Micro macramé jewelry has been trending for a while now. It's not hard to see why. There is more to this technique than just friendship bracelets. Exquisite jewelry can be made from knotted cords and besides, the process is as soothing as it is to do other repetitive craft methods like kumihimo, crochet and knotting.
A new book just out on this technique is
Micro Macramé Basics and Beyond: Knotted Jewelry with Beads
, which I received from the publishers for review. The author is Raquel Cruz, a passionate macramé artist and graphic designer who creates original and refreshing pieces and shows how she does it.
The book caters to both rank beginners as well as those further along the path of this specialized art form. One noteworthy section in a book filled with clever designs is the last chapter on
Specialty Knotting which includes 2 projects on Cavandoli (geometric weaving style).
The Basics chapter though is the foundation of the book. There aren't that many knots in micro macramé work, but the author covers them in detail. If all you know are square knots, then the information here will enlighten you.
She also includes many helpful tips like how to estimate cord length and how to use of Fray Check as a sealant and as a further means of stiffening knotted cord. She also covers different types of knotting boards - commercial ones as well as DIY boards. It is a pity a picture of her DIY set up is not pictured although she does describe how she made hers.
One of the beginner projects is the
Double Rainbow of Color necklace where the knotted strands look like metal chain at first glance! It is a great example of how to use macramé knotting to connect various components.
One excellent and creative project is the
Whimsical Wheels earrings. The knotting appears to spiral around a wreath like design. Bicones are not only beautiful additions but they also help set the distance between the knotted sections.
The
Vision in White bracelet is aptly named. It is indeed a vision in white with the pearls and spiral motifs.
The
Curvy Mother of Pearl bracelet cleverly takes the knotting to just the edges of this undulating design!
The author also covers micro macramé bezel work such as the
Wrapped Aztec Treasure bracelet below.
Another outstanding bezel work design from the book is the gorgeous flowing
Window Glass necklace. The beautiful way she finished off the pendant cords and integrated the coordinating 2 mm cord is pure genius!
Just one small quibble. The uneven photographic quality and style of the project and instructional images could have been better. The images for the
Antique Copper Caviar bracelet (not shown), for example, were difficult to make out because both the thread and beads were the same chocolate hue. However it does not detract from the usefulness of this excellent and refreshingly innovative book.
Highly recommended for budding micro macrame workers and inspirational for more experienced artists.
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