fringed table runner<\/a>. \u00a0I wished I had hessian or burlap thread so I can make designs.<\/p>\nThe strands of the hessian thread from the fringed table runner will provide enough thread for a couple of easy tassels. \u00a0Cut the threads \u00a0in 12″ long strands. <\/noscript>Divide this new strands into smaller piles, about 6 threads per bunch. \u00a0We need to glue the thread as flat as possible and if there are too many strands in a buch it will not glue.\u00a0 <\/noscript><\/p>\nMaking the bottom of the tassel<\/h2>\n Thread the doll needle with about 24″ of nylon thread. \u00a0Make a double strand and pass the needle through the center of the 1″ ball.\u00a0 <\/noscript>Hang the ball above the table so you can work on the top of the ball and the nylon thread is out of the way. \u00a0Apply a thin strip of glue to one side of the nylon thread and place enough strands to cover the glue. \u00a0Press gently down to make the tread lay flat.<\/p>\n <\/noscript><\/p>\nContinue gluing on the other side ot the nylon thread. <\/noscript> <\/noscript><\/p>\nContinue to apply glue and adding the strands of hessian threads in a layered pattern. \u00a0You know you have glued enough thread when you can no longer see the ball on the sides. <\/noscript>Tie the 4″ of elastic\u00a0piece as tight as you can to the bottom of the ball. <\/noscript><\/p>\nMaking the top of the easy tassel<\/h2>\n You can finish the easy tassel at this point just by adding more thread to cover the elastic.<\/p>\n
Make a hole in the middle of the 2″egg shape styrofoam ball. \u00a0Find a crochet needle or a barbecue skewer\u00a0to help you.<\/p>\n
Cut a 12″ strand of faux silver pearls and fold it in half.<\/p>\n
Thread the other large needle with cotton thread and tie it to the end of the string of pearls. <\/noscript><\/p>\nTake the needle that is at the other end of your the doubled string of pearls and pass it through the pointier side of the egg. \u00a0Pull the strand of pearls all the way to the other end so you can apply glue.<\/p>\n
Once you applied glue, pull the pearls back up and wait for the glue to dry. \u00a0 <\/noscript><\/p>\nThe hole at the bottom of the ball\u00a0needs to be sealed with a small dab of glue. \u00a0I have divided the ball in four\u00a0equal parts and marked the middle.<\/p>\n
This marks are only a guide to help me glue the golden thread evenly. <\/noscript>Glue a piece of embroidered lace on the middle of the egg ball. <\/noscript><\/p>\nThe embroidered lace should be trimmed right where the lace begins. \u00a0 <\/noscript><\/p>\nWe need to start wrapping the thread around the egg. \u00a0In the olden days, this step would have been done with a special loom and needle and thread. \u00a0We are going to apply a bit of glue in the hole where the pearls\u00a0are and start wrapping the thread around the egg. <\/noscript><\/p>\nI have hung my ball because I need the nylon thread and needle out of the way. \u00a0Continue to wrap the thread around the ball making sure it is flat. <\/noscript><\/p>\nFinishing up the easy tassel<\/h2>\n Take the needle that is hanging from the tassel and pass it through the bottom to the top the egg shape ball. \u00a0Do not add glue or tighten the threads.\u00a0 <\/noscript><\/p>\nWe are going to decorate the bottom part of the egg shaped ball and for that we need to use the rest of the string of 3mm silver pearls. \u00a0Apply glue to the ball and attach the silver beads. \u00a0It is ok to leave a small space. \u00a0If the space if too large, later on you can glue one single silver bead.\u00a0 <\/noscript>Using the same technique as the egg shaped ball, wrap a strand of silver beads to the middle of the tassel. \u00a0Apply a bit of glue and pull the nylon thread once you have finished gluing the silver beads.\u00a0 <\/noscript>I have glued some golden threads to a small strip of the braided lace and wrapped it on top of the elastic to cover it. \u00a0 <\/noscript> <\/noscript><\/p>\nTie the nylon thread to the silver beads strand and cut the thread so it does not show. \u00a0I have glued a few beads on the hessian to bring the silver color down to the bottom of the tassel. \u00a0This is optional. \u00a0We have finished. \u00a0Make one more and you have two beautiful tassels for a housewarming party or an unforgettable Christmas gift.<\/p>\n
I hope you enjoyed learning a little about the art and craft of making tassels. \u00a0If you find yourself in the city of Florence or somewhere in\u00a0rue Charles Nodier\u00a0in Paris don't forget to check the classes sometimes posted on the windows of the fabric and interior design shops offering the ancient art of tassel making. \u00a0Please do share your findings with me. \u00a0I do have one more method of making tassels, but I will show that technique when we make a small leather bag. \u00a0If you are interested on learning on the history of tassels<\/a> check out the article is full of great information. \u00a0I am off to make more tassels to hang them on my Christmas\u00a0tree. Until next time, Happy sewing!<\/p>\n\n\n \n\n\n