Before I get started, I want to give credit to the inspiration for this craft. I first saw a pin on Pinterest that led to an Instagram page that no longer exists. However, upon further research, I found the Etsy shop, High Plain Knot Work, that is currently closed. If you want to attempt to make this on your own, here is a tutorial on my DIY Love Nautical Knots with Sea Glass.
The main item needed for this project are the monkey fist knots. My husband brought these home from a convention when he found out these were going to be tossed, can you believe it?! I’ve been sitting on these for quite some time, so I’m really happy to finally make use of them!
DIY 'LOVE' Nautical Knots with Sea Glass
Materials
- sea glass (I make my own using a tumbler and bottles)
- 4 large monkey fist knots (about 5″ round with a 2 1/4″ wide paint area)
- acrylic or chalk paint in your color choice
- sponge brush or stencil brush
- small stiff paint brush
- Silhouette machine or stencils (l,v, & e + a heart)
- sticker paper
- Clear drying craft glue
- toothpick
Instructions
In Silhouette studio, create the stencils for the letters L, V, & E in the size you need. Once the letter design is made, cut it out on sticker paper. If you have a heart graphic in Silhouette studio, make a stencil for that too. If not, draw the heart free-hand and cut out a stencil.
Cut out the letter stencils and place onto the monkey fist knots. I placed mine with the rope going horizontally, but you can also place it with the ropes going vertically.
Add paint to a sponge brush and dab excess paint off onto a paper towel. Dab the sponge brush in an up and down motion over the stencil to fill in the letter. Repeat this 2 to 3 times until there is a nice color transfer for all the stencils. DO NOT swipe the sponge brush back and forth or the paint may seep under the stencil.
Use a small brush to add paint into the crevices between the ropes. To create a clean edge for the letters, sweep the paint brush from the outside of the stencil towards the inside of the stencil. Repeat this step for all the stencils and let the paint dry.
Fill in the painted portion of the heart with clear drying craft glue. Add pieces of sea glass onto the glue, following the painted heart shape. If needed, use a toothpick to help push glass into place. Let the glue dry completely or the sea glass will start to slide down.
Once the paint and glue are dry on the knots, the DIY Love Nautical Knots are ready to be displayed. These make the perfect Valentine’s Day decor for any coastal theme.
Recommended Products
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Silhouette Cameo 4 with Bluetooth, 12x12 Cutting mat, AutoBlade 2, 100 Designs and Silhouette Studio Software - Black Edition -
20 pieces 10-12 mm small center drilled sea beach glass jewelry use (Blue) -
5" Monkey Fist Nautical Doorstop Rope Sailor Knot -
FolkArt Home Decor Chalk Furniture & Craft Paint in Assorted Colors, 16 ounce, White Adirondack -
20 PCS Round Sponges Brush Set -
18 Pieces Fine Detail Paint Brush Miniature Painting Brushes Kit -
Aleene's 17843 Quick Dry Tacky Glue 8oz -
Rock Paper Scissors Removable Sticker Paper 8.5"x11" 25 count
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This is a great idea! The nautical touch is beautiful. Pinning!
Love these monkey knots, Erlene… and I love the inspiration of the seaglass and stenciling! Thanks for sharing at Homestyle Gathering! Hope you’ll join us again this coming week!
These knots look great! I love a good nautical project.
What a cute idea! And a decor piece that can used all year.
These are great, Erlene! Nautical projects are some of my favorites. That was a great way to use the knots. These are perfect to add to your coastal decor.
You are always so creative and such a fun nautical spin! I’ve never seen a monkey knot before, but I love the idea of decorating for summer with this craft!
I’ve never attempted to tie a monkey fist. Hmmm… Suddenly I want to! 😉 This is a great project! -Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures
Great find on the monkey knots and also a very creative way to reuse them.
I love how quick and easy this project is! I’ve never seen those monkey knots before! Did you get them at a craft store?
I was lucky and my husband got them from a trade show display. The vendor left these behind and the hotel was going to throw them out, so my hubby took them. These would have cost $20 a piece, so I totally scored. You can make your own monkey fist knots or buy them on Etsy.
What a fun coastal project. I used to collect sea glass when we lived by the beach in South Carolina. This would be a fun way to use it!
Such a nice Valentine’s Day decoration with a coastal vibe.
SO CUTE!!!!!!!!
What a cute idea – I’m very fond of coastal and I love the Knots!