Today I headed off to Wales to teach my Geometric Stars at Boxes & Busts near Cardiff.

It's been about 28 years since I was last in Wales and the main reason is awful memories of a school trip. We stayed in a holiday camp out of season and had to use our pocket money to feed the meter to keep the chalet warm and have hot water to wash in. Add in being made to do cross-country running in the rain & mud and Wales didn't hold many happy memories for me.

But, having faith I would be treated better this time, I headed off early this morning and before I knew it I was in another country! Very disconcerting to get off a train less than 2 hours from London and hear the announcements and see the signs in another language.

Once at the shop the day proved to be a fun, happy and inspiring one. It is a great shop filled with beady treats (and I couldn't resist bringing 1 or 2 home) and I'm really pleased that I'm back there 3 more times next year.

One highlight of the day was getting to see Louise Francis' beautiful version of a Caldera bangle from Geometric Beadwork Volume One. I love getting to see these in all their variations but I have to say I think this is my favourite so far... it even makes me want to bead another one (and has inspired me to finally get a new caldera kit out after many, many requests for one).