Two Easy and Simple Macramé Knots that Make Many Fun Projects

Macramé is a great form of art that I have enjoyed practicing. It is simple and useful. "It originated in Turkey as far back as the sixteenth century", and it was widely practiced in the 60's and 70's (O'Sullivan, 2004, p.63). It is an inexpensive way of creating that requires only cord, hemp, string, or something of this nature. It is also very useful because it is based on tying knots, and the ability to tie good knots come in hand in everyday life. You can make belts, necklaces, key chains, plant holders, purses, and many other interesting items using the macramé style. Here are directions on making two simple knots that will allow you to make many different beautiful creations.

A very basic knot is called the overhand knot. It is the simplest knot in macramé and can be achieved easily by people of all ages and skill level. To make this knot all you must do is "make a loop, and bring the end of the cord behind the loop and out through the loop" (O'Sullivan, 2004, p.142). This not is simple and used widely in macramé projects.

Another easy knot that will get you started creating great macramé projects is the square knot. It is slightly more complicated than the overhand knot, but it is also simple enough to understand and emulate. In order to accomplish this knot you will need at least 3 cords. One will be the center cord or core cord, and the other cords will tie the knot. To make the knot "pass the right hand cord over the core cords and under the left hand cords, leaving a little loop on the right; then pass the left hand cord under the core cords and up though the loop" (O'Sullivan, 2004, p.142). Now do the same action except start with the left hand cord. Remember to always pull your knot tight or your knot will be uneven or it will come undone.

You can also slip beads onto the cords at any point in time in order to create fun additions to your works. When using the square knot it is fun to slip beads onto the center cord and allow extra cord in between knots made with the side cords to create a flower like detail. The bead on the center cord will serve as the inside of the flower.

These two simple knots can make many fantastic works of art. These projects are a lot of fun to create and use, and they are easy enough for anybody to master them.

References:
O'Sullivan, J. (2004). Hippie crafts: Creating a hip new look using groovy '60s crafts. New York, NY: Sterling Publishing Co.

Magic Wands: Fun Projects for Boys and Girls

 

Kids love magic wands; whether they are pretending to be wizards or they are pretending to be princesses, they need a magic wand. There are many items you can find around the house that can be easily turned into a magic wand, and this article will describe two different magic wand craft projects that are fun for children of all ages.

If you live in a wooded area, or there are some trees near your house, your best bet for making a wand is starting out with a nice stick. A nice stick can be found in many places in nature, and this is a fun project in itself.

After you have found this stick imply strip the bark off, and let it dry for a couple of days. Next you will need some leather or pretty ribbon or cord. You will also need some paint, feathers, and beads. A large bouncy ball is also a fun way to add detail to your wand, and a hot glue gun makes this project a lot easier.

If you have a large bouncy ball you can glue it to the top of your wand. Have your child paint the wand, and the ball. Next wrap the wand with the leather cord, and tie the ends tight. Remember to leave some extra cord to tie feathers to. Glue beads around the wand and to the top of the ball, and you have a great wizard wand.

Another fun and easy wand to make is a fairy wand. For this project you will need scissors, ribbon, a hot glue gun, glue sticks, and a bouquet of fake flowers or a fake flower with a long stem. You can also use extra fake flowers, beads, feathers, and glitter is you like.

If you are starting with a bouquet of flowers pull all of the flowers and leaves off of the stems except for one flower. Now twist the stems around the stem that still has a flower. The stems are usually made with wire so this should be easy. If you are starting with a long stemmed flower you are already almost done. Now using the glue wrap the ribbon around the stems starting from the top where the flower is. Glue the end of the ribbon well, and make sure to glue the ribbon in a couple of other spots along the way.

Next glue some more flowers, beads, and glitter around the top of the wand, and tie some extra short ribbons around the top in a bow. This craft is a lot of fun, and it can be personalized.