Fun With Chinese Knotting

Knotting, "the joining of two cords," is an old and revered art form in China and an integral part of Chinese life. Since ancient times, Chinese knots have been used for a variety of practical and decorative purposes: to record events, aid in fishing and hunting, wrap and tie items, embellish personal attire, jewelry and fashion, ornament other works of art, and communicate. The intricate knot work and magnificent color combinations not only lent elegance to everyday objects, or a touch of gaiety and enchantment, but were an aesthetic expression of Chinese folk symbolism, expressing wishes for good fortune and wealth or the joys of love and marriage. In craft book Chinese Knotting, author Lydia Chen first traces the origins, history, and symbolism of this fascinating craft, before taking the reader through the fundamental elements necessary for tying Chinese decorative knots—the materials, implements, and main processes. Step-by-step instructions are then given for the 11 basic knots, which provide the building blocks for the 14 compound knots-combinations and variations of the simple knots-that follow in the next section. The final section presents 41 knotting projects of varying difficulty. Detailed instructions, clear diagrams, and color photographs, combined with an exciting assortment of creative applications, will help readers discover the relaxation, artistic satisfaction, and beautifully personalized ornamentation that Chinese Knotting can offer.

Detailed instructions, clear diagrams and lovely color photographs combine to make craft book Fun with Chinese Knotting both attractive and useful—displaying the many creative uses these decorative knots can have, and the great variety of materials used to make them. This delightful book is sure to be a rich source of inspiration for craftspeople everywhere. The art of Chinese knotting or macrame, has a surprisingly contemporary appeal, author artist Chen focuses on the decorative uses of Chinese knots to create your own personal fashion accessories which include: Hair ornaments Earrings Necklaces Pendants Brooches Belts Bracelets and anklets Accents that may be added to items of clothing Chinese knots are attractive and alluring along with being an Asian craft that is relatively easy to learn. Used for a variety of practical and decorative purposes—to record events, to fish and hunt, to wrap and tie items, as ornamental works of art, and even to communicate, Fun with Chinese Knotting will allow readers to create something for anyone.

This book is an ultimate comprehensive guide, not only presenting the step-by-step illustrated instructions but also all the information regarding Chinese knotting. From the origins to developments, functions to decorations, material selections to final products, basic techniques to modified combinations, and traditional crafts to creative designs, author Cao Haimei walks you through every detail.Chinese knotting is a traditional handcraft of interlacing silk cords and other materials. Do you know that it was dated back to the Early Stone Age and was used for keeping records before the invention of writing? Have you thought about how it was developed from a general necessity to a royal cherished decoration?Besides discovering the history and traditions, this book also demonstrates the basic techniques, such as designing, interlacing, tightening, shaping, adjusting, and decorating. With the proper tools and materials, whether it is synthetic or silk cords, glass beads or porcelain charms, gold rings or silver clasps, you can start knotting by following the 100+ projects to make your home decorations, lucky charms, necklaces, bracelets, hair accessories, buttons, brooches and many more.To make your craft more unique and outstanding, learn the different types of variations combinations, and advanced techniques. Now start knotting and create your own innovative piece of art!

Learn how to tie decorative knots from across the world. Clear diagrams are teamed with step-by-step instructions to make tying 75 different knots simple.

Bring the ancient beauty of Chinese knots into any craft practice, and learn the many uses this nearly-lost art form can have in your own home. The Complete Book of Chinese Knotting is the culmination of 20 years of research into the ancient art of Chinese knotting presented in a way that's easy to learn and fun to knot! Inspired by the decorative knots that embellish ancient artifacts such as pots, jade, statuary, boxes and paintings, the author has systematically classified each of the basic Chinese knots, many almost forgotten, and their variations. Creative applications reveal the practical potential for Chinese knotting in everyday life, but the artistic possibilities abound too — such as using Chinese knots for beaded jewelry. In addition to the useful "summary" of the four major techniques for tying basic knots and the nine main ways of modifying them, the author introduces 56 brand new knots in this book — each accompanied by helpful color photos and diagrams. Take advantage of the little-known methods of Chinese knotting found in this book, and bring an age-old decorative tradition into your creations.

Make intricate and beautiful Chinese knots with this traditional Chinese craft book. Chinese knotting, the joining of two cords to form symmetrical paterns, is an ancient and revered art form in China and an integral part of Chinese life. Born first out of practical necessity in prehistoric times to bind materials for hunting, fishing, farming, shelters, communication and other inventions to aid production and convenience, Chinese knots were soon employed as decorative motifs on artifacts, both functional and ornamental, and for festive occasions and important rites of passage. Today, more sophisticated designs, materials and applications have rejuvenated this colorful Chinese craft and have attracted a large following worldwide. The Complete Book of Chinese Knotting is the culmination of 20 years of research into the ancient art of Chinese knotting and macrame by renowned authority Lydia Chen. Inspired by the decorative knots embellishing ancient artifacts such as pots, jade, statuary, boxes and paintings, the author has systematically classified the basic knots, many almost forgotten, and their variations, as well as developed new knots using various knotting combinations and innovative materials. In addition to a useful summary of the four major techniques for tying basic Chinese knots and the nine main ways of modifying them, the author introduces 56 brand new knots and creative designs which can be used to make jewelry, ornaments and stylish wardrobe and fashion additions.

Demonstrates how to design and create charm or karma bracelets.