Get Creative In Joburg: Inside The Block Printing Workshops Everyone’s Talking About

In a city that’s always moving, finding a space to slow down and create something with your hands can feel rare. That’s exactly what makes the Block Printing Workshops by Blocks & Hue stand out in Johannesburg’s growing creative scene.

Set in the leafy suburb of Craighall Park, these sessions are quietly turning into one of Joburg’s most wholesome weekend experiences. Think less pressure, more play. Less scrolling, more making.

A Hands-On Introduction To A Timeless Craft

Block printing might feel like a Pinterest trend right now, but it’s actually an ancient textile art rooted in Indian craftsmanship. Blocks & Hue brings that heritage into a modern, relaxed setting where anyone can try it, no experience needed.

Each three-hour workshop walks you through the basics, from choosing your design to pressing your first print onto fabric. With more than 200 handcrafted wooden stamps to choose from, no two creations come out the same.

It’s the kind of activity that feels both grounding and rewarding. By the end, you’re not just learning a skill, you’re walking away with something you made yourself.

What You Can Expect On The Day

Workshops run from 10am to 1pm and are designed to feel easy and welcoming, even if you’ve never picked up a paintbrush before.

Here’s what’s included in your session:

• Access to over 200 handcrafted Indian block stamps
• A wide selection of vibrant, non-toxic paints
• Step-by-step guidance from experienced hosts
• A light snack and a drink to keep things relaxed

On arrival, you’ll also get the chance to choose what you want to print on. From aprons and table runners to pillowcases and baby bibs, the options lean into both practical and playful. If you’d rather personalise something of your own, you can bring along an item, as long as it’s 100% cotton.

Why Joburg Is Leaning Into Creative Workshops

Over the past few years, Joburg has seen a noticeable shift towards experiences over things. From pottery classes in Linden to paint-and-sip nights in Rosebank, locals are craving ways to unplug and reconnect.

Block printing taps into that perfectly. It’s tactile, mindful, and social without being overwhelming. You can come solo, with friends, or even as part of a small celebration.

There’s also something quietly satisfying about reviving traditional crafts in a fast-paced, urban environment. It adds a layer of meaning to what might otherwise just be a weekend activity.

Continue The Craft At Home

For many attendees, one workshop isn’t enough. That’s why Blocks & Hue offers DIY kits so you can keep experimenting long after the session ends.

Starting from around R400, these kits include stamps, paints, and everything you need to turn your kitchen table into a mini creative studio. It’s a great option for gifting or for those slow Sunday afternoons when you want to make something instead of buy it.

Workshop Dates And Booking Details

If you’re keen to try it out, workshops are hosted several times a month, usually on Saturdays.

Upcoming dates include:

• Saturday, 11 April
• Saturday, 18 April
• Saturday, 25 April
• Saturday, 9 May
• Saturday, 23 May

Spots are intentionally limited to keep the sessions intimate, so booking early is a smart move.

Cost: R800 per person, which includes all materials, guidance, a snack and a drink
Special offer: Buy three tickets and get the fourth free
Time: 10am to 1pm
Location: Under Bar, 11 Rothesay Avenue, Craighall Park, Randburg

A Different Kind Of Weekend Plan

If your usual weekend routine is starting to feel a little predictable, this is an easy way to switch things up. No pressure to be “artistic”, no need to commit long-term. Just a few hours to create, experiment, and maybe surprise yourself.

And in a city like Johannesburg, where energy is everything, that kind of pause might be exactly what you need.