Macrame Christmas - by Isabella Strambio (Paperback)

About the Book

"The 24 stylish projects range from gift tags and tree decorations to statement wall hangings and a stunning advent calendar. Each project details which knows to use, how long it will take, and the preparation needed. All the knows, patterns and projects are demonstrated with easy-to-follow step-by-step photography."--

Book Synopsis

Create and decorate with style influencer Isabella Strambio, author of Macrame for the Modern Home! Make 24 statement festive pieces for your home using 100 per cent recycled materials.

This gorgeous book will show you how to create 24 stunning festive decorations - all made using simple macramé knots, natural dyes and 100 per cent recycled materials.

Start by learning 18 key knots and 8 beautiful patterns, all shown clearly using step-by-step photography. Learn how to use natural dyes and how to pre-treat and dye your string. Key safety advice is given, as well as helpful tips for working with large pieces of macramé, knotting from an irregular-shaped support and keeping an even tension.

The 24 projects range from stunning tree and table decorations, to statement wreaths, charming gift tags and cute garlands - perfect to create a stylish, cosy Christmas at home, or to give away as enviable gifts! Each project clearly explains which knots to use, the difficulty level, how long the project will take, plus photographs of the steps are provided as necessary.

The projects are easy to follow, genuinely desirable and, best of all, really simple to make!

Review Quotes

Publishers Weekly June 2023

"Macramé artist Strambio (Macramé Jewellery) shows how to create winter holiday decorations in this appealing manual. Step-by-step instructions detail how to make overhand, reversed lark's head, and half square knots, and she outlines the pros and cons of various materials, noting that single-twist string unravels easily and that novices would be better off with more durable braided string. The boho-chic projects include a Christmas tree wall hanging made from chunky double half hitch knots, a bauble adorned with gold string and tassels, and a simple stocking made up of square knots. Elsewhere, Strambio explains how to assemble green and white napkin rings, tree ornaments resembling candy canes and snowflakes, and a basket covering with a protruding knotted "red nose." Crafters of all levels will appreciate the helpful advice on hiding string ends (she recommends taping the tips, weaving them through the backside of a knot, and trimming the excess) and working with long strings (to avoid tangling, she suggests folding strings over themselves several times and securing them with rubber bands), but the skimpy photo illustrations might leave novices struggling to follow the instructions for the more advanced pieces. Still, this will help crafters get in the holiday spirit."

Library Journal July 2023

"Self-taught macramé and natural-dye artist Strambio's (Macramé for the Modern Home) book provides valuable tips and project plans for crafters of all skill levels. The book starts with a table of contents that notes the level of difficulty readers can expect with each project. The further readers go into the book, the more they'll learn about various knotting techniques and supplies. Each Christmas-themed project--snowflakes, ornaments, and more--includes step-by-step instructions and a key that informs readers of the knots they'll use, the estimated time it will take to complete the project, the required materials, and the finished size of the craft. There are also plenty of clear photographs". VERDICT Crafters interested in adding macramé touches to their homemade Christmas decor will likely enjoy this book. This is a strong selection for libraries with well-circulating holiday craft collections.

About the Author

Isabella Strambio is a self-taught macramé and natural dye artist. She is half Italian and half Japanese and she grew up by the sea in Italy. At 18, she moved to the UK to learn English and study Interior Design.
Isabella has always been attracted to design, hand-made products, natural materials and textures, and her passions are reflected in her work. She is also a big advocate of using recycled materials for her macramé work and food scraps for her natural dyeing. She started her blog www.twome.co.uk, to document her personal journey to learn 12 new crafts in 12 months. In 2017, she took the leap and quit her career as an Interior Designer to work full-time on her small creative business.
She has been featured in the Sunday Telegraph, the UK TV series Kirstie's Handmade Christmas and regularly writes macramé tutorials for magazines like Mollie Makes, In the Moment, Hobbycrafts and Origin. In 2019, her Natural Dyed Japanese Apron was one of the finalists for the Etsy Design Award. She runs workshops, events and teambuilding classes in London and across the UK. She also teaches macramé and natural dyeing online for people who cannot attend her workshops.
Isabella's Instagram handle is @_twome - she has over 18,000 followers on the platform.