Fiber in Jewelry: Micro Macrame

Hey, kids!  Sherri Stokey here to tell you a little about my spin on using fiber in jewelry making:  micro macrame.  Haven't heard of it?  Picturing a plant hanger?  (Tell the truth.) When most people think "macrame", they think of thick jute and fist-sized ceramic beads tied together and used to suspend plants from the ceiling.  Or owls (what is it about macrame and owls?). 

 I made my fair share of plant hangers in the day and a fringed belt or two, but I didn't really go crazy for macrame until about a few years ago when I discovered nylon bead cord and found a renewed interest in knotting.  The cord I use is twisted nylon (usually C-lon or Superlon brand) and is available in four different sizes.  I favor the middle of the road size, which is .5mm in diameter.  It will fit through an 11/0 seed bead and an 8/0 bead will accommodate two cords. 

And the best part about nylon bead cord?  It comes in 104 different colors!  That means there's usually the perfect color to match my art beads:

Raku pieces by Star Spirit Studio

Let me show you a feew examples of what you can do with micro macrame, seedies and art beads:

Focal pieces from Dreams and Elements

Ceramic end pieces from Scorched Earth

Lampwork focal by Laurie Ament

If you haven't tried macrame before, but would like to give it a try, you might want to start with something like this piece with some half knots sections and regular old overhand knots between an assortment of beads (free tut here).  It's simple and a great way to use fiber to showcase some beads.  

Ceramic leaf from Marla's Mud

The strap on the necklace below is another easy one - I even have a free tutorial on how to do it on my blog (here).

Pendant by Humblebeads

Have I changed your mind about macrame?  If you're ready to up your fiber consumption (see what I did there?) using nylon bead cord and micro macrame techniques, you can find lots more information on my blog at KnotJustMacrame.com, including links to tutorials and online classes.  Oh, and in case you are still looking for that macrame owl...  You're welcome.