Bead your own watch bracelet

I've almost completed this before I decided to make a tutorial. Now I'm out of watch faces so I can't take any pics. Anyway, these are the text instructions first.

1. Get your watch face. I found mine at Beadtlesweet at Plaza Singapura. You can also get these at Chinatown or for a wider range, get them online. Just google 'watch face'. I chose the one that lets me stick a strand of Chinese knotting string through the loop at the top. There are many types of 'connections'. Choose the one that you like.

2. Loop 1 strand of Chinese knotting string through. The length of this would be half round your wrist plus the length of the dangle.

3. Cut another length of string about 40cm long. I don't know the length of this 'cos I estimate all the time. This will be used for the square knots.

4. Tie this with an overhand knot just at the loop where the first strand is then string beads onto 1 side of it. I used Miyuki cube beads here. You only need to string the beads on one side.

5. Tie a square knot. Right over left, left over right.

6. Push 1 bead up and tie half a square knot with the bead on the right side. The string with the beads is now on the left. Tie the other half of the square knot with the bead on the left.

7. Repeat steps 5 and 6 till you're happy with the length.

8. Do the same for the other side, ie. steps 3 to 7.

9. Cut another length of string about 15cm long.

10. Separate the middle strands of the 2 beaded sides and bring these together, one facing each way.

11. Use the new string and tie 3 square knots.

12. Trim the middle strands and put stopper beads.

13. Trim and singe all ends. (This part hasn't been done yet in the pic)

Have a blessed day!

My fingers hurt

I'd forgotten how hard I have to pull when using twine for macrame. Good thing this belt only has square knots at the start and at the end. The body is braided. Phew!

Make your own with 2 D-rings, twine and beads.

Cut 6 strings about twice the actual length you want.

Tie to the D-rings using a lark's head knot.

Tie square knots with 2 strands in the middle so you have 3 at the start. Leave 2 strings at each side and tie 2 square knots. Alternate this for about 5cm then braid.

Braiding ends when desired length is reached and then you have the alternating square knots again.

At this point, I left a stretch of about 5cm of unknotted string. This is so that there won't be bulk at the D-rings when the belt is worn.

Alternate square knots again then add beads. Secure with overhand knots.

Have a blessed day!

Double-hitched

I seldom use the double-hitch knot. The filler strand seems unruly, difficult to control but I thought, with the help of beads, it might be easier to guide where it's supposed to be. If you've not realised by know, I took the 'back' side of this bracelet so the double-hitch looks odd. LOL!

Have a blessed day!

I am Chinese

My Thai friend saw this and exclaimed, "It's so Chinese!". But, of course, my dear.

This is Chinese knotting cord with Chinese cloisonne beads. All items were bought from shops in Chinatown and knotted by a Chinese (me!), LOL!

Have a blessed weekend!

Bought more string!

And we made these...

DD made this. She wanted two different greens for contrast and simple straight lines (no spirals). She made most of it herself, cutting the lengths, affixing the flower charm and knotting/beading. I helped with holding the two ends while she made the adjustable bits and then I cauterized the ends.

I have two blues, maybe I'll try to make a blue version of this?

DD calls these DNA bracelets 'cos of the spirals. One of them is spiraling in a different direction from the other two. Can you tell which? I also used a different connector method, choosing metal findings instead. Clamped connectors with lobster hook and chain. The chain is so that bracelet's wearable on slim or larger wrists. DS likes the gun metal clasps. I think I'll make some more with those :-)

Have a blessed day!

Monkey see, monkey do

LOL! DD's not a monkey.

I think her decision to make one of her own was influenced by the colour of the only Chinese knotting string I have nor the fact that I happen to have beads in two shades of green that happen to go with the string colour pretty well.

Have a blessed afternoon!

ps: I'll be at NUH tomorrow for the staff bazaar. First time there, hope I won't get lost. I'm there for Little Statement but am bringing just a teensy bit 'cos the table space is limited.

Micro-macrame

I had this chinese knotting string for years. I crocheted something out of it but didn't like it 'cos this string is tough. It's not pliable but the stitch definition is very good. Perhaps this is why it's meant for knotting.

Made this after watching a video online. I didn't have the right tools but I found a very convenient beading tray ... Ferrero Rocher T24 box. It has the right length and depth for this mini project. This could have been longer with more beads but I under-estimated and cut the string too early. I made a longer adjustable strap at the end though.