Monday, January 11, 2010

Chinese Knots

I want to learn how to make decorative knots.
I requested a few books from the library.


                                The Chinese knots are so beautiful and have an interesting history.



My husband helped me set up a knot board.
I gathered my supplies.


I worked on my first knot.


  
It is harder than it looks.









My first knot!



I need to get some different cording.



It is very fun to do.




It might be awhile before I am knotting






and making tassels
like the professionals.



I want to make decorative knots for my prayer ropes.




I also want to learn how to make Celtic knots.
I think they are very similiar.


I found the red satin boxes at the thrift store.
Perfect place to store my knotting supplies.

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Prayer Beads

This book from the library inspired me
to make prayer beads.


I am planning a rosary. I am gathering beads from my Grandmother and from my Mother.


I am making a prayer rope from my dried Solstice roses.


I added 1/4 cup water to two cups of
crumbled dried roses.
I mixed the water into the roses until I had a paste.



I folded in a few drops of Rose Absolute.


I pinched off a small amount of paste
and made a ball about the size of a dime.



I made a hole through the rose beads with a darning needle and some ribbon.



 The rose beads are in a flat basket drying on the hearth.
It will take about a week for them to be dry.


I made 24 beads.
After the beads are dry I will string them and spray them with clear varnish.