Noodling with Mobiles - Hands On Crafts for Kids

Katie Hacker with the Birthday Mobile.
Photo courtesy of Hands on Crafts for Kids

Let's make some shadows!

Head on over to Hands On Crafts for Kids website to watch episode 1607 on SHADOWS; learn how to make this Birthday Mobile with Katie Hacker. Katie uses Brain Noodles to complete this project. The video of this episode will be running on their site now through June 5th. Instructions for this project are available to download anytime online here.

Birthday Mobile. Photo courtesy of Hands on Crafts for Kids

Parachute Cord Belt - Hands On Crafts For Kids

Katie Hacker and Candie Cooper wearing Parachute Cord utility belts.
Photo courtesy of Hands On Crafts for Kids.

Head on over to Hands On Crafts for Kids website. Now through Noon (Eastern Time), on Friday the 30th, watch Katie Hacker and Candie Cooper make a Parachute Cord belts! Complete with downloadable instructions from their website.

 

Belt decoration close-up. Photo courtesy of Hands On Crafts for Kids.

If you miss the episode on their website, no worries; directions are archived on their website. Keep an eye out for Episode 1606. Materials used to complete these projects can be found on Parachute Cord Craft.com.

Utility belt. Photo courtesy of Hands On Crafts for Kids.

Layers of Inspiration

It's almost Summertime. The season of bubbles, peppers, and evenings out. We can accessorize that! Above is one of the EASIEST necklaces you'll ever make: Meet the Layered Bubble Necklace:

Use 1 yard strands of 2mm Amy Craft Cord. The colors used in the Pepper-Flavored sample pictured above are: Pink (05), Red (06), Coral (07), Cranberry (08), Orange (10), and Sunshine (12). The strands can be cut a little longer if you'd like to make this piece to just slip over your head. You will also need ribbon crimps and some sort of a closure to finish this necklace.

Directions: The only knot you need to know is the Coil:

Coil Knot diagrams.

Very easy, but practice on some scrap cord first to make the perfect bubbles. Start from one end of the cord and work your way down making coil beads every 2"-4". They don't have to be even; and they don't have to be perfect.

Once all the cords are full of bubbles, finish off the necklace with ribbon crimps. I recommend crimping one end first, then hold the necklace to yourself to test the length and make sure the layers fall where you want them to.

Finished Layered necklaces in Cherry & Blueberry flavors!

Staggering the layers may help a bit. If you find making the coil a bit complicated, try tying the "bubble beads" using a simple Overhand Knot instead. The bubbles may not be as big, but you could always add beads to plump up the necklace with a little extra glitz!

~Samantha

Knotty Inspiration

Coral macrame knotty cuff bracelet.

Above is a Summer-y sample of a "knotty" macrame craft: beach-y, warm, and pretty!

This project uses 2mm Amy Craft Cord. The colors we picked are Red (06), Pink (05), Coral (07), and Cranberry (08), but don't be afraid to test the waters with other color combos. To make the cuff start with 4 strands of Amy cord, about 2.5-3 yards of each color. This sounds like a LOT of cord; but it will be consumed by all the knots and weaves.

Directions: Fold each strand in half and make 4 lengths of Alternating Half Knots. Using ribbon crimps, secure the 4 ends and then (flat) braid the strands together. Finish with another ribbon crimp, then decorate with additional findings and chains of beads.

The findings are all available through your local craft store. If you have additional questions, feel free to ask.

~Samantha

Lawn Chair BOGO

We're having our first ever BOGO sale on lawn chair frames

All our stock of aluminum chair frames are on sale now through July 31st. *With any cord purchase, buy one frame get the second one FREE. Just pay shipping. Call in orders Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm Eastern Time (please visit the Macrame Super Store website for ordering details).

Want MORE? Discount applies to wholesale orders! Limited to 6 free chair frames per customer.

Want to save on shipping? Locals can save on freight by picking up prepaid orders at our Bradford, Pennsylvania facility. Feel free to call or write us if you have additional questions.

National Hardware Show Booth 12700 - Day 3

Visit us at the National Hardware Show - Booth 12700 in the North Hall. Today's Sneak-Peek: Wine Bottle Lamp Kits.

National Hardware Show Booth 12700 - Day 2

Visit us at the National Hardware Show - Booth 12700 in the North Hall. Today's Sneak-Peek: Plant Hangers.

National Hardware Show Booth 12700 - Day 1

Visit us at the National Hardware Show - Booth 12700 in the North Hall. Today's Sneak-Peek: Ceiling Hooks.

National Hardware Show - Booth 12700

Attention vendors! We are going to be attending the National Hardware Show in Las Vegas, Nevada this week, from May 6-8th. If you're in the area, stop by the Convention Center. We will be in Booth #12700 in the North Hall (Lawn & Garden and Outdoor Living section).

We have some new items in Wick, Parachute Cording, and hanging indoor/outdoor decor we'd love to show you! We will be posting some samples here on the blog throughout the event.

Stop by and say "Hi!" to Bill and Mary. See you in Vegas!

Art Supply Holder - Hands On Crafts for Kids

Photo courtesy of Hands On Crafts for Kids

Stop by Hands On Crafts website to learn about making these colorful art supply holders. Episode 1603 will be LIVE on their home page now through Thursday, May 8th. Miss the episode? Don't fret! Hands On will have the video archived for future viewing. 

Meet Katie Hacker and Candie Cooper.
Photo courtesy of Hands On Crafts for Kids

Keep an eye on your public television stations - you may catch it on the TV. Featured in this episode is our 6mm Bonnie Braid and wooden beads.

Edit: Project details (including pattern download) are available on the Hands On Crafts for Kids website here.

:-)