Modern Macramé: DIY Wall Hangings and Plant Hangers for a Boho Vibe
Macramé is a DIY craft experiencing a resurgence in popularity, particularly as wall hangings and plant hangers. This increasingly popular element in interior design is the cornerstone of the much-loved and coveted “boho” aesthetic. In embracing modern macramé, DIYers and interior design enthusiasts are not merely following a trend but are instead lavishing its multifaceted benefits, such as a means of creativity and sustainable décor.
The Accessibility and Ease of Macramé
Macramé is easily accessible as it requires minimal tools and is founded upon basic knotting skills. For example, a plant holder wall hanging only requires five items at most, including the plant and its pot/vase. Newcomers to the craft can easily find free online tutorials on interior design blogs, YouTube, and online learning resources such as Skillshare.
Macramé as a Therapeutic Practice
The craft empowers individuals to engage in creative expression, allowing them to produce personalized decor items that reflect their unique style and that they can be proud of. The creative process of making your own macramé pieces can be meditative, offering a therapeutic outlet in an increasingly fast-paced and stressful world.
Sustainability in the Macramé Movement
This growing macramé movement also speaks to the increasing need and want to create sustainable and eco-friendly interiors. Many DIY macramé projects can be achieved using upcycled materials, such as fabric scraps or thrifted textiles, reducing waste and promoting eco-conscious crafting. Additionally, natural fibers like cotton or hemp are available even when new materials are used, further minimizing environmental impacts.
Macramé and the Boho Aesthetic
The “boho” or bohemian aesthetic is characterized by its relaxed, eclectic, and nature-inspired vibe, incorporating natural materials and textures to create a cozy and intimate atmosphere. Macramé’s inherent textures, accessories, and handcrafted quality naturally complement this aesthetic by using cotton and other natural fibers to knot patterns in pleasing and intricate designs and wooden accessories to facilitate and enhance its features.
Biophilic Design and Macramé Plant Hangers
Like the Macramé movement, biophilic design is increasing in popularity. Biophilic design is the movement towards bringing the outside into our homes using potted plants and other greenery. Bringing plants indoors can improve air quality and foster a sense of connection with nature. As both movements became more popular, macramé plant hangers became a staple in many homes.
Macramé in Small Spaces
Store-bought or DIY macramé projects can help save space in smaller homes. For example, macramé plant hangers and wall hangings allow foliage to be mounted instead of taking up space on surfaces. Additionally, more advanced macramé designs can include hanging shelves and tables. This is particularly advantageous for those living in more urban areas with limited square footage.
Macramé as a Social Connector
As macramé becomes more popular, we are seeing more online communities, workshops, and tutorials. This trend has brought together a growing group of people and given them a social and artistic outlet where individuality and creative expression are celebrated and shared. These communities bond over shared knowledge and create a safe space for individuals to learn from one another.
Empowering Artisans and Local Economies
A thriving macramé community allows artisans and small businesses, particularly in developing countries, to showcase their skills and generate income. For example, the macramé community in Ghana has been so successful that it’s become a viable economic venture, making the craft “capable of complementing other fashionable accessory products … which has a socioeconomic benefit as well as a sustaining culture.”
The Future of Macramé in Home Design
The macramé movement is creating communities that are likely to move away from mass-produced, generic home decor and choose unique, handmade items that reflect personal stories and values instead. By embracing creativity and sustainable practices, macramé offers a pathway to enriching our living spaces, boosting social connections, and supporting local businesses.
Sources
DIY Macrame Wall Hanging
Does Macrame Make the Best Sustainable Gifts?
The Developments of Macramé as a Viable Economic Venture in Ghana
