Argus Cuff Micro Macrame Tutorial

Are you looking for a micro macrame project that is just a little more challenging?  If so, I've got just the thing for you:  my Argus Cuff.

This design was previously available only as an online class, but I've converted it to a downloadable .pdf file.  The instructions are step by step and I've included lots of closeup photos (over 50) like this one:

You'll want a good relationship with the double half hitch and some patience for this one because there are lots of cords and hundreds of knots, but it's worth it.

This tutorial is one of seventeen listed in my shop and there's something for knotters of every ability from beginner to more advanced.  You can find them all here.

Happy knotting!

Leafy Cuff in Micro Macrame Tutorial

My Leafy Cuff in micro macrame design is now available as a downloadable .pdf tutorial in my Etsy shop.  This one is a little bit more advanced than some of my other designs, but is still achievable for knotters who are comfortable with a basic double half hitch knot.  It's not that this one is difficult, it just has a lot more cords to keep track of.

I've worked this one up in several different colors now and I don't think I've found one I didn't like!

It's just really pretty!  Even the closure is elegant:

This tutorial is 20 pages and includes over 65 photographs and detailed step-by-step instructions and you can find it here.  Not sure if you're ready for this one yet?  There are 13 other micro macrame tutorials available to choose from starting at the absolute beginner level and you'll find them all here.  What are you waiting for?

Another Micro Macrame Tutorial Available!

Yay!  I have a new tutorial available in my Etsy shop:  Falling Leaves Micro Macrame Bracelet Tutorial.  This one looks like a chain of colorful leaves wrapping around your wrist and I've included instructions for the version in this photo as well as the solid color version and the two color (no stripes) one shown here:

This design had been previously available only as an online class but now you can get it in the instant download .pdf version.  I'm still working on converting the rest of my classes and trying to get them listed as I go, but let's face it:  I have the attention span of a toddler.  I get bored in a nanosecond.  I look for ways to get out of work (and I'm good at it!).  

I did have a good excuse this week, though.  Our house was in the path of totality for the eclipse!  How lucky is that!?  We could walk right out on our deck and watch the whole thing unfold with no crowds and no traffic.  Bliss. 

And there I go again... off track.  :)  

Anyway, the Falling Leaves tut is available now and I'm working on the Leafy Cuff tutorial which should be finished and listed in a day or two so stay tuned and Happy Knotting!

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!

Micro Macrame Classes Coming to a City Near You

It's getting real, guys!  I'm retiring from my "day" job at the end of the month and my plan is to do more traveling and teach micro macrame classes (my idea of fun!).  I've got some classes already lined up:

I'll be teaching my Micro Macrame Wrap Bracelet class and my Falling Leaves Bracelet class in Denver at the Rocky Mountain Bead Society's Bead Bazaar.  This year marks the 25th anniversary of this event and I'm thrilled to be a part of it.  If you've never been before and you have the opportunity, go!  They have an impressive array of vendors (makes my heart beat a little faster just thinking about all that loot) and classes ranging from bead weaving and bead embroidery to metal work and micro macrame.  Examples of the Wrap (on the left) and Falling Leaves (right) are shown below and class registration is open now (info here).

I'll also be teaching in Omaha and their Bead Affair in April.

The class selection in Omaha is exciting - they have a couple of beginners' lampwork classes that I'd love to take, along with enameling and fold forming and more.  I'll be teaching my Braids Micro Macrame Bracelet class.  It's suitable for beginners and works up pretty quickly (well, in micro macrame terms anyway) but also includes ending the piece with a split ring and clasp which I think really elevates macrame from the tie and slide closures.  Registration for the Omaha classes is also open and you can find all the information here. 

 If neither of those work for you, I'll also be teaching in Kansas City at their Bead Blast.  They've scheduled the Micro Macrame Wrap Bracelet, Gypsy Earrings (on the left below) and Leaves Micro Macrame Bracelet (on the right below).  Registration just opened for the classes and information is available here.  

It's an exciting time for me and I hope to get a chance to meet lots of you.  Even if you aren't taking one of my classes, if you're at one of these shows, I'll expect you to look me up and introduce yourself.  Hint:  I'll be the one looking happy to be retired and thrilled to be there!  Oh, and if you have suggestions for other places you'd like to see me teach, message me and we'll see what we can work out!  Hope to see you soon!

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!

New Ripples in Micro Macrame Online Class is Available!

It's done!  It's done!!  Hot off the press and all that, my new Ripples in Micro Macrame bracelet class in available online at CraftArtEdu!  I'm silly excited about it, too (in case you didn't notice).  I've been meaning to put out a new class for months and one thing or another kept taking priority, but it's done!!  (Yep, still silly excited!)  So Donna and the other nice folks over at CraftArtEdu put out an email with the class announcement (and a great sale on all my micro macrame classes, too) and I have to share it with you:

How nice is that!?  You can see the whole thing here if you aren't already signed up for their newsletter.  If you're not, you really should take a moment and sign up so you can stay on top of all the latest and greatest (and sales - who doesn't love a sale!).  I keep telling you they're really great people over there and I'm not kidding.  They really are the best.  If you haven't taken one of their online classes, you don't know what you're missing.  They have an awesome lineup of instructors covering a wide variety of DIY crafts.  Their customer service is world class and they guarantee you'll be happy with your class or you get your money back.  Classes never expire and there's no limit on the number of times you can view them.  

Anywho... if you read my blog much, you probably already know I've been working on this new design for weeks now.  My inspiration for the design was ripples. Yep.  Ripples.  So picture a rain drop hitting the surface of a puddle; the way the ripples spread out from the drop in concentric circles getting larger and larger until they bump up against something and break the perfect arcs.  Are you picturing it?  That's what I've tried to capture in the piece.  The fluid circles originate at the central bead in one section, then circle back in the next section coming up against one another in the middle.

This design takes the simple macrame knots (mostly double half hitches) and elevates them to a new artistic level. Because the design is a bit more challenging, experience with double half hitch knots is recommended.  If you're just starting out in micro macrame, there are other classes (like the Wrap) to choose from, too.  Heck, if you're fair-to-middlin', there are a whole bunch of classes for you.  

Go!  Go now and find the one (or more) that makes your heart happy.  (The special pricing is good through midnight CT, Tuesday, October 25, 2016.)  Happy knotting!

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?

Macrame Owls for All

Let's face it:  it's just not a macrame party until somebody busts out an owl.  There's nothing more iconic than the knotted owl; in fact, mention macrame to many folks and this is what comes to mind:

I couldn't resist a while back and made my own version of the cliche, but in a smaller (palm sized) version meant to be hung on a person rather than a wall.  I made the original version using .5mm cord.

The other day I got some coin beads I'd ordered for eyes and discovered they were smaller than what I'd been using (I think these are 8mm), which made me wonder what would happen if I tried making the owl with smaller cord.

For comparison:

It's surprising just how much smaller the owl turned out using the C-lon fine instead of the "regular" .5mm cord.  (Need help on cord sizes?  See this post.)  Of course I had to try pushing it just a little bit further:

The tiny misshapen khaki owl is done with C-lon micro.  I have trouble knotting with cord that small.   Theoretically it should work, with adjustments to the size of the beads and something smaller than the split rings at the top.  But, it took me nearly three times as long to make the small one as it did to make the large one!  Lots more fiddling - and that's from a professional fiddler!  Maybe I'll just wait for one of you to try it and let me know how it turns out.

If you'd like to try making your own owl, you'll find the tutorial here in my Etsy shop.  And don't forget, I have a whole page of videos knot tutorials here.  

If you're looking for ideas on how to make your owl pendant into a necklace, there's an easy idea in this post, or you can add a simple macrame spiral or a little chain.  They're all cute!

Have fun!!

New Online Class: Woven Diamonds Micro Macrame Bracelet

It's here!  It's here!  (Well, it's here:  http://craftartedu.com/sherri-stokey-woven-diamonds-micro-macrame-bracelet.)  My newest micro macrame class is out for all you DIY-ers.  I call it Woven Diamonds and it includes directions for making both options of this macrame bracelet, the one that includes a focal stone:

And the option that features a repeating pattern with no focal section:

As always, I've included lots and lots of still photos for you as well as in depth step-by-step instructions.  I have been including video in my classes for quite a while, but I really stepped up the video component this time - with 45 minutes of video included within the class! 

I've rated this as an intermediate project.  It only uses two different macrame knots, so it's not really hard in that respect, but there's a little bit of fancy footwork involved in getting the cords into the right position for the woven diamond sections (aren't they pretty, though - all that texture!).  I don't think I'd recommend this be someone's first adventure in micro macrame, but that said, if you're a determined beginner and you're able to follow instructions well, everything you need to be successful is included in this class.

I made up a few kits to go along with the class that include the components you will need to make either version of the bracelet (the focal bead is in there, but you can choose to use it or not).  I will have them available in my Etsy shop soon.  (A word of warning - I did mix my own seed beads for this one and I never write down my recipes, so once these are gone there's no way I can recreate them.  If you want one, snag it while you can.)

The folks at CraftArtEdu.com, being the nice folks they are (aren't I always telling you that?) are having a special introductory price on this class for a short while.  As if that's not enough, all of my other classes are available at special rates as well!  No codes needed.  You can find all of them here:  http://craftartedu.com/catalogsearch/result/index/?limit=20&q=sherri+stokey.

I always love student feedback, so if you take one of my classes, please do let me know how it went for you! Happy knotting!