The Sliding Knot - More than Just a Knot

One of the most practical knots you'll learn to tie when working with leather cord is the sliding knot . It's also known as a coil knot or a barrel knot because of its shape. It eliminates the need for a clasp and end caps on bracelets and necklaces and is a great way to lengthen and shorten necklaces to suit your neckline. But it's way more than just a means of making adjustable jewellery - it's very versatile and it can be used in  so many ways  to add interest to your leather cord jewellery. Take a look at some of the many different ways it can be used and then scroll down to see how to tie a barrel knot. Use it to secure beads in the centre of bracelet or necklace. In this example, a barrel knot on either side of the focal beads keeps them from working their way around to the back of the bracelet. Use barrel knots as a decorative element to add interest to a plain cord This necklace uses white barrel knots to give the plain black stringing ......

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How to Shorten a Kilt Pin

In my last post, I shared a project using an unbent kilt pin . These are sometimes called hat pins or safety pins. With an unbent pin, you're able to string beads directly onto the shaft where they will be secured by turning a safety pin loop. The hard part is judging how many beads to string before creating the double loop. Sometimes, you don't get it quite right, like the pin below. After turning the loop, the pin was way too long to slide under the clasp. But no need to despair..... it's fixable! Read on to see how I do it. You'll need a couple of tools to rectify the problem: memory wire shears and a drill with grinding bits. I like Her Embosser battery-operated drill because it's so portable and lightweight but a Dremel is good too. Begin by trimming away the excess pin. It needs to be long enough to catch under the clasp. I've trimmed this one just shorter than the beginning of the curve of the clasp. This is a steel pin so it's essent......

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A Garden Inspired Shawl Pin for St Patrick's Day

When there's a little chill in the air, a shawl or a scarf is a great accessory to add to your outfit. Even with your neck covered, you can still accessorise your outfit with jewellery - it just won't be around your neck. Try a pretty and practical shawl pin instead. Just drape a warm shawl over your shoulders, gather the folds and pin the two sides together in the front with this garden inspired shawl pin. Because you form this straight pin into a kilt pin after you've strung the beads and components, they will be secure and not fall off when you unclip the brooch. Here's what you'll need to make your own shawl pin: Straight hat pin with hook - 5 1/2" Swarovski bicones -  5 x 6mm Emerald ; 4 x 4mm Erinite Swarovski briolette - 3 x Erinite 8 x 3mm silver spacers Curved silver flower connector 34mm x 17mm 5 x 6mm silver jump rings 4 silver head pins Tools: flat nose pliers, round nose pliers, chain nose pliers, memory wire shears String the Erini......

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