Are you dying to get your creative juices flowing? Why not make this the year to engage your artistic side and enrol in a short course or two?
While we know that life is often packed to the brim with work and family responsibilities, the truth is, making time for yourself and your hobby (or hobbies!) will ultimately make you happier and more balanced. In fact, research published in the Journal Of Occupational And Organizational Psychology shows that engaging in a creative hobby will help you perform better at work.
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Here are some of our favourite short courses on offer right now:
Cape Town
DLphoto
Industry veteran photographer, David Lazarus takes a hands-on, practical approach to teaching photography to people of all skill levels. He offers a range of short courses, for beginners and pros – where you can learn everything you need to master your hobby.
All the gear you’ll need is provided for you to use during the course, so you don’t have to buy expensive cameras and lenses before you’ve gotten your feel of photography.
Where: 60 Barnet Street, Gardens Cape Town, South Africa
When: Saturdays from 10:30am
Cost: From R4 000 per course
Contact: Call 079 777 2772 or visit his website here for more info
Candle Maker’s Deli
If you love beautiful soaps and candles, why not try making your own? The process is fun, easy, and very relaxing. Plus, it’s a great way to channel your creativity. Candle Maker’s Deli offers a few amazing soap-making workshops with master candle-maker and soap maker, Nicole, that’s sure to get you well underway. You’ll also have the chance to make scrubs and fizz balls for the bath, depending on which workshop you sign up to.
Where: 46 Marconi Road, Montague Gardens, Cape Town
When: Ongoing – dates subject to change
Cost: R600 per person
Contact: Call 082 745 1841 or visit their website for more info
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Durban
John Smith Artist
John Smith is a talented artist who has been working in the business for over 45 years. During his career, he’s mastered many mediums making him the perfect mentor for anyone wanting to indulge in their creative artistic passion.
His series of art classes combine some art theory with the practical work allowing you to truly strengthen your abilities under his tutelage.
Where: 69 Lovat Road, Rosehill, Durban North
When: Tuesday mornings and Saturday afternoons
Cost: From R550 per month
Contact: Call 031 563 3753 or visit his website here
Ceramic Studio
The Ceramic Studio is the perfect place to indulge your love of pottery. With courses on basic pottery, dry-brush painting, mosaic and fabric painting lessons, you’ll definitely find a way to let loose the artist in you.
When you start a course, you’ll also receive a starter kit filled with materials to help you master the basics.
Where: 673 Main Road, Northdene, Queensburgh
When: Thursdays 9:30am-11:30am and Saturdays 10:00am – 12:00pm
Cost: From R900 for a mosaic course and R1000 for a pottery course
Contact: Call 031 708 6471, or visit ceramiccraftstudio.co.za
Johannesburg
Olga Potgieter Goldsmith Jewellery Making Classes
Olga Potgieter is a marvellous goldsmith, who makes beautiful handmade jewellery from her home in Greenside, and is happy to share her skills with willing customers.
If you’re interested in learning how to make your own rings, pendants and even chic sugar spoons, Olga’s superior knowledge of metalworking will guide you through the beginning stages, over four sessions.
Where: 71 Greenside Road, Greenside, Johannesburg
When: These sessions can be fitted into 2 days, over a week or month, as you prefer
Cost: From R300 per session, excludes metals and sawblades
Contact: Call Olga on 011 646 5296 or 082 823 7096, or visit Olga’s Facebook page
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Art at Ajay’s
With their main studio located in Kempton Park, and others in Fourways and Wendywood, Ajay’s offer a wide range of accessible and affordable art classes for beginners and experts alike.
Whether you want to try sculpting, painting, or drawing, Ajay’s provides excellent workshops and materials for anyone interested in indulging their artistic side. Once you register, you can buy a package of 12 or 24 classes, depending on the project you want to start, as well as your availability.
Where:
- 2 Quinine Street Glen Marais Kempton Park
- Norscot Manor, corner of Lesley Road and William Nicol Drive, Fourways
- Ullmann Recreation Park, Wendywood, Sandton
When: Class times vary per venue
- Fourways: Tuesdays 6:00pm-8:00pm; Thursdays 10:00am – 12:00pm and 6:00pm – 8:00pm; Fridays 10:00am-12:00pm; Saturdays 12:00pm-2:00pm and 2:00pm – 4:00pm
- Wendywood, Sandton: Fridays 10:00am – 12:00pm; Saturdays 10:00am-12:00pm
- Kempton Park: Mondays 6:00pm-8:00pm; Tuesdays 9:00am-11:00am; Wednesdays 8:00am-10:00am and 10:00am-12:00pm and 6:00pm-8:00pm
Cost: R1 900 per 8 class package
Contact: Call 011 972 8557, or visit artclassesatajays.com
