With the turn of the year comes a fresh desire to broaden our horizons and learn something new. Perhaps signing up for 12-month course might be daunting – so why not just dip your toe in the water and try one of these short courses?
The options here are just the tip of the iceberg, so if there is something that takes your fancy check out what might be going on in your local town or village. You may learn a new skill and meet like-minded people along the way.
1. Cake Decoration Course: Colhoun Creations
Laura Colhoun set up her cake business, Colhoun Creations, in 2020. Laura is flat-out baking cakes for wedding parties throughout Ireland and suppling incredible creations for launches and events.
Decorating classes are for both beginners and intermediate levels. The courses help students to learn a new skill and meet people who share a hobby they enjoy. I attended one of these classes on my own on a dreary Saturday morning at Laura's Dublin 14 studio. I really enjoyed it as there was just four of us in total and she had a real hands-on approach.
What you learn: In the Beginners Piping Class, you will learn how to pipe Swiss meringue buttercream using two main nozzles on small mini cakes in different sizes. You will learn what toppings complement each flavour of cake. Upon completion you will receive an emailed booklet full of recipes to try at home.
Demographic: Ideal for anyone over the age 16 as the class is mostly aimed at beginner bakers who are eager to learn a new skill.
Details: The Dublin-based course runs for two and a half hours, hosts four students, and costs €100. colhouncreations.com.
Another option: One course I am dying to try is one from The Pepper Pot Café in Powerscourt Townhouse in Dublin. Marian's café is a must to try when in Dublin. Check out their Instagram account for upcoming courses.
2. Makeup Course: Makeup Artistry Training Colour and Image
This course will teach you how to master the basics of makeup application, such as choosing the right products, tools and colours for your skin type and tone. Enhance your features with contouring, highlighting and eyebrow shaping techniques.
Create different looks for different occasions, such as daytime, evening, bridal and makeup application for mature skin. You will also receive advice on how to build your own makeup business, with tips on marketing and creativity.
It is a comprehensive programme that covers everything you need to know about makeup artistry, from theory to practice. You will get professional advice on how to create amazing looks on yourself or models.
What you learn: You will be taught how to master the art of makeup. You will also get constructive feedback and tips on how to refine your technique. The course is a combination of demonstrations and hands-on application. You will receive handouts and a certificate upon completion.
Demographic: It is tailored to makeup enthusiasts who want to improve their skills and knowledge.
Details: Based in Cork City Centre, this two-day course will be taking place from February 3-4. The course is €850, but has an early bird rate of €650. colourandimage.ie.
Another Option: Sculpted by Aimee, the brainchild of Aimee Connolly, is a firm favourite of mine. Being Dublin-based, I'd be tempted to try her Mastering Your Makeup course. She's yet to announce her next course but keep an eye on her website. sculptedbyaimee.ie.
3. Upcycling Furniture Workshop: Joanne Condon
We all have pieces of furniture around the house that have seen better days. Just a little bit of love can make a huge difference. All you have to do is check out furniture artist Joanne Condon's Instagram feed for a range of ideas.
Joanne has been in business for 14 years upcycling furniture and is the author of two books on the topic. She shares lots of different projects, tips and tricks on her social media, encourages people to buy second hand, and shares her favourite spots and hidden gems for people wishing to pick up pieces of their own to upcycle.
Joanne tells you all her tips on where to source old furniture and what you need to look out for – especially the dreaded woodworm. At the workshops, you will be given a piece of furniture to work on throughout the day. Joanne will guide you on how to decide on a style and what colours to choose to reflect your personal style.
Joanne is very confident that when you leave this workshop there won't be a piece of furniture that you will not be able to paint.
What you learn: Prepping and priming furniture correctly. What are the best tools to use. And you will be shown techniques including gold leaf, applying wallpaper, stencilling, how to transfer font, geometric designs and much more.
Demographic: Perfect for beginners and upcyclers that want to expand their skills.
Details: Classes are available online, and the in-person workshops are for 10 to 12 people per class. Workshops are held in different locations all around Ireland. joannecondon.ie.
4. Candle Making: Create with MuMe
MuMe is an Irish brand all about creativity in a sustainable way. MuMe holds both corporate and private workshops in Dublin, Wicklow, and further afield. They also have creative kits for you to make candles or soaps at home.
What you learn: During the workshop you learn all about creating your own candle – from picking your desired scent to the overall product aesthetic.
Demographic: Anyone who wants to learn how to make candles or who would like a nice and relaxing day out.
Details: Prices start at €33 online to €55 in person for the two-hour course. Creative Kits at home start at €24. The soy candle workshops hosts approximately 10 people. mume.ie.
Another option: The Irish Chandler Shop in Lahinch in County Clare. They will share with you the various processes of scented candle making and take you on a fun scent filled journey, along the way they will discuss what equipment you need, type of wax and wicks to use, and experiment with a variety of fragrances to make your very own delightfully scented soy wax candle that you can then take home with you. They also cater for small parties and get togethers including hens and birthdays and they also offer to come to you if you have a location in mind. Classes start at €50
5. Building: Common Knowledge
Common Knowledge is a non-profit social enterprise that shares skills in building, making, mending and growing. Their ethos is that between us all, we have the knowledge needed to create a truly sustainable future.
Set up by Erin, Fionn, Spider, and Harrison (who you may recognise from RTÉ series Build Your Own Home), the courses came about from a shared belief that, by coming together to share basic skills, create useful resources and connect as a community, we can bring more affordable, sustainable and joyful homes into all of our lives - and hopefully also have a little craic along the way!
What you learn: Upcoming courses in May 2024 include Build School Level 1 where you will learn the fundamentals of building with the Common Knowledge team on their immersive five-day construction course, suitable for all skill levels.
Build School Level 2 will see you leave the tools at home for a three-day retreat focused on project managing your self-build. April dates are now available, but only to participants who have completed Level 1 and their project partners.
Details: Based in the Burren, Co. Clare, courses become available roughly two-to-six months prior to their commencement date.
Another option: Cooking courses at Common Knowledge, guided by renowned Ballymaloe and Ottolenghi-trained chef, Ashley Gribben. Designed to bring the world's flavours to your home, Ash has designed weekend courses to offer a different cuisine each month.
6. Stained Glass Workshops: Colette Lanagan
Nestled in Co. Leitrim, Colette Langan runs glass painting and glass enameling classes that are based on traditional techniques. She also offers glass mosaic and fusing courses as well as Saturday classes that involve microwaving glass.
What you learn: On glass fusing day, you will make a fused piece of work in the kiln using a simple and easy technique. Learn how to cut glass (optional), consider colour and design and apply glass paste.
The stained glass taster day will offer an introduction to stained glass. You will have the opportunity to try traditional techniques using the materials and tools provided to produce your own hand painted piece, and you will also be taught the tiffany method to create a suncatcher to take home. All materials and lunch, tea and coffee will be provided.
Demographic: Colette has a great deal of experience teaching different aspects of stained glass making to all ages from the age of four upwards. Older children who have the strength in their hands to cut with a wheel get the opportunity to cut their own glass and shapes for themselves.
Details: Glass fusing day takes place on 20 January in Carrick on Shannon from 10am to 4pm. Open to all over the age of 10. Stained glass taster day takes place in Enniskillen Castle Museums, Co. Fermanagh, on March 9. irishstainedglass.ie.
Another option: Stained Glass Evening Classes with WildBird Studio.
This course will explore the Copper Foil Technique of Stained Glass - also known as Tiffany Glass. You will learn how to create a pattern, cut, grind and foil glass, assemble the pieces and finally solder them into your very own fabulous creation. Each student will make a light-catcher and a 30 x 30 cm panel of their own original design as well as learning more about the deeper legacy of stained glass and what its place is in modern Ireland.
This course is perfect for beginners or for anyone who would like to start stained glass as a hobby and wants a deeper understanding of the process. All materials and tools included.
It takes place on Tuesday, January 30 from 6pm - 9pm aross 4 weeks. Classes take place in the Digital Court building, Dublin 8 and cost €250.
