HOEDSPRUIT – From the bushveld to the Mother City, Hoedspruit’s own Deon Breytenbach is taking his woodturning craft to Cape Town this November for the first-ever Makers Festival, a three-day celebration of creativity and craftsmanship.

About the Makers Festival

The event, taking place from November 7 to 9, will gather some of South Africa’s finest artisans, designers, and do-it-yourself enthusiasts for a weekend of hands-on workshops, demonstrations, and creative exchange.

Festival founder Warren Turnbull says Breytenbach was an obvious choice for the festival’s debut lineup.

“Makers Festival is proud to announce that Deon from Bushveld Turnery will officially be part of this year’s lineup,” Turnbull said.

“Known for his craftsmanship and passion for traditional woodturning, Deon brings a wealth of knowledge and a hands-on teaching style that has inspired many within the maker community.”

Turning passion into mindful creation

Breytenbach’s journey with woodturning began in 2020 with a single creation, the now well-known Bushveld Bouffadou, a fire-blowing tool inspired by French tradition.

What started as a small project soon evolved into Bushveld Turnery, a full-fledged workshop that produces functional art pieces exclusively from salvaged indigenous wood.

“Working with indigenous wood is deeply rewarding,” he says.

“Every species tells its own story, the scent, the texture, the colour, all of it reflects something about the landscape it came from.”

Before becoming a full-time woodturner, Breytenbach spent years in adventure and rescue training, a background he says helps him teach complex techniques in simple, engaging ways.

“I’ve always loved showing people that something that looks difficult can actually be fun once you understand the process,” he explains.

“Woodturning is incredibly satisfying. You start with a rough block, and within minutes, you’re holding something beautiful that you made yourself.”

Sharing the art of woodturning

At the Makers Festival, Breytenbach will host beginner-friendly workshops where participants will craft their own salt or pepper mills.

“I’ll handle the prep work, roughing out, predrilling, and machining the blanks, so everyone can jump straight into shaping and finishing their own masterpiece,” he says.

He first heard about the festival concept from fellow artisan Turnbull and was immediately drawn to the idea.

“It’s not just about watching demonstrations; it’s about actually trying things for yourself. That’s what makes it special,” he says.

“Creating something with your hands reminds you of patience and presence,” he says.

“It’s a form of mindfulness, and you end up with something truly unique.”

When he’s not on the road or behind the lathe, Breytenbach can be found at the Hoedspruit Farmers Market, where he regularly showcases his latest work. His pieces are also available online at bushveldturnery.co.za.

The Makers Festival will feature more than 20 artisans offering workshops across mediums such as wood, leather, ceramics, textiles and metal. Tickets include full access to all sessions, materials, and tools.

For Breytenbach, the highlight will be sharing his passion with others.

“There’s nothing quite like the moment when someone realises, ‘Hey, I made this!’” he says. “That’s what keeps me coming back to the lathe every day.”