One Thin Line for Awareness

One Thin Line for Awareness

How a paracord bracelet can raise awareness for various causes

When I first started making paracord bracelets, I had no idea what a powerful tool they could be in raising awareness for various causes. Running the social media accounts for Paracord Planet, the first designs that I started to see popping up involved ribbons being added to Cobra Weave bracelets. Whether it were a pink ribbon for Breast Cancer Awareness, or a gold ribbon for childhood cancers, it was great to see how proactive paracord artists were in crafting for a greater cause. We started to hold “Autism Awareness”-colored 550 Cord in our warehouse which made me dig even deeper. It was great to see people wearing colors to symbolize their support for a specific cause, but I started to wonder if these bracelets alone were enough to raise awareness. After all, how often do I even pay attention to the wrists of someone I am walking past on the street? But then I wore a Thin Blue Line bracelet. I was stopped by a friend who asked, “What is that you’re wearing?” I responded that it was a paracord bracelet, and talked a little bit more about where I worked and the wonders of parachute cord. Then my friend asked, “So did you choose those colors?” BOOM. There was my ‘in.’ I raised awareness for my local police by simply wearing a paracord bracelet. It got me thinking; maybe this awareness thing is for real. Maybe one thin line is all it takes to make one major impact.

If you have a cause that you feel passionate about, show it. Grab some cord and get crafting—craft with a purpose! The truth of the matter is that not everybody will stop and ask you what you’re wearing. Hell, not everybody will even notice a paracord bracelet on your wrist; but when someone does, you have a window of opportunity to enlighten them on what you are passionate about. And that, along with many other intangibles, is what makes paracord so special.

If you have been following our social media accounts, you may have noticed our thin line designs over the past few weeks, which were aimed at raising awareness for various service branches. Last week, May 10-16, was National Police Week. We celebrated last week with the “Thin Blue Line” design which raises awareness for police officers. This week, May 17-23, is National EMS week. We celebrated this week with the “Thin White Line” design which raises awareness for our emergency medical services. To view both of these designs, and try making them yourself, continue below:

Thin Blue Line (Police Awareness)

Thin White Line (EMS Awareness)

If you have more paracord causes to discuss with us, please tell us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, or Instagram. We would love to hear from you!

Written by: Jackson Yakowicz

Contact at jacksony@imsetc.com

View Jack's full blog here.

The Paracord Kids Champ

The Paracord Kids Champ

An interview with the winner of our Facebook Kids Contest

This past weekend, we held a contest on our Facebook page in honor of our brand new Paracord Kids section. The contest was targeted to paracord crafters 18 years of age and younger, and we were in search of the best craft made by a kid! The Paracord Kids section on ParacordPlanet.com was created this past week in hopes of inspiring more children to become active with paracord crafting. Not only is it a mind-stimulating activity, as we have referenced in previous blogs, paracord crafting can be quite the financially viable hobby for kids to undertake. Our contest, which featured many talented young crafters, was won by Victoria Sandoval. Victoria’s winning craft (shown above) won her two free items off of our Paracord Kids section, as well as a feature on our blog. We were able to interview Victoria to learn more about her time crafting with paracord and what inspired her winning craft.

Interviewer: How did you get the inspiration for your winning craft?

Victoria: I got the inspiration for this project because it was Valentine's Day and I wanted to make something unique for my mom. So I was just messing around with different shapes and colors and the heart was made!

Interviewer: What is your favorite paracord weave to make?

Victoria: My favorite paracord weave to make would be the normal cobra weave. I also like to make the solomon’s heart weave!

Interviewer: Who taught you how to craft with paracord?

Victoria: When I was at school I saw this kid who had a paracord bracelet, I saw it and I loved it. They sold them but they were kind of mean so I did not want to ask on how to make. I finally found out it was called a paracord bracelet. I told my dad about it and we looked on YouTube, and my dad and I figured it out ourselves!

Interviewer: What do you think is the best part about paracord crafting?

Victoria: I think the best part about crafting is that little kids usually buy my bracelets so it's cool to see how happy they get from them! It's also nice to hear how people have used the bracelets and how I could have saved their life!

Interviewer: What is the most challenging part about paracord crafting?

Victoria: The most challenging part about crafting is when you are looking for something new and you want to find something that won't be too hard but also something that's not too easy.

Interviewer: What advice would you give to any other kids that are looking to start crafting with paracord?

Victoria: The advice I would give to anyone would be that it might seem hard but keep trying. I would buy a lot of paracord to start with and it will be better in the long run. You might get frustrated from staying up and looking for a new weave but just take a breath and it will be fine. If you don't seem too good at first, don't get mad, keep trying. For me, paracord started out as a hobby. When I got better I had a lot of bracelets and my parents starting putting me in craft fairs! I'm happy with doing them because it's so fun to do!! So whatever you do, take a deep breath and keep on doing it! It's not going to be easy but you will make it! Who knows you could be big one day from paracord!

Wise words from a talented crafter. If you are a kid that is beginning to craft with paracord, visit our Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, or Instagram for inspiration! Not only will we post tutorials, guidance, and other fun pieces, but we will also have contests in which you can win FREE paracord. And what’s better than free paracord?

Written by: Jackson Yakowicz

Contact at jacksony@imsetc.com

To read more of Jack's blog, click here.

Best Ways to Discretely Carry Paracord on You

Best Ways to Discretely Carry Paracord on You

5 projects that conceal your versatile cordage until you need it

My first time camping didn’t come until I was 18 years old. Growing up in the suburbs of Minneapolis, there weren’t too many camp sites within close proximity to my parents’ house, and vacations usually meant staying in a hotel rather than pitching a tent. Naturally, I had no idea what I was getting myself into when my buddies and I left town for the weekend. I packed everything I needed (or rather, thought I needed) into one duffle bag: some hoodies, food, and a cellphone charger—Like I said, it was my first time camping. Although I’ve learned to be more practical about my packing for camping, hiking, and other outdoor trips, I still value the benefits of packing lightly. When bringing paracord on your adventure, the value of packing lightly is only heightened. Chances are you don’t carry around a backpack filled with spools of paracord. Not only is it impractical to do so, but it also eliminates the functionality that paracord’s success is grounded upon. This blog is dedicated to the five best projects for helping you conceal your paracord. Because packing paracord lightly also has value…

Project #1: Paracord Shoelaces

Paracord Shoelaces are a great way to conceal paracord on your person when you are on your adventure. Simply replace your shoelaces with paracord laces that can unravel and be used as needed. To learn how to make your own, visit here.

Project # 2: Paracord Wallet

The Paracord Wallet, though a little bit more complicated to make, is awesome. Bringing this wallet with you on a camping or hiking trip is a great idea as it provides you with about 30 feet of survival cordage in the event that something goes awry. To learn how to make your own, visit here.

Project #3: Paracord Watch

Alright, so some of you may wonder why I included this in the list, and didn't include a regular paracord bracelet. Well, the Paracord Watch is essentially the same as a paracord bracelet in that it is weaved and includes a good amount of survival cord, however this watchband has even greater functionality as it also helps you keep track of time! This is great for any survival or outdoor situation. To learn how to make your own, visit here.

Project #4: Paracord Belt

The Paracord Belt allows you to have about 100 ft. of paracord (give or take a few feet, depending on your waist size) on your person at all times. Not only is it fashionable, but it also can unravel and unleash a massive amount of capabilities for you during your trip. To learn how to make your own, visit here.

Project #5: Paracord Zipper Pulls

Paracord Zipper Pulls won't provide you with much paracord, but it is probably the most subtle way to carry some cord on your trip. If you need just a few feet of paracord for survival purposes (perhaps even tinder cord for starting a campfire at night), this project is right up your alley. Oh, plus it's extremely easy. To learn how to make your own, visit here.

If you have any other ideas for easy carry projects, we'd love to hear them! Talk to us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, or Instagram and let us know.

Written By: Jackson Yakowicz

Contact at jacksony@imsetc.com

To read Jack's full blog, visit here.

Paracord May Day Baskets

Paracord May Day Baskets

How to celebrate May 1st with paracord creations

Growing up, May was my favorite month of the year. Not only was it my birthday month (wish me “Happy Birthday” on the 11^th) but it also signified the start of spring and the waning weeks of the school year. Oh, plus there was May Day. I remember making cones out of construction paper, filling them to the brim with small candies, and hanging them from my neighbors’ doors. After ringing door bells, I ran for my life, because girls still had cooties back then.

The roots of May Day can be traced back to “The Festival of Flora” around 170 BC wherein the Roman goddess of flowers was celebrated. As Europe became Christianized, May Day took on a more secular premise, with traditions of dancing around the maypole (a small wooden pole common at European folk festivals) and crowning the Queen of May. By the time the tradition of May Day came to the United States, celebrations evolved into encompassing the elements of the holiday we know today.

Although May Day traditions vary by neighborhood, city, and region, the basic customs in the United States are similar. First, you fill baskets with candies, flowers, or toys. After the basket has been filled, you are to write the recipient’s name on the outside of the basket and then deliver the basket to said recipient’s house. After you place the basket on the doorstep or door handle, you ring the doorbell or knock on the door. Then, you run away from the house before the recipient has time to see who delivered the basket. If the recipient catches you, a kiss is exchanged. Anonymity is the key to a proper May Day celebration.

The sad realization I came to while writing this blog was that the May Day tradition has decreased substantially in modern times. Some of my fondest memories came from constructing those May Day baskets and delivering them to my crushes in the neighborhood. Naturally, it was heartbreaking to see that less and less children are celebrating the great tradition these days. So, this is my challenge for the parents reading this blog: BRING BACK MAY DAY BASKETS. Teach your kids the history behind the holiday, and have them fill their baskets with paracord! Paracord scraps or small handmade crafts such as critters, bracelets, and lanyards are perfect for a May Day basket.

For more ideas, visit our Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, or Instagram to learn new tutorials and preview our best paracord discounts. If you plan on making a "Paracord May Day Basket," let us know below!

Happy Cording.

Written by: Jackson Yakowicz

Contact at jacksony@imsetc.com

To read Jack's full blog, visit here.

The Simplest Paracord Designs

The Simplest Paracord Designs

Suggested projects for paracord crafting beginners

When I came to Paracord Planet a year and a half ago, I knew virtually nothing about knotting. Aside from making a few bracelets at various summer camps growing up I really hadn’t had much crafting experience in my life. Naturally, I was apprehensive to begin. The first design that I ever successfully made was the “Fishtail Weave.” I started to build some more confidence and by the time I had worked here for three months, I was able to get down the Cobra, Sawtooth, and Extreme design with relative ease. Prior to ever being able to craft paracord projects, however, I had to familiarize myself with the material. Paracord, a kernmantle rope that was originally used by paratroopers in World War II, was never imagined to be as versatile as we have later discovered that it truly is. Although I’ll never have the crafting abilities of JD Lenzen, Dman McQ, and some of the other big names in the paracord industry, I feel comfortable enough with the rope to make some awesome creations in my spare time at work. I owe a lot of thanks to these simple designs below for helping to ease me into paracord crafting. If you're a beginner, too, try out the following designs and build your confidence in your own crafting abilities!

1. The Easiest Paracord Bracelet

Learn how to make it here.

2. The Easiest Key Fob

Learn how to make it here.

3. The Easiest Lighter Wrap

Learn how to make it here.

4. The Easiest Monkey Fist

Learn how to make it here.

5. The Easiest Necklace

Learn how to make it here.

Once you have mastered these designs, you should be able to move on to the next level of paracord crafting. Make sure to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, check out our Google+ and Pinterest pages, and scroll through our Instagram in order to find tutorials for your next project.

Written by: Jackson Yakowicz

Contact at jacksony@imsetc.com

To view Jack's full blog, click here

Paracord Planet March Madness

               

Paracord Planet March Madness

Explaining the rules of the first ever paracord tournament

March Madness has perennially been one of my favorite parts of the year. I grew up playing basketball on my driveway, dreaming of being recruited by Tom Izzo and the Michigan State Spartans. Naturally, you hit a certain age where you realize that you’re only an average ball player, and you develop new passions—such as crafting with paracord and working for Paracord Planet. Regardless of my unfulfilled dream of playing in a March Madness game, I still live for the season! Filling out brackets is one of my favorite pastimes, which brought me to creating the “Paracord Planet March Madness” bracket this year.

The Idea

We were sitting in a Paracord Planet weekly marketing meeting when the idea first got brought up. We decided to make a bracket of our 16 most popular paracord colors, and set up a competition in which each week, the winning color would go on discount. By the end of the tournament, we would crown our FIRST EVER PARACORD CHAMPION. Which color do you think it will be? View the bracket below to make your predictions.

The Rules

The first round, there will be 16 teams and 8 match-ups. Each color will be sold at full price in the 10’ length. The winner in each match-up will be the color that sells more hanks. There will be 8 winners that emerge from this week and go on to round two. The second round, there will be 8 teams and 4 match-ups. Each color will be sold at 10% off in the 25’ length for this round. There will be 4 winners that emerge from this week and go on to round three. The third round, there will be 4 teams and 2 match-ups. Each color will be sold at 15% off in the 50’ length for this round. There will be 2 winners that emerge from this week and go on to the championship round. The championship round, there will be 2 teams and 1 match-up. Each color will be sold at 20% off in the 100’ length for this round. The winner that emerges from this round will be crowned our FIRST EVER PARACORD CHAMPION and will go on sale for 25% off any length for an entire week.

Also, if you fill out a bracket and do not make a single mistake (pick all of the correct winners), you will be able to win a FREE $50 gift card to ParacordPlanet.com. This is our way of incentivizing your participation in this tournament. We want to make this a fun experience for all involved, and we are excited to see the results of all of the games. To stay updated with the results, make sure to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, check out our Google+ and Pinterest pages, and keep up to date with our Instagram. We will be keeping live updates on all of these locations. May the best color win!

GO HERE TO PLAY.

The Bracket

Written by: Jackson Yakowicz

Contact at jacksony@imsetc.com

To view Jack’s full blog, visit here.

DIY Gun Sling Instructions

Instructions: Putting Together a DIY Gun Sling Kit

Over Black Friday, we sold a record-high number of Do It Yourself Gun Sling Kits. Although the 2014 hunting season is coming to a close, paracord gun slings have NEVER been more popular than now. We thought it was particularly pertinent for us to share with the general public our instructions for putting together these DIY kits. If you've never made a gun sling before, or need a quick freshening-up, enjoy this post!

Enjoy your gun sling, and thank you for checking out this post! Please feel free to share any pictures of your completed projects with us by connecting with us on Twitter, writing on our Facebook wall, showing us on Pinterest, sharing your photo with us on Google+, or tagging us on Instagram.

#HappyCording

Written by: Jackson Yakowicz

Contact at jacksony@imsetc.com

View Jack's full blog here.