In the busy-ness of life we often overlook the importance of me-time. But increasingly health professionals are recognising the benefits of hobbies and crafts, and the positive impact they have on busy lives. Ironically, the busier you are the more important it is to dedicate time to something that you enjoy and that allows you to be in control. In most facets of life someone else is dictating what needs to be done, when and how; but your hobby is something that is entirely controlled by yourself – you decide what you want to do, and how you want to go about it; the choice of colours is yours alone and there isn’t someone breathing down your neck asking if it’s done yet.

The satisfaction of doing something you enjoy simply because you enjoy it is immense – and is good for you. That fulfilment enables you to be a better parent, a more productive worker, a less grouchy spouse or partner. When your own me-time needs are being met you will be less resentful of all the demands put on your time by life.

So go on. Give in to the urge to bead; the need to mosaic; the desire to paint or scrapbook – and ditch the  guilt! There’s so much more to life…

Visit Hobby-X at the Coca-Cola Dome, Johannesburg, from 1 to 4 March for all the inspiration, materials and supplies you need. (1 March Trade visitors only)

Find a list of trendy workshops to indulge in on http://www.hobby-x.co.za/.

making it the biggest & best Hobby & Craft Exhibition

 in South Africa.

In a glittering EXSA awards ceremony held last night in Sandton,

the exhibition industry gathered to recognise excellence amongst its members.

The Hobby-X team is delighted & very proud to have won

the best show of the year in its category.

Congratulations to Hobby-X, its service providers and exhibitors

who’ve all contributed to this remarkable achievement!

“While it can be a challenge for one person or organisation to make a big difference within many charities, it is fairly easy to get many individuals to do one small thing for a single needy child. With this in mind we have created a drive to collect 10 000 T-shirts for 10 000 disadvantaged children using this simple principle.”

We’re very excited that Hobby-X is able to contribute to this charity drive. During the show, Melanie and her team will be showing you how to dye two T-shirts – one for yourself and one to donate to a needy child.

This is how it works…

You arrive with two 100% cotton T-shirts in white. One should be in your size and the other (preferably a long sleeved T-shirt) should be in a child’s size. You’ll be shown how to transform the plain white T-shirts into a rainbow of colour. When you leave, you will take home your T-shirt as a keepsake and leave behind the child’s T-shirt which and we’ll donate to a needy child in an NGO.

The children will not only receive precious gifts with practical value, but they’ll also know that they’ve been made by hand with love especially for them. A unique gift for a unique child, in bright happy colours, that will bring joy to their lives.

It’s not only the children in the NGOs that benefit. Participants have heaps of fun and go home with a warm fuzzy feeling knowing that they’ve made a big difference in the life of a needy child.

Join us at Hobby-X Midrand where we’ll be doing our bit to brighten up a child’s life!

When we launched Hobby-X in Pretoria last year, we were overwhelmed by the number of visitors who streamed in non-stop throughout the  weekend. The queues were long and our visitors very patient, but it became very obvious that we needed a bigger venue with more parking, better catering and more space for our visitors to enjoy the many attractions that Hobby-X has to offer.

We searched far and wide and spoke to many people and a number of venues were considered before deciding on Gallagher Estate, Midrand.   Not in the heart of Pretoria, but with all the conveniences and facilities that our visitors deserve. Easily accessible from the freeways and with the Gautrain station close by, getting to Hobby-X at Gallagher Estate couldn’t be simpler.

Visitors will be able to browse and shop, watch demonstrations and attend workshops, experiencing all the latest creative craft supplies and innovations.

There’s a great mix of exhibitors, and some of the hobbies and crafts that you can experience at Hobby-X Midrand are – Beads and gems, quilting,  magazines, gardening, wax and glass art, model cars, trains and planes, power tools, scrapbooking, books, metal clays, paints and canvasses, doll making, woodworking, teddy bear making, puzzles, laser engraving and cutting, textile art and so much more.

Can’t wait to be there!

Hobby-X Midrand – 1 to 4 September 2011 at Gallagher Estate, Midrand

To find out more about these exciting workshops and to book your place visit the in2crafts website: www.tucats.co.za/in2crafts

See you at Hobby-X Midrand from 1-4 September 2011!!