52 New: #49 Embodied Knots: Mini Macrame Workshop

mac-ra-me

noun

the art of knotting cord or string in patterns to make decorative articles.

*Fabric or articles made by knotting cord in patterns.

Modern fiber art.  My last "new thing" in the forties count, was a new to me craft.  What's better than trying something new?  Making your girlfriends try something new.  I hosted a Mom's Craft Night In at my house this past Saturday and besides it being a "new thing" for me, it was a "new thing" for all the participants!  Trying "new things" is contagious.  None of us had tried our hand with the art of Macrame.

Since the Holiday Season is upon us, I decided to host a Christmas themed event---Knotty and Nice!  Some 'Tis the Season small bites, some Jolly Cocktails, and our Winter Wonderful Macrame Workshop Guide Sage were all the things we needed for a successful first time creating our mini modern fiber art rainbows.  Say that ten times fast.  

Similar to the DIY Sip and Paint Mom's Night In that I hosted earlier in this journey of "new things", each of us made completely different, one-of-a-kind pieces.  Despite all starting with the same tools and no previous knowledge of the craft, we all immersed ourselves in the creative process and made individual works of art.  Each rainbow, like each friend, was different.  And I love them all.    

The workshop flew by.  We chose colors.  We wrapped yarn.  We shared laughs.  We enjoyed food.  We cut.  We snipped.  We combed.  We hot glue gunned (to include a few fingertips, mostly mine).  We created.  Sage, from Embodied Knots, a small local business here on O'ahu, was patient, funny, and creative.  She provided each of my friends with a kit, a wooden craft box, tools such as scissors and hot glue guns, and the know how to create our mini Macrame masterpieces.  From start to finish the workshop was probably two hours, I'm not quite sure as I was having too much fun to notice or care about time.  

I found out about Embodied Knots on Instagram.  Through another friend I found Sage's work and discovered she does mini workshops.  I have been dying to try my hand at Macrame.  It was kismet.  I coordinated a day and time that worked with Sage and then it was a matter of excitedly waiting for the craft day to arrive.  

I like to do crafty things but somehow, I have never done any sort of Macrame.  I found the activity to be a relaxing and soothing one.  It reminded me of the art of Lei making.  There is a preciseness and at the same time a whimsical and carefree effort to it.  I would love to do more.  

If you have never done any sort of Macrame craft, I would recommend trying it. The effort to payout ratio is perfect. You can quietly sit at home with friends or alone with music and create to your hearts content. There are almost no rules. You choose your artistic journey and destiny. Whatever colors that speak to you that day, go with it. This creative art allows for your intuitive nature to shine through. There are no wrong choices. Any color you choose will work. Any combination of patterns is just right. Any size. Any design. I really felt that the ease and variety of this Macrame craft was speaking to me about the bigger picture---we should all approach life with the philosophy of this art. Be easy with ourselves and others. Be open to all colors. Be open to all walks of life. Be open to pivoting and changing course when things aren't working. When you feel knotted, pinpoint the problem area, 

drink water, and rest.  

I love that a new to me activity taught me so much about the craft I was doing, but also about how to craft my life.  Crafters are on to something!  They are quietly creating beauty in the world and teaching us how that artful process can create beauty in other areas of our life.  Thank goodness for the artists and crafters!   

I hope everyone who shared in this unique workshop with me, enjoyed it as much as I did.  Getting together with friends is always fun, but adding the element of crafting and artistry elevated the experience.  Thanks to Sage and the friends who were able to attend and share in my forty-nineth "new thing" activity.  I did knot anticipate a mini workshop to have such a big impact.

The Details:

Who: Anyone interested in crafts, Macrame, learning a new skill, having fun, finding a new zen activity.  For this event, there were nine of my friends participating.  This particular craft would be great for anyone aged ten and older (just be extra careful with little hands and hot glue guns).

What: A mini workshop where you make a take home craft with the group and are provided an additional take home kit to make another at a time and place of your choosing.  The craft for this workshop was a mini rainbow hanging ornament.  

When: Anytime you feel the need to create.  Or coordinate with Embodied Knots for a date and time that work for both of your schedules.  

Where: Anyplace with enough space to create and that has an outlet(s) for a hot glue gun.  My dining room (which also doubles as a home office and Homeschool classroom) with the addition of a folding table and some extra chairs (thank you Jennah) worked just great and kept us close to our food (you need energy to create).

Why: Creating.  Making something cute.  Using your hands.  Gathering with friends.  Sharing ideas.  Inspiring others.  Mini Rainbows!

How: Contact Sage at Embodied Knots on Facebook or Instagram to get started on your Macrame journey.  Then give yourself over to the process and enjoy!

Would I Do It Again: Knot a thing could keep me away!

On Insta: Sage King @embodiedknots

"To practice any art, no matter how well or badly, is a way to make your soul grow. So do it." ~Kurt Vonnegut