I have a day off today so I'm filling it with classes from two artists whose work I admire and who I'm excited to meet.

First up was Amee Sweet McNamara AKA Amee Runs With Scissors.

I'm a big fan of soutache and have even taught some classes using it but never get as much time to play with it as I'd like to so this seemed the perfect opportunity to do that and meet Amee. She is of course fun, talented and an outstandingly amazing teacher. Seriously - I was bowled over by her preparation, teaching methods, ability to keep the class on track and general ability to be in control and ensure everyone had fun- a real skill!

Sadly I've taken too many classes with bad teachers that I know what I hate in a teacher but this taught me a lot about what I love in a teacher and how I can be a better teacher. I was furiously scribbling down notes to myself and the playing with soutache seemed an added bonus!

I had so much fun and remembered why I love playing with soutache so much - the ability to add colour in such bold ways and so quickly makes it a winner in my eyes. I ended up nearly finishing my piece, which I turned into a peacock brooch, just needing to glue and edge it.

My second class was with Cindy Holsclaw aka Bead Origami.

I have long admired Cindy's intricate and technical beadwork and the class and meeting Cindy was everything I hoped for. Cindy's work is very clever and advanced but her instructions are so good that they are completely achievable. Cindy was also a lovely and talented teacher guiding us all through a complicated project. I was so pleased to finish one earring (especially as my shoulder was playing up and I had a blinding headache) but it was such a treat to meet Cindy, spend time learning from her and getting to see her work in person that I battled through as long as I could before admitting defeat and heading off to bed.

I had a huge range of classes to pick from today but both of the ones I chose leapt out at me from the start and I went to sleep knowing I had made the right choices and pleased to have learnt so much and that I'd treated myself to kits from both teachers that I can devote some time to playing with as soon as I get a chance.