Being charmed . . .

Once upon a time in Africa, long long ago, I learned to bead. 

 Like so many crafts that I've attempted over the years, I loved it. 

And so began a collection of beads and the making of all manner of pretty things.

But almost 9 years ago now, when we packed up, waved goodbye to Africa and moved across the Equator to the big island of Blighty, my enthusiasm for beading waned somewhat. 

And after a little while it all got popped in a box (albeit a pretty one) and packed away. 

And there is has remained.

Until yesterday . . .

My friend Sarah is the creative genius behind Purple Pepper, who seems to be able to turn her hand to most things. She only learned to sew fairly recently, but has already whipped up some gorgeous things and is now passing on her skills, running after-school sewing classes for kids. 

 Her real passion however,  is for making lovely jewellery.  She does commissions and parties and classes,  and I've been wanting to go along to one of her workshops for ages.

So when the opportunity presented itself, I signed up and yesterday spent a truly fun afternoon learning to make a little beaded charm bracelet.  

There were 5 other lovely ladies in our class and together we umm-ed and aah-ed over our choice of beads and then watched attentively as Sarah guided us through the making process - explaining the technique and warning us of the potential consequences of incorrect wire cutting ; - )

 

 

 

I decided that as Sarah & I had done the "Make me a Reversible Skirt" workshop together {you can read all about that here}, I should make my bracelet to match my skirt. 

 

 

 There was much chatter, lots of laughter, copious cups of tea and a delicious cake.  

Can you think of a better way to spend an afternoon ?

 

 

 

 

Our bracelets all turned out great and I have to say we were all very chuffed with our first attempts.

That's mine, second from the top . . .

So as soon as I got home, I hunted down the pretty box of old beads and now I can't wait to get stuck in and make another piece.

Thanks Sarah for your inspiration and patience, and for rekindling this lovely craft for me.

Now I just need the sun to shine this week, so I have the excuse to wear my reversible skirt and my pretty new bracelet

: - )

Hope you've had a lovely & creative weekend too,

xoxo

ps.  for a wee peek at more of Sarah's gorgeous creations, pop over to the Purple Pepper website here or

 Like her Facebook page here.