(Family Features) - Spring is the perfect time to find inspiration in the fresh colors of the season, from pastel pinks to bright shades of green and yellow. To help your creativity blossom, McCormick created an online workshop with fun and flavorful activities that you can do right in your own kitchen. Karen Tack and Alan Richardson, co-authors of the new book, "What's New Cupcake?" (April 2010), have provided tips and tools that will help you and your family embrace the hues of spring.

"Playing with color is an easy way to add that 'wow factor' to baking," says Tack. "In fact, sometimes all it takes to add pizzazz is just a little imagination and a few drops of food color."

Need help getting your creative juices flowing? Visit the online workshop to find inspirational ideas for baking and decorating throughout the season. From easy-to-follow recipes and decorating tips, to fun party ideas, the workshop has it all, including a new cupcake recipe from Tack and Richardson.

With a few simple techniques, you can incorporate color into any spring celebration, including Mother's Day, bridal showers, birthday parties and more.

• Make dessert the centerpiece "arrangement" with a multi-layered cupcake tower. With a tiered serving platter (available at home decorating stores) assemble cupcakes - alternating colors and shapes between layers.
• For a personalized bridal shower, monogram cupcakes in the bride's wedding colors. Or, give her "something blue" by throwing her a blue-themed shower, complete with blue frosted cupcakes topped with white rock candy to look like diamonds.
• Bake cupcakes and cookies, and leave the decorating for the kids. Fill each section of empty plastic ice trays with different colors of sugar, sprinkles, shredded coconut, candy and nonpareils.

To learn more about how to create a colorful and flavorful spring, visit www.mccormick.com.