Macramé is an old art form that uses cords and square knots to create art such as jewelry, clothing, and an assortment of decorative items. This art form reached its peak in popularity during the Victorian era and is believed to have originated during the 13th century. Arab weavers of the time would create hand-loomed fabrics; excess threads would be knotted into decorative fringe. Although the word “macramé” is Spanish, it is possibly derived from the Arabic word “migramah” meaning “to tie.” However, this art form did not reach Spain until after the Moorish conquest. Sailors used to pass their time by “square knotting.” These men would decorate items such as knife handles, bottles, belts, and more with macramé. When the ship would reach port, the men would sell or barter their creations. Due to sailors, macramé spread to china and the newly discovered Americas. Later, during the 19th century, sailors used macramé to create hammocks. The world saw a decline in macramé after the end of the Victorian era; eventually a comeback occurred during the 1970s. Macramé is still rising with its new-found popularity, especially among the neo-hippie/bohemian sub culture. Today macramé is primarily used to create jewelry. This style of jewelry is created using square knots (right over left, left over right) and half hitches. Macramé employs the use of knotted cords (hemp, cotton, yarn, etc.) and other items such as wood, glass, or gemstone beads, bells, and pendants made of various materials. Artists typically use a board either card board or corkboard to pin down the cords in order as each knot is tied. However, if an artist is creating a much larger piece, such as a wall hanging (or for the more ambitious; curtains) the cords would be stung and knotted on a dowel rod. Cavandoli macramé is a style that creates geometric patterns. This form of uses the double half-hitch knot sometimes the reversed half-hitch is used to create balance when working opposite sides of a symmetrical piece. Artist Renee Boyett of NayNay Macrame brings whimsy and playfulness to her pieces with her color combinations, verity of materials, and her own unique patterns. Renee has been creating macramé jewelry for over 20 years. She says “My goal is to create work that can be seen in fashion shows, at formal events, and with casual wear.” Renee, like other artists, uses a verity of materials; common cords materials are: hemp, satin ribbon, and silk. Renee says “If I can tie it, I’ll use it.” Her pieces also feature gemstone, pewter, and carved wood pendants, as well as wood, glass, gemstone, and bone beads. Renee also likes to incorporate “clapper-less bells” into her pieces, these bells are clustered in groups of two or three, and create a light ring when worn. Renee has also done many collaborations with other artists the most notable partnership is with Kyla of Balthasar Craft. Perhaps Renee’s most whimsical pieces are those that feature free-form, wire wrapped pendants created by Kyla. Kyla’s pendants are typically sea glass or shells (known also as “found objects”) for the center piece wrapped with wire and embellished with glass or gemstone beads. Currently Renee is holding a 25% off sale in her Etsy shop using the code HEATINGUP. | Credit belongs to Renee Boyett Pendant created by Kyla Cardinalis |
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AuthorsRaven Dossett- lead blogger Archives
September 2013
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