Macrame

Macrame - The Color Of Green

2008-07-30T18:11:00.000-07:00

By Susan Foster

Macramé is an environmentally compatible art. No electricity, chemicals or any harsh products are required. Now, a lot of are becoming more concerned about purchasing natural, safe products. If you are a plant lover who is looking for different options to display your plants, macramé is certainly a step in that direction and always has been. Macramenia has a variety of hangers for all kinds of plants and pot sizes.

The making of macramé is also good for the crafter. As I macramé, my hand, arm, and shoulder muscles are strengthened. Just as my upper body is sturdy from the macramé workout, my plant hangers are also durable and stand up to the test of time. I give close care to my "wraps" at the start of my project and at the bottom of the hangers where the precious potted plant will be set. These wraps provide the hanger with its strength. I have a large plant hanger that I crafted in the 1980s that still looks terrific and holds a large plant with no problem.

When you purchase a plant hanger or wall owl hanging, you are getting a strong, well-crafted, handmade product that is also safe for the environment. As mentioned, the craft requires no electricity, unless the macramé is done at night. Personally, I like to macramé with the natural light of the day. I recently experienced a five-day electricity outage on the North Coast of California. This electricity loss did not stop me from the art of macramé, which I dearly enjoy.

As I have mentioned in other articles, I believe that macramé is making a come back. Its simple, beautiful way to display plants and "back to basics" crafting style are some of the reasons, along with its attractive, natural good looks. There are numerous styles and sizes for practically every taste. At Macramenia, we have used glass beads in some petite hangers for a more evolved look that can complement the pot that holds the plant, the flowers of a plant, or even a stained glass sun catcher. Don't forget to be checking my site for the 2008 opening of my stained glass site. I will have sun catchers to complement some of my plant hangers!

Add some natural charm while being eco-friendly, and consider macramé plant hangers and wall hangings to accent your home.

Susan Foster has been an a master macrame crafter since the 1970s. She's still designing new projects and now supplying house plant information. Get her newest macrame creations at http://www.macramenia.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Susan_Foster

Macrame Jewelry

2008-03-06T01:45:00.000-08:00

From Tammy Powley,
Your Guide to Jewelry Making.
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Introduction to Macrame

If you wanted to get started making jewelry, macarame has a lot of promise. It doesn’t take a lot of supplies or tools, the basics are pretty easy to learn, and it’s making a come back in a big way.
Back in the 70s, I was very into macrame. I remember making plant hangers, wall hangings, and, of course, lots of jewelry. Here’s a picture of an actual choker necklace from my macrame glory days that some how survived.

In the 80s macrame’s popularity took a dive, and so did my supplies. So, today I had to start from scratch in order to get started making macrame jewelry. But, I literally spent less than $20 at Wal-mart to get started.

Selecting Hemp Cord

The main supply need for macrame jewelry is the cord used for knotting designs. There are all kinds of cords available today. One of the most popular is hemp, which is actually rope or twine made from a hemp plant. It’s popularity has grown because it is very strong and now is available in a range of colors. Not too long ago, it was only available in boring beige. When I went to Wal-mart, I found a 10 yard package of hemp in natural, red, and green for about $4.

Wax Linen Cord Alternative

Another popular cord to macrame with is a waxed sinew cord. Again, it’s fairly inexpensive, but normally you can only find it in natural colors such as white, brown, and black. There is also beading twin available which comes in a much larger range of colors.

Once you get your main ingredient, the cord, you need just a few more items to get started. The most important is the surface area you will work on. You need something that you can pin your project to while you work. My personal favorite is a foam pillow. You can get a piece of foam, a few inches thick, from a fabric store. I don’t like the feel of foam myself, so you can cover it with some material if you don’t like the feel either. Another option is a piece of cork board. You can get these at most hardware stores. You need a large enough piece that you can comfortably set on your lap.

Selecting Macrame Pins and Beads
To keep your project pined against your work area, you’ll need some nice strong pins. I recommend either corsage pins or those T shape pins they use to keep wigs stuck on foam heads.
Next, you just need beads of your choice. You can use polymer clay, lampwork, wood, just about any type of bead you want. Your only restrictions are the size of the hole. It needs to fit through your cord. Normally, most cords are about 1mm thick.

Locate Instructions & Jewelry Patterns
Finally, you need instructions to get started. Under the Fiber Jewelry section of my site, you can find links to projects and sites that offer free instructions for some of the basic knots you’ll need to know. Also, there are links to suppliers that offer a variety of macrame books. You might even try looking in used book stores and your local library. I’ve managed to find a few old macrame books this way.

That’s really about all you need to get started making macrame jewelry. Besides your local craft store, you can find supplies for macrame from most bead shops and suppliers, whick you'll find linked under Beading Supplies.

What is Metal Clay?

2008-03-06T01:41:00.000-08:00

From Tammy Powley,
Your Guide to Jewelry Making.
FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now!

Originally developed in Japan during the 1990s, metal clay is basically a clay-like substance that when fired in a kiln or with a torch becomes dense like metal. Though most people use the fine silver form, metal clay is also available in 22K gold. Some jewelry makers consider this medium as an alternative for those who want to work with metal but not with a torch; others see this as just another resource for making jewelry.

Two companies currently manufacture metal clay, and their products are called Art Clay and PMC. Both brands are metal clay; they are just made by different companies.

Each of these manufactures also carry different types of metal clay, such as lump, syringe, slip, and paper. The firing times differ depending on the formulas of each type of clay. The main difference you’ll find between the various types is the amount of metal mixed with the amount of organic material (which is burned out during the firing process). Developments in the technology have lead to metal clays that are made with very small metal particles, and these result in low temperature clays which can be fired with a hot pot or torch rather than a kiln.

Check the manufacturers' web sites for recommended firing temperatures for each of the clay products. Here are a few resources to consider when shopping for metal clay and related supplies:

Introduction to Macrame

2008-01-31T07:17:00.000-08:00

From Tammy Powley

If you wanted to get started making jewelry, macarame has a lot of promise. It doesn’t take a lot of supplies or tools, the basics are pretty easy to learn, and it’s making a come back in a big way.
Back in the 70s, I was very into macrame. I remember making plant hangers, wall hangings, and, of course, lots of jewelry. Here’s a picture of an actual choker necklace from my macrame glory days that some how survived.

In the 80s macrame’s popularity took a dive, and so did my supplies. So, today I had to start from scratch in order to get started making macrame jewelry. But, I literally spent less than $20 at Wal-mart to get started.

Jewelry Making

2008-01-31T07:05:00.000-08:00

Eventually, after many beads are strung, wires are bent, or metals are soldered the average jewelry maker starts to consider starting a jewelry business. The idea of owning a jewelry business at first may sound like a good idea. You could make a little extra income. You could travel to all those cool art shows. You could sell your work in prestigious art galleries. It sounds like fun, right?
Then reality hits. His name is Uncle Sam, and he’s usually trying to get more money out of your pocket. Licenses, taxes, fees, why bother? That’s a lot of money that could be spent on beads and wire. Who’s it going to hurt anyway? Who’s really going to know?
I’ve been asked a number of times by reader who are considering starting a jewelry business whether or not it’s "really necessary" to go through all the legal hassle in order to sell their jewelry. Of course, this is a personal decision. Many artists and crafters sell their work and have no tax identification (ID) number or license. That’s their choice. For myself, I prefer to follow the rules for a couple of reasons.
Reason 1: It’s the law, and as a law abiding citizen, I try to do my best to follow all laws. I may really hate the law (which is often the case when it comes to costing me money), but I think it’s the right thing to do. So, I do it.
Reason 2: I know I’d get caught. Rarely have I ever challenged any rule whether at school or work. However, the few time I have, I’m the one that gets caught. Remember eraser fights in grade school? Thirty kids would be plummeting each other with chalk laden erasers. Well, out of the thirty kids I would be the one caught with an eraser in her hand when the teacher walked in. That’s the story of my life.
Reason 3: They - the city, county, state - will try to hunt you down if you don’t have the proper paper work. I remember being at one show where state workers came by each booth to check if we had a tax ID number and knew how much tax to charge. It was a relief to know I was not holding an eraser in my hand.
Reason 4: Believe it or not, there are reasons for all these stupid fees. I haven’t figured out all the reasons, but I know of a few. For example, in order to able to purchase supplies and materials at wholesale prices, you need to have a tax ID number. Often a vendor will require you to fill out a card with your information on it that he then keeps on file. He may even require that you send a photocopy of your tax certificate.
Reason 5: It’s just not worth it. Trying to avoid these legal requirements fees can lead you into trouble. This could equal more fees at the least and jail at the most. So, is it really worth it? A few hundred dollars a year can keep you legal and help you sleep worry free.
There really is a lot to consider when starting any business. Legal issues are probably the most difficult to deal with since many of us don’t have a business back ground. So, before you take the plunge, educate yourself about the legal requirements of starting a business. Call your local zoning board. See if there are any resources available through your local community college or chamber of commerce. Visit your local library, and see what they have to offer. Finally, it’s up to you to decide to be or not to be legal.
Comments? Questions? Ideas? Share them on the jewelry making forum.
All graphics created by Tammy Powley.

Traditional Knotting

2008-01-30T18:37:00.000-08:00

Most pearl necklaces are knotted using a traditional technique. Though it is a little more difficult than the cheater’s way, it is not impossible to learn, and it will add an extra finished look to pearl, as well as, other beaded necklaces. As with most jewelry techniques, the more you practice, the better you will become. The most difficult part of traditional knotting is getting the knot snug up against the bead.

I only knot occasionally. So, I’ve developed a way to knot using either a corsage pin or an old stick pin that I have. (A straight pin is not strong enough for this.) However, if you plan to do a lot of knotting, you might want to consider either learning to use an awl and a pair of tweezers or, for a more high tech approach, take a look at Rio Grande’s "tri-cord knotter" which is a combination of both. These tools will make it easier for you to make consistent and tight knots. Most bead vendors sell tools which are specially made for knotting. Many of them also offer books and even videos on this technique as well.

For my way of traditional knotting, along with the corsage or stick pin you just need your beads and choice of cord. For this demonstration, I’m using burgundy colored nylon no. 4 cord and 6mm mother of pearl beads. I’ve chosen to use contrasting colors so they show up better in the pictures. Of course, if I were to make a necklace, I’d match up my cord to the color of my beads.

First, the necklace is started as you would any other beaded necklace. As I’ve previously explained, I’m a bead tip person. Only one strand of cord is needed for this more traditional technique.

Once the necklace is started, string on the first bead. Now, tie an over hand knot, but keep it loose.

Insert the pin through the loose knot.

Now use the pin to push the knot down towards the bead until the knot and pin are flush up against the bead.

Here comes the tricky part. Keep the knot up against the bead (not too tight) while you slip the pin out. Then take the pin and hold it on top of the cord and up against the knot. Pull the cord with one hand, and push the knot against the bead using the pin in your other hand. (Hopefully, you’re not trying to chew gum and rub your stomach too.)

Now, continue doing this after each bead is strung.

Once you try this, you might find ways to adjust it that work better for you. Instead of pushing the knot against the bead with the pin, you might feel more comfortable using your fingers. You might want to knot from right to left or left to right. Try a few experiments until you find a way that works best for you.

For more information about the history, care, lore, and trends, take a look at the links provided in the Pearls section of this site.

All graphics created by Tammy Powley.

Get Started: Macrame Jewelry:Selecting Hemp Cord

2008-01-16T16:49:00.000-08:00

From Tammy Powley,
Your Guide to Jewelry Making.

Selecting Hemp Cord
The main supply need for macrame jewelry is the cord used for knotting designs. There are all kinds of cords available today. One of the most popular is hemp, which is actually rope or twine made from a hemp plant. It’s popularity has grown because it is very strong and now is available in a range of colors. Not too long ago, it was only available in boring beige. When I went to Wal-mart, I found a 10 yard package of hemp in natural, red, and green for about $4.

Get Started: Macrame Jewelry

2008-01-16T16:47:00.000-08:00

From Tammy Powley,
Your Guide to Jewelry Making.

Introduction to Macrame
If you wanted to get started making jewelry, macarame has a lot of promise. It doesn’t take a lot of supplies or tools, the basics are pretty easy to learn, and it’s making a come back in a big way.
Back in the 70s, I was very into macrame. I remember making plant hangers, wall hangings, and, of course, lots of jewelry. Here’s a picture of an actual choker necklace from my macrame glory days that some how survived.

In the 80s macrame’s popularity took a dive, and so did my supplies. So, today I had to start from scratch in order to get started making macrame jewelry. But, I literally spent less than $20 at Wal-mart to get started.

Macrame's New Look

2008-01-13T18:22:00.000-08:00

By Susan Foster

The craft of knotting a variety of geometric designs without employing hooks, needles, or hoops is the art known as macrame.

The skill of macrame goes back to the thirteenth century. The word macrame is Arabic in origin meaning "fringe". It's understood that Arabian weavers began the skill by knotting the additional material at the edges of loamed material. From these origins it eventually made it to Italy and France in the early fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. Sailors picked up the skill as it was a favored way to pass some of the long hours out at sea. The basic knots that the sailors used are the same knots of macrame today...the half knot, square knot, and the half hitch knot. The sailors passed on their techniques to the Chinese who harmonized the skill to their own unique customs and culture. The skill became popular with the British during the nineteenth century.

As time passed the skill fell to neglect. It was renewed in the 1960s and '70s, which brought revitalization to the ancient skill. Its popularity fell some in the '80s and '90s, but the start of the 21st century has seen the return of its popularity into full swing, with an unlimited number of creative possibilities for the hobbyist, artist, and appreciator of the numerous diverse macrame products.

Now days the hobby and skill of macrame means different things to different people. For many the skill is good in a number of ways. Tying the various knots can strengthen hands and arms. Creating a macrame project can be quite calming to the mind, body, and spirit! Macrame projects call for few tools and call for supplies without any chemicals or fumes; it is without question an earth-friendly, natural skill.

Macrame projects vary from jewelry, plant hangers, home decorations, wall hangers, purses and belts. The colors and textures of macrame furnish an ample variety to choose from. Materials range from various thickness of jute and hemp, to twine, colored nylon and polyester fibers. These days not only are there wooden beads in projects, but glass and ceramic beads are also being incorporated into projects as well.

Macrame has changed...yes it's all a part of the imaginative process enduring on a multitude of levels. Novice macrame crafters as well as experts, find it therapeutic, fun, creative, and satisfying. There are more and more choices for superior macrame to augment the decor of your home, wardrobe and personal style for those who just want to use and appreciate the completed pieces.

Susan Foster has been a skillful macrame artist since the 1970s. She's still creating fresh pieces and now supplying house plant expertise. See her newest macrame projects and Top 10 Indoor Plant Care Tips at: http://www.macramenia.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Susan_Foster

How To Make A Hemp Necklace The Hippie Way With Insider Tips And Tricks

2008-01-13T18:17:00.000-08:00

By David Depape

Materials to make a hemp necklace.

HempBeadsScissors

Optional materials.

GlueShower ring

Step 1. Cut your hemp cord.

a) Cut two cords that are 5 feet 8 inches in length. This is going to be your knotting cord.
Tip - I don't whip out a tape measure every time I need to measure my hemp. I measure it against myself. I pull it out to the width of both my arms spread to their max and cut it their. It's much quicker than measuring it with a tape measure.

b) Cut one thread or thin cord that is 2 feet 10 inches in length. This is going to be your center string. If you are using beads the will go on this string so make sure they fit. I measure it from my finger tips to my neck.

Tip - I like to use more hemp than I need. It's always easier to cut a little bit off than to fix the necklace if their isn't enough.

Step 2. Starting out.

a) Take the two knotting cords they are the thicker and longer cords and tie them together using an over hand knot. To do an over hand knot make a loop go threw the loop and pull tight.

b) Take the shorter thinner center string and both knotting cords and tie them together using an over hand knot two inches from where you made your first over hand knot.

c) Braid all three cords together for about 2 inches. Then tie them off with an over hand knot.

Step 3. Add beads.

a) Add the beads you want to use.

Tip - If it's hard to push the center string threw the beads because they have small holes. Place a drop of general purpose glue on your index finger then position the center string on the glue 4 inches from the end and pinch in place with your thumb. Then pull the string threw your thumb and index finger distributing glue along the final four inches of length. If some areas are still dry repeat. Hang the glued end in the air to dry for thirty minutes to an hour or until hard.

Step 4. Macrame.

Tip - The knots are much quicker and easier to tie if the center string is tight. So I take the loop that I created in step two and put it on a shower ring then I attach the shower ring to a hook or wall. I then take the center string and tie it to one of the belt loops on my pants.

a) Take your two knotting cords. Pull them to opposite sides of the center string.
The basic knot is called a square knot. It can be started from the left or from the right.
Their are two designs that can be created spiral and flat.

The flat design is created when you alternate your knots. Left, right, left, right or right, left, right, left.

The spiral design is created when you tie the same knot. Left, left, left, left or right, right, right, right.

It doesn't matter which knot you start with it matters which knot you follow up with.
Tying a left knot.

a) To tie a square knot starting on the left you take the cord on the left and lay it over the center string creating a loop on the left.

b) Next take the cord on the right and go over the left cord then under the center string and up threw the loop on the left of the center string.

c) Pull tight.
Tying a square knot starting on the right involves the same process started on the right side of the necklace.

When you are ready for a bead move the bead up behind the last knot you tied then tie your next knot on the other side of the bead.

Continue tying knots and adding beads until you get to your desired length.
I usually stop a necklace when the macrame and bead portion is long enough to stretch around my neck and touch ends.

Finish the macrame portion of the necklace by tying all three cords together in an over hand knot.

Step 5 finishing the hemp necklace.

a) Braid all three cords together for about 2 inches. Then tie them off with an over hand knot.
b) Cut off the remaining length of the center string.
c) Take the two knotting cords and tie them together using an over hand knot.
d) Cut off any remaining length and you are done.

Tip - The braided portion and loop on the end is for tying it off. You give them 4 inches of braid and four inches of loop so that they can tie it off to the length they desire and dispose of the rest.
Hi I'm David Depape.

You can visit my hemp necklace website at.
hemp necklace
You can view this article on my website at.
How to make a hemp necklace
I also make hemp bracelets.
hemp bracelets
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Depape

Macramé

2008-01-09T02:48:00.000-08:00

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Cavandoli Macrame
Macramé or macrame is a form of textile-making using knotting rather than weaving or knitting. Its primary knots are the square knot and forms of hitching (full hitch and double half hitches). It has been used by sailors, especially in elaborate or ornamental knotting forms to decorate anything from knife handles to bottles to parts of ships. Macrame is viewed as a more masculine form[citation needed] of craft comparative to traditional knitting techniques, as evident in ancient Nordic tradition.

Cavandoli macrame is a variety of macrame that is able to form geometric patterns and/or free-form patterns like weaving. The Cavandoli style is done mainly in a single knot, the double half hitch knot.

Common materials used in macrame include cotton twine, hemp, leather or yarn. Jewelry is often made in combination of both the knots and various beads (glass, wooden, etc.), pendants or shells. Sometimes 'found' focal points are used for necklaces, such as rings or gemstones either wire-wrapped to allow for securing or captured in a net-like array of intertwining overhand knots. Leather or fabric belts are another accessory often created via macrame techniques. Most friendship bracelets exchanged among schoolchildren and teens are created using this method as well.

For larger decorative pieces such as wall hangings or window coverings, a work of macrame might be started out on a wooden or metal dowel, allowing for a spread of dozens of cords that are easy to manipulate. For smaller projects, push-pin boards are available specifically for macrame, although a simple corkboard works adequately enough. Many craft stores offer beginners' kits, work boards, beads and materials ranging in price for the casual hobbyist or ambitious craftsperson. Vendors at theme parks, malls and other public places may sell such macrame jewelry or decoration as well.