Do you ever see a beautiful piece of handmade jewelry and get depressed? Not because there's anything depressing about the piece, but because you think you'll never be "good" enough to make something that lovely? Well, stop that! This is a no-whining zone and self pity is counterproductive.
Don't get me wrong, I've been there. It's an easy trap to fall into, but basically you have two choices: you can either admire the piece for its artistry and purchase it from the person who has probably spent countless hours creating it (and possibly several years learning before that) or you can take a stab at it yourself.
I'm curious and I'm from a background where I want to try doing everything. I wallpapered most every room in my house back in the 80s, learned how to give home permanents, make candles and can tomatoes just "because". As you can probably guess, not all were wise decisions.
(She's still mad at me about that one, by the way.) Luckily, I'm now at an age where I know my limitations and instead of taking that as a personal failing, I'm getting better at appreciating the talent of others. Even if I could make a polymer clay lotus pendant like the one from Staci Louise that I used in this necklace, I would probably never get the feeling she has in her piece. And that's okay - it means Staci is doing something right!
If you decide you do want to try something for yourself, find a good tutorial or class and then go into it with the right mindset. Learn for the joy of learning and you will leave with a greater appreciation of the artist's process, even if you never use the technique again. And if you do discover something new that you love, that's even better!
So, for those of you who've made it this far in the post (and hopefully the others are over shopping in my Etsy store), I'm going to give you a micro macrame primer. I'm going to cover the tools and materials you will need to get started with micro macrame, then I'm going to give you a couple weeks to round up your "stuff". While you're doing that, I'll be busy writing up/recording a special beginner project for us: the world's very first KnotAlong! I'm going to meet you back here in two weeks (on August 21st) for your first "class".
Are you ready, kids? I can't hear you! :)
Are you ready, kids? I can't hear you! :)
If you want to play along with my KnotAlong (and why wouldn't you?), you have two weeks to gather up these things. I've added some suggestions for sources* to get you started.
- Pinning surface: You can use cork or anything that will hold a pin. If you want to purchase a foam board, here are some sources: Amazon, Art Beads, Etsy, Walmart, Fusion Beads
- Fray Check: Fire Mountain, Amazon, Walmart, my local Walmart carries this in the sewing aisle as do most fabric stores.
- GS Hypo Cement: Fire Mountain, Amazon, Walmart, Art Beads
- Tex 400 nylon bead cord (I recommend C-lon or Superlon brand): Bello Modo, South Pass Beads (they have Hypo Cement, too), Shipwreck Beads, Jewels in Fiber. You will only need about 6 yards for our project, so you will have lots left on your spool for your next project. Don't get hung up on the cord, either. If you have some 1mm hemp on hand, it will work. I don't recommend Rattail or other "slippery" cord.
- Pins - straight sewing pins and/or T-pins: can be found in fabric stores, the sewing aisle at Walmart, Michaels, Hobby Lobby
- Scissors
- Something to straighten cord (hair straightener, curling iron, regular iron, etc.)
- Approximately 60 8/0 seed beads. Inexpensive craft store beads will work fine for this project.
You won't find a better time to jump into micro macrame than this. Here's a peek at what we're going to make:
I might even sweeten the pot a little. I'm thinking maybe a giveaway for those who participate... So? Who's with me?
*Sources listed are US suppliers. Some others to try: UK - Knotting Ways,
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