RUSTIC CHARM
Exploring the Different African Cultures Through the Form of Art
Name: Amaya Manning
Name of Piece: Rustic Charm
Teacher: Mr. Jonathan Crevelle
Expressive form: Fibre and
Decorative Arts
History on Macramé
Macramé is a crafting technique that dates back to ancient times, originating from the 13th-
century Arab weavers who used knotting techniques to create decorative fringes on towels,
veils, and shawls. The word “macramé” itself comes from the Arabic word “migramah,”
meaning “fringe.” It spread to Europe via trade routes, where it became popular in the 17th
century, especially in England, for creating elaborate wall hangings, clothing decorations, and
household items. During the Victorian era, macramé was widely used in home décor,
particularly for tablecloths, curtains, and bedspreads. The craft saw a resurgence in the 1970s,
embraced by the bohemian movement for creating plant hangers, jewellery, and wall art.
Today, macramé continues to be popular as a versatile and accessible form of art and craft,
used in fashion, accessories, and modern home décor.
Steps:
1. The bag was made using just macrame rope
2. The earrings were made using old, rusted gold hoops
3. The necklace was made using solely macrame rope and two African beads.
4. The bag was lined using a purple fabric.
Description Of Piece
This is a collection of handmade macramé pieces on a textured, paint-splattered surface. The
main piece is a rectangular crocheted or macramé clutch crafted from light-coloured yarn or
fibre. It is embellished with wooden beads that form an X-like pattern across the front, adding
a rustic and natural element to the design. The pouch has a loop closure at the top. Alongside
the pouch are matching accessories: a macramé bracelet and two matching hoop earrings, all
crafted from the same light-coloured material, maintaining a cohesive aesthetic. The hoop
earrings and bracelet showcase simple, uniform knots that form a chunky, textured pattern.
Together, these pieces seem to embody a natural, handcrafted look with a blend of bohemian
and eco-friendly design elements.
Critiquing
Inspirational Piece;
The macramé pieces displayed in the images reflect a variety of design approaches and
materials. The earrings, necklaces, and bags showcase a delicate yet sturdy craftsmanship.
The earrings with bold, looped patterns bring a balance between minimalism and texture,
making them suitable for both casual and formal occasions. The cream-colored clutch with a
chain adds sophistication through the intricate fringed design, pairing well with its
accompanying earrings. Lastly, the necklace’s thick braided design, enhanced by wooden
beads, conveys an earthy, natural aesthetic. Together, these pieces display macramé’s
versatility in modern-day fashion.
My Piece;
These macramé pieces showcase solid craftsmanship with a natural, bohemian aesthetic. The
pouch, made from light-coloured yarn and accented with wooden beads, is visually appealing
but could benefit from a more secure closure and refined edge work. The matching bracelet
and hoop earrings are cohesive in design, though slight variations in texture or added
decorative elements could enhance their appeal. Overall, the collection is charming, with
minor improvements needed for functionality and finish.
