If you've always fancied having a go at sugarcraft, a series of one-day courses run by Cakes & Co of Blackrock, Co Dublin, may be the place to start. On May 8th the day will be devoted to making sugar irises, while June 12th will focus on lilies and July 10th on the orchid. These courses run from 10.30 a.m. until 4 p.m. and cost £40 - that includes lunch.

Cakes & Co also has a four-week beginner's sugarcraft course beginning on May 17th. A day-time course from 10.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m., it costs £50. Phone (01) 283 6544.