After all my recent travelling to get here I was really looking forward to teaching my Rivolis Roses project.

The classes are taking place at Beads Gone Wild/ Crystal Creations Bead Institute and I'm expecting a packed house for the next 3 days.

My first treat is that so many people have kindly brought in finished beadwork to show me. As a teacher I so rarely get to see other people's work, and I get bored of seeing my own, so seeing any beadwork is fun. But when it's variations on my work in new colours it's a total delight. I get to see all the colour variations I'd never have the time to make and the joy of seeing how people use elements from me in their own way and adapt pieces to suit their style. I always learn something new and am inspired.

I'm sorry to say that I'm writing this up over a week later and my brain has completely mislaid the names of the ladies who beaded these pieces and brought them to show me. If it was you, or you know who it was, please contact me so I can give credit.

Pictured here is a necklace using some Peyote Stitch Geometric Beaded Beads in metallics and a version of Geometric 3-4-4 with Dichroic cylinder beads- wow! The Dichroic beads really made the piece seem lit up from within. I may just have to invest in a few myself...

The second treat was finally getting to see my Affinity Bangles on the cover of Beadwork magazine. I have had my work on magazine covers before, but only when I put it there which never felt like it counted, so this was a real honour.

I had a great day and met so many lovely people (many of whom seemed to have travelled just as far as I had). I also managed to pop into the shop, which is next door to the classroom, and may find myself back in there over the next few days...