Today I'm teaching my Jaipur Jewels pieces for The Bead Society of Greater New York and once again it's great fun to catch-up with old friends and meet new ones. I haven't taught this as a class before so it's nice to see that it all works ok and everyone likes it.

I've already made two versions of this idea as a necklace but have plans to make a bracelet and now, after the class, a much bolder version using large seed beads instead of size 11s.

One of the students, Nina Gray, was wearing the most amazing earrings which were made by Erica Schwartz using Selective Laser Sintering (SLS). SLS uses a laser to zap Nylon powder which is built up in layers. As only selected areas are zapped, and therefore fused, 3D items are made and chains can be created which are already interlocked. I can't tell you how much it genuinely pleases me that this new technology is being put to the essential use of making jewellery. And beautiful jewelery at that.

During the class someone mentions a shop I should visit nearby: The City Quilter. Now I'm not a quilter (or any sort of sewer) but who can pass up the opportunity to look at quilts and browse fabric?

Straight after class I head to the shop which is not only a great shop packed with fabric, books, magazines and kits but also has room for a gallery with an exhibition in. The current exhibition, 'Material Witness' features work by the Manhattan Quilters Guild and is really worth a look if you can get there.

I managed to be very restrained in the shop, partly through being overwhelmed with choice and partly through fear of already not being able to take all I've bought home in my luggage so leave with just a sewing magazine.

Next up is a trip to the cinema to eat popcorn (covered in what is simply called 'popcorn topping' and as I have never seen it before in the UK I indulge. Even now I'm still unsure what on earth it was I just ate. Perhaps it is some oil and liquid plastic relative of the American cheese I discovered earlier this year? and that's not to say I wouldn't eat it again given the chance...) and watch Drive.

Fed, and very much in love now with Ryan Reynolds, it's time to head home for an early night before my class tomorrow.