Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Glue it!

G-S Hypo Cement (glue) - Pepperell Braiding Company
G-S Hypo Cement.

We (as well as our customers) have had excellent results with G-S Hypo Cement to finish off projects made with Stretch Magic™ jewelry cord.  It holds strong while staying flexible. What really makes this product unique is the applicator. The “hypo” in the name refers to a hypodermic needle like tube that makes it possible to apply the right amount of glue inside the smallest bead. The cap is fitted with a metal rod so that when the glue is closed it will not dry up or clog the needle applicator.

It only takes a small drop of cement to secure the knot on your beading project, little effort with a great return is why we us G-S Hypo Cement. Just remember to read all the instruction and warnings specified by the manufacturer.

Post by Joel Hooks.

Thursday, September 25, 2014

Support Ribbon Tutorial

Make your own support ribbons from Pepperell Braiding Company
Make your own support ribbons.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is kicking off next week. This month inspires millions to donate to their favorite charitable organizations. For those seeking funding towards their charitable goals, we're offering this free pattern for making Support Ribbons. Make then sell to support your loved ones. Get started raising funds for your next event! Instructions for Support Ribbons can be made using 325 Parachute Cord, 2mm Amy Craft Cord, or Rexlace Plastic Lacing.

Items needed to complete each ribbon from this pattern include:

Support Ribbon Instructions by Pepperell Braiding Company
Support Ribbon Instructions.

So again, the instructions are available for FREE download over on Macrame Super Store. For additional support, we are offering Ribbon-Charmed Survival Bracelets and Adjustable Charm Bracelets for re-sale.

We wish you luck on your journey and pray you can meet your charitable goals!


Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Bracelet-ing 101: Woven Bracelet Tutorial

Woven Bracelet Tutorial - Pepperell Braiding Company
Designer Woven Bracelets Tutorial.

Designers all over are making these spectacular woven bangles. They are easy to make and can be customized to weave, braid, or wrap your favorite designs.

To make the bracelet you see above, you'll need:
Directions:
We've highlighted bracelet wrapping on the Rexlace Club website here. We recommend reading preparing the bracelet blank by sanding any sharp edges before starting the craft. 

Bracelet Blank Wrapping illustrations by Joel Hooks
Bracelet wrapping illustrations by Joel Hooks.
Click for expanded view.
1. Begin by taping the five 9" strands of Rexlace to the bracelet blank (fig. 1), fold down the short strands. Tuck one end of the 8 foot piece under the the short strands, then make 6 wraps (figs. 2-3). From there, wrap ONLY the bracelet blank until you're about 5/8" from the other end. Tuck or tape this end to secure (fig. 4).

Bracelet wrapping illustrations by Joel Hooks.
Bracelet wrapping illustrations by Joel Hooks.
Click for expanded view.

2. Braid the center three 9" strands until up to 5/8" from the other end of the bracelet (fig. 5). Bring all 5 ends together, flatten or smooth and fold the strands to the back of the bracelet. Make 6 wraps to secure the ends in place, then tuck the wrapping end into the fold at the tip of the bracelet (fig. 6).

3. Apply glue to all ends and allow the bracelet to dry completely. Trim any excess Rexlace and then carefully bend the bracelet around your wrist.

Wrapped bracelet by Joel Hooks - Pepperell Braiding Company
1" wrapped bracelet made with braided S'getti String.

Basic bracelet wrapping is an excellent option too. By securing the woven ends first, then weave as you wrap the bracelet black to make endless patterns.

Bracelet weave by Joel Hooks - Pepperell Braiding Company

Thursday, September 18, 2014

Bracelet-ing 101: Knotty Bracelet Tutorial

Knotty Bracelet Tutorial from Pepperell Braiding Company
Knotty Bracelet Tutorial from Pepperell Braiding Company.

Sleek, stylish, simple! This sweet bracelet is quick and easy to make.

To make a bracelet you'll need:
  • Two 7.5-8 inch pieces of Bungee Cord (we used Pink/Orange)
  • Two complete Spring Closures
  • Clear-drying craft glue
  • Jeweler's pliers (available in the jewelry section of your favorite craft shop)
  • Scissors
Directions:
  1. Fold the two pieces of Bungee in half and follow the illustrations below for making the Reef Knot:

    Reef Knot Instructions - Copyright Pepperell Braiding Company
    Reef Knot Instructions
  2. Insert each of the 4 ends into the spring closures. Follow closure instructions; using jeweler's pliers to secure. Apply clear-drying craft glue to finish.
That's it! Really-really ;-) This bracelet is so simple, you can whip up a bunch of these in such a short amount of time. We remade this project using 6mm Bonnie Braid with a Hook Closure. Just follow the directions above to complete. The only additional step is that the ends were twisted before gluing into the closure for an added effect.

Reef Knotted Bracelet with 6mm Bonnie Braid - Pepperell Braiding Company
Reef Knotted Bracelet with 6mm Bonnie Braid.

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Bracelet-ing 101: Rexlace Zipper Tutorial


Need some cool new wrist decor? We found high-end designers making zipper-style wrist ornaments, so we thought we'd make some mock bracelets for those of us on budgets.

To make a bracelet you'll need:

Directions:
  1. Tie the two 18" pieces of Rexlace together, then tape to your Macrame Project Board, or other flat surface. Set the strands about 1/4" inch apart, keeping them parallel.
  2. Center the 1 yard strand of Rexlace behind the vertical pieces. Follow the illustrated instructions below for preforming the Zipper Weave

  3. Copyright Pepperell Braiding Company 2014 - Zipper Weave
    Zipper Weave Instructions. Pepperell Braiding Company.
  4. When the bracelet is woven to the appropriate length (about 6 inches,) tie off (overhand knot) and glue the ends into the bracelet closure. We wrapped the ends with the excess Rexlace to bulk up the ends for a tighter fit in the base of the closure. If you're using a slow-drying craft glue, use binder clips to secure the ends while they dry.
Tah-dah! This fun bracelet can be worn as soon as the glue dries.

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Got Gear? We do!

Bestselling book OUTDOOR GEAR PROJECTS by Joel Hooks
Outdoor Gear Projects by Joel Hooks, is a Bestseller!

We're excited to announce that Joel Hooks' book Outdoor Gear Projects has become a Bestseller in the Craft and Knot Tying categories! Along with it's status, it sold out Amazon.com. We DO however have stock available in our web stores: Macrame Super Store and Parachute Cord Craft.

This Best Selling book has not been out very long and has already proven to be a work of strong merit.  Author (and member of the Pepperell Braiding Company family,) Joel Hooks, shares insider information that can only be gained with direct hands on experience.  This book not only teaches the basic skills specific to working with Parachute Cord, it goes beyond with a complete history and how it is made.  From the basic Square Knot to advanced variations on the Monkey Fist, this book will guide you in your Parachute Cord adventures!  It has been selling out other places but we have been able to secure a supply to assure our customers can get it.

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Pretties in Pink

Awareness Bracelet - Pepperell Braiding Company 2014
Breast Cancer Awareness Adjustable Charm Bracelet.

Now in stock are the adjustable Breast Cancer Awareness Bracelets. Pick them up now for October fundraising events. All the ladies at the Pepperell Braiding Company Massachusetts plant are in love with charmers! These Pink Pretties are available for as low as $1.00 each! Re-sell for your  up-coming charity events.

Runner Wearing Breast Cancer Awareness Bracelet
Runner with adjustable bracelet.
The bracelets are available at the Macrame Super Store and at Parachute Cord Craft websites. Volume discounts are available. Wholesale and Re-seller queries contact us for more information.

Friday, September 5, 2014

We're GLOWING Again!

Glow-in-the-Dark Parachute Cord back in stock!
GLOW Parachute Cord is here!

You missed it, and we missed it too: Our super-popular Glow-In-The-Dark Parachute Cord is back in stock at Parachute Cord Craft.com!

Don't want to run out any time soon? We're now offering the cord up in 1,000 foot spools!

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Four Shades of PINK

Breast Cancer Awareness Bracelets - Pepperell Braiding Company
Collect them all! Breast Cancer Awareness Bracelets.

October is closer then you think! Breast Cancer Awareness has enveloped our Nation with Pink Pride, and it has affected our company too. In homage of the Awareness Program we're now offering survival bracelets. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Breast Cancer research.

These pink pretties are constructed from 550 Military Spec Parachute Cord, and are "charmed" with a delicate metal and enamel ribbon. Volume discounts are available for your fundraising needs! The bracelets are available at: MacrameSuperStore.com and at ParachuteCordCraft.com. Wholesale orders are welcome: we are offering an 18-pack display box with assortment bracelets. For those interested, please contact us for ordering, or visit our website for more information.