New Micro Macrame Mandala Necklace Tutorial!

Look who finally got busy and finished a tutorial!  I'd recommend this Micro macrame Mandala Necklace tutorial for intermediate macrame enthusiasts with a working knowledge of double half hitch and larks head knots.  As long as you can do those, you should be able to follow these instructions.  I've included over 60 photos like this one:

See why it takes me a while to put together a new tutorial?  I spend a lot of time photographing each step with really close up shots so you can see what's going on.  My goal is to make everyone who tries the tutorial successful!

You can find the new tutorial in my Etsy shop along with 17 (yes, I'm up to 17 different tutorials now!) others.  There's something for everyone - even if you've never tried macrame before.  Happy knotting!

Another Micro Macrame Tutorial & A Quick Update

Boy, oh boy, have I been lazy about blogging lately or what!?  I swear I have less time now than when I was working full time and I can't for the life of me figure out how that works!  I haven't been idle, though.  I did manage to get another of my designs previously only offered as an online class converted to a .pdf download.  It's the Woven Diamonds micro macrame bracelet and it's one of my favorites.  I love the contrast of the textured (knotted) diamond sections with the smooth arcs of beads.  

The bracelet can be made using a focal bead or without it - both versions are covered in the tutorial, which you can find here in my Etsy shop.  

Isn't this a fun piece?  I finally got around to making this skeleton bride pendant into a necklace.  I made the pendant last year using ShrinkyDinks plastic and colored pencils and I just love how she turned out.  To make a necklace, I added some knotted macrame straps with a cool spiral pattern, pulling out the green and blue colors with a hint of black.  Then I put just a pop of red where I connected the straps with the pendant.  A couple of jump rings and a clasp and voila!

If you aren't into skulls, I have been working on some other autumn themed pieces like these pretty leaf bracelets:

That's not all I've been doing, either!  I am working on a tutorial that The Beadsmith will be distributing, which should be out soon!  Now if I could just find time to get everything listed, I'd be on a roll! 

Ch-ch-ch-Changes

Change is inevitable, I guess, but that doesn't mean I have to like it.  CraftArtEdu is closing.  As of this posting, they've already stopped selling classes.  Not to worry, though, the folks there aren't leaving you hanging if you have already purchased classes.  Your classes will still be available to you (all the details are here).  I have really enjoyed working with Donna and Vernon and the gang and I'm going to miss them all.  

Several of my favorite designs have been available only as online classes through CraftArtEdu.  I will be working on converting them to tutorials and listing them in my Etsy shop, but it's going to be a process.  The CraftArtEdu platform allowed me to use voice-over narration as well as video in my classes which I really liked.  With Etsy I will have to rely on only the still photos and written instructions.  Good thing I take lots and lots of photos!

The first class I tackled as the Micro Macrame Wrap Bracelet.  I love this one!  I designed it as a fun way to learn five different macrame knots and the bonus is that you end up with a bracelet!  The instructions are written for someone who hasn't ever done macrame before with over 70 pictures and 19 pages in the tutorial.  I also have videos on the blog (here) in case you need a little more help on any of the knots.  The new downloadable tutorial is available in my Etsy shop (KnotJustMacrame.etsy.com) here:  Micro Macrame Wrap Bracelet.

To make it easier for beginners who don't want to have to shop around for the right materials or for people who just like to have coordinating beads and cord all picked out for them, I do offer materials kits to go along with the Micro Macrame Wrap Bracelet Tutorial.  There is a whole section of them here.  I have twenty different kits listed right now with a nice variety of colors.  There are even a couple of the peacock kits to make this bracelet:

I have a thing for handmade ceramic Kazuri beads, so you'll also find a lot of the kits that feature them:

And the only thing better than that (in my humble opinion) is a kit with Kazuri beads AND elephants:

Did you see that elephant clasp?  How cute is that!?  And just to prove to you that I can work with some warmer colors:

Working with CraftArtEdu was a very positive experience for me and I learned a lot working with the professionals there.  I will miss it greatly but if there's one thing I've figured out it's that you never know what life has in store for you around the next corner.  Whatever it is, I'll see you there!

A New Micro Macrame Tutorial: Marrakesh

This is a pretty bracelet, if I do say so myself!  I know, I know, the colors are so NOT me, but I'm feeling it.  I love everything about this piece from the multiple strands to the shiny crystal beads I used (another oddity for me!).  It's fun to wear and it's fun to make, so I thought I'd offer a tutorial for it in case any of you want to make one for yourself.

If you haven't tried one of my tutorials before (or one of my online classes), I hope you'll give it a try.  I spend a lot of time photographing every step and then I spend even more time editing all those photos to try to give you the best tutorial I can.  I add lots of detail and break everything down so that you can see what I'm doing and follow along.  

And just in case the photos and written instructions aren't enough, I have videos here on my blog that show you how to make each of the knots.  That being said, I realized I didn't have a video here for a vertical double half hitch, so I made one:

You can find the tutorial for the Marrakesh bracelet available in my Knot Just Macrame Etsy shop along with several other tutorials for different micro macrame projects.  This new tutorial is suitable for all levels, even beginners.  As a little extra incentive, I'm offering a special introductory price for the next week AND having a sale on all my other tutorials!

Happy knotting!

Quick! (Enabler Alert)

Just a quick post today to share CraftArtEdu's latest sale.  You won't want to miss this one:  40% off all of their classes.  Yes, you read that right - 40% off all of the online classes at CraftArtEdu and you can get one or 100 at that price.  They have a great selection of classes covering all kinds of media, including micro macrame classes like the Falling Leaves Micro Macrame Bracelet in the photo above or this Ripples in Micro Macrame Bracelet:

There are lots to choose from, but you'll need to hurry.  This deal is only good through Friday (details here).  If you're anything like me, this time of winter is long and cold and I'm up for any kind of project to alleviate the boredom.  This is a great chance to try something fun!  Happy shopping!

A Brand New Micro Macrame Tutorial AND a Sale!

I am so excited to be rolling out a new micro macrame tutorial for you!  It's a new design that came to me one night as I was laying there un-sleeping (one my least favorite hobbies).  It's a grouping of four elliptical shapes (or horse eye or marquis shapes if you prefer) set inside diamonds outlined by parallel lines.  If you look carefully, two of the shapes meet to form an infinity link.  

When I was searching for a name for this one, someone (thanks, Linda!!) suggested the design resembled the intricate patterns found in Gothic windows.  Then someone else (thanks, Alison!) pointed out that Gothic tracery is the term for the stonework within the window arch.  I think "Gothic Tracery" is a perfectly lovely name for this pattern and so it shall be.  

Allow me to introduce my newest micro macrame tutorial:  Gothic Tracery!

This pattern uses mostly double half hitch knots with just a handful of larks heads.  The knots themselves aren't hard, but you have to keep track of which cords you're supposed to be working with as they're heading off in all directions, so I've rated this one as best for intermediate knotters.  I wouldn't recommend this for your first micro macrame project but once you've mastered the double half hitch, I'd say "go for it!".  

To make the news (of a new tutorial, silly!) a little sweeter, this tut and all the others in my Etsy shop are 30% off (no code needed) through 1/1/17.

Oh, and if you don't think you're ready for an intermediate project yet, there are plenty of others from which to choose!  You'll find them all here.  Happy knotting!

More New Micro Macrame Kits

The kit making frenzy continues!  I've added some new ones to my Etsy shop that contain the cord, beads and findings you will need to make the Woven Diamonds micro macrame bracelet (the online class for it can be found here on CraftArtEdu).  I even mixed all the seed beads myself!

I've included a focal in each of the kits, but you can choose not to use it if you prefer the plain version of the bracelet.  The class contains instructions for making either version.

I've also added more kits for several other patterns.  I've never been so sick of making kits in all my life, but I have quite a selection on hand now.  Happy knotting!

New Micro Macrame Kits!

So... you know how I've been talking about my upcoming classes in Denver next month?  It finally dawned on me that the date is quickly approaching and I have something going on every weekend between now and then.  I've entered panic mode.  Once I convinced myself that the probability of the world ending before then and/or magical fairies showing up to help me are roughly about the same, I started putting together kits.  

Don't get me wrong, there are things I like about making up kits.  I like the shopping for beads part.  I even like the thinking about what beads will go with what cord part.  It's the actual work of dragging out all my stuff and digging through it to find those beads I bought especially for this that gets me.  Well, that and looking for the scissors I just had in my hand fifty times an hour.  

I don't have a dedicated work space  - I've just taken over the family room (more on that here).  There's no desk or table (unless you count the coffee table, but it has holes in the top so it doesn't work very well) so I have to spread everything out on the floor and root around.  It isn't a pretty thing to see.  

This carnage was from yesterday's session when I was putting together kits to go along with my Micro Macrame Wrap Bracelet class.  (It's available as an online class here if you can't join me in Denver.)  I really do have fun shopping for these kits and playing around with various themes.  Want to see a few?  Here's one with a Green Girl fish, lampwork beads and a mermaid toggle:

This one has a jungle theme with a lampwork monkey bead, two Golem Studio beads, a giraffe spotted tube and a TierraCast toggle in copper:

A few of the kits have Kazuri beads (I love Kazuri beads!):

Oh, and of course I had to do an ocean themed one with a lampwork bead with a starfish on it and a seahorse toggle:

I also put together kits to go with my Micro Macrame Owl pendant tutorial in seven different colors including sage, green, khaki, rose, blue, copper and cream.  

These kits are all available in my Etsy shop, as well as kits for some of my other micro macrame tutorials.  If you're thinking about making jewelry for holiday gifts, this would be a great time to purchase any kits while there are lots to choose from.  Now could somebody hand me the tv remote?

Upcoming Micro Macrame Classes

It's happening!  I'm teaching in Denver next month!  The Rocky Mountain Bead Society has graciously invited me to their fair city and is sponsoring four days of micro macrame classes!  I'm ridiculously excited (as you can probably gather from the exuberant use of exclamation marks) for this opportunity.  Classes will be Thursday, August 18th through Sunday, August 21st and include the following:

The Micro Macrame Wrap Bracelet class: great for beginning students as a way to get familiar with knotting and working with cord as well as a good review for more seasoned knotters.  We will cover five of the most common knots used in micro macrame working with .9mm cord.

Micro Macrame Leaves Bracelet class:  a more challenging project than the Wrap, but still suitable for beginners (especially those with seed bead experience).  Lots of practice on double half hitch knots and working with the smaller .5mm cord.

Micro Macrame Hydrangeas Bracelet class:  combining beading and knotting working with mostly double half hitch knots and larks head knots.  The results look like beaded lace!

Micro Macrame ZigZag Bracelet Class:  one of my favorite patterns with endless possibilities for cord and bead variations.

If you're interested in taking any of these classes, registration is now open on the Rocky Mountain Bead Society's web page.  They're offering special pricing for members (their annual dues are very reasonable) but registration is open to non-members as well.  This is a great opportunity to build your knotting skills in a progression of classes if you like, or simply choose one that interests you the most.  I hope to see you there!!

A New Micro Macrame Tutorial: Chains!

I have a new micro macrame tutorial available!  It's called "Chains" (for fairly obvious reasons) and is available in my Etsy shop here.  

I spent a lot of time figuring out all the things that could go wrong and the best way to avoid those pitfalls.  Proof:

The final product is a 19 page .pdf with over 70 photos included.  There are step by step instructions with lots of clear pictures.  I'd rate this as maybe an intermediate project, but the instructions are clear enough that an ambitious beginner could probably handle it.

The tiny links are roughly 1 cm long if you make the chain with the .5mm cord called for in the instructions.  I'm planning to experiment with larger and smaller cord just to see if it works (I can't see why it wouldn't).  You can use the chains as bracelets or in necklaces - most anywhere you would use a metal chain.

And just for fun, I added the secret to making two color chains for those of you who want to try it:

If you haven't tried micro macrame yet, you're missing out on a great hobby!  I have lots of online classes available at CraftArtEdu.com (here) as well as the tutorials in my Etsy shop.  There are over 20 projects from which to choose with skill levels ranging from beginner to more advanced. What are you waiting for?