For Swarovski, Laura Timmons has spun a whole new yarn in beadwork

American jewellery designer Laura Timmons learned to crochet when she was 11 and just kept on learning. She even came up with her own technique for crocheting crystal beads with wire, and that's what brought her to Bangkok last week.

Jewellery house Swarovski flies Timmons around the world to train hobbyists in crocheting wire pendants just as they'd crochet yarn.

You start with No 28 wire, which is delicate and pliable. It's looped to the length of a regular crochet hug, but the difference is in the looser chains formed when using wire.

"The secret of an elaborate necklace is in using many simple strings twisted together," says Timmons, who owns Vintage Moon Creations.

"You have to create your own style, but I suggest you play around and have fun with every process, and soon enough you'll have your own one-of-a-kind collection."

Swarovski, meanwhile, chips in with its "Recommended Stores", where hobbyists can find crystal beads and workshops. There are three of them in Bangkok.

"Swarovski's recommended stores offer a wide range of Swarovski crystal components in line with the latest trends, as well as expert advice from trained DIY staff," says sales and marketing manager Supinyar Vassarodkit.

There are workshops every April and October on making beads and bead accessories.

XTRA

Inspiration Awaits

>> Visit Laura Timmons online at www.VintageMoon.net, and Swarovski's dedicated website - www.Create-Your-Style.com - has all kinds of tips and news, plus a 3D product channel and online design tools.

>> Swarovski's recommended stores are Not Just Beads Les idees on Sukhumvit Soi 39, (02) 662 6811; Crystal House in Jakawat, (02) 622 6930; and Bead Passion on Soi Thonglor 13, (02) 715 0211.