Thursday, April 14, 2011

Pearl and face knotting: a craft of concentration

click to enlarge
    Often people want to knot pearl or other bead necklaces to preserve the beads once a string breaks. Nita found dynamic Suzanne to teach the Beadsprouts, our group which meets every Thursday for lunch and chatting while we design bracelets and neckware.

     We arrived with tweezers (available at craft stores or drugstores for splinters), some silk beading cord with a needle attached (from craft or bead store), pearls or beads to practice on, a clamshell to hide the beginning knot, and some jeweler's glue. We made simple overhand knots, inserted the tweezers and pulled the knot next to the bead...all better seen on this video at YouTube. One can learn so many skills at YouTube.

      I was so amused by the deep concentration of my fellow beaders that I thought I must capture their knotted determination while out in the fields beyond, creatures munched with equal determination on spring that finally arrived! This facility in knotting will increase the variety of necklaces that we can make. Good idea, Nita; and thanks, Suzanne!

6 comments:

  1. Loved the pastoral view out of the window! You all look so deep in thought and focused concentration. Now you'll have to take photos of some of the finished products for all of us to see. And, I'll be checking out the YouTube video.

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  2. Linda, I so enjoyed your pictures and descriptions. Yes, your beading buddies are very attractive and attentive. The rural scene is so peaceful. This is the sort of thing we miss in town and city.

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  3. What a great new skill to have! Once, years ago, I told you I had a necklace that needed re-stringing and asked you for advice. You told me then that you didn't know how. Now if I can recall which necklace that was and can find it, I'll know where to go for help!

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  4. It is shockingly simple to understand. One just needs a bit of practice.

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  5. You Beaders are masterful with your abilities to learn new skills and to create beautiful jewelry - or something. The Add-a-Pearl necklaces our daughters had ( until lost - another story ) were knotted carefully. Frankly, I am amazed at the Beaders' abilities in holding the tweezers and pulling the threads. At our ages, this kind of task is not always simple. Good for you ALL.

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  6. One more thing --- Your quick wit and observation, Linda, are evident with the pastoral scene beside the beaders. Both so intent on what they are doing, and both so calm and serene!

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