There was a period in my life when I apparently had time and energy to devote to bracelet making. I didn’t teach in senior high schools back then. I was taught the basics of the process and it’s not rocket science, not by a long shot. Just double overhand knots basically – tied to the right or to the left. Now I’ll let you in on a secret which will unlock YOUR creativity when you try your hand at this (and there are no strings attached – pun most certainly intended):
You don’t simply have to tie knots in the same way in the same direction until you run out of strands to tie to and then start over with the next available strand. Maybe you want to start with the fishbone technique in which you work from the sides to the middle. Once you’re comfortable tying knots to the left and to the right it’s time to take a closer look at the bracelet in the making.
After all, what is tying bracelets but two strands meeting – the one you’re tying with and the one you’re tying over. The simple secret to imaginative braclet making is to understand either strand can be the top strand which remains visible and – respectively – either strand can be tied to and thus remain hidden. It’s equally important to understand you can tie to the right or to the left at any point in your work. Thus your braclets can become works of art and your possibilities to create unique bracelets increase significantly.
To recap, wherever two strands meet, ask yourself two questions:
1 Which strand do I want on top?
2 Which way do I tie my overhand knots, to the right or to the left?
Happy bracelet making! Please leave a comment below if you see something you like.
Best, Maxx
Maxx’s bracelets 1 Hi-Res pic
