July 30, 2013

Knotting Along

Micro Macrame Bracelet in teal by Sherri Stokey

I've been busy making micro macrame pieces, in between putting together kits to go along with my tutorials, and writing a new tutorial.  I juggle that with working full time (okay, I take as much time off as I can manage!) and taking care of my family.  My kids are mostly grown - my son is going to turn 21 this weekend and my daughter is 17 - but now we have this little critter to chase around:

baby grandson

Life is full, and life is good.  I always hope that joy and contentment comes through in my jewelry pieces somehow.  I think maybe it does, especially when I work with colors that make me happy.

Beaded micro macrame bracelet by Knot Just Macrame peacock colors

Just LOOK at those colors - how could that not make you happy?

Beaded micro macrame bracelet in peacock colors

I'm working on a new piece today.  And guess what color is in it!

Micro macrame bracelet in progress teal with orange

I am a bit predictable sometimes, aren't I?

July 20, 2013

Bead Hoarders Blog Hop Reveal

Ceramic and polymer clay artist beads and pendants

This is just one of the little boxes of treasures I keep tucked away.  I love beads and pendants and buttons and all things jewelry.  Add handmade into the mix and I'm all over it!  I am collecting pieces at a rate that exceeds my use of said pieces, which technically, I suppose, does make me a Bead Hoarder.  But just look at all that yumminess!  Can you name the artists?  I see a piece by Duane and Sheri and Shelley and Marla and Diana and and and....  that's about the point where my mind goes into overload.

Porcelain artist beads, African ceramic beads, Czech glass beads and buttons

Lori Anderson of Pretty Things, the hostess-with-the-mostest who puts on the Bead Soup Blog Hops, is hosting a blog hop today especially for people with my kind of affliction:  the Bead Hoarders Blog Hop.  Her challenge is to USE some of those precious pieces we've been hoarding.

Metal buttons and findings and jewelry components

In preparation for this hop, I got out my boxes and went through them, trying to decide which pieces to use.  I have to admit, it was like trying to decide which of your children to kick out of the house.  In the middle of winter.  With no shoes.  I love all my little treasures.  I want to have them and hold them and take them out from time to time and pet them.  Maybe nuzzle them a little.  They're like my little friends.

Lamp work glass beads by various artists

I did do a little practice warm up.  I used a ceramic clasp by Shelley Graham, some round polymer clay beads by Marlene Cupo, a little beach hut by Lennis Carrier, a polymer turtle bead by Ke Robinson and a lampwork oval by Mitosis Glass.  I put them all together in one absolutely fabulous micro macrame wrap bracelet. 

Micro Macrame wrap bracelet with artists beads

I love it and it hardly hurt at all.  Well, maybe a little, but I did it.  I was stoked.  I decided I would make several bracelets and use lots of beads from my stash.  But when it came right down to it, I just couldn't do it.  It seemed so wasteful!  I couldn't just squander such beautiful beads on a project that wasn't the perfect project for them!  It just wouldn't be fair to the beads.  I did, however, manage to part with a few more:

Micro Macrame wrap bracelet by Sherri Stokey with artists beads

I experimented a little and used a small pendant on another micro macrame wrap bracelet.  It's kind of funky and I like it.  It and the matching rounds are Jera Luna pieces.  I added an enameled bead by Sonya Ingersoll-Stille and two African ceramic beads - one Kazuri and the other from Work of Our Hands.  I knotted in a couple of random turtles and a starfish and then the hardest piece of all to use:  one of my ancient Roman glass pieces as a clasp.  

Artists beads on a micro macrame wrap bracelet by Knot Just Macrame

I did it, but I think I may need some follow up therapy.  It was probably good for me, though, and now I have an excuse to buy MORE beads to fill in those holes!  Right?!

Be sure to visit the the rest of the participants and our gracious hostess, Lori!

 1.  Lori Anderson, Pretty Things
2. Nancy Dale, NEDBeads
3. Roxanne Mendoza, Roxi Designs
4.  Melissa Trudinger, beadrecipes
5.  Rana Lea, Rana Lea Designs
6.  Perri Jackson, Shaktipaj Designs
7.  Rita Avila, Jewel School Friends
8.  Linda Anderson, From the Bead Board
9.  Sharon Palac, Sharon's Jewelry Garden
10.  Erin Guest, Renlish


11.  Joan Williams, lilruby jewelry
12. Diane Hawkey, Diane Hawkey
13.  Jo-Ann Woolverton, It's a Beadiful Creation
14.  Sue Kennedy, SueBeads
15.  Lisa Cone, Inspired Adornments
16.  Kari Asbury, Hippie Chick Design
17.  Nichole Byers, Nichole Byers
18.  Lori Jean Poppe, Adventures in Creativity
19.  Linda Landig, Linda's Bead Blog and Meanderings
20.  Lori Schneider, Bead Addict


21.  Molly Alexander, Beautifully Broken Me
22. Cece Cormier, The Beading Yogini
23.  Niki Sayers, Silver Nik Nats
24.  Elsie Deliz-Fonseca, Eliz-Eliz and All That Craft
25.  Amber Dawn, Inventive Soul
26.  Heather Powers, Humblebeads
27.  Sarah Goode, Pookledo
28.  Monique Urquhart, A Half-Baked Notion
29.  JJ Jacobs, Coming Abstractions
30.  Cheri Reed, Creative Designs by Cheri


31.  Robyn, Museiddity
32.  Catherine King, Catherine's Musings
33.  Jacquie, Bead Gypsy
34.  Janet McDonald, Singing Woods
35. Kay Thomerson, Kayz Kreations
36.  Tanty Sri Hartanti, TJewellicious by Tanti
37.  Hannah Rosner, Good River Valley
38.  Rochelle Brisson, A Creative Chelle
39.  Nelly May, Smelly Nelly
40.  Skylar Bre'z, Brising Beads


41.  Beti Horvath, Stringing Fool
42.  Christie Murrow, Charis Designs
43.  Leanne Loftus, First Impression Design
44.  Valerie Norton, Hot Art
45.  Judy Riggs, Rigglettes
46.  Crystal Thain, Here Bead Dragons
47.  Terry Carter,  Tapping Flamingo
48.  Sue, Mid-Life Great Expectations
49.  Nan Smith, Wired Nan
50.  Miranda Ackerley, MirandAck Arts


51.  Marie Covert, Creating Interest
52.  D'Arsie Manzella, This Here Now, Mamacita
53.  Stephanie Haussler, Pixybug Designs
54.  Lori Bergmann, Lori Bergmann Design
55.  Johanna Nunez, The Lovely One Design
56.  Mary Govaars, MLH Jewelry Designs
57.  Becky Pancake, Becky Pancake Bead Designs
58.  Alicia Marinache, All the Pretty Things
59.  Debbie Rasmussen, A Little of This, A Little of That
60.  Nat, Grubbi Ceramics


61.  Marjorie Savill Linthwaite, Bennu Bird Rising
62.  Cheryl McCloud, One Thing Leads to Another
63.  Heather Otto, The Crafthopper
64.  Candida Castleberry, Spun Sugar Beadworks
65.  Tracie Dean, Dean Designs
66.  JuLee Wolfe, The Polymer Penguin
67.  Ginger Bishop, Lil Mummy Likes
68.  Karen Mitchell, Over the Moon Design
69.  Jeannie Dukic, Jeannie's Blog
70.  Dini Bruinsma, Angaza by Changes


71.  Birgitta Lejonklou, Create With Spirit
72.  Shalini Austin, Jewellery by Shalini
73.  Jayne Capps, Mama's Got to Doodle
74.  Ile Ruzza, Ilenia's Unique Beaded Jewelry
75.  Jackie Marchant, Fiddledeedee Jewelry
76.  Annita Wilson, AW Jewelry 
77.  Sherri Stokey, Knot Just Macrame
78.  Hannah Trost, PZ Designs
79.  Linda Inhelder, Must Haves Jewelry
80.  Miri Agassi, Beadwork


81.  Hope Smitherman, Crafty Hope
82.  Dyanne Cantrell, Dee-Liteful Jewelry Creations
83.  Susan Bowie, Susan Nelson Bowie
84.  Megan Milliken, MaeMaeMills
85.  Menka Gupta, Menka's Jewelry
86.  Ambra Gostoli, Chic and Frog
87.  Lori Lochner, Bloghner
88.  Gerda Jurimae, Gerda's Crafts Blog
89.  Susan, Mistheword
90.  MaryLou Holvenstot, MaryLou's time2cre8


91.  Mary Shannon Hicks, falling into the sky
92.  Karin King, The Sparklie Things Blog
93.  Christa Murphy, Adventures of One Beady Woman
94.  Jenny Davie-Reazor, Jenny Davies-Reazor
95.  Donetta Farrington, Simply Gorgeous
96.  Mallory Hoffman, Rosebud 101 - For the Love of Beads
97.  Danielle Kelley, Imbue the Muse
98.  Kym Hunter, Kym Hunter Designs
99.  Dolores Rami, CraftyD's Creations
100.  Marcia Dunne, 13 Alternatives


101.  Marlene Cupo, Amazing Designs
102.  Emma Todd, A Polymer Penchant
103.  Wendy Holder, Jewelry by WendyLea
104.  Michelle Escano, The Cabby Crafter
105.  Louise Glazier, Lily and Jasmine Treasures
106.  Dana Hickey, Wind Dancer Studios
107.  Lennis Carter, windbent
108.  Anne Betenson, Crystal River Beads
109.  Audrey Belanger,  Dreams of an Absolution
110.  Lisa Stukel, Carefree Jewelry by Lisa


111.  Janine Lucas, Travel Stories
112.  Claire Lockwood, Something to Do With Your Hands
113.  Kathy Engstrom, Catherine's Dreams
114.  Paula Hisel, Simply Beadiful
115.  Karla Morgan, Texas Pepper Jams
116.  Mischelle Fanucchi, Micheladas Musings
117.  Kim, Cianci Blue
118.  Linda Sadler, Ida Louise Jewelry
119.  Karen, Spokalulu
120.  Jennifer LaVite, Dry Gulch Bead and Jewelry


121.  Andrea Glick-Zenith, ZenithJade Creations
122.  Karen Martinez, Fairies Market
123.  Robin Reed, Artistry HCBD
124.  Amy Bright, LABweorc
125.  Jasvanti Patel, Jewels by Jasvanti
126.  Tammie Everly, TTE Designs
127.  Karin Slaton, Backstory Beads
128.  Natalie Moten, Running Out of Thread
129.  Sharyl McMillian-Nelson, Sharyl's Jewelry & Reflections
130.  Jenny Kyrlach, Wonder and Whimsy


131.  LiliKrist, Handmade by LilK
132.  Jessica Klaaren, The Truth Space
133.  Cynthia Abner, Created Treasures
134.  Beth Emery, Stories by Indigo Heart
135.  Heather Davis, Blissful Garden Beads
136.  Jeanne, Gems by Jeanne Marie
137.  Sandi Volpe, Sandi Volpe
138.  Laren Dee Barton, Laren Dee Designs
139.  Steph, Confessions of a Bead Hoarder
140.  Carolyn Lawson, Carolyn's Creations


141.  B. R. Kuhlman, Mixed Mayhem
142.  Patty Miller, Cabari Beads
143.  Elizabeth Bunn, Elizabeth Beads
144.  Marianna Boylan, Pretty Shiny Things
145.  Lizzie Clarke, The Need to Bead
146.  Christina Miles, Wings 'n' Scales
147.  Patricia, The Color of Dreams
148.  Marde Lowe, Fancimar
149.  Ev Shelby, Raindrop Creations
150.  Sarah Small, By Salla


151.  Perri Jackson, Shaktipaj Designs
152.  Laurie Vyselaar, Lefthand Jewelry
153.  Pam Traub, Klassy Joolz
154.  Lisa Harrison, Daisy Meadow Studio
155.  Anzia Parks, Anzi-Panzi's Work Shoppe
156.  Ingrid, Lilisgems Handcrafted Jewelry Inspirations
157.  Andra Weber, Andra's Joyful Journey
158.  Kelly Hosford Patterson, The Traveling Side Show
159.  Adlinah Kamsir, Dreamstruck Designs
160.  Marci, That Nothing Be Wasted


161.  Kris Lanae Binsfield,  Cherish Designs
162.  Stephanie Perry, Mustard Bead
163.  Birgit Klughardt, Gites Beads
164.  Inge von Roos, Inge's Blog
165.  Rebecca Sirevaag, Becca's Place
166.  Sandy Markley, Gypsy Spirit Designs
167.  Elena Adams, Lena's Beady Blog

July 18, 2013

My Favorite Color in Micro Macrame and Giveaway Winner!

Ombre teal micro macrame bracelet by Sherri Stokey of Knot Just Macrame

This week's theme for the Year of Jewelry Project is "My Favorite Color" and the instructions are to make a piece of jewelry in a color that rocks your world.  There was no question which color I would choose.  I'm just a teal sort of gal.  I did want to have a little fun with it, though, so instead of using one or two colors, I used six colors of cord and five colors of seed beads to knot this micro macrame bracelet.  And added a seahorse charm just because.

close up of knotted micro macrame bracelet in shades of teal and turquoise

I really like how the colors move through the bracelet.  As a little experiment, I made one in white, too.  The two pieces look very different, even though the pattern is the same.  What a difference color makes!

White and ombre teal micro macrame bracelets by Sherri Stokey

And now for the big announcement!  The winner of this kit & the eClass to go along with it (insert drum roll here)...

Micro Macrame Wrap Bracelet kit and eClass giveaway winner

And the winner is:  Crystal Thain!!!  Congratulations, Crystal!  If you didn't win this kit and class, don't despair!  I have more kits listed in my Etsy shop and the eClass is available at CraftArtEdu.com.

July 13, 2013

Micro Macrame Wrap Bracelet Class and Kit Giveaway!

Giveaway kit for Micro Macrame Wrap Bracelet eClass by Sherri Stokey

Just in case you didn't hear me shouting it from the rooftops, I've got a new eClass available for micro macrame and I'm very excited about it!  So exited, in fact, that I'm going to give away a class and a kit to go along with it to one lucky winner.  

My class is called Micro Macrame Wrap Bracelet and it's available on CraftArtEdu.com.  If you aren't familiar with CraftArtEdu.com, let me give you the skinny.  Their goal is to make learning about your favorite medium more accessible and convenient than ever.  Their classes have step-by-step instructions and are presented by world-renowned craft and fine art instructors.  The classes are all the time, at your convenience.  Once you purchase a class, you can view it as many times as you want, for as long as you want.  AND your satisfaction is guaranteed.  If you're not happy, they will refund your money.  That's their promise.  Sounds like a fantastic site, doesn't it!  They have over 400 classes there - something for all levels and interests.  I'm honestly flattered that they wanted to add my micro macrame to their curriculum.

I've got two classes available right now.  The first is Micro Macrame 101 and it's free.  In it, I've covered  the basics about micro macrame and the tools and materials you need.  The Micro Macrame Wrap class follows after that and is geared for beginners.  I will teach you how to make five of the most common macrame knots, while making a fun wrap bracelet.  This class is meant to get you acquainted with knotting and working with cord.  The next step will be a class I hope to have available next week that will take you further into micro macrame, using finer cord and more knots.  

But let's get back to the giveaway, shall we?  I'm giving one lucky person access to my wrap class for free AND everything needed to make a wrap bracelet similar to this:  

Image of Micro Macrame Wrap Bracelet from CraftArtEdu class

The kit I'm giving away includes everything in the first photo of this post.  I've included 14 foot lengths of Tex 400 cord in teal and a sandy beige, wood beads, a Bollywood bead, rolled paper, seed beads, dichroic glass beads AND some artist beads.  There's a great lampwork piece by Mitosis glass and a polymer class turtle bead by Ke Robinson:

Artist beads

And the toggle clasp is fun, too.  It's a silver starfish toggle with crystal accents.

Starfish toggle clasp

These pieces should make a great bracelet.  So how do you win?  Use the rafflecopter widget below to enter.  Then check back here on Thursday, July 18th to see if you won!

Giveaway kit for Micro Macrame Wrap Bracelet eClass by Sherri Stokey
a Rafflecopter giveaway


July 11, 2013

Micro Macrame eClasses Are Available!

Micro Macrame Wrap Bracelet by Sherri Stokey of Knot Just Macrame

I can finally make my BIG announcement!  I'm the newest instructor at CraftArtEdu.com and I have classes available in micro macrame!!!  YAY!  You might have noticed that I'm crazy about micro macrame and I am thrilled to get this chance to share it with you.  

I have two classes available right now (and another ready for my editor).  The first is Micro Macrame 101 and it is free (yep, free!).  It's an overview of the tools and materials you'll need to try micro macrame for yourself.  I included information from cord choices to knotting surfaces.  One of the nicest things about micro macrame is that you don't have to invest a lot of money in tools and equipment to give it a try.

Materials and finished micro macrame wrap bracelet in nylon and hemp cord

Micro Macrame Wrap Bracelet is the other class available and covers the five of the most common macrame knots.  But just learning knots would be boring and I try never to be boring, so while you're learning to tie the knots, you'll be making a fun wrap bracelet like the ones shown in this post.  I'll show you step-by-step how to take a a couple lengths of cord and a small pile of beads and turn them into your own fun, wearable bracelet.

Micro Macrame Wrap Bracelet Class project with polymer penguin bead by Windbent

This project is doable, even for people with no knotting experience at all.  AND it's a great way to show off some of the beads you've been hoarding!  The one above features a polymer clay penguin by Lennis Carrier of Windbent.  The one below has a beachy theme and has polymer pieces by Lennis Carrier, Marlene Cupo and Ke Robinson, as well as a ceramic toggle by Shelley Graham and lampwork by Mitosis Glass.

Macrame wrap bracelet featuring various artists beads.

Macrame wrap bracelet featuring handpainted lucite flowers.

I was playing around with different variations when testing my tutorial.  I used hemp cord instead of nylon in the penguin piece and did a mixture of both cords in the brown and black rose piece.  In this last one, I experimented with tying a couple rings into the knots of the bracelet (you can just add them in with an overhand knot).  Then I went back and attached some hand-painted lucite flowers and leaves to the rings as well as a little Vintaj bumblebee.  I think this would be a really fun way to show off some charms - an updated take on a charm bracelet!  Oh, and if you want to learn to do the flowers, the tutorial is here.

I hope you'll take a minute to check out CraftArtEdu.com.  I have been really impressed with the site.  They have loads of great classes available and some really, really talented instructors.  And the nice part (well, besides being able to get instruction at any hour of the day or night even if you're in your jammies...) is that once you purchase a class, it never expires.  It's always available for you to reference.  Nice, huh?  The next best thing to having me come to your house and teach you micro macrame.  Better really - you don't have to feed me!

July 3, 2013

Happy Birthday, America!

Close up of micro macrame flag bracelet by Sherri Stokey

I just love the 4th of July.  I love summertime and the 4th seems to epitomize all that is summer.  Sunny days, blue skies and lush green grass.  Family and picnics.  Small town parades and children with sticky watermelon faces.  And I'm a sap for anything patriotic, so there you have it!  The theme for this week in The Year of Jewelry is "Celebrating my Country", which is right up my alley.

Red white and blue patriotic micro macrame flag bracelet from Knot Just Macrame

Are you reaching for your lemonade?  Does it remind you of a flag waving on a slow, hot breeze?  Or bunting draped on the grandstands?  

I love to make jewelry created around a theme or color scheme like this.  I can't paint and I can't draw, so this is my artistic outlet.  My mom, on the other hand, sews.  She used to paint, but now that she's discovered quilting, I don't think she'll ever go back.  She uses fabric to express herself and evoke a feeling or a mood, and I don't even know if she's aware of that.  This is her take on patriotic:

Patriotic table runner by Sharon Hartman

Isn't it beautiful?  The movement and the shading of the color values all work so well together.  

One last patriotic piece and I'll leave you to enjoy your holiday.  This piece doesn't have a single bead in it.  Isn't it amazing what you can do with some cord and some knots?

Patriotic knotted macrame bracelet in red white and blue

I hope you have a safe and fun 4th!

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