New Patterns Added

I enjoy making things for myself. So I have decided to help out those who feel the same way.

I have added four new pattern designs to my Etsy Store Front.

There are two great shoulder purses. These purse designs are the best. Once made, they will last a lifetime. The shoulder straps are worked through the entire purse for durability and strength. Easy to maintain; just toss into the clothes washer and air dry. With macrame cord, the colors do not fade, so it keeps its good looks always.

If you are looking for a project to enjoy this summer, then take a peek at the other two pattens added. They are two  versions of the same hanging macrame chair. One I have made for myself and the other I will be working on soon.

I hope one of these patterns will spark a bit of DIY in you.

Enjoy!

 

Information When Ordering a Purse

I receive many people requesting a special order purse. I have a form that you should initially fill out to start the process.

Name:
Email:
Comment on additional features:
Delivery City and State-to determine shipping cost:
Shipping Preference-UPS, FedEx USPS or other:
Gallery picture ID # :
Purse Body-Length x Width-do not include strap length:
Flex Frame opening size:
Cord Thickness- macrame cord (6mm 1 inch sq knot) (4mm 1/2 inch sq knot) :
Color(s)-refer to Available Colors page for macrame only:
Strap Type:
Strap Length-shoulder to purse top:

There are two items on this form that I would like to take a little time to talk about. One is the difference between the cord thicknesses. In the case of macrame cord, the higher the number, the thicker the cord. This means that it will take less knots to produce a specific size or if the same number of knots are produced, the item will be bigger than a smaller millimeter cord.
54404965
The strength and durability is the same but the item has a slightly different texture when you use a smaller cord.

The smaller cord  allows a tighter and smoother look, but does need a style that will help stabilize a larger item. The larger cord has the same uniformity but has a thicker look to it and has the ability to stand on its own when the item grows in size. You can take a 6mm cord purse and give it a little push down from the top rim and in most cases the bottom will hold the purse upright without help.

The second item I would like to address is the Available Colors on the form. This website has a page labeled as such to give you reference to what colors are still around for me to use. Take a look at this page or click the link toward the top of the Order form before ordering. It is best to give me the exact color name that you prefer. If you are not sure of the color representation, let me know and hopefully I can show you a purse in the Gallery that uses that color for reference.

Because these are individually made, I want to ensure that you are happy with the finished piece.  I would suggest that you measure your phone and any other item that you would like a special pocket made and enter this information in the last area of the form.

One last thought. These purses are strong, durable and easy to maintain. I wash my purses in my front loading washer and pull the liner up, setting it outdoors to dry when I can or just in the house during the winter months. They dry in no time. The only difference are the flex frame purses. These should be washed with a towel wrapped around so the frame does not bang into the sides of your washer; wash on delicate. Also remove any glass ornaments before washing like the picture above on the right; they can be reattached after.

If you have any questions, please let me know. I will be more than happy to get back to you.

The Same But Different

photo 15446Can you tell them apart?

Debbie from South Carolina was my first customer on our new Square Market store front called MacramePurse.com.

She purchased the purse on the right. It was included as a stock item on our new store. To my surprise, the purse had already been purchased. I was able to replicate it for her as shown in the picture on the left. It is the same size and features the Berry Knot on the front.

The only difference is the liner. The first purse had a light blue liner with 3 single pockets, where as Debbie’s purse has a white liner with one single pocket and two double pockets.
photo 2photo 3These purses are great for everyday use. I am currently using a smaller version of the Texas Flare purse style. My color scheme is cactus green, black and white; you can see it in the Gallery. It goes everywhere with me. If I notice that the white has a little something on it or maybe the colors look a little dusty, I toss it into my wash machine, let it air dry with the liner pulled up a bit; it will look like new.

Thank you again Debbie for allowing me to make you a MacramePurse.

Enjoy!

Texas Flare

photo 4photo 5

Jessica from Grapevine Texas contacted me to make this purse for her. It is a little bit different from a black, white and green version you can see on our Gallery page.

This purse uses rust, pearl and almond colored cord; it is fully washable and very durable.  It measures 14″ x 9.5″ with 11″ straps.

 

I hope she enjoys this purse for many years to come.

Enjoy Jessica

 

What three colors would you choose for this pattern?

Macrame Mini’s

Here is the newest littest macrame purses.

I had a few rings laying around the craft room and decided to put them to good use. These are made with 5″ plastic rings. The rings are a couple of different colors, some with a marble look to them. You can see each one individually and up close in the Gallery.

We have brown/tan, plum/ivory, cactus/ivory, jade/ivory, black/shadow, almond/pearl, smokey/forest and brownie in the color choices. Each one is lined and measures approximately 7″ wide x 6-7″ long.

What do you think? Would you use something this small for a cocktail party, casual or are they better used for a child?

Until the next brainstorm,

Be Creative!

Macrame iPad Tote

What will these two flat pieces of macrame become? Why an iPad  tote of course.
Mary at mestamp2 asked if I would put together a tote for her business iPad and accessories.
Once the tote size is established and made, the liner compartments need to be created.

Mary also uses the Square reader for her scrapbook sales.

This is the first time that I have made a divided liner and there were a few extra items that needed special attention.

The inside has two pockets, one on each outside wall. One is divided into a possible 5 compartments. Any of the four will each hold a wide pen or maker in place, but the one on the right has stitching the full height of the pocket.

The second, third and fourth slot only has stitching on the bottom half of the pocket. This will accommodate a Square reader in the bottom of each slot if necessary and still leaving room for the blue box over the top.
The blue box area can be used for items the size of business cards, driver license, credit card or small cell phone.

This macrame tote measures twelve inches across the top, three inches deep and eleven inches long. The shoulder straps measure 11 inches from shoulder to the top of the purse opening.

Mary will be able to fit her iPad on one side of the divider and her wireless keyboard on the other side of the divider. The middle section itself has extra padding so the two pieces will not bump each other.
There will still be enough room for cell phone in the undivided pocket, a wallet and iPad charger in the body of the tote.
I can’t wait to see this is action.
Stop in at mestamp2 and see the different things Mary is setting up for holiday season. She has ideas for Halloween decorations and I took a peek at a cute Christmas card. Tell her how much you like her new tote.
Until next time,
Be creative!

Macrame Teal Fun


Teal, silver and ivory alternating cords make up this fun purse.

The strap measures 21″ from shoulder to the top of the purse opening. I will line it with a white fabric, having a pocket on each side.

The body measures 7.5″ wide and 8.5″ long; large enough to accommodate a phone, Kindle, keys and  small wallet.

Harvest and Wine Fest-Cedarburg, WI 2012-Day 1

I love craft fairs.I really enjoy matching the item for sale with the purchaser. When you have sold an item to the right person, it is a wonderful feeling. It makes what you do more fun and causes you to go on and create more.

At first, this fest was very intimidating. It is one of the larger festivals that Cedarburg has in the city and they are very organized. You must be juried in by one of three organizations for a space in their imprint. The festival runs two days and boy are there the vendors and more than enough people visiting to accommodate all of them.
At the beginning of this day, I met a wonderful woman. She and her daughter came early, but the first time I saw her, she came to my booth by herself in her wheelchair and looked around.

She found this purse and asked to look at it. She said that she would have to consider it. She asked a few questions and one of them was if I made the items myself. I told her that I did and in fact, I had finished the one she was looking at the night before the festival. That was the start of a really fun experience.

She went away for about an hour, but returned with her daughter guiding her through the crowd. The daughter told me they were there to see the purse mom was interested in. Again they left to consider it, but not more that 15 minutes later they returned to purchase it. I asked her if I could put it into a bag for her and she said, “No, I am going to wear it out today. It is my favorite color.” She held it up to herself, showing that she was wearing an outfit with the same color.

That type of connection with people is the very reason why I continue to try and think of new things to share with others.

I can’t wait to see what the second day of the Harvest and Wine Fest in Cedarburg brings.

Until next time,

Be creative!

Macrame Purse Update

Here is an update to a post of August 9, 2012. I did show a dull version, but since then I found the right add-on for the Forest Green 12″ Flex Frame purse.
This flower is a permanent fixture but a real eye popper. This is one purse that gets attention at a craft show. It is a good size purse with a friendly pattern and strong embellishment.

Let me know your thoughts on this combination?

Macrame Special Orders

Here is my latest special order. It is a modification of a macrame purse I did a short while ago.

Special orders are a great way to change up things for an individual. It shows me that people are interested in the style for themselves, but need it a little different.

I’ve said before that the hardest thing is to make something for another person you have never met. You are just not sure what exactly their likes and dislikes are.

This is a fun pattern to make. It does take a bit more material to wrap 16 cords with other cords, I like the effect.

What are your thoughts?

Have a great week.