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Trying new things with ShortList and Stylist

We're all about trying new things here at first direct. Whether it's falconry lessons or a pram workout, we think it's great to give new things a go. That's why we recently launched a campaign in partnership with ShortList and Stylist to create a competition for readers who wanted to try something totally new.

We asked readers of both publications to submit a short application telling us what activity they'd like to try and why. From the thousands of entries we received, we chose four lucky winners and set them off on a journey to master a brand new skill.

You can watch the full videos of their experiences on both ShortList.com and Stylist.com but here's just a brief look at how each of them got on.

  • Bethany Clarke tries graffiti

    Beth works as a graphic designer in her day job but felt she'd become too reliant on technology for her creativity. She wanted to take a step back from the digital drawing board and try her hand at street art. Armed with spray cans, a blank wall and an expert tutor, she created a colourful display that pushed her drawing skills and forced her out of her comfort zone. "I felt like I'd developed as an artist by the end of the session. I can't wait to try some stencil graffiti next. Who knows, I could be Banksy in a couple of years." Beth Clarke, coming to an art supply shop near you soon.

    Beth works as a graphic designer in her day job but felt she'd become too reliant on technology for her creativity. She wanted to take a step back from the digital drawing board and try her hand at street art. Armed with spray cans, a blank wall and an expert tutor, she created a colourful display that pushed her drawing skills and forced her out of her comfort zone. "I felt like I'd developed as an artist by the end of the session. I can't wait to try some stencil graffiti next. Who knows, I could be Banksy in a couple of years." Beth Clarke, coming to an art supply shop near you soon.

  • Tim Wise tries leathercraft

    Research director Tim Wise was in a bit of a rut. Bored of his routine, Tim was keen to try something that involved working with his hands, so he asked us if he could try leathercraft. Tim was a total novice but soon picked up the skills and by the end of the day he'd produced a template he could be proud of. "You have to ask yourself, 'do I want to develop or do I want to be the same person in 10 years' time?' Personally, I think the more you investigate the unfamiliar and the more new things you try, the more interesting you become." Wise words, Tim.

    Research director Tim Wise was in a bit of a rut. Bored of his routine, Tim was keen to try something that involved working with his hands, so he asked us if he could try leathercraft. Tim was a total novice but soon picked up the skills and by the end of the day he'd produced a template he could be proud of. "You have to ask yourself, 'do I want to develop or do I want to be the same person in 10 years' time?' Personally, I think the more you investigate the unfamiliar and the more new things you try, the more interesting you become." Wise words, Tim.

  • Scott Kitto tries Irish dancing

    Retail manager Scott won our competition and decided he would love to try Irish dancing, so we sent him to where else, but the Michael Flatley Dance Academy. A big fan of the art form since he was a young lad, Scott had never quite managed to find his way to any lessons. His tutor for the day was one of Flatley's star dancers, James Breen, and within just 20 minutes he had Scott dancing one of the main routines from Lord Of The Dance. "I don't think anyone could believe how quickly I picked it up. It felt amazing. Irish dancing is very physically demanding - it's exhausting just to watch - but it's so rewarding when you actually get it right." Truly an incredible feat, Scott.

    Trying new things is a great way to unlock talents you never knew you had. Before our competition, Scott had no idea he had the feet of Michael Flatley and Tim didn't have his own handmade leather tablet case. Getting out there and giving things a go pays off, and these competition winners are proof of that.

    Retail manager Scott won our competition and decided he would love to try Irish dancing, so we sent him to where else, but the Michael Flatley Dance Academy. A big fan of the art form since he was a young lad, Scott had never quite managed to find his way to any lessons. His tutor for the day was one of Flatley's star dancers, James Breen, and within just 20 minutes he had Scott dancing one of the main routines from Lord Of The Dance. "I don't think anyone could believe how quickly I picked it up. It felt amazing. Irish dancing is very physically demanding - it's exhausting just to watch - but it's so rewarding when you actually get it right." Truly an incredible feat, Scott.

    Trying new things is a great way to unlock talents you never knew you had. Before our competition, Scott had no idea he had the feet of Michael Flatley and Tim didn't have his own handmade leather tablet case. Getting out there and giving things a go pays off, and these competition winners are proof of that.