How do I keep the working threads looking taut and tidy

If you own one of my first tutorials, you have probably seen that the cords in those photos, despite my efforts to avoid the chaos, are not so neatly arranged.

Being myself a knotter, tutorial designer, writer and photographer, I need my threads look tidy all the time so I can work and shoot the process without wasting time looking for the next cord to tie.

I must add that I use my board slightly inclined and in a horizontal position. Here is the solution I have found.

The inspiration came from a disc

At first, I used a small kumihimo disc under my board to keep the strands organized. But soon I realized the disc didn’t really work for projects with larger amounts of threads. So, I started looking for an inexpensive material similar to the kumihimo disc.

Then, I found this: a kneeling pad! The length was perfect for my board.

Do you want to see how it works?
Watch this video.

Keep reading if you would like to know how I made it.









Materials & Tools:

• Kneeling pad 
• Pencil 
• Ruler 
• X acto knife 
• Soldering iron

1. On one of the longer sides of the board make marks every half inch (or closer if you like to have more gaps) 
2. Do the same on the rounded corners and 2 o 3 inches on the short sides of the board 
3. With the X acto knife cut into the marks about half an inch of depth. 
4. As you see the slits are really closed and hard to notice. 
5. To widen the slits, slightly arch the board... 
6. ...and pass the soldering iron, in a 45 angle, to widen only the corners of each one of the slits. CAUTION: Make sure you do this in a well ventilated area.
7. The widened gaps should only be visible in front of the board. And this is done :) 
8. The board that helps my threads look taut and tidy. 

Using the same technique, I made myself a portable board I use over my knees and against a desk. Because I use the board standing up, the slits on the bottom are useless. To fix that, I added the purple adjustable bar which can be moved to get closer to the work when the cords get shorter. 

Please leave your comments. Thanks!!!

Repurposing and Upcycling for Organization Ideas

I often think that there are multiple uses for things other than what they are traditionally used for. I am always thinking about how I can make something work in a different way instead of just throwing it out. Yes, I like to recycle and repurpose!

Not only does this help the environment, but it saves you money by reusing what you already have rather than going out and buying other storage and organizing materials.

My old studio

This is how "my studio" used to look 2 or 3 years ago. All of my materials and tools were here. 

Now, some years later, I have so much stuff that I have been forced to look for more storage.

My new storage

This house shelf, which is less than 2"/5cm thick, is perfect for my cords that come in these little containers. The containers are good to protect the cords that I am not using and to store beads and findings.

My cords that are not in use or recently purchased.

Cords in use. C Lon Beading cord, Tuff cord #3 & #5,  Conso.

Lazy Susan spice organizer to hold my small beads, buttons and some metal findings.  I keep it inside the cabinet. 

This is actually a storage cabinet for Cds and DVDs. I use small labeled containers to organize things like clasps, scissors, pliers, empty small containers, etc.

And you, how do you organize your stuff? 
Share your ideas in the comment box!

Micro macramé bracelet with bow ribbon

NEW!! Available on my Etsy shop. Also, you can request a custom order and have something made just for you!

Tutorial: Dangling Leaves & Pearl Earrings

Find the instructions to make this earrings here

Basic materials & tools to start micro macramé

• Board (How I made mine)
• Pins 
• Fabric Glue such as Aleene’s Fusion Fabric 
• Super Glue 
• Fray check 
• Scissors 
• Thin embroidery needles 
• Cutting Pliers 
• Measuring Tape 
• Masking tape 

ALSO:

• Nylon Cord 
• Beads 
• Clasps and buttons 
• Markers 
• Flat Iron (To flatten the cords that are rolled up)
• A good lamp 
• A comfortable chair

What is micro macramé?

The term micro comes from the greek word mikros, that means small.

In this case, it is simply used as an adjective or a prefix to the word macramé to which it expresses as small or small in size compared to the classic form of macrame which was made using thicker materials such as rope and cords. The cords used in micro macramé are very thin(between 0.4 mm & 1 mm).