tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12923069314524489692008-07-23T16:05:28.917-05:00KnotGypsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16953126001981605580noreply@blogger.comBlogger140125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1292306931452448969.post-37769104191961732212008-07-16T19:50:00.003-05:002008-07-16T20:20:30.254-05:00

I am currently working on my next pattern - "Diamonds Bracelet". I got the photography done last week and thought I would have the pattern ready in just a few days. Well, ummm, I guess I am not so good at estimating how long something will take. I now have all the photography edited and about 1/3 of the text written. Then the pattern will need to be formatted for pdf...so, I now estimate it

KnotGypsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16953126001981605580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1292306931452448969.post-38326016579785402642008-06-13T17:09:00.002-05:002008-06-13T17:20:08.253-05:00

KIT - Tapestry Bracelet - Cream Soda Well, I did get around to putting together some kits. I have listed 4 Tapestry Bracelet kits and 2 Spirals Anklet kits. I am continuing to work on standardizing my kit assembly process so I can save some time - time I can spend on producing more patterns. I have also been busy trying to learn to garden. What with the cost of food on the rise, I thought a

KnotGypsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16953126001981605580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1292306931452448969.post-64082438544019964562008-06-11T15:26:00.003-05:002008-06-11T15:37:08.672-05:00

I am posting just a few lines to let you all know: That I have been busy this week helping out a friend who recently underwent oral surgery. I am back home as of last evening...then as I was getting ready for bed, one of my migraines struck. Luckily I was already headed for bed and was able to sleep off most of it. Today, I am in the tail end and so will not be able to get back to work as I

KnotGypsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16953126001981605580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1292306931452448969.post-68410380219504820472008-05-28T15:19:00.005-05:002008-05-28T15:31:31.157-05:00

I am so excited. My Spirals Anklet Pattern has been published in Step by Step Beads magazine (Jul/Aug 2008 issue). I received my copies in today's mail. Of course, the first thing I did was show my hubby and then called my mother. Sorry, Mom, you were second only because you were not here. Then, I called several friends. I have never been published before and I really want to milk this one

KnotGypsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16953126001981605580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1292306931452448969.post-53507914046892181112008-05-23T17:34:00.004-05:002008-05-23T17:53:19.675-05:00

(KIT - Fans Bracelet - Purple) With 8 patterns (so far), I am finding it time consuming to keep kits in my shop. Up until now, I have put kits together based on what I had on hand at the time. It takes time to decide what beads and cords to use and it takes time to photograph them... I have decided to standardize my kits. I am working towards having a standard set of about 10 kits per

KnotGypsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16953126001981605580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1292306931452448969.post-6213190829933653762008-05-20T17:28:00.004-05:002008-05-20T17:34:42.607-05:00

When I lived in Austin, I got my buttons at Hancock Fabrics. The had such a great selection. Alas, I now live 50 miles away and it is not so convenient to go there for buttons. So, the past few years, I have been getting most of my buttons at Walmart. Walmart has been cutting back on their sewing department and their selection of buttons is sadly lacking. So. I went surfing for an online

KnotGypsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16953126001981605580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1292306931452448969.post-25355935060446642542008-05-13T17:32:00.004-05:002008-05-16T17:23:20.678-05:00

I have come full circle. Since I began my online jewelry adventure, I have tried several website variations, only to return to Blogger. I am happy to be back. I realize I may sound a bit "eccentric", shall we say; but I feel as if I have come home. Blogger is very easy to maintain and that is a big plus. Now, that I have the frustration of getting my domain name to point to this blog all

KnotGypsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16953126001981605580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1292306931452448969.post-80518385302609890632008-05-12T21:50:00.003-05:002008-05-12T21:53:40.656-05:00

After much reading, I figured out that I needed to delete my "A" records...and wait awhile. My domain name www.knotgypsydesigns.com is now functional on this blog! Now, I get to go change a few notices... And, when I get some time, I will post my findings on that Google Help Group forum...perhaps save someone else the frustration.

KnotGypsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16953126001981605580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1292306931452448969.post-87004373107844066792008-05-12T18:40:00.003-05:002008-05-12T19:01:37.275-05:00

The Blogger Help instructions, "How do I use a custom domain name on my blog?", for publishing to a custom domain name seemed so simple... However, I cannot seem to get it to work. I followed the instructions "How do I create a CNAME record for my custom domain" and created the CNAME record 2 days ago. Then, whenever I change my Blogger publishing settings to reflect the custom domain name and

KnotGypsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16953126001981605580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1292306931452448969.post-31805403126404120642008-05-09T19:03:00.002-05:002008-05-09T19:08:59.438-05:00

I have finally finished moving my content back over here to Blogger! Now, I am working on getting the domain name (www.knotgypsydesigns.com) to point to this blog... So far, I have canceled my other webhost account and created a new CName. But, when I change the Blogger settings and test it, I still get sent to the previous website. I think I may need to wait a day to let the old website

KnotGypsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16953126001981605580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1292306931452448969.post-882978600649763612008-05-09T16:46:00.001-05:002008-05-09T16:49:13.660-05:00

A few weeks ago, I was bitten by our first mosquito of the season. Yes, we are already warming up down here in south central Texas...So, I was reminded of one of my favorite Etsy Sellers... ...The woman who owns and operates Purefire Waxworks - Gently Hand Crafted Candles & Incense. She specializes in using natural ingredients in her incense and candles. I originally ordered some citronella

KnotGypsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16953126001981605580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1292306931452448969.post-25789859406544420232008-05-09T16:39:00.003-05:002008-05-09T16:44:57.389-05:00

I was playing with my new beads (again, still) and I really wanted to use the new bugle beads. The problem was that I only have a couple of designs that utilize bugle beads...so...I came up with a new variation on the basic "Diamonds" pattern. This orange and red one was the first I tried (after making a sampler). I used a button closure because I wanted to see how it would work for this design

KnotGypsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16953126001981605580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1292306931452448969.post-35192019486420632812008-05-09T16:30:00.003-05:002008-05-09T16:37:55.666-05:00

More results with my new beads, using those beads and my pattern "Lacy Ripples Bracelet" and "Victorian Lace Earrings" Want to learn how to make these yourself? Check out my patterns and kits for sale at My Etsy Shop.

KnotGypsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16953126001981605580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1292306931452448969.post-19754290597893881942008-05-09T16:19:00.004-05:002008-05-09T16:26:38.335-05:00

New Beads! I love getting a new set of beads...so many colors. (drool, errrr, excuse me). The last time I tried Czechoslavakian seed beads, their holes seemed a bit small. But oh the colors...so I bravely tried again (and how!). Since that time, I have discovered that C-lon cord can occasionally be flattened out in places. This makes the tip too wide to easily fit through those tiny holes.

KnotGypsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16953126001981605580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1292306931452448969.post-38361807524615189122008-05-09T16:02:00.004-05:002008-05-09T16:08:46.342-05:00

"I was a nomad for many years, and supported myself by making this knotted jewelry (macrame), incorporating nylon colored threads, beads, and semi-precious stones. Thus the name nomadic knotwork..." -Quote and photo are from artist's website Nomadic KnotWork Some time back, one of my readers sent me the link to this artists website. I wanted to share it with you as I think this work is

KnotGypsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16953126001981605580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1292306931452448969.post-26864483053438786692008-05-09T15:48:00.003-05:002008-05-09T15:57:43.689-05:00

I loved the colors of the first bracelet with matching earrings in previous post "Beading Fever", I had to try them in this "Victorian Lace" design. I am very happy with the results. The colors remind me of "the fires of earth"... I used a variety of glass and fire-polished crystal beads in this micro macrame set. And, yes, I have listed it at my Etsy Shop.

KnotGypsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16953126001981605580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1292306931452448969.post-2028395751592729472008-04-22T21:55:00.000-05:002008-04-22T21:56:18.446-05:00

I signed up for Blog Engage about a while back. It is a fairly new social bookmarking site for bloggers. It is primarily set up for bloggers to promote their blogs. The man who runs it is very helpful, friendly and works hard to make this new site a success. I highly recommend you check it out. Blog Engage As a result of having submitted several posts from this blog, I was contacted by

KnotGypsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16953126001981605580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1292306931452448969.post-36166844582456391582008-04-22T21:37:00.003-05:002008-04-22T21:43:40.202-05:00

Apparently my muse was not done with me yet... In my previous post "Riding the Waves", I said I was tempted to keep the bracelet with the orange gemstone chips. I have changed my mind. I want to keep this one. It is reversible, too. I also made some earrings to go with it. I have also finished this one with snowflake obsidian beads. My creative energies come in waves. For awhile,

KnotGypsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16953126001981605580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1292306931452448969.post-12743318027282371262008-04-22T21:29:00.004-05:002008-04-22T22:09:00.135-05:00

While playing with my basic "Waves" pattern, varying the beads I use. I dug into my stash of leftover beads and found some of various colors, shapes and sizes. Some are gemstone chips, some pressed glass, and some faceted. I have had a blast! I ended up making 5 bracelets and a choker (or collar) necklace. I am in the middle of another bracelet and the ideas are not slowing down... (Photo

KnotGypsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16953126001981605580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1292306931452448969.post-4017573414329576692008-04-22T21:22:00.001-05:002008-04-22T21:34:21.202-05:00

I was surfing Etsy the other day and I came across a very unique shop "Junquete". Like many of us, the artist who owns that shop loves shoes and purses. She has put them together to make "Shoe Purses". I love them, they are unique and practical. They will literally "stand up". She reports that the one she kept for herself has lasted through all kinds of use. You really must see them, she

KnotGypsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16953126001981605580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1292306931452448969.post-17491385051089471182008-04-22T20:47:00.005-05:002008-04-22T21:16:45.933-05:00

As I am transferring content from the other website over here, I have decided to rewrite some of it and in this case combine some related posts to create one post showcasing my "Spiral Lariat Necklaces". The one in photo above, I used only black cord, gray seed beads and purple Czechoslavakian fire-polished crystal round focal beads. I like the dual neutrals with the purple contrast - this is

KnotGypsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16953126001981605580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1292306931452448969.post-13280514840267919782008-04-19T12:28:00.005-05:002008-04-19T14:53:58.743-05:00

This morning: I woke up, fed the cats, got coffee and checked my email as I do every morning. I found to my delight, another order for a pattern. I processed it right away and sent the pattern. I moved on to check my Etsy Shop.... And found that the above mentioned customer had left me negative feedback, but no commentary as to why. I was stunned. I immediately emailed this person asking

KnotGypsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16953126001981605580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1292306931452448969.post-86019751862768275752008-04-18T17:25:00.002-05:002008-04-18T17:30:30.641-05:00

Making macrame jewelry is a lot of fun. There are projects that are quite simple and those that are as complex as you can imagine. Once you have mastered the knots and how to put them together in various projects, a world of creative possibilities opens up. There are literally so many ways you can take this art that the possibilities seem endless. To Get Started: If you are totally unfamiliar

KnotGypsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16953126001981605580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1292306931452448969.post-18639812047337879322008-04-18T17:21:00.000-05:002008-04-18T17:22:35.568-05:00

Glues, Etc To stiffen the ends of the cord and to prevent fraying, I use clear fingernail polish. I paint some on, and gently twist the cord in the direction of the spiraled plies. After it dries, I snip the ends on a diagonal and paint a little more polish on. When making a large piece with a lot of small holed beads, I find I need to renew the ends from time to time. I find this most necessary

KnotGypsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16953126001981605580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1292306931452448969.post-55371982336006620882008-04-18T16:46:00.002-05:002008-04-18T17:17:31.642-05:00

Let's talk about the surface used to pin your work to. I got lucky, and bought a Puzzle Brand mousepad at garage sale many years ago (before I even started micro macrame!). I didn't even know why I was buying it, but it works wonderfully well. It is one of those old fashioned thick ones (5/8 inches thick, cloth covered). You, remember, those old, thick pads shaped kind of like a puzzle piece

KnotGypsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16953126001981605580noreply@blogger.com