Lesson 6

 Summing Up

Let’s take a look at where we’ve been during the last twelve weeks while we’ve journeyed through the fascinating world of Emballage.

We looked at the resurgence of this macrame technique in 2017 with Mandi Smethells as well as its ties to weaving with Sheila Hicks back in the 60’s and 70’s.  We saw its influence with textile artists all over the globe.

We learned the basic wrapping techniques with fibres and fabric. How to decorate and embellish our wrappings with other fibres, beads and charms.

We learned how to add structure by adding wire to our work and how to build pieces by stitching wrapped rope together or by using glue.

We learned to incorporate natural elements into our work – both as the substrate for our wrapping and as part of the art piece itself.

We learned how to shape our pieces by creating knots – knots that we made up ourselves and decorative knots – Nautical, Celtic and Oriental.

We learned that size does not matter when it comes to Emballage.  As we’ve seen from some of our inspiration artists, whether it’s very delicate jewellery pieces or very large sculptural pieces – if there is a will, there is a way it can be wrapped.

We’ve also learned that there is no absolute right or wrong way.  It is whatever way works for you and sometimes that will mean discovering a new method to make something happen.  You need to work within your own textile do’s and don’ts.  If you plan to sell or gift your work, you need to finish it to a standard with which you are comfortable.  We were fortunate to be able to learn a few mounting techniques from some textile artists who were willing to share what works for them.

 

And So …

In this last class we are going to finish off with a few simple macrame knots that can also be used to wrap cord or rope.

DIYMacrame Tutorial - Double Half Hitch Knot Pattern (Create Rainbows, Add Colourand More)

The4 MOST USED KNOTS | MACRAME KNOT Tutorial

Demo video of Lark’s Head knot and Squareknot on Wooden Ring

Demo video of Spiral knot on Wooden ring

Demo video of Double Half Hitch Project