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Necklaces, bracelets, anklets, zipper pulls, backpack buddies, pins, key chains what do you want? With very little money, a few findings, and lots of imagination, you can make a whole treasure chest full of gimp jewelry! Gimp is actually a flat, thin and stretchy plastic lacing. It comes in a multitude of colors, and is versatile, strong and waterproof. You'll be able to wear your new jewelry anywhere!

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At the end of this article there is a two strand basic pattern that can be used to fashion a ring, bracelet, anklet and/or necklace. After you try the basic pattern, look around! Today, there are lots of project books with instructions for making all kinds of accessories, including zipper pulls, backpack buddies and pins. Projects range from basic to very complicated. There are plenty of web sites that offer instructions and ideas for gimp; also called boondoggle, and craft lace. Any instructions you find for macram hemp jewelry can be adapted for use with gimp. Scoubidou (pronounced Scooby-Doo!) directions work perfectly for gimp projects, although Scoubidou is actually tiny plastic tubing. Some gimp projects call for adding pony beads, other beads and/or findings your options are wide open!

For this project you need:
two strands of gimp in complementing colors
hooks and closings (optional)
beads or charms (optional)
button for ring (optional)
sturdy card board or preferred work surface
safety pin

How to:
Cut the first strand about 2 times the length of your finished project. The second strand, which you will be using to tie all your knots, should be 4 times the length of your finished item. For example; if you want an ankle bracelet that is 9 inches long, you need one strand 18 inches long. The second strand should be 36 inches long.

Holding one end of each color together and even with each other, tie one overhand knot several inches away from the gimp ends. This is your starting knot. Pull this knot tight. Stick a safety pin through the knot and attach the pin to a piece of sturdy card board or other work surface. Tip: Old pillows and 3-ring binders make great work surfaces!

You will want to start very close to the starting knot. Take the longer of the two strands and loop it around the shorter strand. Move down, over and to the right. Bring the longer strand back up, to the left and under the shorter strand. Most importantly, you will finish with the longer strand end ABOVE where you started. Keeping that in mind, you are

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