HobbyX
Hobby X Johannesburg has been and gone. It was an excellent show, most of the attendants and stall holders agreed it was one of the best Hobby X’ s ever, lots and lots of fabulous crafty bits to abuse the credit card on and absolute proof that crafts are alive and well in South Africa.
I spent Saturday and Sunday at the Metz Press Stand, publisher of a string of the finest craft books, most written by local crafters. The stand was nestled between the two leading pewter studio’s in Johannesburg, one of them Pewter Art Academy, run by Elize Roodt, who supplies me with pewter, information on new tools and inspirational chats. It was very stimulating seeing the level of pewter art done by these studios. I came home to my studio on the slopes of Table Mountain with some new tools, a new book of designs and a head bursting with ideas.
My exciting news about Hobby X is I launched my “Pewter It” DVD!!
It was really well received, we sold lots and lots of DVD’s and by Saturday lunch time were sold out of both my pewter books, “Easy Pewter Projects” and “Pewter It”, the English and Afrikaans titles. I have already received feedback on the DVD, all positive. The comment which comes through the most is – there are lots of good close ups which are clear and easy to follow. That’s what happens when you get the well known lens man Andrew Ingram to shoot a DVD.
The DVD is aimed at beginners; it is a hands-on workshop giving you a close-up view of the essential techniques of pewter art, low relief, high relief and the patina and polishing process. It also teachers you how to apply gold leaf and glass stain to the pewter to achieve interesting colour effects. It allows you to attend a workshop at a push of a button in your own home.
Special launching price R85.
It was fun meeting and chatting to so many pewterers and crafters. I must say we really are a friendly bunch and every one is so willing to share their knowledge. I have this vision in my head of a very, very long table set with colourful china and pots of tea and coffee, groaning under the weight of soft delicious ice-cream coloured cup cakes, seated happily around the table are lots of friendly crafters nattering and chattering and sharing ideas. No clocks, no responsibilities, only mad crafters.
Restocking the shelves and DVD display.
The Metz Press stand at HobbyX.
The Metz Press team.
