Button Knots

I have learned a new knot: a Chinese button knot. It is like a miniature puzzle to work through the loops to get the finished shape. At first, it is irritating and aggravating, but it can also be addicting, drawing me to solve the problem. I have learned two variations: the single button knot and the double button knot. I like that these knots can act as beads. The double button knots seem to work best with chunky beads. I thought I would share my new attempts.

First Sale!

I have my first sale! I have enough friends and family members to keep me busy making jewelry for presents, but my sister convinced me to try my hand at a studio. It has been challenging to set one up, but we are proud of our studio. This week we had our first sale: a simple brown cotton macrame bracelet for a little boy. I attached it to a handmade decorative card as shown here. It was a great feeling of accomplishment to make this first sale. I hope this little boy enjoys this bracelet as much as I enjoyed making it.

Inspired Gift Pockets

As I mentioned in my previous post, one of the greatest benefits of my hobby is making gifts for family and friends. It's challenging to consider each person's sense of taste as I choose designs, colors, beads, and buttons for each person. When they receive the gift, they seem to love that it is a completely unique piece made just with them in mind. (My little nephews usually just exclaim, "Cool!") Usually, though, I struggle with how to give the jewelry. The pieces are too small for regular size gift bags. In the past, I have attached the pieces to handmade decorative cards before dropping them into small gift bags. Recently, I received inspiration from Alison Stewart-Guinee's blog. She had posted a tutorial for making fabric pockets http://alisonguinee.blogspot.com/2010/02/container-for-my-joy.html She has really clear instructions, and in no time at all, I had a new presentation technique for my gifts. I have attached some pictures of the ones I made for my grandmother (top) and my niece, Arlie(bottom).

By the way, I love following Alison's blog, and I have included her link under my Links I Love. She shares a good bit on sewing and knitting. I have very little skill in both (but hope to pick it up in time), but I am intriqued with watching how she puts each idea together. Her enthusiasm for creating is contagious. New ideas are inspiring.

Speaking of inspiration and encouragement, I close with the following quote that has touched my heart this week. It speaks to all of the unknowns I am facing in life.

Be encouraged. Close your eyes and let go. Remember, as Peter did, what it felt like when nothing was sustaining you in the small space between your feet and those daunting waves, but the power of an unrelenting Love. And walk on.

~ Nicole Nordeman, foreword to "Walking on Water"