I recently read that dabbling makes you a better business person. Maybe they made it up for the…read morepurpose of their buzz word filled article, but I genuinely love the idea of being able to dabble in all types of things from arts and crafts to social psychology and photography. Thankfully, organisations like Laneway Learning make this possible. Having watched Melbourne based friends, via gloating Instagram feeds, trundle off to Laneway Learning classes it was exciting to learn they were establishing a chapter here in the Sunshine State. It's early days and the classes are still building but it seems that each week there's something new to take your dabbling fancy. My first Laneway Lesson was in the art of Miso. For $15 ($12 for the class, $3 for materials) it was a reasonably affordable night in the heart of the CBD at Bean Cafe. Gav, Bean's owner, kept the cafe open and students could buy a cold brew coffee or wine. Each teacher is just finding their feet and there's allowances that must be made during this period. I was a little disappointed that one of the recipes our teacher shared was "just from Google". I expressed this in my feedback form as, call me a cranky old woman, but with the teacher being Japanese herself, I would have loved to take home her own recipe. But like I said, allowances must be given as everyone finds their feet and way. I learnt a few tips and tricks and have experimented making miso marinated hard boiled eggs, miso soup for breakfast and more since the class. I'm really looking forward to hopefully making it along to more classes including the one to make lemon curd and another to learn more about typography. Happy Dabbling!

I have recently attended a haircuts class, organised by Laneway Learning Team. I was surprised how…read moreprofessionally the class has been organised by the team, as well as how professional was Sara Courtney, an instructor who lead the course. The class was held in friendly environment of the Bean cafe and I have received a lot of satisfaction and useful information from the class. Thankfully to Sara, I now know a secrets of how to make great Hollywood stars level haircuts in just 10 minutes. A bit thanks to Laneway Learning Team, personally to Sara Courtney for organising such a beautiful class! Hope to see you soon! :)))))

Amazing! I have been to both adult painting classes by myself and children's classes with my son…read moreand all have been fantastic. Linda is extremely helpful, providing step by step instruction and help along the way, so even a "non-painter" can create an amazing canvas! I can't wait to go back again soon!

From the owner: Your Creative Palette is a sip and paint studio in Brisbane. Gather a few friends (or come on your…read moreown and meet new ones). No painting experience needed as step by step instruction will be provided. You can choose to pour a glass of wine to uncork your inner talent. Load the paint palette, then you're good to do! Everything you need to create your painting is supplied: apron, paints, brushes, canvas & glasses. You are welcome to bring some wine - it's up to you!

A great night out- I am a terrible artist but I left with a decent painting. The instructor can…read morehelp out when you make a mistake and will give sugguestions on how to fix it. BYO so you can bering any type of wine or beer that you like. A few people even had a few snacks they brought. It was a relaxing way to spend the evening with friends.

From the owner: Brisbane's newest Sip 'N' Paint Studio, Brush & Barrel is now open in Paddington. You've heard of…read morePainting Classes, but have you heard of Painting Classes with WINE? Impress your sweetheart with an out of the box date idea, or get a bunch of friends together and BYO wine to paint the night away.  Learn to paint your own masterpiece step by step in relax environment, while sing along  songs blast through the studio. Whether you're a budding artist or closer to a scribbling toddler, you're bound to have a fantastic night at Brush & Barrel. Grab your favourite wine and some fun loving mates and let the instructor guide you through painting the night's featured picture.

I organised a Life Drawing class for my bestfriend and Foxy Hens Party went above and beyond. The…read moreclass was hilarious and the model was very professional and made everyone feel comfortable.

We had an amazing party with Foxy Hens last night. Our model was stunning and made our night…read moreunforgettable! Highly recommend!

What a Find... the most amazing, hidden away gem, underground & unexpected. A range all foodies…read morewill drool over and every food place will be 'so jealous of'. The service couldn't be equalled. The food Amazing! Don't tell anyone..

From the owner: Birrang Coffee serves incredible speciality coffee roasted locally in Brendale by Cleanskin Coffee…read moreCompany. We use Cleanskin's Old School blend. The blend contains beans from Papua New Guinea Okapa, Columbian Santa Isabel and Ethiopian Yirgachaffe Konga. The combination of these beans in the blend creates a cup that is rich and caramel with spiced fruit and milk chocolate flavours

By far one of my most favourite thrifting events on the calendar…read moreSuitcase rummage is THE place to sell your old wares (or to pick up new ones!) This market is heaving with cheap vintage, bric-a-brac, CD's, DVD's, comics, zines and all manner of art and craft. (I can guarantee you will need to set aside a full day to adequately peruse all that is on display.) If you are thinking of joining as a stallholder be aware that there are some stringent rules in place. For one you can't just mosey on off when you get a bit bored the organisers prowl around and insist you stay put til the 5pm close. NO stands, booths or clothes rails are allowed, everything has to be sold out of a suitcase (preferably vintage, to keep up with the aesthetics.) I've had stalls here a couple of times and can vouch for the friendly, low-hassle vibe about the place. The best aspect about these markets is the range of crafting goods that are available. Ideal for home or to give as unique gifts and all at bargain prices. A definite must-do in brisbane!

It says a lot about a person who can take the drab concrete Reddacliff Place and turn it into a…read morebuzzing bazaar of vintage knick-knacks, home made arts and crafts, second hand clothing and other various trinketry. Yet, on the first Sunday of every month, Suitcase Rummage does just that. From 11am til 5 a steady stream of loyal fans, curious wanderers and first time inspectors wander the markets where not a table is in sight. From the vintage to the modern day - everyone sells from a suitcase. There's a certain buzz at Suitcase Rummage, an atmosphere that I've not experienced anywhere else. With a coffee in hand, friends in tow it is the perfect way to spend a Sunday mid-morning. Prices are ridiculously reasonable (real op-shop prices. For example, $2 for second hand clothing, $5 for jeans at one stall) and there's even tea cup candles hand made by another seller. There's live music and I think if there were a few things like a coffee cart, and a few food stalls it'd be even better. A word to the wise, don't just pass by the stalls thinking you've seen all they have. This is a market where to find the best buys you'll have to get down and dig through the lot to find the good stuff!