13 December, Northcliff 

9am-11:30pm

R50pp online, R60 at the door

Step into a haven for dreamers, storytellers, and readers alike.
Our Book Swap & Story Exchange invites you to share the magic of the written word — bring a few beloved books, discover new tales, and connect with fellow lovers of fantasy worlds.

Guidelines for swapping:

• Bring up to 5 fantasy books (any subgenre welcome — high fantasy, urban fantasy, dark fantasy, romantasy, and more).

• Books should be in good, readable condition — no torn pages, missing covers, or heavily damaged copies.

• We do not accept incomplete series, unless:

  • It’s Book 1 of the series, or

  • It’s a recent new release (within the past year or two).
    (No random Book 2, 5, or 7 of an old series)
    This is to ensure there are good options for everyone to choose from
    
    

• Swap on a one-for-one basis — bring a book, take a book.

Enjoy the atmosphere:
Stay a while, chat with other readers, and sip a cup of coffee from the little coffee shop while browsing through a library of stories shared by the community.

Trade your tales, share your worlds, and let the magic of stories continue in new hands

13 December, Northcliff 

9am-1pm

R350pp

Step into the warm, creative world of plushie-making and bring a tiny fennec fox to life with your own hands! This beginner-friendly workshop invites you to learn the basics of hand sewing, including techniques like ladder stitching and applique.

What you’ll do:

• Handcraft a charming fennec fox plushie from start to finish

• We will start with a variety of fabric colours for you to choose from, move on to cutting out our pattern, use applique for the face, and then sew our plushie.

• Learn sewing techniques suitable for beginners (or a gentle refresher for experienced crafters)

• We will complete at least the head in class, but you will have all the skills necessary to finish the rest at home.

Workshop details:

• We provide the pattern, fabric, stuffing, and thread. We provide enough for you to make a second plushie at home

• Bring your own sewing needles, fabric scissors, and other tools, such as an unpicker, or purchase a beginner’s sewing kit here.

• No prior experience is needed

• Perfect for anyone who loves cute, whimsical, and handmade creations

Leave with your own handmade fennec fox, a new skill, and a little magic in your hands.

13 December, Northcliff 

12pm-3pm

R250pp

This is more than just a sewing class — it’s an invitation to design and create a garment that is entirely your own. Join the Maker’s Guild for a hands-on workshop where you’ll learn to make a circle skirt or cloak from the ground up — no patterns required.

What you’ll learn:

• How to self-draft every part of your garment

• The fundamentals of cutting, shaping, and assembling a circle garment

• Finishing techniques like French seams, flat felled seams, and ruffles

• Optional advanced skills, including placket openings (as zip alternatives) and adding pockets

• How to confidently customize and complete your design

You can sew by hand or machine, depending on your preference. Bring your own fabric or let us supply it — we’ll help you choose the perfect type and quantity once you email us your desired length and style.

Participants are welcome to bring their own tools or purchase a beginner sewing kit here

Please note: if you include multiple advanced details, you may not finish your garment during the session. You’ll still leave equipped with all the techniques, guidance, and confidence to complete it beautifully at home.

Workshop breakdown

We’ll begin by taking our measurements and completing a provided worksheet to create your custom pattern. From there, we’ll cut out the fabric, start basic construction, and add more advanced techniques as needed.

If you’re sewing by hand, you’ll be able to complete a simple skirt or cloak.
If you’re an experienced sewer, you’ll benefit from exploring techniques like placket openings or new finishing methods you may not have tried before.

A basic garment can easily be completed in the allotted time, while additional details may require a bit of “homework” afterwards. Hand-sewn pieces, for instance, may need finishing work such as hemming — but we’ll make sure you’re fully equipped with the right techniques before you continue at home.

If you’re using a sewing machine, please ensure you already know how your machine works, as we won’t have time on the day to cover machine basics. Bring at least two bobbins (empty if we are providing fabric and thread, or pre-wound if you’re bringing your own).

Once you’ve booked your spot, we’ll send you an email to discuss your fabric preferences based on the length and style of skirt you’d like to make, as well as any additional details. You can either purchase your own fabric with our guidance or have us source it for you at an additional cost.

Draft it, stitch it, make it yours — a flowing piece of wearable art, crafted by your own hands.

13 December, Northcliff 

3pm-6pm

R250pp

Step gracefully into the world of dance with the Royal Finishing School — a workshop designed to prepare you for your grand entrance at the next Miravae Ball, or to ready you for the next wedding or party you are attending. 

Over three hours, you’ll explore a mix of elegant and lively styles, learning both group and partner dances that bring the ballroom to life.

What you’ll learn:

• Some of our favourite line dances and cotillions from past balls

• The fundamentals of Boogie, Swing, and Foxtrot/Quickstep

• How to move gracefully, find rhythm, and connect with your partner (or dance solo!)

• Posture, timing, and tips to make every step feel natural and fun

This class is open to all levels — no experience or partner required. Just wear something comfortable for movement (or your dance shoes if you have them) and bring your enthusiasm!

This workshop is not required to attend our balls — it’s simply a little extra for those who:

• want to feel more confident on the dancefloor,

• would like to practice beforehand, 

• just enjoy a relaxed space to learn at their own pace, or

• enjoy spending a bit more time dancing for the fun of it!

Bonus: After the workshop, join us for a free social dance at Five6Seven8 Dance Studio in Ferndale (if it's your first time), where you can practice your new skills, meet fellow dancers, and enjoy a relaxed evening of music and movement.

Learn, laugh, and dance the night away