• EDTC 300,  Learning Project

    The Finale: Summary of Learning

    This semester has been wonderful! EDTC 300 has given me such an amazing tool box of resources and given me a higher level of confidence using technology in my class room. From learning a new daunting skill, to trying new exciting apps, I have pushed myself to new heights and I truly am excited to continue learning. This post consists on a summary of learning regarding my blog post, as well as a video summarizing my overall learning over this semester.

    Embarking on a new skill can be challenging, but with determination and a meaningful cause, the journey can lead to unexpected success. This summary dives into my fascinating adventure of learning macramé, a craft of knotting string in patterns to make decorative articles. Initially driven by the need to raise funds for a beloved dog’s surgery, this exploration of macramé transcended simple craftwork, becoming a medium for artistic expression, personal growth, and even educational utility.

    Week 1: Tying” My Way to Success: An Introduction to My Macramé Learning Project

    • Received a macramé kit during Christmas vacation, but initial attempts were frustrating and led to abandoning the project.
      Motivated to restart macramé journey due to the need to raise funds for dog’s double ACL surgery.
    • Researched different macramé styles and decided to start with making keychains to build skills and comfort with knots and patterns.
    • Purchased supplies from Michaels and completed three keychains in different styles, enjoying the process and finding it destressing.
    • Plan to create six keychains of varying styles before moving on to a small wall-hanging piece.
    • Intend to progress to more complex designs gradually, utilizing blog resources for inspiration and guidance.
    • Goal is to sell macramé products to raise funds for dog’s surgery, combining learning with a meaningful cause.

    Week 2: Leveling Up: From Doubt to Delight! 

    • Chose a simple macramé plant hanger pattern found on a crafting blog despite initial doubts, inspired by the challenge.
    • Focused on the square knot technique, a fundamental aspect of macramé art, and followed step-by-step photos for guidance.
    • Set up workspace meticulously, using a 3M hook to secure cords and ensuring a smooth working environment.
    • Measured, cut, and attached cords to a wooden loop before commencing knotting, finding confidence and flow in the process.
    • Learned to trust creativity and embrace challenges, adding personal flair to the project while ensuring attention to crucial details.
    • Overcame initial nervousness and anxiety during knotting, witnessing the plant hanger take shape and feeling rewarded by the transformation.
    • Successfully completed the project, comparing the end result to the tutorial image, and testing the hanger with a pot, experiencing delight and satisfaction.
    • Reflecting on the project as an exciting and fulfilling endeavor, expressing eagerness to further enhance macramé skills and creativity.

    Week 3: Knotty Adventures….A Whimsical Week in Macramé 

    • Took on a new macramé project involving a plant hanger without tassels and a charming macramé owl, aiming to elevate skills and creativity.
    • Discovered a captivating plant hanger pattern and felt drawn to the modern twist of omitting tassels, embracing the challenge of crafting a unique owl design.
    • Prepared workspace diligently, securing cords to a stable anchor in the familiar window area, and embarked on knotting with newfound confidence and independence.
    • Embraced personal creativity while following instructions, adding unique touches to the designs and finding macramé as a new method for destressing.
    • Found joy in the transformation of cords into whimsical creations, reveling in the sense of accomplishment and satisfaction upon completing functional pieces of art.
    • Each project viewed as an opportunity to infuse magic into daily life, with challenges and triumphs contributing to a more fulfilling creative experience.

    Week 4: “Leveling Up in Macramé with WeVideo Magic” 

    • Explored the video editing tool WeVideo for Macramé projects, detailing pros like user-friendly interface and seamless classroom integration.
    • Noted cons such as limited free features and glitches, encouraging educators to navigate premium options for full creative freedom.
    • Provided educational integration ideas for WeVideo, focusing on creative storytelling, collaborative projects, and dynamic presentations.
    • Documented the personal experience of creating a macramé bottle holder, encountering measurement challenges and finding satisfaction in crafting a unique piece.

    Week 5: “A Dog Toy Tale – Strength in Knots” 

    • Diverged from decorative macramé to practical pet accessories, crafting a durable macramé dog toy for a young puppy.
    • Focused on knot strength and durability, appreciating the functional aspect of macramé and the joy of creating a handmade toy.
    • Experienced pride in observing the toy withstand playtime and the pet’s enthusiasm, recognizing the resilience of macramé creations.
    • Highlighted cost-effectiveness, washability, and personalization in making the dog toy, fostering excitement for future functional creations.

    Week 6: “Fiber to Function: My First Wall-Hanging Macramé Piece”

    • Transitioned from small decorative items to a larger, functional wall-hanging macramé piece, experimenting with a thicker cord.
    • Found excitement in creating each knot and strand, despite the final design not fully aligning with initial expectations.
    • Realized the beauty of the macramé creation journey, acknowledging imperfections as part of the learning process.
    • Emphasized cost-effectiveness and customization in crafting the wall hanging, sparking a passion for more complex macramé projects.

    Week 7: “Crafting My Own Teacher’s Lanyard for Roadways Literacy Academy” 

    • Initiated a new job teaching grade 3 at Roadways Literacy Academy in Saskatoon, creating a custom lanyard as a symbol of the new journey.
    • Choose a durable nylon cord in white, focusing on both style and function with a square knot pattern.
    • Viewed the lanyard-making process as a lesson in patience and detailed planning, finding significance in imperfections.
    • Reflected on the personal and professional meaning behind the lanyard, emphasizing its value beyond a practical item.

    Week 8: “Knot Your Average Week…” 

    • Explored macramé artistry by creating a stunning wall hanging piece, focusing on deliberate knot-making and intricate designs.
    • Approached the project with renewed determination, emphasizing patience, precision, and savoring the creative process.
    • Marveled at the emerging beauty from patient hands, recognizing the wall hanging as a reflection of dedication and passion for the craft.
    • Learned the profound beauty in slowing down, observing each knot with care, and savoring the creative journey, encouraging readers to embark on their own macramé adventures.

    Week 9: “Crafting Resilience” 

    • Shared the rekindling of passion for crafting keychains following a pause due to a dog’s double knee surgery, symbolizing resilience and fresh starts.
    • Resumed making custom keychains as a personal touch in daily routine, representing determination and passion.
    • Acknowledged the slower progress due to caregiving responsibilities and mental health prioritization, highlighting the importance of self-care during challenges.
    • Invited readers to celebrate creativity, resilience, and crafting a brighter future through keychain making endeavors.

    Week 10: “Coasters, Macramé, and Digital Delights” 

    • Ventured into a new artistic realm by creating coasters and utilizing the latest Google phone update for photo editing of macramé pieces.
    • Embraced coasters as functional decor pieces and artistic expressions, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation.
    • Harnessed technology to enhance the visual appeal of macramé artistry, capturing the essence of intricate knots and weaves with precision and creativity.
    • Invited fellow creatives to embrace the intersection of artistry and innovation through coaster crafting and photo editing, encouraging inspiration and discovery.

    Five Main Takeaways from the Macramé Learning Project

    1. Starting with Simplicity Enhances Skills:
      Beginning with simple keychain designs, the learner gained familiarity with various knots and patterns, setting a strong foundation for more complicated projects. This approach was not only manageable but also provided the initial confidence boost necessary to continue with the craft.
    2. Challenges Can Spark Creativity:
      Facing and overcoming challenges, such as the initial frustration with knotting and the complexities of new patterns, were integral to the learning process. Each hurdle crossed led to a better understanding of the craft, fostering a sense of creativity and achievement.
    3. Preparation and Environment Matter:
      Setting up a conducive workspace and meticulously preparing materials (like cutting cords and securing them properly) proved to be pivotal in the successful completion of projects. A stable and comfortable environment allowed for smooth crafting sessions.
    4. Functional Art Can Be Therapeutic:
      As the projects advanced from keychains to plant hangers and even a teacher’s lanyard, macramé became a source of stress relief and personal expression. Crafting functional art pieces proved to be rewarding both emotionally and practically.
    5. Integrating Technology Enhances Presentation and Utility:
      Utilizing digital tools like WeVideo for editing macramé project videos and exploring the latest smartphone features for photo editing helped showcase the art. This integration of technology and craft elevated the presentation and offered new avenues for creativity and functionality.

    The macramé learning project is a testament to the idea that with passion and purpose, one can master a new skill. Through the act of tying knots, the creator not only crafted beautiful, functional art but also wove a story of personal growth, resilience, and creativity. From the initial frustration to the joy of crafting a custom dog toy, each knot tied was a step toward a noble goal, funding my pet’s surgery. This journey illustrates the power of combining art with cause, and technology with tradition, to create something truly meaningful. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or a curious beginner, this story inspires us to pursue our passions and find joy in the learning process itself.

    To summarize my overall learning experience I created a video. I truly enjoyed this course, and the skills I have acquired over this semester have already been such useful tools in my small class room. I cannot wait to learn more from my peers and find new ways to make learning fun for my students with the use of technology. (in the event of technological difficulties, here is a link to a google drive folder with the video)

    THANK YOU, AND ALWAYS KEEP LEARNING!

  • EDTC 300,  Learning Project

    Coasters, Macramé, and Digital Delights

    Hello, creative people! Today, I am thrilled to share that I am venturing into a new artistic realm by trying with a fresh style, creating coasters. Additionally, I have dived into the latest update on my Google phone to edit photos of my macramé pieces, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation. Embracing the fact that coasters are both functional decor pieces and artistic expressions, I have embarked on a journey to infuse my living space with unique flair.

    Macrame Coasters

    Simultaneously, I have harnessed the power of technology to elevate my macramé artistry. Using the newest features on my Google phone for photo editing, I have enhanced the visual appeal of my intricate knots and weaves, capturing the essence of each piece with precision and creativity. The process of crafting coasters demands attention to detail and a keen eye for design. Each coaster and macramé creation tells a story of passion, dedication, and a deep-seated love for the art of crafting.

    To my fellow creatives and tech enthusiasts, I extend an invitation to embrace the intersection of artistry and innovation. Here’s to weaving a tapestry of art, tradition, and modernity, one coaster and edited photo at a time. May your artistic endeavors be filled with inspiration and discovery!

  • EDTC 300,  Learning Project

    Crafting Resilience

    Greetings, fellow creators! I am excited to share a chapter of my journey as I prepare to rekindle my passion for crafting keychains this week. (which is where I started) Following a pause prompted by my dog’s much-needed double knee surgery, I am embracing the opportunity to dive back into this creative pursuit, despite facing time constraints.

    In hope of adding more of a personal touch into my daily routine, I have decided to resume making custom keychains. Beyond their practical use for holding keys, each keychain symbolizes a fresh start, resilience, and a return to a beloved craft.

    Macrame Keychain

    As I navigate the limited time at hand, balancing caregiving responsibilities, this re-entry into keychain making represents a blend of determination and passion. Much like the intricate knots and weaves of my designs, I felt that this process served as a metaphor for the patience and excitement required to navigate life’s twists and turns.

    Acknowledging that progress may be slower than anticipated due to prioritizing my dog’s well-being and my mental health, I embrace this journey with a renewed sense of purpose. Understanding the importance of self-care during challenging times, I am committed to finding a way to prioritize myself at this time.

    my dog after surgerymy dog after surgery

    To my fellow pet lovers, remember that among life’s trials and tribulations, our creative pursuits serve as a symbol of hope and resilience. As I embark on this renewed chapter of keychain making, I invite you to join me in celebrating the power of creativity, and resilience. Here’s to crafting a brighter tomorrow, one keychain at a time. Best wishes on your own creative endeavors and endeavors of the heart!

  • EDTC 300,  Learning Project

    Knot Your Average Week…

    Embark on a journey with me as I dive into the world of macramé, exploring the art of knot-making and (attempting again…) creating a stunning wall hanging piece.

    This week, I decided to revisit my macramé, armed with newfound determination and a promise to myself: to slow down, breathe, and watch my knots unravel with precision and grace.

    As I settled into my space, I embarked on my project with a renewed sense of focus. Each knot became a deliberate goal between cord and my hands. Taking extra time to watch my knots was a game-changer. I observed each twist and turn with a keen eye, savoring the rhythmic process of creation.

    DIY macrame wall hanging on a branch using laundry cord. The branch is hung against a shiplap wall

    As the days passed and my wall hanging began to take shape, I marveled at the beauty that emerged from my patient hands. The intricate patterns and delicate textures came together to form a piece that was not just a decoration, but a reflection of my dedication and passion for the craft.

    In the end, my journey through this weeks macramé taught me an invaluable lesson: sometimes, the most profound beauty lies in the act of slowing down, in taking the time to watch, to breathe, and to savor each moment of creation. So, I urge you to pick up your cords, untangle your knots, and embark on your own macramé adventure. Who knows what wonders you may create when you take that extra moment to watch your knots.

  • EDTC 300,  Learning Project

    Crafting My Own Teacher’s Lanyard for Roadways Literacy Academy

    Hello fellow educators!! I have amazing news! I begin a new job quite sooner!! I will be starting a new job teaching grade 3 at Roadways Literacy Academy in Saskatoon, I wanted to add a personal touch to my daily routine. So, I decided to make a custom lanyard, not just as a practical item for my ID cards and keys, but as a symbol of my new journey. I  made sure I picked a durable nylon cord that could handle daily wear and tear, choosing white to provide a neutral tone and to look professional. This lanyard had to be sturdy, comfortable to wear, and stylish.

    My design aimed for both style and function. I wanted a lanyard that would grab attention and maybe even spark some fun chats with students and staff. I decided on a square knot pattern, which is both strong and visually interesting.

    The Making Process: Patience and Excitement

    As I weaved the cords into a braid, I felt a mix of patience and excitement. This wasn’t just about making a lanyard, it was about preparing for a new chapter with enthusiasm and care. The rhythm of knotting was calming, much like the rhythm I hoped to find in my new classroom.

    When I finished, I noticed that it wasn’t perfect. Some parts were a little uneven. But these imperfections didn’t bother me. Instead, they made the lanyard special, just like the unique journey I was about to start with my students.

    Macrame lanyardMacrame Lanyard

    Making this lanyard was like a mini-lesson in what’s to come. It taught me patience and reminded me of the detailed planning that teaching requires. It was a small, personal project, but it felt significant.

    P.S. I spent less than $5 on this DIY lanyard, saving money and creating something one-of-a-kind. It’s not something you can buy off a shelf, it’s tailored just for me and my new job.

    A Message to Fellow Educators

    To other teachers and craft lovers, remember that the things you make yourself are more than just objects. They’re reflections of your passion and commitment. This lanyard isn’t just a tool for my job, it’s a reminder of the start of an exciting adventure at Roadways Literacy Academy.

    Happy crafting, and best wishes for your own new beginnings!

  • EDTC 300,  Learning Project

    Fiber to Function: My First Wall-Hanging Macramé Piece

    In the world of macramé, where every knot tells a story and every thread adds to the creativity, I decided to embark on a new adventure. This week, I stepped out of my comfort zone of creating small, decorative items and ventured into the realm of larger, more functional pieces. My goal? To design and craft my first-ever wall-hanging macramé piece.

    The journey began with the selection of materials. I opted for my usual material cords, which have been chosen for their unique texture and strength. However, this time I used a cord that was thicker than my usual choice. The design was simple yet bold, featuring a series of interconnected knots that would hang gracefully on the wall.

    As I worked on the piece, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement. Each knot tied and each strand looped was a step closer to creating something that would not only look good but also serve a purpose. As I finally finished the wall hanging and hung it up for the first time. However, as I stepped back to admire my work, I realized that while the piece looked good, it wasn’t quite what I had envisioned. The knots weren’t as tight as I would have liked, and the overall design felt a bit too simple. Despite these shortcomings, there was a certain charm to the piece. It had character, and more importantly, it was handmade with love and care.macrame wall hanging piece

    Reflecting on this experience, I realized that the beauty of macramé lies not just in the end product, but in the journey of creation. Every knot tied and every strand looped is a step towards something beautiful, even if it doesn’t turn out exactly as planned. This project was more than just a first attempt at a wall-hanging piece, it was a learning experience that has encouraged me to push the boundaries of my creativity and take on more challenging projects.

    I cannot stress enough the cost-effectiveness of making my own wall hanging and how much of a bonus it is! I spent approximately $7.00 on materials, a fraction of what I would have paid for a similar piece in a store. And the best part? I could customize it to my liking, ensuring it was unique and personal.

    This experience has ignited a passion for creating more complex macramé pieces. It’s opened my eyes to the endless possibilities of this craft and has encouraged me to take on more challenges that push the limits of my creativity.

    To all fellow macramé enthusiasts out there, whether you’re creating small, decorative items or larger, more functional pieces, remember that every knot you tie is a step towards something beautiful. Happy knotting to all!

  • EDTC 300,  Learning Project

    A Dog Toy Tale – Strength in Knots

    This week in my EDTC 300 Learning Project, I veered off the beaten path of decorative macramé and ventured into the practical realm of pet accessories. I have noticed every week that my young puppy is extremely fascinated by my cords and always wants to play with them. So I wanted to see what I could create for him. My mission? To craft a sturdy macramé dog toy that could withstand the enthusiastic play of my furry friend. This project wasn’t just about creating something cute and whimsical; it was a real-world test of the durability of my macramé work.

    As always, the journey began with setting up my workspace. The familiar spot by the window, which has seen many a macramé piece come to life, was ready for action. I had to choose the right materials for this job — something that would be both safe for my dog and robust enough to endure a game of tug-of-war.  Knotting a dog toy required a different approach than my previous decorative items. This time, I focused heavily on the strength of the knots. I employed half hitch knots with multiple cords, known for their sturdiness. As I worked, I felt a newfound respect for the functional aspect of macramé. Each knot had to be tight and secure, each measurement precise, to ensure the toy’s durability.

    Dog waiting for toy Dog toy

    The Ultimate Test: Playtime

    With the final knot in place, the moment of truth arrived. It was time to introduce the macramé dog toy to its toughest critic: my 8 month old puppy. The simplicity of the design, a braided style rope loop with loose ends. I held my breath as I handed it over…. To my delight, the toy passed with flying colors. It withstood pulling, chewing, and all manner of canine shenanigans. Watching my dog play with the toy, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of pride. Not only had I created something that brought joy to my pet, but I had also proven the resilience of macramé. (he carried this toy around EVERYWHERE!)

    Now… this was my first dog toy style and there are some things I would fix, but overall I am happy with how it turned out!

    This project was a departure from my usual macramé work, but it taught me an invaluable

    lesson: macramé isn’t just about beauty; it’s about function, too. The satisfaction of watching my dog enjoy a handmade toy was different from the pleasure of crafting a decorative piece. It was a tangible demonstration of the practical applications of my newly honed skills. I definitely will be making more! As I look back on this experience, I’m struck by the versatility of macramé. It’s a craft that blends aesthetics with utility, and every piece, whether a plant hanger or a dog toy, is a testament to the strength and adaptability of simple knots. This week’s project might have been a small step for me in the vast world of macramé, but it was a giant leap in understanding the potential of these knotty endeavors.

    P.S. this was such a fantastic way to make toys for my dogs in a very cost effective way. It costed me approximately $4.00 in material for this toy, rather than significantly more for the same style rope toy at a store. AND an extra bonus is that I can wash it!! Needless to say I am excited to take on more functional style challenges!! 

     

    Until next time, happy knotting to all!

  • EDTC 300,  Learning Project

    Leveling Up in Macramé with WeVideo Magic

    Hey there, fellow educators and learners! Today, we’re diving into the world of Macramé and the editing tool WeVideo. This is a video editing platform I found on the recommended list for this class. Hold onto your hats because we’ve got some pros, some cons, and a whole lot of fun facts to uncover about this tool.

    Pros:

    • User-Friendly Interface: This tool offers a friendly platform that makes it easy for both beginners and seasoned pros to video edit with relative ease. Everything is labeled well, easy to find and has a variety of options for all users.
    • Seamless Classroom Integration: Specifically for educators, this tool provides the ability for student/educator creativity, allowing you to engage with the SAMR model through basic video projects and collaborative storytelling.

    Cons:

    • Not-So-Free Fun….: Here’s the kicker….while the basic controls are free, most templates and advanced features come with a price tag. Yep, you read that right. If you’re hoping for a plethora of freebies, you might have to rethink your strategy.
    • Continuous glitching: Unfortunately during my editing experience, I struggled with an extreme amount of glitches, which did not allow me to explore the tool to the extent I wish I could. Due to this, my video was forced to be quite simple.

    Educators, Are You Ready for the SAMR Adventure?

    For educators seeking to integrate WeVideo into their classroom, I do believe the platform offers a compelling approach for student engagement, allowing them to explore the SAMR model. But beware, my fellow educators, for the path to full creative freedom may require navigating through a forest of premium features.

    SAMR diagram
    Image from: https://www.powerschool.com/blog/samr-model-a-practical-guide-for-k-12-classroom-technology-integration/

    Here are a few ways to add this video editing platform into your educational adventures:

    • Creative Storytelling Opportunities: Encourage students to embark on creative storytelling journeys with WeVideo. The platform offers students the ability to bring their stories to life through video projects.
    • Collaborative Creations: Unite your students in collaborative video projects.
    • Digital Presentations and Projects: Elevate traditional presentations by allowing students to create dynamic digital presentations using WeVideo.

    Now for my favorite part…..

    Ah, the art of macramé – Join me as I take you through this week’s personal experience of creating a macramé bottle holder before I dove into the world of WeVideo to capture this journey.

    Another enchanting week has passed in my macramé odyssey, and I am thrilled to share the latest chapter in my knotty adventures. This time, I ventured to create a macramé bottle holder, aiming to level up from my previous projects and infuse a touch of creativity into my space.

    Before diving into this endeavor, I prepared my creative space (as usual), ensuring that the cords were securely fastened to a stable anchor, much like my previous projects. As I progressed into this next project, I encountered a delightful blend of lessons and unexpected surprises. This time every challenge I encountered was measurement related…. Next week I think I am going to try a measuring app to see if that will be more accurate. Despite my measurement twists and turns, the cords turned into a whimsical bottle holder and filled me with a profound sense of accomplishment. Testing my creation with an empty bottle, I reveled in the satisfaction of crafting something different!

    A Personal and Whimsical WeVideo Adventure
    Crafting a macramé bottle holder became more than a creative task: it became a personal expression in the form of a magical video journey. WeVideo, with its enchanting features, transformed my personal experience into a visual tale, capturing the artistry and tranquility of my macramé.

    Here’s to another week of crafting and creative discoveries in the art of macramé! Until we meet again, may your own creative endeavors be filled with joy, and inspiration..

    Happy crafting!

  • EDTC 300,  Learning Project

    Knotty Adventures….A Whimsical Week in Macramé

    Ah, another exciting week is complete in my macramé journey, and I’m eager to share the latest mission in my knotty endeavors. This time around, I embarked on a delightful project, crafting a macramé plant hanger with a whimsical twist—no tassels at the bottom—and even dared to create a charming macramé owl to adorn my space. I wanted to take the things I learned last week and try leveling them up to something bigger and better!

    As I searched through various crafting resources, I stumbled upon a captivating macramé plant hanger pattern that immediately piqued my interest. I felt the absence of tassels at the bottom lent a modern touch to the design, and the prospect of fashioning a macramé owl filled me with a sense of anticipation. With a burst of enthusiasm, I decided to dive headfirst into this new challenge.

    Before commencing my first endeavor, I ensured that my workspace was primed for creativity, meticulously securing the cords to a stable anchor (same window area as last week). Armed with cords and a vision of a charming owl, I began the knotting process, feeling less reliant on external tutorials and more at home with the rhythmic dance of the square knot. Honestly, I am impressed with my end product, even though it does not look identical to the reference in the video… It makes a super cute, different wall-hanging piece!

    Owl Macrame hanging

    My next project unfolded with lessons and surprises. As I followed the pattern’s instructions, I couldn’t resist injecting a touch of my creativity, adorning the design with a dash of personal flair. Throughout this learning project, I have found I use this as a new destressing method. When I knot I can forget about all the negative things around me! Amidst the playful twists and turns, the transformation of cords into a whimsical plant hanger filled me with a sense of achievement. Testing my creation with an empty pot, I reveled in the satisfaction of my new functional piece of art.

    plant hanger hanging on the window Plant hanger bottom

    As I reflect on this whimsical week in my macramé journey, I’m reminded that each project is an opportunity to infuse a bit of magic into everyday life. The challenges and triumphs along the way create a more satisfying feeling once I am finished.

  • EDTC 300,  Learning Project

    Leveling Up: From Doubt to Delight!

    For this week of my macramé learning journey, I wanted to start with a project that I felt was manageable for a beginner, however after reading the comments on my last post, I wanted to try something a little bigger! So I chose a simple macramé plant hanger pattern I found on a crafting blog titled Jenny Lemons DIY Macramé Plant Hangers. The pattern was labeled as easy, which honestly gave me confidence that I could take it on. I quickly glanced over the instructions before I started, only to begin doubting my decisions, it seemed complex yet simple and I truly was a little worried about if it would work out. The main technique was called the square knot, which seemed to be a basic yet essential part of most macramé art. This article showed step-by-step photos to help teach the pattern. Last week I relied on videos to help teach me, however, this resource required me to give a little more attention to the task. This experience is all about learning new things and stepping outside of my comfort zone to create something beautiful. So rather than sitting and worrying about if I was good enough to try something more advanced I decided to go for it!

    Before I began to knot, I set up my workspace. The guide suggested attaching the cords to a stable anchor or taping it down. With the length of these strings, I was not able to simply tape it down on my desk, I spent close to 20 minutes trying to find the perfect spot to hang the strings. I noticed a 3M hook on our front window that we use for holiday décor and that it would be perfect, and I was right! I remembered from last week how important it is to have a good setup before starting a macramé project to avoid a tangled mess, so I am thankful I found a perfect spot. I then measured and cut out all the cords I needed, following the guide, and attached them to a 2-inch wooden loop with a gathering knot. From here I began knotting. Once I began I noticed I did not look or need further instruction! I started knotting and just kept going until it was complete.

    A lesson I learned from this macramé project was that I need to trust my own creativity and continue to challenge myself. Instructions tend to include very specific, crucial details that are easy to overlook, but I took the time to review them at the start and this led to a successful plant hanger. For instance, the pattern started with instructions to tie a gathering knot to secure the cords. Then, it said to start the square knots, which I did, but I added some extra flair. I found spare wooden loops and decided to get a little extra creative this week. Thankfully, this did not ruin the overall project, but I can imagine that adding such a detail could be problematic in more intricate designs.

    I was slightly nervous as I continued tying knots, worried that I might have missed an important step. This anxiety faded when I saw the plant hanger taking shape. My room was slowly being transformed by this new creation, which felt incredibly rewarding. I was honestly ecstatic when I finished; it looked exactly like the picture in the tutorial! I hung an empty pot in it to test my creation, and it fit just right. I was thrilled with the outcome of this first week of my macramé project, and I am eager to continue improving my skills.

    P.S. I don’t think I’ve ever been this excited about a homework assignment before.

    Macramé plant hanger with a pot in it Macramé plant hanger without a pot in it