Unraveling My Macrame Odyssey

In this inaugural blog post, I’d like to share some of my life experiences and the journey that led me to discover macrame. From my childhood, I’ve been a curious and creative individual, with a particular fondness for art – my favorite school subject – and a love for nature. Spending cherished days with my grandmother, a textile artist and weaving teacher in Sao Paulo, Brazil, exposed me to the world of weaving, igniting my passion for handmade crafts.

As I honed my skills, I began weaving and selling my art, including handmade gifts for Christmas. My creative pursuits expanded to include crafting beaded necklaces and mosaics. However, my interests took a turn towards nature and environmental education, leading me to pursue my PhD in Geoscience after graduation in Ecology, being a lecturer for 25 years.

Amid the pandemic and the shift to remote classes, I found myself with more time at home, sparking the discovery of my passion for macrame. Faced with the challenge of optimizing space and hanging numerous plants acquired during quarantine, I delved into creating macrame plant hangers. The tactile beauty of knot-making with my hands captured my heart, inspiring me to further explore the art.

In July 2021, I embarked on a new chapter, establishing my own macrame business. My goal was to provide creative and sustainable solutions by crafting beautiful and durable macrame pieces for home decor and daily use. Nature serves as my primary inspiration, reflected in my choice to work with natural fibers and wooden accessories.

As demand for my macrame pieces grew, I made the decision in 2022 to dedicate myself full-time to this craft. I resigned from my teaching activities, relocated to Johannesburg, South Africa, and embraced macrame as my newfound vocation. The journey has been challenging, yet incredibly rewarding, as I continue to learn and find joy in connecting with wonderful individuals.

I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to reignite my passion for crafting, embracing new challenges, experiences, and opportunities. Thank you for taking the time to read this article and visit my blog. If my experiences inspire you, and you’re looking to learn macrame, decorate your home with macrame or explore custom projects, please visit my online store or feel free to reach out. I’m excited to hear from you and assist you on your macrame journey!

~ 1970 ~

My grandmother Antonietta at her home in Sao Paulo, Brazil (1970s)

~ 1980 ~

My grandmother Antonietta at her home in Sao Paulo, Brazil (1980s)

~ 1980 ~

My grandmother’s tapestries and I, in her living room in Sao Paulo (SP), Brazil (1981).

~ 2021 ~

My grandmothers biggest tapestry and me at my home in Brazil (2021).

~ 2021~

My collection of plants in Brazil.

~ 2021 -2024 ~

Evolution of my macrame plant hangers in 2021 (Avaré, Brazil) to 2024 (Johannesburg, South Africa).