From Hemp to Suede...

In continuation of my crafting with suede string, I made this bracelet over the weekend:

When I showed my friends the bracelet, most were immediately reminded of the hemp bracelets popular at summer camps.

There's a reason for this recollection... it's the same stitch!  I believe it is called the square knot..

Materials:

- 4 pieces suede string (2 long and 2 bracelet length)

- 2 end closing pieces

- 32 jump rings, plus a few extra for bracelet closure

- clasp

- pliers

The Square Knot Stitch

Enclose the 4 pieces of string in one of the closing pieces.  Use pliers to tightly close the end piece around the 4 strings.

Begin the square knot (as shown in picture above).  I did 12 or so square knots before I started adding the rings, and the bracelet is a little large on me, but I also have slim wrists.

Add 1 ring to each outer string, and tie the knot.  Tie a second knot after that.  For the third knot, put the strings back through the rings and add another ring on top.  Tie a knot.  Repeat the steps.  I used 16 rings on each side (a total of 32).

After, do the same amount of knots that the bracelet started with, before the rings were added.

Close off the end with another end piece and pliers - make sure it is very tight.  Add the additional rings and the clasp.  

        

I'm thinking of making this with gold fixtures next.. and maybe black suede?

The First Post in a New Place: Suede Tassle Earrings

I'm back!

After 3 months settling into this new place, I have returned to my crafting ways.

With a holiday gift exchange tomorrow - it gave me the perfect excuse to visit the local craft store.  Of course, I bought much more than needed in anticipation of other crafting projects!

I found suede string in a multitude of colors, and for a little less than fifty cents a piece.  Most things are more expensive here; it is always exciting when I come across cheap finds.  So, I bought a bunch of strings, a variety of other trinkets (clasps, earring hooks, elastic, jump rings,...), and set to work.

Materials:

- suede string (cut into 12 pieces, about 2 inches each)

- 2 cylinder cones

- 2 Earring loops

- Industrial strength glue

- pliers

- scissors

Once the suede string is cut into 12 pieces, separate 6 and 6 for each earring.

Gather the bunch of 6 pieces.  Squeeze the glue into one cylinder cone.  Then, push the bunch of suede string into the cylinder cone.  Repeat for the second earring.  Let them sit for a few minutes.

Use the pliers to attach the earring loops to the top of the cylinder cones.

Trim the ends of the suede so they are all the same length.

That's all!

I ended up making 2 pairs - now which color do I keep and which do I give?!