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PRESENTSCHAPTER 4: Friendship
Friendships begin in the very earliest parts of our lives and for many, significantly change over time. Sometimes friendships are formed by convenience – being in the same class together, on the same sports team or living in the same neighborhood. As we get older, we have more control over whom we choose to be our friends and how close we allow them into our world. There are many layers of friendship – from acquaintances to the most intimate. This edition’s art project involves creating macramé friendship bracelets. Once you learn this simple craft, you’ll be able to make bracelets for all of your friends! I know from experience that people will love wearing them!IntroductionFriendshipAmy’s Tip: Remember to listen to the podcast before your first creation session!2Click Here to Listen!
Conversation Starters31. Please tell me about some friends you’ve had throughout your life. 2. What kinds of things did you do with friends when you were younger?4. Have your friendships changed overtime? 5. Did you have one set of friends, or friends from different areas of your life? 6. Who are your most supportive friends right now? 7. Have you ever had to end a friendship, and if so, how did you do it? 8. Has anyone ever ended a friendship with you and if so, how did you deal with that experience?3. What makes a good friend? What makes a bad friend?Click Here for an e-reader accessible version of this page.
What’s Inside4Introduction....................................Conversation Starters......................How To Video.................................. Art Supplies...................................Instructions.....................................Reflection Prompts...........................A Note From Amy...........................E-Reader Accessible Page..............Printer Friendly Reflection.............2355610111415Amy’s Tip: Click to interact with each section of this chapter!
How To Video + Art SuppliesWhat You Will Need: Hemp cord (Choose at least 2 different colors) Connection charm Cardboard- this can be from a shipping box Safety Pin (if you don’t have any cardboard) Embroidery Needle Scissors Measuring Tape or rulerClick Here to Watch!5Click Here to Purchase Supplies on AmazonAmy’s Tip: Watching the Video will really help you understand how to make this project
InstructionsPreparing the CardboardCut a piece of cardboard into a 8”x4” rectangle. (the exact size is not important) The BASE of the bracelet will need to reach both ends. Using a scissor, cut a one-inch slit into each end on the cardboard and its shorter edge.Prepping the CordThe connection charm will be the center of the bracelet. You’ll need two colors of cord for your bracelet preparation.One cord will be the BASE color of your bracelet, and one cord will be the MAIN color of your bracelet. Use a measuring tape or ruler, cut the Main cord into two 30”pieces and cut the Base cord into two 20” pieces.6
Attaching the Base Cords to the Connection Charm: Fold the 20” piece cord in half, thread the folded end through the hole of the charm. Fold it over the ring, and thread the loose end through the loop and tighten. Repeat this step on the other side of the connection charm.These BASE strands will be anchored onto a piece of cardboard and remain stationary. (Watch the video!)Attach the BASE string to the connection charm....fold the 20” piece in half, pull the loop through the ring, fold it over the ring, and pull the rest of the cord through the loop. Repeat the step on the other side of the ring. These strands will be anchored onto the cardboard and remain stationary.Instructions7Mounting the BraceletSlide one end into the slit on the cardboard so that the charm is in the back and one end of the base color is loose. Slide the loose end into the other end of the board.
Making the BraceletCenter the 30 inch cord under the two middle strands on one side. You’ll be making square knots down the BASE of the bracelet. Fold the right cord over the middle strands and under the left cord. Pull the left cord under the right and middle strands and through the loop on the right side. Pull tightly and slide the knot up to the top. Finish the 2nd half of the square knot by folding the left cord over the middle strands and under the right cord. Pull the right cord under the left and middle strands and through the loop on the left side. Pull tightly and repeat the steps – left, right, left, right. Continue knotting until the desired length is reached (about 1.5-2”) Keep in mind that the sliding closure will take up approximately half an inch. ***Repeat these steps on the other side of the connection charm.Instructions8
Instructions9Finishing the BraceletTo finish the knots, thread one of the cords onto the embroidery needle and sew up the center of 3-4 knots along the backside. Trim off excess. Repeat.The Sliding ClosureTo make a sliding closure, shape the bracelet into a circle and overlap the middle strands. Use scraps to temporarily tie the cords together at each end. Cut a 10” cord and center it under the strands. Start tying square knots exactly the same way the bracelet was executed- it should be about 1/2” long. Adjust to fit the wrist and tie each end of the cord into knots so it doesn’t slip out. Trim away any excess.Time to wear your bracelet!Amy’s Tip: Use this technique to create more than just bracelets! You can make necklaces, key chains belts, candle wraps, backpack decor + more!!Creations and Moments are so fun to share! Tag me at @amysartpalette when you do!
Reflection PromptsMacrame Bracelet FriendshipFavorite Part of the Project:Something that surprised me this month:Things I want to remember about this month’s experience:Click Here For a Printer Friendly Download10Date:
11My Oldest Friend and My Newest Friend. I met Debi when I was 8 years old at summer camp. We were immediate friends and got to know each other better each summer while at camp. We were Camp friends. We didn’t see each other at all during the school year since she lived in Santa Monica (the coolest place ever in my 16 year old opinion) and down the street from the woman who played the mom in a popular sitcom – That for sure added to Debi’s coolness. She has always been someone I’ve shared my secrets with, knowing that she would hold them close to her heart and not share them with others. She’s always accepted me for being me and I know I can call her for anything at any time of the day or night. Her friendship means the world to me and I love her.
12I met Laura in 2013 when my daughter Sarah and I started volunteering at a local homeless outreach program. Laura is on the board of the organization and because we would attend each week, we would see each other often. After some time Sarah got involved with other things, but I continued making food to serve to the guests each week. Over time, Laura and I started spending time together outside of the Tuesday evenings we’d spend serving the guests. We would support each other with our exercise by taking walks together – that usually ended in a meal out. We spend long days at the beach, sometimes getting there to eat breakfast and ordering pizza delivery for dinner since we hadn’t wanted to leave. Those long days at the beach are wonderful – playing Farkle, reading, sleeping and just watching the waves. Laura has a key to our house and takes care of our dog Oliver while we are away. She is a trusted friend that I text and talk to on a daily basis. My life is richer because she’s in it. Meeting someone and becoming deeply connected friends with her as an adult has really blessed my life. I believe that levels of friendship can be compared to the layers of an onion – from the outside paper of the onion, to the inner core. Debi and Laura are both in my inner onion. I trust and love them dearly.Who’s in your inner onion?
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1. Please tell me about some friends you’ve had throughout your life. 2. What kinds of things did you do with friends when you were younger?3. What makes a good friend?4. What makes a bad friend?5. Have your friendships changed overtime? 6. Did you have one set of friends, or friends from different areas of your life? 7. Who are your most supportive friends right now? 8. Have you ever had to end a friendship, and if so, how did you do it? 9. Has anyone ever ended a friendship with you and if so, how did you deal with that experience?Conversation Starterse-reader accessible version.14
Reflection PromptsMacrame Bracelets FriendshipFavorite Part of the Project:Something that surprised me this month:Things I want to remember about this month’s experience:Date:Reflection PromptsMacrame Bracelets FriendshipFavorite Part of the Project:Something that surprised me this month:Things I want to remember about this month’s experience:Date:
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