May 30, 2012

The Essentials


Macrame doesn't require much in the way of tools or gadgets, so you don't have to make much of an investment to give it a try.  This is a picture of my workboard.  Upscale, isn't it?  It's what I started with and what I'm used to, so I'm still using it after four years (although I have had to replace the cork once).  It's just a clipboard from the office supply store with cork clipped on it.  I cut the cork to the right size and glued two layers of it together to give it more depth, but if the cork you find is thicker, you might not even have to do that.  My clipboard has rulers down both sides - one in inches and the other in metric.  Very handy.

You'll want something to fasten your work-in-progress to the board to keep everything in place while you're knotting.  You can use regular old sewing pins for this, but I prefer a combination of those and t-pins.  The t-pins are a bit larger.  You'll also need some scissors.  I like a smallish pair.  And let's see... other than that... something to knot (cord, hemp, etc.) and maybe some beads.  That's it!  Oh, wait...


A couple more things that are nice to have - Fray Check and glue.  If you dip the ends of your cord in the Fray Check and let it dry, you'll have a much easier time threading beads onto it.  And I like to put a little glue on the knots at the ends of my pieces.  Peace of mind;)

9 comments:

  1. I'm so glad to see you've started a blog! And a good start it is, too!

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  2. High praise from the Kingdom of Coco (I look forward to your posts every day!!) Thank you.

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  3. :) just for people like me.Thank you

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  4. Clear nail polish works on cord ends, too - I always seem to have that around!

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  5. I just love these tips. Would you post pics of you doing the process please?

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    1. I did a little tutorial here: https://picasaweb.google.com/102945773341854302048/EasyMacrameBraceletTutorial where you can see some of the knotting.

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  6. Thank you so much for your post and your tutorials. The photo and info of your "mise en place" setup is very helpful. You are an amazing artist, Sherri, simply amazing! I've learned the most important jewelry technique of all: carefully observe, honor, and learn from the greats in all jewelry art techniques. You are no doubt the greatest, most gifted macrame artist - thank you for sharing!

    Rita

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  7. Hi Sherri, I've been looking for this thread that you have in this picture for so long, but couldn't find. Can you tell me the name/brand or website where I can get it? Thank you very much.

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    1. I buy most of mine online - BelloModo carries C-lon and Artbeads carries Superlon. There are other places, of course, including Etsy. Happy Shopping!!

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