angel & pearl Archives | The British Craft House

A cup of coffee and some bead weaving in progress

I think we all know what life can be like sometimes – between phone pings, endless To-do lists and school runs, a moment of quiet can feel like a luxury.

But… you don’t need a yoga mat, incense, or a mountain retreat to unwind. Sometimes all it takes is a needle and thread, and a few (hundred!) tiny glass beads…

Although beading might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about having some time to yourself, there’s something very calming about repetitive stitching, focussing on the pattern and placement of the beads. Seeing your beadwork grow with every stitch, bead by bead, can be incredibly satisfying.

In a world that loves speed and multitasking, being immersed in bead weaving teaches the opposite. You absolutely can’t rush it.

Whether you’re weaving earrings, a bracelet, or just a sample to practise a new stitch, choosing a mindful way to spend your time has huge rewards. So if your brain’s feeling a little scrambled and the world’s spinning too fast, thread a needle, and stitch some peace into your day!

Happy beading 🙂

Tassia x

As a designer and maker of bead woven jewellery, I often get asked about the materials I use, especially the difference between gold filled and gold plated components.

So what actually is the difference?

Gold Plated

Gold plated jewellery is made by applying a very thin layer of gold over a base metal, usually brass. It gives the look of gold, but at a much lower price. But, because the gold layer is very fine, this means that it can wear off with regular use, especially on parts that are used a lot ( such as clasps). It’s great for occasional use, where appearance is more important that durability.

Gold Filled

Gold filled components have a much thicker outer layer of gold that’s pressure bonded to the core metal. This method, along with the thickness of the gold layer, means it won’t easily rub off or flake (as is more likely with gold plated jewellery). Many 14k gold filled pieces of jewellery will last for many years, even decades. This makes it a perfect option for more meaningful or frequently worn pieces, along with it being more suitable for those with sensitive skin.

In my bead woven jewellery, I tend to use 14k gold filled components, especially for earrings where durability and caring for sensitive skin is so important.

Ultimately, there’s no right or wrong, just thoughtful choices on how you’ll wear and enjoy your piece of jewellery.

If you’re unsure, I’m always more than happy to answer any questions about materials, especially if it helps you choose a piece you’ll love for years to come…

Tassia x

Tag: angel & pearl

My perfect mindful escape (no yoga mat required!)

What’s the difference between gold filled and gold plated?