Mindful Macrame - by Isabella Strambio (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Combine the art of macramâe with the practice of mindfulness in this stunning gift book."--

Book Synopsis

Combine the art of macramé with the practice of mindfulness in this stunning gift book.

Each of the 17 projects contains breathing exercises, questions to reflect on and guided journal prompts so that you can center yourself while crafting something beautiful.

Written by acclaimed macramé artist Isabella Strambio, this book offers a unique combination of practical and personal, inviting you to embrace a mindful and meditative experience through knotting. Each knot tied is a chance to slow down and experience the satisfaction of making something beautiful with your hands while nourishing your soul in the process.

Choose from quick 30-minute creations (jewelry, belts, keyrings), those that take less than an hour (coasters, placemats, plant hangers) to more intricate designs that invite a few hours of you-time (wall hangings, baskets). Each one is customizable in color and size, offering opportunities to decorate your home with meaningful pieces or make thoughtful gifts.

Whether you're dipping your toes into the waters of mindfulness and crafting for the first time or seeking fresh inspiration and support, this beautifully illustrated gift book welcomes you with open arms.

Review Quotes

Publishers Weekly
"Macramé is yoga for the mind," according to this soothing manual. Strambio (Macramé Christmas) describes how the repetitive knotting involved in macramé helps her focus and "connects me to myself," and she provides 17 projects aimed at fostering that meditative state of mind. They're organized according to the amount of time required to complete them, with the bulky necklace made from lark's head knots and the trivet created from double half hitch knots estimated to take less than 30 minutes. Intermediate projects that require less than an hour include a coaster, place mat, and plant hanger, while the most complex projects, which take more than an hour, include a coiled wall hanging, another hanging resembling a large feather, and a stout basket. Each project features reflection prompts encouraging readers to ponder such questions as "what colour do you feel today" and "what are you anxious or feeling negative about." Breathing exercises urge readers to envision moonlight "wrapping you up in a warm and safe hug," a butterfly "gently breaking" out of its cocoon, and roots sprouting from one's feet and reaching into the earth. The prompts and exercises add a meditative spin on what would otherwise be a fairly straightforward macramé guide. This will help crafters unwind.

Library Journal - Jan 15 2025
Bringing the simplicity of knot-based crafting to the forefront with another book of lovely projects for knotting enthusiasts, Strambio (Macramé Jewellery; Macramé for the Modern Home) melds creative projects with something many living in our modern world seek--mindfulness and self-reflection. Instructions for eye-catching projects ranging from simple flower decorations, trivets, and key chains to the more skilled plant hangers, wall hangings, and baskets guide crafters through steps, with recommendations for materials to make the most of your art and paired with prompts for journaling reflectively. This book might not scream "beginner macramé," even with clear step-by-step pictures of the projects, because not every crafter finds knots easy to grasp, though paired with other books on the topic by Strambio and other macramé experts, it would easily give enough instruction to get novices started. As is recommended at the beginning of each project in the book, take three deep breaths and get ready to enjoy some relaxing craft time.
VERDICT Communities that enjoy crafting and mindfulness will embrace this book of projects, journaling opportunities, and simple meditative prompts.

About the Author

Isabella is a macramé artist and author who has turned her love for knotting into a business after the success of her blog, which followed her journey to learn 12 crafts in 12 months. She is inspired by design, natural materials and textures, and her passions are reflected in her work. Her mission is to share her macramé knowledge and encourage her students to explore their creativity through the art of knotting as well as promoting macramé as a form of mindfulness, having witnessed the benefits first-hand.

Isabella runs online macramé courses and live events as well as experiences to help women connect and explore their creativity. She regularly contributes to craft magazines and blogs in the UK and US with easy-to-follow macramé patterns, knots and creative inspirations. Her website www.isabellastrambio.com is packed with 'all things macramé' as well as information on how to turn a craft passion into a creative business.

Follow Isabella on Instagram @_twome