Much of my childhood was nomadic as my mother, my two brothers and I moved around the world with my father who took contracts of employment in countries that appealed to us.  Consequently, I attended eleven different schools which provided very varied approaches to arts and crafts.

Several years in Jamaica left an early impression of vibrancy and colour, tinged with the Rastafarian leaning to experimenting with anything out of the ordinary.

A couple of years in Papua New Guinea brought an awareness of bold highly defined tribal patterns of decoration, reflected in the handicrafts sold in the local markets and in the ceremonial wear at the Sing-Sing gatherings. This contrasted hugely with my period in Cyprus where the Greek classical forms of pottery and art were paramount and led directly to my work with mosaics.

Our years in the Bahamas presented a more commercial approach with the incredible range of macramé and raffia work produced by the Bahamians for sale to the thousands of cruise ship tourists who flocked to the Straw Markets.

Two years in the Middle East fostered a keen interest in the intricate patterns of Bedouin jewelry which my mother collected and which I’ve used as inspiration for cross stitch and embroidery pieces.

As an adult, I’ve taken great pleasure in developing my son’s creative interests at the same time as sharing my interests with the many children I’ve worked with in local schools as a Teaching Assistant.

What first interested you in Macramé?

This hanging table sparked my love of macramé from an early age. My parents bought it in 1974 in Jamaica from a local craft shop. It has been one of the few items that travelled with us.

Around this time my Mum was ‘bitten by the macramé bug’ and was making quite a few things. As children we would be involved, completing small projects usually plant pot holders.

What is your favourite macramé creation you have made to date?

My favourite creation is definitely the lampshade. I had been looking at the old lampshade for several weeks, the material was faded and worn. I wasn’t too enthused about using fabric again. I had no idea how to start or indeed which knots I was going to use.  Despite feeling like I was unknotting nearly as much as I was knotting, I was rather pleased with the final result.

Becky used our twisted 3 Ply 3mm x 175m rope to make her revamped lampshade

Where do you get your inspiration from?

I love seeing what other people have created and usually start with Pinterest.  Then Etsy, YouTube, and books are all picked over for ideas.

Combined with my mother’s perpetual enthusiasm for encouraging me to try many and varied arts and crafts whether it be macramé, pottery, quilting or whatever, I’ve learned that no matter how daunting an idea may appear at the outset, the important point is to make a start and develop it as the work takes shape.

Are there any particular tutorials you have found useful and would recommend to others?

Emily Faith has some amazing tutorials on YouTube.  She gives clear instructions on projects suitable for beginners and for those ready to have more of a challenge.

Sasha MACRAMESSAGE also has some good tutorials with easy instructions on different knots.

Can we see some of your projects so far? 

Placemat – An early project that was intended to be a cushion cover but turned out too small! This used 3mm braided cord.

Wall hanging – Tassel & Plume 5mm twisted 3ply cord, pattern by Emily Faith

 Available to buy at Etsy

Garland – Experimenting with negative and positive space. Tassel & Plume 3mm twisted 3 ply, pattern by Natalie Ranae

Available to buy at Etsy 

Hanging pot plant holder – For old time’s sake! Tassel & Plume 5mm twisted 3 ply cord.

Click here to go to our top 10 macramé projects guide

What is your next project going to be?

I am currently working on a much larger wall hanging. I want it to be large enough to hang on the wall above a double bed. I’m also keen to work with some of the different coloured cords that are available.

We recently published a guide to help our customers and social media followers decide which macramé cord to use. What is your go to macramé cord?

I prefer twisted 3 ply to a braided cord. I like to unravel the rope for a tasselled effect or softer finish. Then choose a 3mm or 5mm depending on project.  I love the chunky boho effect of the thicker 5mm cord for wall hangings.

Click here to shop for macramé cord

Click here to go to our macramé cord guide

What tools do you find most useful for your projects?

I have an adjustable clothes rail which is great for tying a pole/branch onto. I can raise it up as the piece gets longer. I also find an open door is invaluable to loop cut lengths of cord over as I am measuring them at the start of a project.

Click here to go to our top 7 essential macramé tools guide

Finally, have you got any tips or advice you would pass on to other macramé enthusiasts?

I would advise to OVER estimate the length of cord needed on a project.

And be adventurous!

There is no right or wrong, you can always un-knot and redo a piece if you aren’t totally happy with the result.  It’s about self-belief not self-criticism!

Thank you Becky!

Click here to visit beckysartandcraft

Click here to shop at BeckysMacrameArt on Etsy

Click here to shop at Tassel and Plume

Click here to read Vicky's Story

If you would like to appear in our next customer blog, and share your projects and knowledge, please get in contact with us. If you are currently selling your macramé creation, we can include links to your shop.