I’m making tassels with The Nester!

18 January 2010 6,445 views 24 Comments

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I made the mistake of reading The Nester’s new e-book, The Nester’s Complete Ultimate Guide to Making the Most Beautiful, Proportional, Fluffy and Full Tassels that People Will Fight over; for You to Give or Sell, the night before Thanksgiving. Why was that a mistake? Because the book left me so inspired to try my hand at making a tassel that I stayed awake all night imagining fancy fringe and creative toppers. I was itching to create, and yet it was the night before Thanksgiving, which meant that it was going to be two more days before any sane person would be willing to venture into the stores for crafting supplies.

And, according to The Nester (who writes anonymously on her blog at The Nesting Place), I was going to need some supplies. I already had a low melt glue gun, but I didn’t have any tassel worthy fringe or ribbon or filling or toppers.

And this is when I discovered that I may not be as sane as originally thought. As soon as I possibly could, I packed up the kids and dragged my husband out to the fabric stores in search of the good fringe. The Nester gave me a list of stores to avoid, and although I was tempted, I was able to resist their pull. Finally, I found the tassel maker’s motherload.

(Made by The Nester - Photos used with permission)

Well, at least I think I did. I mean, what do I know? I’m a total tassel newbie. In fact, I didn’t really understand the appeal of the decorative tassel until I saw The Nester’s tassels for the first time. They were so much richer and fuller than the other tassels I’ve seen. They are each unique and filled with personality. I love that! The Nester made a name for herself on her blog at The Nesting Place, in her etsy store, and as a member of the (in)Courage team, selling unique tassels and sharing her philosophy that “It Doesn’t Have To Be Perfect To Be Beautiful.”

And yet, the Nester’s tassels are just about as perfect as you can get, and I was bound and determined to create something just as beautiful.

(Made by The Nester - Photos used with permission)

In the end, I walked away from my shopping trip with enough supplies to create two unique tassels ala the Nester. I even explained what I was doing to two very intrigued sales ladies who listened in rapt attention while I demonstrated the Nester’s “roll and glue” technique, found on page 37.

In my opinion, any e-book that can inspire me to dig out my little glue gun and drag two young boys and my husband out to hunt down craft supplies while everyone and their grandmother is out shopping the sales is worth its $10 price tag.

It is evident from the humble “first edition” of the e-book, that The Nester was in a rush to get it out before Thanksgiving to satisfy a promise made to her faithful blog readers that she would spill her secrets before the holidays. However, she promises lovely graphics and hyperlinks as soon as possible. As for me, I don’t mind that it isn’t as pretty as she would like. I’m just excited about all of the gorgeous photos filled with inspiration. I love her wit and wisdom as she shares what do to and what to avoid when making a tassel for sale . . . things that I had never considered.

The 103 page e-book contains three complete tutorials for the beginning, intermediate and advanced tassel maker. All three are simply gorgeous and yet, after reading through the tutorials and pouring over the photos, I could see myself being able to replicate them.

And so, I grabbed my glue gun and my new fringe. I dug through my scrapbooking supplies for some fun ribbon. I made my husband get the Christmas ornaments down from the attic . . . and I began my first tassel. After only two hot glue burns, I came up with this:

My husband doesn’t get it, but I am just thrilled! My lovely tassel hangs on a lamp in the family room, and is a wonderful, unique addition to my home décor. And I made it! Me! I’m so proud. I can’t wait to begin my second tassel!

If you are interested in creating a personalized, unique, fancy-schmancy gift that the recipients will drool over, you really must pick up The Nester’s new e-book and learn her tassel-making secrets today! You may find yourself so inspired that you, too, will pack up your children and hit the town in search of the perfect fringe . . . much to your husband’s chagrin!