DIY: Back to School

Instead of calling a handyman …
Enroll in: “Basic Home Repair” class from Handi-Women.
Curriculum: Expert Dave Decker demystifies tricky tools and boy’s-club vernacular with his hands-on classes. Expect to learn everything from repairing garbage disposals to properly hanging art to changing door locks and fixing loose hinges in this two-hour class.
Class schedule: Various classes throughout the month at Conestoga, Harriton, Strath Haven and Interboro high schools; check the schedule at handi-women.com or 610-299-5534.
Fee: Starting at $25 per class; private/in-home parties are $75.

Instead of heading to a steakhouse dinner …
Enroll in: Steakhouse cooking class at Viking Cooking School.
Curriculum: After this three-hour class, you’ll know how to prepare the perfect dry rub, devein shrimp, grill rib eye and whip up chocolate cake, for whenever the cow craving hits.
Class schedule: October 9th; more details at vikingcookingschool.com.
Fee: $109.

Instead of hiring a florist …
Enroll in: “Floral Fridays” at Longwood Gardens.
Curriculum: Florist Nancy Gingrich Shenk (you’ve seen her work at presidential inaugurations) guides you through seasonal bouquet and centerpiece design in her two-hour class. This month, learn to incorporate pumpkins and gourds into your masterpieces; next month, create a festive fruit-and-flower tablescape that’s worthy of your Thanksgiving table.
Class schedule: October 16th and November 20th; more details at longwoodgardens.com.
Fee: $44 for members; $49 for non-members.

Instead of contracting an interior designer …
Enroll in: “Maximizing Accessories” class at Philadelphia University.
Curriculum: Turn off HGTV and get the tricks of the trade from pro Jane Banik during two four-hour classes. Learn the basics of how color, decorative lighting, objects and materials pull together an interior space, as well as how to arrange furniture and choose the right accessories, trim and hardware.
Class schedule: October 26th and 27th; more details at philau.edu.
Fee: $150.

Instead of soliciting a stockbroker …
Enroll in: “Investing for Women” at Delaware County Community College.
Curriculum: Work the market like a bull with this four-session evening course, which explores investing and market basics and explains different financial and insurance options to those of us with no prior finance experience.
Class schedule: October 7th-28th at the Downingtown campus. More details at dccc.edu.
Fee: $89.