Here it is Monday and I am thrilled to report I learned a new/old craft this weekend! I have not tried my hand at macrame in over 30 years. Why I set that craft aside I do not know. I made some extra special plant hangers for my Mom and then I guess I moved on to other projects. But I am back! Macrame is back! And John Bead has everything we need to return to this amazing craft!
During my last visit to John Bead I was given a wonderful grouping of pure hemp stringing materials. Hemp is very eco-friendly and strong. I have been wanting to figure out a way to incorporate it into my studio…even if it was just to tie my gifts. The hemp I used for this projects is 100% natural Pure and is 48lb and Azo-Free.
I researched the word MACRAME on line and so many amazing tutorials and how to’s were made available to me. I was helped the most by a YouTube video that made clearly showed me how to set up a board and how to create the knots. That video is linked here.
And so I began. This is a very low tech craft! I didn’t need any special tools or skills!
My first knots were a little wonky. I had a hard time remembering which way to place my hemp string.
But then I got it! I understood how to make sure my knots were lined up. I also found that adding the beads was simple. I used metalized Peruvian pony beads for this project. You need a bead that will fit over the thick stings.
I wasn’t sure how to start or end my sample when I started. I chose to finish my end this way. I am sure there are dozens of ways to end your knotting. That is something I’ll research next.
I LOVE this bracelet! I am wearing it now because it is so light and airy. I already have a request from my hubby to make him one too! That will have to wait a day or two though. I need to go back to John Bead to get some special stones for his bracelet…and I want to pick up some of their hemp beading books……and I want more hemp!