One thing I love about being a grown up is being able to be my own teacher. At school I remember the parents and staff always whinging about how "spoon-fed" we were; that we didn't take the initiative to delve deeper into our subjects in our own time. I think we (and when I say we, I mean me... most of my peers were actually a hell of a lot more motivated than me) were just apathetic and uninspired. Becoming a self-taught seamstress in my 20's has reminded me of my passion for learning - something I lost when puberty hit. A Montessori approach, if you will, my journey of self-led studies has taken me off on tangents I never before had considered, allowed me to learn from -and never again repeat- real mistakes, but moreover has instilled in me a profound sense of capability. I can do anything!

It is important, however, to take a break from acquiring new skills; to allow moments for regression... In my case, getting back to some good old arts & crafts, nursery style. So today, kids, I'm going to show you how to make some pretty jewelled headbands, the likes of which even Cinderella would be summoning up her fairy Godmother for.

You will need:

• UHU glue
• rhinestones/plastic jewels/glitter/sequins/anything stick-onable that appeals to the Magpie in you
• a plain Aliceband or barette to stick your sparkles to

Step 1

Make sure the surface of your band/barette is clean and dry. Apply the glue in small sections, sticking sparkles as you go.

Step 2

Leave to dry. Umm, that's it. Resist the urge to encrust your entire everything in rhinestones.

x Elisalex