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Now, here’s a fun one. As a child of the 70′s, I’ve definitely done macrame, but not like this!
Micro Macrame uses very fine cord and small beads to create intricate jewelry pieces. No hemp rope or potted plants in sight. Annika DeGroot has created a nice range of projects – simple things to get you into the craft, leading up to bigger challenges.
And instructionally, it’s an excellent book. The 30 designs are based on combinations of just a few knots, which are simple to learn from the clear step-by-step photos.
This is a simpler project from the book – a basic macrame square knot creates a delicate cord to showcase a few beads.
At the more intricate end of the scale, the knots are the main event. Isn’t this pendant lovely?
You can use a variety of cords for this kind of macrame – nylon cord, elastic, silk, or even pearl cotton embroidery thread. Annika gives her assessment of the pros and cons of each.
(Just to give you a sense of scale, this little fish charm hangs from a 10mm ring.)
I did a little playing around with the basic knots. The book has a great method for fixing up an ordinary clipboard with a no-sew padded cover, which makes a perfect macrame surface. And the knots really are easy to do. The trick is placing them evenly. And keeping the cords from getting tangled.
…But let’s look at something way more professional:
Isn’t this one pretty? I love how the strung seed beads are interwoven with the knotting. There are also several gorgeous watch bands in the book – and what a great way to use this technique!
Every project has thorough step-by-step photos with accompanying (equally clear) text.
A great learning book for a very meditative craft. I’m excited to bust out my seed beads and play some more! Check out Annika’s website for some more photos of her work, and her micro macrame blog.
Thanks for the review. I’m loving the projects! I was a pretty avid macrame’-er back in my younger days.
Thanks for the review. I’m loving the projects! I was a pretty avid macrame’-er back in my younger days.
The only micro-macrame I’ve done were friendship bracelets in the 80′s. Fun, but not as lovely as these projects!
The only micro-macrame I’ve done were friendship bracelets in the 80′s. Fun, but not as lovely as these projects!
Those are pretty! I don’t need another craft, I don’t need another craft…
Those are pretty! I don’t need another craft, I don’t need another craft…
o.0 those pieces are gorgeous! I love making macramé and will have to add this book to my wishlist :)
o.0 those pieces are gorgeous! I love making macramé and will have to add this book to my wishlist :)
Stunning work. I look forward to having this book in hand. Thabnks for a great review.
Stunning work. I look forward to having this book in hand. Thabnks for a great review.
Lately, I have been collecting macrame books. I am just crazy about the designs. Thank you for the review. I love her dragonfly.
Lately, I have been collecting macrame books. I am just crazy about the designs. Thank you for the review. I love her dragonfly.
Wow, such beautiful projects – so very appealing. I love that it’s a completely new take on the macrame I knew and loved years ago. Great review, Diane.
Wow, such beautiful projects – so very appealing. I love that it’s a completely new take on the macrame I knew and loved years ago. Great review, Diane.
I’ve had my eye on that book for a while- definently on my “to buy when gainfully employed” list.
I’ve had my eye on that book for a while- definently on my “to buy when gainfully employed” list.
I love this! It reminds me of a cording style from Korea. I’m sure it’s a type of macrame, but it’s small like this micro kind. Very cool!
I love this! It reminds me of a cording style from Korea. I’m sure it’s a type of macrame, but it’s small like this micro kind. Very cool!
Wow – I definitely do not need a new craft obsession, but these projects are tempting. I’m especially loving the bracelet potential. Everything is so beautiful!
Wow – I definitely do not need a new craft obsession, but these projects are tempting. I’m especially loving the bracelet potential. Everything is so beautiful!
As a child of the 60s I worked my way from sailors’ bracelets to plant hangers and on and on. I remember a HUGE bib-like necklace I made for my mother. She wore it all the time, so I guess she liked it. Found it recently. Soooooo hideous.
As a child of the 60s I worked my way from sailors’ bracelets to plant hangers and on and on. I remember a HUGE bib-like necklace I made for my mother. She wore it all the time, so I guess she liked it. Found it recently. Soooooo hideous.
What a wonderful book!
I received a copy to review and even though I am an experienced micro macrame artist, I found a lot of inspiration and new ideas in this book.
The illustrations are beautiful and the instructions are easy to follow. The book contains projects for beginners as well as experienced knotters.
What a wonderful book!
I received a copy to review and even though I am an experienced micro macrame artist, I found a lot of inspiration and new ideas in this book.
The illustrations are beautiful and the instructions are easy to follow. The book contains projects for beginners as well as experienced knotters.
wow, those things are mostly really lovely. I think it would kill my hands, but really pretty stuff. macrame without hilariousness just isn’t the same.
wow, those things are mostly really lovely. I think it would kill my hands, but really pretty stuff. macrame without hilariousness just isn’t the same.
I haven’t done macramé for many years. These photos have me excited to do it again. The projects are gorgeous!
I haven’t done macramé for many years. These photos have me excited to do it again. The projects are gorgeous!
Very cool! Like the look of the cording instead of the hemp. Much more refined looking. Would look nice with some polymer clay beads!
Very cool! Like the look of the cording instead of the hemp. Much more refined looking. Would look nice with some polymer clay beads!
This book is what got me started making my own jewelry and then moving on to making my own patterns. The work you’ve done above is excellent and I love your focus piece on the bracelet. Great work!