Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Simple Macrame

Last time I got together with my BBF (best bead friend) Christine we did some swapping of beads. A usual activity. She gifted me really cool shell 'nugget' beads that have a bit of a rough cut to them to show off the inside of the shell. I think I remember her saying that they were abalone. Check out the greens in these - so very cool.


I wanted to do something sort of Mystic Seaport inspired and turned to an old technique I learned as a kid: macrame. When I was younger I used to do those macrame pot hangers. I know, you can all just picture me in my striped bell bottoms knotting away on my pot hanger. I do have a few pictures from that time, but they will remain in the old shoe box in the attic.

Ok back to the beads. I figured how hard could it be to do a few basics knots with some fiber? Actually not that hard, except for the fact that it was a bugger to keep that thing still while I was working those knots. 

As a kid, I used to include the big wooden hoop in my macrame and I would slip it under the leg of a piece of furniture. Then I would kneel on it to keep it tight when I did my knotting. 

Today my knees are not that happy doing that maneuver, and my project was not that large (thankfully). I resorted to some tape on my lap desk, which did the trick. It fought me a bit, but not too bad. And I surprised myself by remember how to do the wrap on the ends where you pull the loop back through itself.

I added a cute little anchor charm that works well as a closure through the end loop.

I think the hardest part of this project was getting a decent picture. Can you tell? I tried my usual trick of photographing on a piece of water-color paper as it helps to absorb the reflection of direct sunlight. I also tried it on my burlap bust, and I asked one of my daughters to model it for me. Then I tried it on the slate path outside the house and on the front-door railing. Do you ever have that problem trying to get the right angle? Or getting the depth of the beads to pop in the way you were looking for?

12 comments:

  1. Love the bracelet and the Mystic vibe! I remember those pot holders! Was it really that long ago???

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  2. I freakin' Love this! The nautical cool peace love sand and sea vibe. How do you remember all those knots?!

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  3. First off - I am so jealous that you and your BFF have a chance to meet up! Second, those shells are just gorgeous! LOVE that anchor charm/clasp!

    I never did macrame, though I had a ton of the plant hangars in my first apartment, all with dead plants of course!

    Really really lovely!!!

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  4. Oh, this is one very cool bracelet and those are some super sweet beads!! And yes, sometimes getting the right angle/lighting, etc. when photographing my pieces really gives me trouble,...that's when I know it's time to just put it away and try again another day! (yes, I'm a quitter! LOL!!)

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  5. Those shell nuggets are really cool! And I love the addition of the macrame. My mom used to macrame, but I never got a chance to learn.

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  6. Very pretty! I used to macrame as a kid too! It's so hard getting good photos of jewelry but I think you did a great job!

    PeeS: My dad has been a tourist in NYC this week and saw the 9/11 memorial yesterday and not sure what he's doing today but he texted at 5:30am my time to let me know he was getting on the train to go into the city. I need to remind him of the time difference!

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  7. Great bracelet! And thanks for the memories. I did a lot of macrame when I was

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  8. Great bracelet. Love the way you used the anchor charm as your clasp which fit the theme. I personally would love to see the striped bell bottoms and floor pic (lol).

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  9. I love macramé you using to connect the stones... great idea! and cross clasp on first one is my favorite:)

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  10. Lovely bracelet!!!
    Have a nice day!! and my g+ for you!!!:)))

    Besos desde España, Marcela♥

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  11. I've never tried macrame! It looks like you were able to pick it up again. :) These beads are beauties. I love the anchor clasp! Photographing jewelry is so tricky. I use a light box in daylight. It seems to be the only way for me.

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  12. Wow, wow, wow! Totally stunning!!! I love the anchor clasp ;o) And, those nugget beads are gorgeous! You made me laugh when you said "Bugger"! LOL! Big Hugs ;o)

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