When the days are short and the chill sets in, it’s tempting to stay at home in your blanket cocoon. But winter doesn’t have to mean winding down – it’s the perfect time to try something new, especially from the comfort of the great indoors.

Whether you’re craving a creative outlet, a new cosy cooking project or a refreshed look for your living space, we can help you embrace the comforts and feed your soul this winter.

Get crafty

There’s something deeply satisfying about making something with your own two hands.

Crafting is the perfect winter activity for relaxation and focus. It offers a creative escape from daily stresses and a sense of accomplishment that is hard to beat. Busy hands can help ease the mind and concentrate your focus on the present moment.

Craft is a broad term that means something different to everyone. For instance, at the CAE it could mean delving into the timeless art of leather crafting, making clothing patterns to sew or learning the basics of clay, wax and plasticine sculpture.

The best part? You end up with something meaningful and handmade by you.

The perfect recipe for comfort

Cooking is the perfect way to embrace the cosy side of winter – the warmth of the oven, the smell of spices, the simple satisfaction of making something from scratch.

Whether it’s a big bowl of pasta, a freshly baked loaf of bread or a hearty casserole, consider the colder months your invitation to explore your kitchen.

Like other creative pursuits, cooking will sharpen your senses, encourage improvisation and help you focus on the present moment and task at hand. Trying new recipes or techniques is an easy way to shake up your routine and keep things exciting, even when the weather isn’t.

Best of all, it’s a way to connect. If you’re cooking for a partner, your family or your friends, sharing a meal will add warmth to your winter days. If confidence in the kitchen is your missing ingredient, our hands-on workshops can help you master essential techniques.

Turn your house into a home

Spending more time indoors brings your surroundings into focus. Have you found yourself itching to rearrange furniture, refresh your colour palette, or finally hang that framed picture?

Small changes can have a big impact on your sense of comfort. When you learn more about interior design, you’ll find it’s about more than aesthetics; it’s about creating a space that supports how you want to live.

Exploring your personal style and experimenting with design will help you make your living space feel just right.

From furniture placement to the nuances of lighting, our interior design short courses will help you transform your home.

Winter is a great time to lean into what you love. Whether it’s creativity, comfort or a fresh perspective you’re after, there’s something fulfilling about learning lifelong skills you can take away and enjoy in your home.

FIND A SHORT COURSE