Summer is almost over (gasp!). So I decided to take advantage of these last few sweet, sweltery days in the best way possible – by getting real summer-camp-nostalgic with friendship bracelets and Shirley Temples.

And vodka.

Look at that Shirley. So deliciously dirty.

-Embroidery Floss or No.5 Perle Cotton Thread

-Safety Pin(s)

-Back Support

-A friend who is a Masseuse.

What you’ll need for Dirty Shirleys:

-Grenadine

-Orange Juice

-7-Up/Sprite

-Lime Juice

-Vodka OF COURSE

-Maraschino Cherries OF COURSE

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Alright. First thing’s first.

Vodka!

Just kidding. String.

There are plenty of places to find string– most craft shops have a wide variety of colors. Since I have the distinct pleasure of working near a Hobby Lobby, I decided that was to be my string shop of choice. After a solid 15 minutes of standing in the string aisle, I settled on….17 different colors.

Come on, there's way more than 17 packets of string here. This isn't even my picture.

And this book, which is both legit and and full of wonders.

Gem.

This dude knows what I’m talking about.

Hells yeah.

As far as back support goes; walls, chairs, dogs and couches are pretty solid. The friend-masseuse is up to you.

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Ok, let’s fast forward to when you’ve got your drinks (see bottom of article for recipe, you lovely lush), your thread and the friends you conned into this, all in one place.

Conned and ready.

Hooray, we’re ready to friendship!

1.) Pick what pattern you think best symbolizes your friendship with whatever lucky patron will receive your bracelet. Or, pick the one that you think looks easiest. We picked the “Chevron Stripe,” something we commonly call the “V Knot.”

-If you’d like a more difficult pattern, go buy the book.

2.) Pick what colors you feel best symbolize your friendship with said lucky patron. Or, whatever colors you selfishly like. Four colors work best for the ol’ “Chevron,” but don’t feel like you have to use four, just make sure you have an even number.

3.) Cut the strings so they’re about 72” long.

4.) Fold them in half and tie all the pieces together with an Overhand Knot.

I give you, the glorious Overhand Knot.

5). Jam a safety pin through the knot and pin it to either the rug, your jeans (be careful!) or a pillow. You can also do like this crafty guy and tie it to a table.

"He has a sister." P.S. Please note that exercise balls are also great sources for back support.

6.) Lay out all your strings so the colors are opposite of each other.

6.5) Ok, going forward I’m going to assume that you know how to tie knots. If you don’t, you probably shouldn’t be making friendship bracelets. And to be honest, you probably shouldn’t be drinking Dirty Shirleys, either. Stick to finger-paints and OJ, kid. You’ll get there someday.

7.) Starting with the outside strand on the far left (and your adult knot-tying knowledge), tie four knots on the string next to it. Then, tie four knots on the next string…and so on and so on, working to the right until you reach the middle.

8.) Starting with the outside strand on the far right (which should be the same color as the string from the above step), tie four knots on the string next to it. And so on and so on, working to the left until you meet in the middle.

9.) This is where it gets tricky (I know, right?) Once  the two colors are in the middle, you will tie them to each other. So, take one of those (blue?) colors and tie that (blue?) string four times to the (blue?) string. Make sense?

Probably not.

So check out this sweet diagram I got from the book instead. Totally clear.

9 – whatever.) From here on out, you’ll keep tying from the outside in until you reach the desired length of your friendship token. AKA however skinny the wrist is (see what I did there).

9.5.) Mine is not the skinniest so it took way long. This is where back support, a full glass of Dirty Shirleys and a friend-masseuse will really come in handy. Because it’s going to be a long one.

You've got a long way to go girl. Better get some back support and another Dirty Shirley.

I lost count.) Once you finish your glorious symbol of friendship, tie the leftover strings together in an Overhand Knot (so glorious), then tie the loose ends around your lucky friend’s wrist using another Overhand Knot (so glorious) and TADAAAAA!

Do I hear "Friends Forever" playing? Why yes, I believe I do.

Well, I have a rule that once a Saved By the Bell reference enters a blog, it’s time to wrap it up. I hope you enjoyed this week’s Crafty Hour and that it brings you hours of friendship happiness.

Until next time...

Dirty Shirley Recipe (I told you it was at the end):

1 oz Grenadine

1-2 shot(s)Vodka

¼ glass Orange Juice

½ glass 7-Up/Sprite

1 tsps Lime Juice

However many Maraschino Cherries your heart desires

Fill a glass up with ice and pretty much splash all these ingredients together. Personally, I poured vodka first, then grenadine, 7-up, orange juice, lime juice and a ended with a million maraschino cherries. Obviously this is all made to taste, so…it’s up to you. Enjoy my lovelies.

Here are most of the happy venders from Sat event!
Whitney from Lucky Me Beads, Bret& Crystal from Vital and Marybeth with mmsomewhere were also venders at the event but dodged the camera!