat with Maped Creativ’s fun BlowPen art with dainty little decorations hosted by Carol Plummer. Maped is the go-to for in the stationery market for their massive range of products that help inspire and innovate all things creative. 

When: Various timeslots from Thursday, 4 May to Sunday, 7 May
Cost: R180pp per class. Book via Howler

Make magical art with guided workshops by Mariette Beukes

With over 7 years as an authority in arts, crafts, and painting suppliers, art enthusiast Marriette Beukes continues to be an important outpost for craft products and workshops introducing newcomers to the world of art.

Join her for a host of classes running at Hobby-X. There’s a 3D flower canvas to tackle, craft your own book with mixed media elements, and much more.

When: Various timeslots from Thursday, 4 May to Sunday, 7 May
Cost: From 360pp to R420pp per class. Book via Howler

Mandala-style art plates you can make on your own with Sharpie

Iconic brand Sharpier is bringing their famous permanent markers, pens, and highlighters to the Hobby-X workshop roster with Audrey Griffiths teaching adults how to make their own art plate for take-home. Learn new tricks while you create a stunning statement plate in bold and colourful hues. 

When: Various timeslots from Thursday, 4 May to Sunday, 7 May
Cost: R240pp per class. Book via Howler

Illustrations and artistic shading with STABILO CarbOthello

STABILO’s CarbOthello line of chalk-pastel pencils is extremely versatile and can be dry-blended or smudged with either the fingertips or a blending stump to create a variety of artistic effects. 

There are two structured classes aimed at adults and hosted by the brand that focuses on creating calm shading with art on delicate papers. 

When: Various timeslots from Thursday, 4 May to Sunday, 7 May
Cost: R240pp per class. Book via Howler

Delicate handcrafted earrings from polymer clay with UnoMeis

Designer Yolandé de Beer has always been passionate about crafting beautiful jewellery has always been in my blood. De Beer is sharing her skills and expertise with jewellery-making workshops using polymer modelling clay to make stylish earrings. Each student walks away with five sets of earrings made from scratch. 

When: Various timeslots from Thursday, 4 May to Sunday, 7 May
Cost: R425pp per class. Book via Howler

Where: Kyalamin Grand Prix Circuit and International Convention Centre, Cnr R55 &, Allandale Rd, Kyalami Estate, Midrand
Website: hobby-x.za.messefrankfurt.com/johannesburg/
Instagram: @hobbyxinsta
Facebook: @HobbyX