Oldies showcase hobbies and crafts

Many residents have turned to social media to learn new skillsets.

June 10, 2023

Jani de Beer 2 minutes read

Rita Kraukamp with one of the 3D greeting cards she created while watching tutorial videos.

Intricately made 3D greeting cards and mesmerising photos captured at the right moment were some of the hobbies and crafts displayed at the first Country Life Retirement Village Hobbies Expo on June 2 and 3.

The inaugural event, hosted by the village’s social committee, showcased residents’ unique and varied talents, which many claims were self-taught using tutorial videos shared on social networking platforms.

“We are blown away by the items on display,” said Chris Walker, one of the committee’s founding members.

“There is a misconception that once our hair turns grey and we retire from the workforce, the elderly spend their days watching the hours slip away as we move from one sunny spot to another.

René Woods uses treasures found on a holiday to create beautiful décor pieces. She says it is her way of sharing her memories with others.

“The aim of this event was not just to allow residents to show off their handwork but also to encourage those embracing their golden years to pursue hobbies that keep their minds active and ignite a new passion within their souls.”

At his display of perfectly captured photos, Derek Hatch told the Benoni City Times he bought himself a camera as a retirement gift.

“I am a rubbish artist at best, but I have always appreciated the art of photography,” he said.

“I watched countless tutorial videos about my camera’s settings and taught myself to use digital editing software.

“Having this as a hobby gives me a purpose in life. Seeing the results fills my heart with splendour.”

At her stall consisting of an assortment of hand-made 3D greeting cards, Rita Kraukamp said she started dabbling with paper art five years ago.

Derek Hatch, a self-taught photographer says the hobby his given him a purpose and a lust to explore life through the lens.

“Greeting cards have become extremely expensive and incredibly generic,” said Rita.

“I started making cards for my family and was soon scrolling through hours of online tutorials, learning how to create unique 3D designs. Before I knew it, I started making cards on order for people who happened to see my designs.”

Rita said although making these art pieces is time-consuming, it keeps her hands and mind busy.

“Old age can be a lonely journey, but by doing this, I force my mind to focus on the task at hand instead of getting stuck in a loop of reminiscing,” she said.

“I believe someone receives a little piece of my heart when they get one of my cards.”

Peter Woods’ hobby has become a little more academic than originally envisioned.

He has been dedicating his time to captioning and digitising old family pictures while delving into the history of his forefathers.

Peter Woods, with a copy of the book containing research and photos of his family’s history.

“I came across boxes containing old forgotten family pictures. To preserve the already fading images, I create digital copies and caption these moments frozen in time,” he said.

“I then started researching our lineage and documented noteworthy events. Now I have a book documenting our family’s history that can be handed down to generations to come, with them hopefully adding to it further.”

Peter said family heritage is often neglected and forgotten because no one ever thinks of documenting it until they have a box of photos of people they do not recognise.

Following the hugely successful event, supported by residents’ families, they hope clubs specialising in various crafts may sprout, encouraging the sharing of skills and the blooming of friendships.