lovely leaves.

Being a camp counselor this summer at a non arts camps has resurfaced the truth about my skills when it comes to sports. I can't play them. Any of them. I'm the counselor that gets help from a ten year old when it comes to learning my forehand in tennis. 

I'll tell you what I am good at, though: friendship bracelets. I have no problem frolicking around the campgrounds sporting my handiwork.

"Danie, how did you make that?!"

"Knots, children. Knots." 

That's right, I'll let them think I'm a master at something for as long as I can. Then when they're ten,  they'll learn how to build a computer and I won't be cool anymore.

So here's a new pattern for you. It's easier than you think it is. If you've got your basic forward and backward knots down, you're golden.

1. You're going to need five colors. Cut them to length and fold them in half, tying a knot at the top. Arrange them in a 54321 12345 pattern.

 2. Starting with string 2 (blue on mine) on the left, make one forward knot (two hitches). Make one backward knot with string 2 on the right. Join the two with one forward knot in the middle.

3. Make two forward knots with string 3 (grey) on the left and two backward with string 3 on the right. Join with one forward knot.

4. With string 4 (green) on the left make three forward knots and three backward with string 4 on the right. Join in the middle.

5. Now using string 5 on the left (orange), make four forward knots and four backward using string 5 on the right. Join in the middle.

That's one leaf done! Now, just repeat using the new string 2. In my case, I would start with green. Repeat the pattern until the bracelet reaches your desired length.