The Playful Artisan

Design & Create Your Unique Bracelet

Craft memories to wear.

Whether you are looking to create a personal souvenir of your Greek holiday or seeking the perfect handmade gift to bring home, this workshop invites you to weave your experiences into something beautiful.

I don't know about you, but I love bringing something back from my travels. In the past, I was exploding my lugguage allowance, but now, I am more mindful of what I bring back.

Souvenirs should "have a soul," be infused with a moment shared with a friend, family member, or new encounter. They should remind you a story, a feeling. And they can hold new knowledge, smiles. colours and skills.

This is the purpose of these workshop! I wanted to create a space for you so you can craft memories that would make your bracelet more than beautiful: special to your heart.

My Tiny Sanctuary, Agia Marina, Aegina

20-30 min scenic ride from Aegina Town
(passing by Agio Nektario Monastery and Aphaia Temple)

45-60 min. workshop

Intimate circle (Min. 3 – Max. 6 participants)

Language: English or French

35.-per person

Beads, trinkets, clasp, cord, tools, refreshment & teaching included

Your Artisan Experience

    Learn, Craft, Enjoy!

    The atelier is about learning how to make a bead bracelet with stainless steel cord and magnetic clasps.

    There will be a bit of technique, though it is accessible to anyone able to tie their shoes so do not worry about skills.

    Master the Balance: Learn the art of arranging beads and trinkets to create a harmonious, comfortable fit.

    Secure Your Creation: Discover professional techniques for securing clasps and beads, ensuring your bracelet is durable enough for daily wear.

    Symbolism & Story: Explore the meaning behind the available trinkets. From the protective Greek Eye and the wisdom of the Owl to the freedom of the Hippocampus, the grounding energy of the Turtle, and the intuition of the Moon, choose symbols that resonate with your journey

      Material Provided

      All the material you need will await you on the workbench.

      Each participant will receive:

      • a selection of howlite, glass or wodden beads.
      • a heart shaped magnetic clasp (or if they prefer a lobster clasp)
      • durable stainless steel cord (available in gold or silver).

      The charms and claps ar either 999° Antique Silver or 24k Gold Plated finish.

      Full access to all professional tools needed for assembly.

        Customisation Options

        Would you prefer lava stones or ceramic beads? These premium materials are available upon request. As these incur a higher material cost, we can either:

        1. Request a custom quote beforehand, or
        2. Settle the price difference on the spot, giving you the flexibility to choose your perfect beads upon arrival.

          Eco & Community Note

          Over 90% of the beads, trinkets and other compnents are sourced in Greece. On top of supporting the local economy, the carbon footprint of your bracelet is minimal.

          Christel Mesey Founder of My Tiny Sanctuary

          Meet Your Creative Tutor: Christel Mesey

          Artist, Certified Interior Designer, Web Designer, Author & Founder of My Tiny Sanctuary

          Hello, I am Christel Mesey, your host for this workshop. You are meeting me today in my atelier, where I craft all the art pieces and products I sell in my shop. But about three decades ago, I was seated at the study workbench of the Geneva Art Deco School, working to earn my certification as an Interior Designer.

          That professional training was just the beginning. I later expanded my creative toolkit by learning Graphic and Web Design, mastering how to blend aesthetics with functionality and marketing in the digital space.

          Today, that expertise is woven into everything I create, alongside the excitement and curiosity to expand into many forms of expression. Candle-making fulfils my senses, playing with colour pleases my eyes, crafting earrings amuses my inner little girl, casting decorative objects awakens the interior designer in me, and photography allows me to share the beauty I see in this world.

          In short, I love all forms of art, and I love sharing the how-to with others so that they, too, can have fun, express themselves, and enjoy beauty. When you join my playful workshops, you are learning from a designer who believes that creativity should be joyful. I provide the tools, the technical know-how, and the inspiring space; you bring your curiosity. Together, we make magic.

            Let’s Plan Your Creative Session

            Ready to gather your friends or family for a moment of creation? Since each workshop is tailored to your group’s size and chosen materials, I don’t use fixed public dates. Instead, let’s find the perfect time for you and I.

            1. Tell me your vision:
            Fill out the form with your preferred dates, group size and if you have specific material in mind (I work with lava stone, howlite, ceramic and wood bead, charms and magnetic clasps).

            2. I’ll prepare your magic:
            I’ll check availability and calculate the exact materials needed for your group.

            3. Validate your request:
            I will send you an offer taking into account the number of participants with the booking details and cancellation policy.

            4. Secure your workshop:
            Place a deposit (min 50%) or prepay the workshop.

            Please note:
            As I source specific materials for each session (including special beads, cords, or charms), advance payment is required to confirm your booking. 

            I typically respond within 2-3 working days.

            Tell me how many participants will join the atelier. The number can change until the confirmation of the atelier.

            Tell me the preferred date you are considering and two alternative date if possible. The ateliers are happening usually in the morning or early afternoon. PS: European and US date format is not the same so please spell the months in full letters to avoid confusion.

            Do you have specific needs (specific beads material, different location than the My Tiny Sanctuary)?


            FAQ

            Where is My Tiny Sanctuary?

            My Tiny Sanctuary is nestled in the heart of Agia Marina, a heartwarming beach resort village. The shop and atelier is just beside Proton supermarket. You'll find a map at the bottom of this page should you need it.

            Note: If you are booking a home or taverna session, I will bring the sanctuary to you!

            Is the atelier climate-controlled? 

            Absolutely. Your comfort is paramount so you can focus entirely on creating.

            • Summer: Don’t worry about the Greek heat; the atelier is fully air-conditioned to keep you cool and comfortable.
            • Winter: For our cooler months, I warm up the space before you arrive. However, if you are particularly sensitive to the cold, I have a few cosy polar blankets ready to throw over your lap while you craft.
            Do I need to wear specific clothes?

            Comfort is key! Since we will be working with hands wear something you don’t mind getting a little bit of creative dust on.

            A Gentle Note on Beachwear: We know it’s tempting to stroll straight from the sea in your swimsuit—it is a beach resort, after all! However, while the ocean breeze is welcome, bare torsos and wet swimsuits are not. Please pop on a t-shirt or cover-up before entering the shop. 😊

            Will the shop be open to other clients during my workshop? 

            No. To ensure you have a safe, intimate, and uninterrupted creative space, I close the shop entirely for the duration of every workshop. You will have the full attention of the facilitator and the space to yourselves—no wandering customers, just you and your creation.

            Is it suitable for children? 

            Our workshops involve small beads, hot wax, and delicate tools, so safety is our priority.

            • Under 12: Unfortunately, we cannot accept children under 12 years old.
            • Ages 12–16: Young creators are welcome, provided they are accompanied by a parent or responsible adult throughout the session.
            • 17+: Welcome to join independently!
            What language are the workshops in?

            I warmly welcome you in English or French.

            A small confession: While I am falling in love with the Greek language, my skills are not yet sufficient to explain the subtleties of bead balancing, nods, animal symbolism or materials! Rest assured, you will be fully guided in English or French.

            Cancellation & Refund

            Because I source specific, high-quality materials (stones, waxes, charms) uniquely for your group once you book, my cancellation policy is as follows:

            • More than 7 days before: Full refund.
            • Between 3 and 7 days before: 50% refund (as materials may already be ordered).
            • Less than 48 hours before: No refund. At this stage, your materials are ready, and the slot cannot be filled by another group.
            • Exception: If I need to cancel due to unforeseen circumstances (illness, extreme weather), you will receive a full refund immediately.