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.

Quick, Simple, and Easy No Bake Cookie Recipe

Quick, Simple, and Easy No Bake Cookie Recipe
By Sarah Ganly

Everyone loves cookies, but not everyone has time to bake. With increasing job demands, travel time, bringing the kids back and forth from school and extracurricular activities there is not always enough time to wait for your cookies to bake in the oven. I have compiled a couple of easy, quick, no bake cookie recipes for all of those of you out there who love to make cookies but don't have enough time to bake.

The first recipe is for butterscotch oatmeal cookies. You will need one small package of butterscotch instant pudding mix; you can substitute this with chocolate, vanilla, or any of your other favorite flavors of pudding to mix it up a bit. You will also need 2 cups of white sugar, 5/8 cup of butter,2 and a 1/3 cup of instant oats or oatmeal, and 5 ounces of evaporated milk. All you have to do is bring all of the ingredients except for the oats to a boil; then you will stir in the oats. Finally you will line a cookie sheet with wax paper and drop small amounts of the mixture onto the wax paper. Refrigerate for an hour and the cookies are ready to eat!

Another quick and easy cookie recipe that does not require baking is for chocolate peanut clusters, and all you will need for this recipe is 2 cups of chocolate chips, 1 and a half cup of peanuts, 1 and ¾ cups of butterscotch chips, 2 tablespoons of peanut butter, and 2 cups of chow mien noodles. In a double boiler melt the butterscotch and the chocolate chips. When all of the chips are melted remove from heat and mix the rest of the ingredients into the melted mix. Drop by spoonfuls onto wax paper and refrigerate until hardened.

These recipes are simple, quick and require no baking time whatsoever, so everyone out there can keep up with their busy schedules and still be able to enjoy delicious homemade cookies!

Simple Ways to Change Your Look for The New Year

Simple Ways to Change Your Look for The New Year