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.

What you’ll need for Le Bracelets of Friendship:

-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

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.

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

The 90's are alive and well in the craft world.

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.

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 you don't 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.

5). Jam a safety pin through the knot and pin it to either the rug, your jeans (be careful!) or a pillow. Or you can tie it to a table leg. So many options.

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? Hmm, ok just follow that diagram.

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.

Better settle in girl, you've got a long way to go.

10) 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!

This one gave up and went straight for the Dirty Shirleys.

Dirty Shirley Recipe:

--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.

Well, I have a rule that once a cherry 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...