By Gugulethu Tshabalala

We often picture a perfect adventure as boarding a plane to xplore exotic destinations, but sometimes, adventure is simply trying something new right where you are. My friend suggested a tufting workshop at Coco Craft in Prison Break Market. The moment we walked through the studio door, panic set in. The tufting guns looked powerful. The frames looked huge. And my mind screamed: “What did you get us into?!”

This was suddenly not a cute, casual outing. But a surprise exam, and I hadn’t studied. My smile was hanging on for dear life. Trying new things quietly terrifies me. Not in a dramatic, scream-and-run way but in a slow inner panic that tries to convince me to sit life out. But my friends? They show up fearless. They dive in first. They believe adventure is always worth it.

So, we picked our tufting designs:
● Palesa chose a bright, happy smiley face that matched her sunny energy.
● Tebello chose a panda, an adorable tribute to her 11-month-old baby.
● I chose the daisy because it looked like the easiest kill. Or so I thought.

The second I pulled the tufting gun trigger, I realised: Tufting is basically a full-time job when you’re new at it. Your hand must be steady. Your stitches need consistency. Your mind can’t wander. Your arm? It will definitely ask for a raise. There were moments my daisy looked like a confused starfish. Mistakes happened. Fear whispered: “You can’t do this.” But then I looked up.

My friends were also struggling, laughing when their lines wiggled, enjoying the imperfections, and determined to finish. Their bravery started rubbing off on me. That’s when I understood: Adventure isn’t always comfortable; sometimes it’s messy, sweaty, and surprisingly physical. But that’s what makes it memorable. And slowly…one loop at a time…my daisy began to bloom. Not perfectly. But proudly.

Johannesburg constantly reminds us that you don’t need to travel far for discovery. Prison Break Market is living proof: Creative workshops to unlock your hidden talents. Delicious local food spots for post-adventure treats. Small businesses and unique shopping finds are galore. The perfect place for friend dates, birthdays or solo escapes. It’s a destination built for memories, laughter and first tries.

Coco Craft – Prison Break Market
2-hour tufting workshop
From R500 for a 35 x 35 cm design

Beginner-friendly (no experience, just courage required)

You don’t just leave with art, you leave with a reminder of what you can do. Sometimes the bravest trips are the ones that happen close to home. Where fear tries to hold you back… but fun pulls you forward. Tufting taught me that trying something new can feel like a job you didn’t apply for, but it’s worth clocking in anyway. Because adventure doesn’t wait for confidence. You grow into it.