Create a Peace Beads Mala

 By Sor. Ashera

Materials :

 54 or 108 Beads (6-8 mm is a good size)

Select beads which remind you of the Earth, such as deep blue glass, lapis lazuli, amazonite, blue cats eye glass, etc..

1 Focal Bead of a coordinating color, larger or different in shape

This can be up to twice as big as the other beads, or a tube/fancy shape. 

1 Metal, Glass or Ceramic Charm, Bead or small Pendant to remind you of peace.

I have found metal beads and tiny pendants with peace carved on them, doves, peace symbols, goddesses, clay and metal buddhas, angels and earth charms.

Beading Cord in a coordinating color

The cord should be as sturdy as possible, but still slender enough to fit through your beads. Size 4, 6 or 8 of 2-strand nylon cord works well. It can be bought on a card with an attached needle. A card of bead cord is enough for 1 full or 2 ½ malas.

Rayon Embroidery Floss for the tassel

1) 24” piece of coordinating cotton embroidery floss for the tassel wrapping

Rayon floss will make a beautiful silky tassel, but it is harder to find and comes in fewer colors than standard cotton floss (try craft stores and shops listed under ‘Needlework & Supplies’ in the yellow pages). One skein will make 2-4 tassels. Because rayon thread does not hold a knot well, you will still need a small piece of cotton thread for the wrapping.

Scissors, a large eye-tapestry needle

Optional :

Spacer Beads if desired

Clear or silver-lined clear beads size 18 work well with the above cord sizes.

Other beads to ornament the tassel section, as you will.

It is the most economical to buy beads by full strands, not individually. The best prices can be found on the internet or in bead and jewelry-making catalogs. If you love beads, jewelry and stones, be sure to attend the Gem Fair Shows that travel to many cities 2 or 3 times a year. See their schedule and sign up for mailings at www.gemfaire.com 

2.  Tie both ends of the cord together tightly with a square knot plus one more knot (in other words, tie a knot 3 times.)  This is the body of the mala. 

3.   Pass both ends of the cord through the focal bead.

4.  Add any extra spacers or beads you wish to decorate the ‘tail’. Knot three times again.

5.  Take the skein of embroidery floss and divide it into fourths (if you want a fuller tassel, divide it in thirds). Cut the quarter section into 10-inch pieces. This will create a 5-inch finished tassel. An easy way to do this is to wind the floss (loosely) around the long side of a 3x5 index card. If you wish a longer or shorter tassel, adjust accordingly. Save the rest of the floss for your next mala, or to share.

6.  Using the two cords that are extending from the end of the focal bead, tie the bundle of 10-inch pieces tightly in the middle, so that there are 5 inches on either side.  Tie 2x again (making another 3-knot square knot on the underside, away from the mala), it will be hidden by the tassel.

7.  Cut one 24-inch piece of cotton embroidery floss.

Bend the two sides of the knotted bundle together so that the knot is hidden. Then take the 24-inch piece, and tie it into a 3-knot square knot about 1 inch below the top of the tassel.  One end of the floss should be 3 inches long. Lay this shorter end towards the mala.

Using the longer piece, wrap the tassel firmly (over the short end) until the knot is invisible and you have at least ½ inch wrapped.  Then tie another 3-knot square knot with both ends.  Using a large eye tapestry needle, take one end at a time down and under the wrapped-up parts of the tassel. Pull firmly, use pliers to grasp the end of the needle if you can’t pull it through the bundle. The knot should end up invisible and all the strands of floss pointing in the same direction. 

So they will blend in, unravel the ends of the beading cord that are hiding inside the tassel. You will notice the tassel doesn’t hang straight yet, it has bends and kinks from the original skein. Wet it down (tassel only, not the entire mala) and straighten the threads with your fingers. Hang it up to dry overnight. Once the tassel is dry you can trim the ends evenly.

8.   Consecrate your mala according to your own spiritual tradition. Dedicate it to the cause of peace. Treat it with respect, as a magickal tool to manifest your intentions.

May Peace Prevail on Earth!  Om Shanti!