Braided Satin Bracelets with Plastic Beads

These bracelets are made by braiding satin cords using a simple technique. The fastening is made using plastic beads in contrasting colours.

1. Cut two pieces of satin cord; one measuring 60cm and the other 150cm. Double over the short piece of satin cord and attach it to a macramé board. Place the long piece of satin cord behind the doubled over satin cord; making sure that there are two equal length ends on either side of the short doubled over cord in the middle.

2. Pass the outer long left cord over the first of the middle cords and then under the other middle cord.

3. Pass the outer long right cord over the first of the middle cords and then under the other middle cord.

4. Tighten by pulling both long cords and continue this procedure until the desired length of the bracelet is reached.

5. Cut off the excess ends approx. 5cm from the braided section.

6. Feed the four cord ends through a bead.

7. Brush some glue onto the end of the bracelet where you wish to attach the bead and pull the bead in place.

8. Cut off the excess cord ends.

An example

The bracelet's fastening mechanism.

An example

The bracelet is fastened with a bead.

For the birds in cold weather

Flower pots painted with color paint and decorated with white crackle lacquer which crackles after drying. Finally, the flower pots are coated with paverpol glue which is ideal for outdoor use.

1. Paint the flower pots with color paint. Then add a thick layer of crackle lacquer with a broad brush. After about 2 hours of drying, the lacquer will begin to crackle. The entire process takes about 24 hours. They must be dry before coating with the paverpol glue.

2. Make the wooden beads in the same way.

3. Make a hanger from bonsai wire.

4. Attach the beads.

5. Twist a loop for the hanger.

6. Cut a piece of cotton cord measuring approx. 4m. Fold it over and twist tightly. Fold and tie the ends.

7. Attach the hanger in the eye of the pot.

8. Paint the small pots in the same way.

9. Make dots with the end of the brush handle.

10. Coat with paverpol glue when dry.

11. Make a hanging from bonsai wire.

12.

Bracelets with Buttons

Buttons threaded onto a piece of cotton cord and finished with a flower clasp.

1. Tie one of the flower clasp parts onto one end of a piece of cotton cord.

2. Thread the buttons onto the cord.

3. Tie the other part of the flower clasp and the flower onto the cord.