Fab tiara course with the Spellbound Bead Company, Lichfield.

Although it was a couple of weeks ago, I had to tell people about a fantastic course I went on, run by The Spellbound Bead Company in Lichfield, http://www.spellboundbead.co.uk/

I had only been on one jewellery making course before, which turned out to be very odd as it was taught by my husband's aunt, although I didn't know before the day....digressing from the subject, sorry. So I had no idea what to expect when I signed up for a course to learn about making Tiaras.

There are many words that I could choose to describe it. I'll settle on...fabulous. This was more comprehensive than I could have imagined, and the most excellent value for money, at £45 including all materials, with enough bits left over to take away to start another couple of projects!

Julie the tutor was obviously very knowledgable and skilled in the subject, and made everyone feel very at ease. There were 10's of samples on display to show techniques and inspire.

Some pictures from the day.

We covered everything from how to work with a client to select the correct type of tiara to suit their face shape, hair and dress. We learnt how to make proper bands (no cheap off the shelf/dig into your bands here!) How to make support frames, sub frames, and contemporary frames. As well as looking at different wire work techniques for decoration as well as how to finish off a tiara properly and professionally.

Trying out a wire infill technique on a frame also built on the day.

Spellbound have a great reputation when it come to courses. Unlike other courses I have enquired about, Spellbound encourage their students to think commercially about selling their work. They also offer free advice and help in the shop after the course with any half finished projects. What fantastic service.


The worst part of the day is a visit to their shop at the end of the course. Too much choice, serious card bashing...aaaaahhh!!! (only joking of course, but my God what a selection of stuff) Spellbound generously offered a discount voucher of wires and tools and other bits purchased on the day to soften the blow a bit.

Some pictures to give you an idea of what a treasure trove the shop is.

Check out their website for details of more fab courses coming soon,as well as a great selection of products to buy online; including lots of jewellery making kits.

Since the course, and since my tools finally arrived, I have designed and made a couple tiaras.





I hope to start selling some at my online shop soon, but in the mean time check out my range of jewellery for sale. www.prettypeyote/folksy.com.

For a sneaky peak of my tiaras before they appear at my shop or to contact me about commission work check out www.profile.to/prettyprofile.