I love learning new things. So much so, that I am always ‘shopping’ around to see which new exciting workshops or programmes are available in my area. I am also of the opinion that, in life, we all need to try something at least once, that way – not only may we discover something new that we didn’t know we would actually love, but also, we won’t be left wondering about the ‘what ifs’.
I am one of those people that has quite a long list of things that I still want to learn and accomplish.
A one-day course is perfect, because not only are you able to fully learn the basics, get hands-on and immerse yourself in a new and different activity, but it gives you the opportunity to decide if it’s something that you would actually be interested in before fully signing up and committing.
In my 30 plus years of being on Earth, I have done a few one-day courses here and there. Amongst them, some include classes in capoeira dance, archery, the art of tea-tasting, violin lessons and ceramic painting.
Of those classes just mentioned, I ended up loving and going back to two. Unfortunately, one establishment had to close down, while the other had to be put on hold because of Covid-19.
What about online lessons you may ask?
Yes, although there are online options, I find that I much prefer human interaction when learning something new. Such as learning the violin, for example, there are so many important technical bits such as posture and hand positions that you might not necessarily pick (perfectly) up when learning at home, alone, online.
While the violin is still at the top of my list, there are still quite a few other workshops I would like to dip my fingers into. Learning to paint portraits of people, learning how to wrap the perfect gift, learning how to take amazing photographs and learning how to blend the perfect spice mix are just a few.
If you are in the same boat as me, in that learning a new skill is on the cards for you, but you do not necessarily want to sign up just yet – then perhaps one of these one-day, in-person workshops is for you. Of course, all Covid-protocols need to be adhered to.
Since I reside in Cape Town, South Africa, the courses below are specifically Cape Town-based – however, it may just inspire you to research some one-day courses in your own area to try. Keep in mind, these courses are for 2021, but may be held in 2022 as well.
Cherry Time Jam-Making Workshop
This 2.5-hour workshop takes place on the 4th of December 2021 and will give you the opportunity to try your hand and making homemade jams. For more, click here.
Gardening Workshop
If you have green fingers, then this course is for you. The full-day course will take you through the basics of laying a healthy foundation for your vegetable garden and seasonal planting. It will also give you tips on garden maintenance and how to plant for your health. For more, click here.
Cooking Workshop
Stir-Crazy offers an array of cooking classes. From Asian to Italian to Cape Malay to Vegan, there are so many to choose from. And of course, you get to taste the fruits of your labour. This is perfect if you would like to upskill yourself in a specific cuisine, or simply learn the basics of your favourite fare. For more, click here.
Cake Decorating Workshop
If you love baking or eating cake, then these classes are for you. Julies Cake Studio offers one-day classes in, amongst others – piping, cookie decorating and novelty cake making. For more, click here.
Music Workshops
“If music be the food of love, play on.” This music school offers workshops and classes in bass guitar, guitar, piano, sax, violin, cello, clarinet, singing, music theory and more. If you are keen to learn a new musical instrument, then perhaps sign up for an introductory course, and take it from there. For more, click here.
Abstract Painting Workshops
Bring out the artist in you under the guidance of a facilitator. You will be given the opportunity to be hands-on and embrace the painting process through simple prompts and exercises. For more, click here.
Photography Workshop
If you would love to learn the art of photography and what goes into each photo in the post-production process, then this one day course is for you. The course offers an introduction to the industry standard Adobe Software, using Photoshop and Bridge. For more, click here.
These are just a few course suggestions to inspire and possibly light up that creative spark in you. Perhaps you always wanted to try your hand at cake-decorating or jam making, now is your chance.
At the end of the day, I think inside all of us, there is a constant yearning to learn and experience new things.
So why not start now – remember, it is never too late.
