+ Having family several hundreds of miles away
+ A hubby doesn't like flying
= Really, really long road trips
Some people dread the family road trip, but we really enjoy getting out on the open road. We stuff the iPod full of PodQuizzes and music and drag along a bag full of books and a few small projects. Then throw in the cooler full of drinks and snacks (human & canine) add in a dog or two and we are ready to hit the road.
Before our last trip down south my latest shipment of jump rings from Blue Buddha Boutique just came in. Too excited to wait until after the trip, I packed a small bag with jewelry tools and supplies. I had taken a chainmaille class at the Bead&Button show a few years back, and really loved the design that Colin Mahler taught, but between my middle-age memory and general lack of jump ring measurement prowess I ordered the wrong sized rings. Being the stubborn Scorpio that I am, I was unwilling to admit defeat and having several hundred miles left of the first leg of our journey I started playing with new designs. I’m a complete novice with chainmaille – but I think I created something pretty unique and rather fun.
So, without further ado, I’d like to present my roadtrip creation, the “Anansi Knot” bracelet and earring set. This particular set has been donated to our favorite rescue group, Milwaukee ARC for the auction at their annual Spayghetti & No Balls Bash. If you are in Milwaukee on April 16th, be sure to pick up your ticket for the upcoming bash!
Oh, and if you are wondering about the name, "Anansi Knot," with the eight spokes on each knot I thought it was reminicent of the trickster of many West African and Carribean folktales, Anansi the Spider. (Thank you to Neil Gaiman & his books “American Gods” and “Anansi Boys” for the inspiration on the name.)
