Everythings about Thailand: LIFE AFTER WORK

LIFE AFTER WORK

Hobby House is a club offering creative pastimes for all

Published: 28/01/2010 at 12:00 AM
Newspaper section: Mylife

When elderly people enter retirement, they may get bored - sitting around, watching television and having nothing interesting to do. In particular, those who don't have no children in the family to take care of may also feel isolated and get lonely, leading to depression and lack of sense of value. And it's very sad to know that some of them start experiencing health problems due to their sedentary lifestyle after retirement.

Beading and crystal jewellery class.

Retirement, however, doesn't have to be dull; on the contrary, it can be fun and exciting. To relieve any boredom and to keep active both physically and mentally, it's very important for retirees to find some rewarding activities to do. Taking some inspiring courses is a good idea.

And if you have an artistic and creative streak and are looking for a place where you can learn some new hobbies or do something that you have been interested in for a while, "Hobby House" is ideal. Here, there are a wide range of art and craft classes to serve every need.

A club for connoisseurs

Arts and crafts are Naruvorn Panyarachun's whole life. Her passion for them began when she started learning porcelain painting from M.R. Sujitkun Sarasin.

When Naruvorn was managing director at Air Transport Service Ltd, she spent much of her time travelling the world on business and for pleasure. During her trips, she found the time to take some craft classes. Beading and crystal decoration in Milwaukee, Wisconsin was one of the courses she attended.

After spending so much time as a solitary crafter, Naruvorn saw the need to find an environment where she could be surrounded by other people creating and learning from each other. As a result, she got together with her younger sister and a group of friends, with similar interests, to launch Hobby House in 1990.

Naruvorn Panyarachun

"At that time, it was quite hard to find a studio or school in the city centre where people could learn and acquire artistic skills," Naruvorn said.

The club has developed into a major draw for people who wish to indulge themselves in artistic endeavour. It also serves as a sanctuary where city people can escape the worries of everyday life and get to do something they truly enjoy.

"This studio was specially created to serve the needs of devoted lovers of art and craft. We don't operate this club for business purposes," an associate owner said.

According to Naruvorn, most of its members are housewives and retirees both Thai and foreigners. Some simply want to explore a new side to themselves and create something. Others just want to socialise, make new friends and enjoy some companionship.

"Our club is not restricted to elderly people. Members can bring all their family to join our classes. Our beading and crystal course is popular amongst children," she said.

Catering to all your needs

Having started with a porcelain painting course, Hobby House has now expanded what it has on offer to serve the ever-changing requirements of its members. Here's a list of what's currently on offer:

- American porcelain painting

Participants will be taught the basics on painting including the use of tools, mixing mediums, how to mix the paints and load the mixed colours onto flat brushes as well as how to put the different colours on backgrounds. Shades and shadows are also highlights of the course. The course is conducted in Thai, English and German.

- European porcelain painting

This course offers beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. Here, attendees will learn how to mix paint to the right consistency, how to apply the right strokes and different techniques in order to get the perfect end results. Both beginners and experts are welcome.

- Watercolour and oil painting

Both novice and experienced participants can attend this class because the instructor will teach everything you need to know; how to use tools, sketching, drawing and painting.

- Decoupage decoration and teddy bear painting

From choosing the right colours and designs to cutting, sticking, and vanishing, participants are taught everything from start to finish. Special techniques like faux finishing are also included in this course.

- Beading and crystal jewellery

Here, instructors teach participants how to make many different kinds of accessories including necklaces, rings, brooches, key chains, mobile phone hangers and decorative items in the forms of animal figures.

- Teddy bear making

This workshop is well suited for those who love sewing and embroidery. Participants will be taught all the steps in making a fully jointed Mohair teddy bear from cutting to sewing and stuffing. By the end of this course, they are making teddy bears in no time.

- Cooking

Cooking classes in both Thai main courses and desserts are also offered from time to time.

The educational fees start at 4,500 baht for six sessions. Each session takes about three hours. Tools and materials are not inclusive of the fees. Each class is kept to 5-6 attendees. The club also offers imported high quality tools at reasonable prices for members.

For more information, go to http://www.hobbyhousethailand.com