creative workshops that could change your life

The interiors and culinary worlds are peppered with those who have jacked in high-flying careers to successfully pursue a creative calling.

If you fancy joining their number, but are not sure what you'd like to turn your hand to, there are a host of spring and summer workshops that could direct you to your passion - and to a new future.

candle making

Independent lifestyle brand, Earl of East London, hold regular beginners candle-making workshops at its HQ in Hackney and Bonds store, Coal Drop's Yard, King's Cross.

During the 90 minute classes one of its expert candle makers will take you step-by-step through the candle making process. They share hints and tips on the creation of the perfect fragrance and for the important bit, you make your own 6oz scented soy wax candle. Afterwards you get to sit back and enjoy a glass of prosecco, so it's a fun way to learn something new (£45).

Bonds Hackney, 5 Gransden Avenue, Hackney, London E8 3QA orBonds Kings Cross, Stable St, Kings Cross, London N1C 4AB

bread baking

The Dusty Knuckle Bakery & Cafe in Dalston runtwo weekly bread classes on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

The Wednesday session is a three-hour class (18.00-21.00, £70 per person) where you make a loaf of sourdough and they teach the fundamentals of bread baking. There's a maximum of ten people and while the bread bakes, you enjoy dinner, with beer from the neighbouring, 40ft Brewery.

The Saturday class is an all day Bread Workshop (10:00 - 15:30, £120 per person). This is much more in-depth, but still a fun and informal class where you learn to make four loaves of bread (sourdough, focaccia, a 100% rye and a soda bread).

Again, lunch and beer are included in the price and each of theclasses come with a complimentary tote bag, tea towel and scraper.

The Dusty Knuckle, Abbot Street Car Park, London, E8 3DP.

Weaving

Starting in June and run by Margo Selby at her studio in Whitstable, Kent, these two day weaving workshops are suitable for complete novices and those who have some experience but would like to improve their skills (£300).

Margo leads the morning sessions, with two expert weavers from her studio production team, giving individual tuition. The afternoons are run by the production team and the studio looms are set up in a variety of ways, so there is a chance to experiment with different techniques and ideas.

A wide selection of weft yarns is provided and if you prefer, you can bring sketchbooks and sources of inspiration. At the end of the workshop you'll leave with a selection of hand woven samples made with different techniques and materials. More experienced students can bring their own table top loom set-up and ready to weave.

Margo Selby Studio, Bradstowe House, 35 Middle Wall, Whitstable, Kent, CT5 1BJ.

wallpaper or fabric printing

Make your own hand-printed wallpaper with designer Louise Body in her studio, situated a stones throw from the seafront in St Leonards On Sea.

Louise will guide you through the process as you learn how to turn your design into a pattern repeat and then carve your design into Lino, and eventually create your own hand-printed wallpaper (or fabric) using block printing.You will come away with small lengths of printed wallpaper, or 2 cushion covers (including cushion inserts), your Lino block and all the knowledge you need to complete your project from your kitchen table.

The two day wallpaper workshops (£150) and one day fabric printing workshops (£85) are held once a month.

Louise Body's Studio,20 Caves,St Leonards On Sea, Sussex,TN38 0BY.