While all the other summer campers slathered on the zinc and canoed their little hearts out, you mastered the lost art of the lanyard (indoors, of course).

And though you could churn out embroidery floss BFF bracelets  like none other, your skills never really advanced past the sixth string.

To move onward and upward, try the jewelry workshop at the French General. Inside the teeny store hidden in Hollywood, you pass piles of fine linens and textiles and imported home stuffs before you get to the Notions Room.

Once you’re there, resist the need to look at each of the apothecary jars full of vintage beads and charms and pull up a chair to learn the basics of looping; stringing; bezel-setting; gluing; and making earrings, bracelets, and beaded necklaces.

You’ll leave with a set of your own tools and materials to fashion something pretty.

And certainly a far cry from campy.

French General, 1621 Vista Del Mar Avenue, between El Centro and Argyle Avenues, Hollywood (323-462-0818 or frenchgeneral.com).