Oh that was a good Saturday. Even if it did mean leaping out of bed at normal midweek hour to scamper off to pick up Monica and then drive towards the big smoke. See, we had a special day at Kristina's organized. A day with Val and Tracy too, learning new crafty tricks from Emma of Silverpebble.
I've always loved the things Emma makes (especially this one), but I had no idea that she was such a jewellery making tutor extrordinaire. She allowed us to rifle through all her treasures (housed in the cutest little patty pan tins) and showed us how to bend wire and headpins and then let us run riot.
Having never tried beading before, I didn't know what to expect, but I think I might be investing in some teeny pliers and cutters. Because it was seriously good fun. The quirkier items called to me most.
The little bone bead reminds me of a tooth. And the twirly squirly wire pin just called to me.
Who could resist the teeniest of tiny silver keys and a bead with words (especially one which spells out 'very bad word')
And continuing along the key theme, a pendant with button, key and the most beautifully subtle Egyptian faience beads.
Difficult to remember when I was last so thrilled with the results of a morning's work. And there was more fun to be had as we headed off to lunch at Petersham.
Yummy food and much chatter and hooting laughter. It honestly doesn't really get any better. How lucky I am to count these women as friends.
Oh, you lucky duck! I love Silverpebble's things and the idea of getting to have a go yourself sounds fab. Love the 'very bad word' pebble.... Claire
Posted by: noknittedknickers | 27 March 2011 at 18:34
Feeling very envious of your lovely day out. I know what fun and laughter you would have had!
Posted by: Gina | 27 March 2011 at 18:38
Wasn't it fun? I fear I may have another crafty bee in my bonnet!
Posted by: Dragonfly | 27 March 2011 at 18:43
I felt very lucky to be part of it all too. I wonder what the other Petersham customers thought of us - and whether Kristina's neighbours could here us messing about?!
It is a very, very dangerous hobby. You have been warned.
Posted by: dottycookie | 27 March 2011 at 19:17
Hear, HEAR, not here. Good grief. I'll never pass my daughter's spelling test at this rate.
Posted by: dottycookie | 27 March 2011 at 19:18
What pretty things you've made!
Posted by: blackbird | 27 March 2011 at 20:51
That sounds like so much fun and you've made some beautiful things!
Posted by: Helen | 27 March 2011 at 21:17
Lucky you! That sounds like a great way to pass the day. And you made such beautiful things!
Posted by: Katherine of Kitten's Lost Her Mittens | 27 March 2011 at 21:33
You lucky lady! What a fun Saturday. I love your makes.
By the way, I nominated you for a Kreativ Blogger Award. See my blog for info x
Posted by: PinkCat | 27 March 2011 at 21:41
It was a serious treat to teach everyone yesterday. You all picked up the techniques so quickly! Thankyou so much for photographing your treasures, especially that lovely brooch - I was so busy I didn't get a chance. What a day it was. Thankyou!
Posted by: Emma | 27 March 2011 at 21:47
Oh and your photographs show just how nimble your fingers were - just look at those perfect tiny spirals!
Posted by: Emma | 27 March 2011 at 21:49
Sounds like a very good reason to get up early to me, and looks like you all had a lot of fun!
Posted by: Rhiannon | 27 March 2011 at 21:49
I love what yo made and it sounds like a great day - hooting with laughter = awesome !
Posted by: jodie | 27 March 2011 at 21:51
What a wonderful treat to have such fabulous company and to play with Emma's treasures!
Posted by: lina | 28 March 2011 at 00:42
I can hear the hoots of laughter now! What a fantastic-sounding time. And yes, you are a natural (no surprise there)!
Posted by: Lynn | 28 March 2011 at 03:03
it was good, super thank you.
Just what I needed... I feel replenished and energised again.
Good people, bloggers.
Posted by: Monica | 28 March 2011 at 13:00
Oh, you lucky, lucky ducks! I've always wanted to take one of Emma's classes. And now ... knowing that there are beads with bad words? The icing on the cake!!!
Posted by: Thimbleanna | 28 March 2011 at 13:36
Oh it was such a wonderful day! Thank you so much for making the long drive. And your pieces are simply gorgeous. I definitely see a pair of tiny pliers making their way into your craft box soon!
K x
Posted by: kristina | 28 March 2011 at 14:46
What a wonderful way to spend a day, the brooch is amazing! I'd love to spend a day learning how to make pretties like that.
Posted by: French Knots | 28 March 2011 at 20:50
I'm not surprised you're a natural at this--you have such a fantastic eye! Glad you had a wonderful day with your friends--is anything better?
xofrances
Posted by: frances | 28 March 2011 at 21:01
I am so happy for you all that you had a lovely day that I have almost forgotten to be jealous.
Oh...who am I kidding?
Posted by: Alice C | 28 March 2011 at 21:44
What a great day and such gorgeous items - feel very envious but also think I may give the beading idea a little go, too...
Posted by: Louise | 28 March 2011 at 21:57
I feel like I'm 17 again, and everyone else is out at the cool party.
Posted by: The Coffee Lady | 29 March 2011 at 19:33
I love what you have made here, particularly the curly whirly pin with the translucent turquoise beads. Then Lunch at Petersham! Lucky you!
Posted by: Catherine | 29 March 2011 at 19:46
I LOVE your wire pin, very nice indeed. Sounds like a great day!
G
xx
Posted by: Gill | 30 March 2011 at 09:13
How lucky indeed and what beautiful things came out of your day.
Posted by: suzie sews at Dotty Red | 30 March 2011 at 18:16
Lucky.
Posted by: Megan | 02 April 2011 at 10:00
What a fabulous sounding day! I'm green with envy!! Lucy xx
Posted by: lucylocket | 02 April 2011 at 19:05
That Bad Word Bead is the absolute cat's pyjamas.
Posted by: Tania | 03 April 2011 at 07:11
Sounds like a really wonderful day ... like you, I admire Emma's work enormously. I love the things you made. :)
Posted by: Kitty | 04 April 2011 at 11:58