Coozie

I set out today to create a paracord can coozie and write to you about it.

However, I didn't anticipate that it would take me hours! So this post is short and sweet.

This coozie will take me a couple days to complete and I think in the end it will be worth it. As I said last week, never quit a project (especially a Paracord project)!

Here is my project so far (Please ignore my chipped nail polish):

What projects have you worked on that look much longer than expected? Were you happy with your end result? Comment below!

Happy Cording!

Paracord Love,

Lauri

Never Quit a Project (especially a Paracord Project)

Happy Friday to all my Paracorders,

Never quit a project.

You may have a difficult time doing it, someone may do it better, but practice makes perfect. Don't give up on something because you don't get it right away. All good things, hobbies, relationships, take time and patience. Everything has another way of being done which may end up being the way that works best for you. Find it! You will get better.

Yesterday was quite a day. As I said last week, I wanted to make the Square Braid Bracelet. I used the video from our website. This weave didn't look terribly hard, but as I very quickly found out...it is. I thought this bracelet looked fun to make (very un-"square") and I had yet to make a bracelet where I took the guts out (which I was very much looking forward to doing).

So I gathered my two different colored paracords, lighter, fid, buckle, and scissors. I put my headphones in and set to make my bracelet.

Or so I thought.

I instantly got stuck on the first knot. After about 10 minutes and 20 tries (remember, I'm still a newbie with big dreams) I finally had the first knot done and was very proud of myself. After I got 2 more "braids" done I knew it wasn't looking right and took them out. I did another 20 minutes of who knows how many attempts and was unsuccessful. I couldn't follow the video very well. Everybody learns different, and videos are definitely NOT the way I learn best. I tried without looking at the video, I tried finding other videos online, which surprisingly, I was also unsuccessful at.

I decided to put it down for 5 minutes go give my mind and fingers a rest. Hoping that would be all it takes to get this braid to "click" in my head. Back at it, tried for another 10 minutes still unsuccessfully. I took the headphones off my head - forcefully - and declared out loud that I quit. I then had to clarify I wasn't quitting Paracord Planet, I was just quitting the bracelet :)

At that point my manager turned around to see what I was doing. He worked at it for about 60 seconds before he figured out the braid. Finally, I had someone in front of me showing me how to do this "impossible" braid. He made it look so much easier and did it a tad different than the video which helped me immensely!

Finally, I went back to my desk, put on my music and finished the braid with very little issue. And fun was had by all.

Back to my original point. Never quit a project (especially a paracord project since they're awesome) because you don't get it right away. Ask for help. Find a different way of looking at it. There are infinite resources out there of finding an answer. Find it. Work at it. Be proud of it.

For those of you interested in the easier way (for me) to do this braid, this is it. The video I watched had loops on top of loops and I couldn't figure out which to have on top and which end to put through which loop and on top or under which loop side. What I found easiest was to (after your first square braid on the buckle is done) simply lay each strand on top of the first one in a clockwise or counterclockwise (it doesn't matter which) manner. That way, you only have to do one loop and its very easy to see which strand to put the 4th strand under.  then pull tight. Note: your fingers will be a little sore after this one, but I promise it's worth it!

For those of you interested in my finished bracelet here it is:

If I had given up and not tried it the new way, I wouldn't have this awesome bracelet that I'm really proud of (and subsequently showed everyone in the office). Practice makes perfect.

What projects have you guys made that were hard for you but you trudged through and are proud of your final result? Share with us in the comment section. 

As always, please feel free to contact me on any of our social media avenues- Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, and Google+. 

Paracord Love,

Lauri

Sawtooth

Hello Paracorders,

I'm now 2 weeks in my time here at Paracord Planet and my paracord skills are definitely improving! I've decided every week I'm going to make a new creation, work my way up to intricate creations, and eventually make new videos myself. This week I made the Sawtooth/Shark Jawbone bracelet.

Let me tell you..It was not as easy as I thought it would be! I got tripped up on the first loop for a couple tries, but once I got past that it was smooth sailing. Once I got into a good rhythm I just turned on my 90s Pandora and weaved. Isn't that the best part? Where you get into a good system and can zone everything and everybody out and just work your paracord magic. I wish I could show you all a picture, but as I'm typing this I realize I brought it home to show my husband and left it there.

The finished product was good, and my best bracelet yet, but still not great work. That is yet to come! I think the next bracelet I want to try is the Square Braid bracelet. Do you guys have any suggestions for a beginner paracorder?

Try the Sawtooth yourself and show us your finished product: http://ow.ly/S6qEW

As always, please contact me with any questions or comments! We're on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+, and Pinterest..

Paracord Love,

Lauri

What Do You Want to See?

Hello paracord crafters!

Well, it's the conclusion of my first week here at ParacordPlanet and it's been crazy! I've met a lot of really cool people, learned about the world of pararcord, and attempted my very first paracord bracelet (Thin Blue Line). Let me tell you, it didn't go very well, but practice makes perfect!

From day 1, I could tell the paracord world was close-knit. Everyone loves sharing their work, giving tips, and interacts with each other. I love it! So, as I'm new to your world, what are some tips and tricks you can give me? What bracelet should I attempt next? Also, I want to help you guys perfect your craft too, so is there any thing you want to see from us and aren't? I love hearing from you so please chat with us on here, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Pinterest!

Your newest paracord fan, Lauri

Hello Paracord World!

Hello Paracord Lovers!

My first two weeks at Paracord Planet have been a real eye opener into the paracord world!  I had no idea there would be so many options when it comes to paracord. From size to color, even the accessories and buckles you can choose from; it’s truly something else. I want to say thank you for welcoming me into the Paracord Planet family with open arms.

My first two attempts at a paracord bracelet went great! (check out my work below!) Once I found my rhythm I found it to be very therapeutic. My third, fourth, and fifth attempt didn’t go as planned... frustration set in and back in my drawer the paracord went. My patience will be tested with paracord, but it'll be worth it. As I start my journey with paracord I ask you to come with me. Soon I will start making tutorials and sharing them all with you! Make sure you're following us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+, and Pinterest as I will be posting them there as well as on our website. There will also be new contests rolled out and even more ways to win paracord! I'm excited to interact with you all and learn more about paracord then I ever imagined!

If there is something you want to see more of, like, or don't like, share it with me!

Maggie

#HappyCording

What do you think of my paracord creations?! As you can see my go to paracord color is pink!

Putting a Wrap on my Time at Paracord Planet

Putting a Wrap on my Time at Paracord Planet

Written By: Jackson Yakowicz

Jackson passes on the Paracord Baton (aka Paracord Pete) to Maggie

I was twenty years old when I started working at Paracord Planet. I had never heard of paracord before—I merely was looking for a job that could pay some bills and grant me a few college credits. It took me about three months to learn my first weave; it took me roughly six to learn the jargon. Although I was far from expert status, it only took me a few days on the job to realize what an amazing sense of community existed amongst you paracord crafters. I was welcomed in to it, I provided content to it, and I will miss it dearly. Over the past year and a half, I learned more about hitches, knots, and weaves than I ever thought possible. Although I will be leaving a drawer full of paracord crafts behind, I will be bringing with me an immense collection of memories from my time spent at Paracord Planet.

Alright, enough with the sentimentality. I am so very proud to give over the reins to Paracord Planet’s social media accounts to my friend, Maggie. As I look back on all of the relationships that I have made with you people over the past 16 months, I can’t help but feel ecstatic for Maggie to share some of those same experiences. She has an innate ability to connect with people, a marked way with words, and a budding fascination with paracord. I’m leaving you all in very good hands!

For the last time, #HappyCording.

To keep up with Maggie's work, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, check out our Pinterest, view us on Google+, or give our Instagram a look!

The Ultimate Paracord DIY

The Ultimate Paracord DIY

How to make your own fids, jigs, and spools

Paracording can be an expensive habit. Aside from the cost of paracord itself, there are additional expenses for fids, jigs, spools, books, and even more accessories that will elevate your crafting to the next level. When I first started crafting with paracord, I didn’t think I needed any additional accessories; only paracord and buckles. Once I started working with more complex designs, I realized how wrong I was! Jigs, Fids, and more soon became less of a benefit and more of a necessity. Although we offer all of these paracord tools for sale on our website, I also wanted to make you aware of some DIY projects for making your own paracord tools. For the big do-it-yourselfers, these projects will help save a few pennies, and will prove to be fun projects for you to undertake. Check them out:

Do-It-Yourself Paracord Fid

Fids are an essential paracord crafting tool as they allow you to navigate your cord through tight loops, and also help you when you go to tie off your ends at the end of your weave. Most recently, I have found fids to be an asset when it comes to getting paracord through the small hole in a 3/8" buckle. Ultimately, the fid is an asset when it comes to expanding your craft. To see how to make your own DIY Fid, click here.

(via Instructables)

Do-it-Yourself Paracord Jig

If you've been eye-balling your paracord projects for sizes: the jig is up. (Sorry, I had to). The Paracord Jig comes in handy when it comes to sizing and weaving your projects (especially bracelets, belts, and collars). Whether you need a jig that is longer than the standard one sold in stores, or you just want to save a few bucks, you'll love this project. To see how to make your own DIY Jig, click here. 

(via Instructables)

Do-it-Yourself Paracord Spool

Now, the easy project. Although a spool might seem unnecessary at first, once you start collecting your paracord in bulk quantities, you'll be begging for one. The paracord spool not only helps you keep track of your cord in all of its untangled glory, but it also makes for an easy way for you to dispense the amounts of cord that you need for a given project. To see how to make your own DIY Spool, click here.

(via Instructables)

Do you have any DIY paracord tool projects that we didn't touch on in this blog? Tell us all about it on our Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, or Instagram page. We would love to hear from you about what creative projects you have been working on! Until next week... #HappyCording

Written by: Jackson Yakowicz

Contact at jacksony@imsetc.com