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Macrame for Home Decor: 40 Stunning Projects for Stylish Decorating (Fox Chapel Publishing) Step-by-Step Instructions & Photos with Easy Projects for Knotted Mats, Wall Hangings, Plant Hangers, & More
Macram' for Home Decor shows how easy it is to make upscale, modern home d'cor using natural macram' craft cords. Readers will discover the 12 essential knots they need to create gorgeous macram'. 40 stylish projects range in skill levels from easy to advanced, so there's something here for everyone. This book is filled with cool, contemporary ideas for rugs, throws, coverlets, room dividers, boho plant hangers, and much more. Mixed-media projects are also included that incorporate fun and interesting materials like beads and rings. Step-by-step illustrations, clear instructions, and beautiful color photographs make macram' simple and fun.
- GenresCrafts
160 pages, Paperback
Published June 10, 2019
7 people are currently reading
24 people want to read
About the author
Samantha Grenier
6 books18 followersHello! You're welcome to call me Sam. I'm a New Hampshire based color engineer/illustrator/graphic designer/author/macrame artist/reader. You can now follow me on YouTube, where I yammer on about books—channel name is Paper Knot Books.
I'm also the author/illustrator of three "knotty" (crafty) How-To books; the newest of which is Macrame for Home Decor. All books published with Fox Chapel Publishing.
I'm also the author/illustrator of three "knotty" (crafty) How-To books; the newest of which is Macrame for Home Decor. All books published with Fox Chapel Publishing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
January 19, 2022
Macramé is super cool, but none of these projects really appealed to me. Nice photos.
wishlist-to-buy
August 4, 2021Skimmed August 2021. Instructions clear. Includes a project to make a back for my Ikea Poang chair, which I've been wanting to update for years, a project that uses scraps of fabric, of which I have too much, the plant hanger of course, and many more that appeal. Maybe this is the craft I can actually do!
Do any of you do macramé?
Do any of you do macramé?
March 18, 2019
This is a simple but helpful book if you're interested in learning to do macrame crafts. Each project has a color photo and detailed color sketches with step by step directions.
The 40 projects are broken up into these categories:
Home Decor (things like a lamp shade, room divider and woven chair to go over an Ikea chair frame)
Mats (of all different thicknesses, including plush yarn and cloth strips)
Plant hangers
Wall hangings
The book starts with instructions for how to do the knots covered. The projects are rated by how much time they take -- from a couple of hours to a weekend.
These are definitely updated macrame projects, not the 1970's plant hangers of jute that some of us may remember. Many are attractive and there were a few that I would like to try myself. I would have liked to see more use of recycled materials, like strips of old sheets and things like that. I never am a fan of craft projects that cost 3x as much to make as to just buy them in a store. :) There are definitely some affordable ones here and a bit that you could do with recycled materials.
I also really wish there were any photos of the works in progress. All the photos are of the finished projects and then just drawings of the steps. I found some of them hard to understand and seeing them being done with hands would have been very helpful.
In all, though, a nice little book that folks are likely to find inspirational and helpful.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for the purpose of review.
The 40 projects are broken up into these categories:
Home Decor (things like a lamp shade, room divider and woven chair to go over an Ikea chair frame)
Mats (of all different thicknesses, including plush yarn and cloth strips)
Plant hangers
Wall hangings
The book starts with instructions for how to do the knots covered. The projects are rated by how much time they take -- from a couple of hours to a weekend.
These are definitely updated macrame projects, not the 1970's plant hangers of jute that some of us may remember. Many are attractive and there were a few that I would like to try myself. I would have liked to see more use of recycled materials, like strips of old sheets and things like that. I never am a fan of craft projects that cost 3x as much to make as to just buy them in a store. :) There are definitely some affordable ones here and a bit that you could do with recycled materials.
I also really wish there were any photos of the works in progress. All the photos are of the finished projects and then just drawings of the steps. I found some of them hard to understand and seeing them being done with hands would have been very helpful.
In all, though, a nice little book that folks are likely to find inspirational and helpful.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for the purpose of review.
May 3, 2021
I bought this book as a beginner. I went to several craft stores looking for supplies and couldn't find nearly enough cords, beads, or rings to finish a project. I finally found one online shop and ordered enough cord to give a plant hanger a shot, but I am still left without direction on how to mount or hang it on wall. My hanger still a bunch of loose ends because the recommended ways to finish knots are 1) make another knot (OK, I'm still left with two loose ends once the knots are complete, just like before) or 2) glue the ends. Didn't really teach me anything with those two options... 🙄
On my second project attempt I spent about an hour and a half before I realized that there is an error in the list of strands needed and I did not cut enough to complete the project. It was frustrating to a newbie who is struggling enough with the scale of the materials required. The book has some cute ideas and decent descriptions of simple knots out of the context of a project, but it walked the line of basic and intermediate difficulty too closely. The detail of the steps was inconsistent; some were outlined clearly with core strands and working strands identified, others were general commands like "form two rows of alternating square knots." (which I have not yet figured out how to do). I bet experienced crafters found it too simple while there was not enough direction for a beginner like me.
On my second project attempt I spent about an hour and a half before I realized that there is an error in the list of strands needed and I did not cut enough to complete the project. It was frustrating to a newbie who is struggling enough with the scale of the materials required. The book has some cute ideas and decent descriptions of simple knots out of the context of a project, but it walked the line of basic and intermediate difficulty too closely. The detail of the steps was inconsistent; some were outlined clearly with core strands and working strands identified, others were general commands like "form two rows of alternating square knots." (which I have not yet figured out how to do). I bet experienced crafters found it too simple while there was not enough direction for a beginner like me.
August 22, 2019
Lovely photos through the book feel very inspirational - big balls of neutral coloured cord and natural wooden dowels in particular. The first pages are filled with the step-by-step instructions on knotting, knot-by-knot used in the projects later on. Though I just had a free temporary digital review copy of the book courtesy of Netgalley, I feel I could do the knots - reminds me of making hemp bracelets.
Then come the projects. Some feel a little dated and often hippie-style for my liking (like the Comfy Chair, the "Flannel" Foot Rest which is on the cover, the Granny Square lampshade, and Cotton Candy Dream Catcher). Some projects are what I expected from macrame and the sort of reason why I picked up this book (like the many different styles of plant hangers). There's some fun unexpected projects (like the Tassel Reading Nook, Tutu Chandelier, and Bright Banners). Classy home decor (Ultra Plush Mat, Mock Stockinette Tapestry). And some projects that are unexpected and simply gorgeous, like the lacy looking Freestanding Room Divider, though it includes some woodworking.
Overall, I picked this book up picturing basic macrame instructions + plant hangers, and I definitely got that - in multiple styles. But the many different projects in the book went beyond my understanding of the craft.
Then come the projects. Some feel a little dated and often hippie-style for my liking (like the Comfy Chair, the "Flannel" Foot Rest which is on the cover, the Granny Square lampshade, and Cotton Candy Dream Catcher). Some projects are what I expected from macrame and the sort of reason why I picked up this book (like the many different styles of plant hangers). There's some fun unexpected projects (like the Tassel Reading Nook, Tutu Chandelier, and Bright Banners). Classy home decor (Ultra Plush Mat, Mock Stockinette Tapestry). And some projects that are unexpected and simply gorgeous, like the lacy looking Freestanding Room Divider, though it includes some woodworking.
Overall, I picked this book up picturing basic macrame instructions + plant hangers, and I definitely got that - in multiple styles. But the many different projects in the book went beyond my understanding of the craft.
August 10, 2019
Good Basic Macrame Tutorial
This is a good, basic instruction manual for learning macrame. The basic knots are pretty clear in both explanation and diagram. I was hoping for a bit more. As one who learned Macrame in the 1970s, I was expecting updated patterns and modern looks. I am disappointed. Most of the projects looked 'home-made' in the worst sense. Items called 'Boho-Look” just look like projects a Brownie Troop would do. The bedroom wall hanging that could be enlarged to use as a throw looked like a fun project and a gift others would enjoy. Although not mentioned, the use of Paracord and Kevlar light cording is great for either outdoor projects or plant hangers. Additionally, most of the supplies necessary are available on the internet. The instructions for the Patch Scrap Mat were very clear, but the photo of the item in use is dangerous. That rug on a finished wood floor would be slippery. In using it at the top of the stairs could cost someone their life! All of the mats in this book need to use carpet backing if they are to be used as rugs. I received this ARC book for free from Net Galley and this is my honest review.
This is a good, basic instruction manual for learning macrame. The basic knots are pretty clear in both explanation and diagram. I was hoping for a bit more. As one who learned Macrame in the 1970s, I was expecting updated patterns and modern looks. I am disappointed. Most of the projects looked 'home-made' in the worst sense. Items called 'Boho-Look” just look like projects a Brownie Troop would do. The bedroom wall hanging that could be enlarged to use as a throw looked like a fun project and a gift others would enjoy. Although not mentioned, the use of Paracord and Kevlar light cording is great for either outdoor projects or plant hangers. Additionally, most of the supplies necessary are available on the internet. The instructions for the Patch Scrap Mat were very clear, but the photo of the item in use is dangerous. That rug on a finished wood floor would be slippery. In using it at the top of the stairs could cost someone their life! All of the mats in this book need to use carpet backing if they are to be used as rugs. I received this ARC book for free from Net Galley and this is my honest review.
August 13, 2019
I'm very disappointed in this book.
This is a macrame book for beginners. Nothing wrong with that, macrame is a great art that anyone can use to make some beautiful things. But it feels like this book doesn't even TRY.
It's not an Art book, it's not even a Craft book. It's a 1970s Crafty book. With only a couple exceptions, the end result of these projects are things you would expect your child to bring home from summer camp. I'm honestly shocked at some of the project photos that ended up in this book.
On the plus side: the knot instructions are well done.
On the minus side: save your money for a different macrame book.
Thank you to Netgalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review. I am quite surprised that this book has been reviewed so highly, I stick by my assessment and would recommend you look for a different macrame book.
This is a macrame book for beginners. Nothing wrong with that, macrame is a great art that anyone can use to make some beautiful things. But it feels like this book doesn't even TRY.
It's not an Art book, it's not even a Craft book. It's a 1970s Crafty book. With only a couple exceptions, the end result of these projects are things you would expect your child to bring home from summer camp. I'm honestly shocked at some of the project photos that ended up in this book.
On the plus side: the knot instructions are well done.
On the minus side: save your money for a different macrame book.
Thank you to Netgalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review. I am quite surprised that this book has been reviewed so highly, I stick by my assessment and would recommend you look for a different macrame book.
August 26, 2019
This book is so fun! It's a retro craft, for sure, but check Pinterest--it's coming back. The key now is think white yarn and funky driftwood pieces.
I wanted to review this book since I have a friend who is into macrame and needle arts in a major way, and I think she will love this book! I plan to buy a paper copy and some supplies.
Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for the digital ARC.
I wanted to review this book since I have a friend who is into macrame and needle arts in a major way, and I think she will love this book! I plan to buy a paper copy and some supplies.
Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for the digital ARC.
June 13, 2019
Macrame for Home Décor is truly a book with 40 Stunning Projects for Stylish Decorating by Samantha Grenier and Pepperell Braiding Company. From projects that are simple such as the plant hangers to the more elaborate comfy chair, there is something for everyone. It gave clear directions that were simple to follow so that the project I tried turned out wonderful.
I like the colored photographs and the detail description of the supplies that could be used. Also the knotty level guide was helpful. But the very best was the knot illustrations that had different colors for the different threads. Perhaps that is common but I had not seen that in directions on sites such as Pinterest. It made keeping the knot simple and easy to follow.
While I loved the chair, I may never try that one but the plant hangers especially the air plant hanger was fun and easy to do with the right materials. I thought the different owls for wall hangings looked as if older children would enjoy doing too.
The publisher through Net Galley provided an ARC. I have voluntarily decided to read and review, giving my personal opinions and thoughts.
I like the colored photographs and the detail description of the supplies that could be used. Also the knotty level guide was helpful. But the very best was the knot illustrations that had different colors for the different threads. Perhaps that is common but I had not seen that in directions on sites such as Pinterest. It made keeping the knot simple and easy to follow.
While I loved the chair, I may never try that one but the plant hangers especially the air plant hanger was fun and easy to do with the right materials. I thought the different owls for wall hangings looked as if older children would enjoy doing too.
The publisher through Net Galley provided an ARC. I have voluntarily decided to read and review, giving my personal opinions and thoughts.
August 1, 2019
This is a good book for the beginner and experienced macramé crafter. It begins with a good explanation of materials that can be used. She has given ideas I hadn’t thought of before. Although the instructions for all the basic knots and instructions for the projects are hand drawn, they are easy to follow and understand. The projects are lovely color photos. The projects are a nice variety from simple and small to more complex using different materials to the usual you think of when doing macramé. Each project has an experience level, time taken, finished sizes, materials needed and instructions. I liked the fact that there was some very different ideas and projects. This is a good book for experience levels. I received this book as an ARC and freely gave my review.
July 25, 2019
Bringing back the days of older crafts this book brings back many plant and wall hanging memories. This book has a detailed accounting and information on supplies needed to macrame. It also has a nice set of illustrated instructions for different types of knots used in macrame. Then on to the projects, from chairs, plant hangings, wall hangings, rugs and more. You can decorate your home with these beautiful crafts. Each pattern has a supply list, written and illustrated instructions on how to complete the project. My personal favorite is the Granny Lampshade. I recommend this book for anyone who lived or would like to learn the craft of macrame.
March 22, 2019
Not that I’m bias or anything... 🤫
I wanted to give you all macrame projects which were true to me. I love color and texture, so I want you to have these. I love the cute and quirky, so... OWLS! And the blend of traditional and nonconformist materials means you (dear crafter) can make something glorious with up-cycled materials.
By the way, I made the illustrations using Procreate on the iPad with the pencil, which is exactly as fun as other illustrators claim.
I hope these projects inspire you! I would love to see what you knot. 💕
#KnottySam
#Mac4HomeDec
I wanted to give you all macrame projects which were true to me. I love color and texture, so I want you to have these. I love the cute and quirky, so... OWLS! And the blend of traditional and nonconformist materials means you (dear crafter) can make something glorious with up-cycled materials.
By the way, I made the illustrations using Procreate on the iPad with the pencil, which is exactly as fun as other illustrators claim.
I hope these projects inspire you! I would love to see what you knot. 💕
#KnottySam
#Mac4HomeDec
September 3, 2019
DISCLAIMER: NetGallery provided me with a digital version of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This book was an adventure back to the '70s when I did macrame obsessively. The difference is that this edition has lots of gorgeous upgrades and ideas I have never implemented before.
If you are interested in the idea of macrame, this has clear, concise instructions for 40 terrific projects.
This book was an adventure back to the '70s when I did macrame obsessively. The difference is that this edition has lots of gorgeous upgrades and ideas I have never implemented before.
If you are interested in the idea of macrame, this has clear, concise instructions for 40 terrific projects.
September 22, 2019
This is a fun look at what I would call a retro craft. But I've never understood why it's not more popular. One can easily complete a project over a weekend without expensive tools or material and macrame can make lovely gifts. I have easily created several keychains that look pretty awesome. I'm in the process of converting a kite tail curtain into a fun throw rug. I love this little book and it has inspired me to be creative. I received this book from NetGalley for an honest review.
March 23, 2019
I am new to macrame and have not had a chance to actually make any projects from this book. The directions are accessible and seem clear to me. The projects are more modern than other books I have seen and seem relatively simple. I actually might try one or two of these!
**I received an ARC from NetGalley for an unbiased review of this book.
**I received an ARC from NetGalley for an unbiased review of this book.
March 11, 2019
I really liked the step by step projects. The instructions are easy to follow. The photography is great. The projects are modern and stylish. I would say its a good book to gift to your f&f as well.
Thanks to #NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to #NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 14, 2019
I have never tried macrame. This book has several projects that are perfect for beginners as well as projects for those with more advanced skills. The instructions look easy to follow. The pictures bring the projects to life. This is a nice resource.
March 25, 2019
Excellent collection of projects with clear instructions , diagrams and photographs. Great for beginners since she give a thorough introduction to the craft and there are also projects for the more experienced.
June 6, 2019
The 70s must really be having a revival - I tend to associate macramé with my 70s childhood, but the designs in this book feel contemporary. I am looking forward to trying some of them out.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an advance ARC copy of this book.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an advance ARC copy of this book.
September 14, 2019
Just being new to macrame this is a fantastic book with great patterns for a beginner through to the advanced. Really highly recommend to those starting this craft.
March 20, 2020
Love love love this macrame book. So many new ideas for projects.
April 13, 2021
Might be good for beginners but as an intermediate macramaker I didn't find any of the ideas stunning and several I wouldn't even consider macrame.
June 22, 2021
For being published in 2019, this book is really old-fashioned and not in a good way.
December 22, 2022
Great ideas for Home Decor
August 24, 2019
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Macrame for Home Decor is a tutorial crafting guide for home dec macramé by Samantha Grenier. Released 11th June 2019 by Pepperell Braiding Co. and Fox Chapel, it's 144 pages and available in paperback format.
This is an appealing and well written tutorial for learning the skills necessary to complete any of the 40 included projects. The introduction and basic tools and materials guides (~18% of the page content) cover sourcing supplies and learning the basics of macramé. The following chapters are split into project categories and include: home decor, mats and rugs, plant hangers, and decorative wall hangings.
For anyone who lived through the 70's and for whom the word macramé summons to mind 'rustic' jute plant hangers in lime green, orange, and russet brown, this book is full of completely updated and modern/neutral color schemes and projects which will look good in modern homes. It includes large projects such as chair backs and room dividers, along with smaller projects such as placemats and coasters.
The layout and typesetting are appealing and accessible. The instructions are very clearly written and easy to follow and, more importantly for visual learners, very well photographed. The weaving and knotting diagrams are well drawn and simple to follow. Of the 40 projects, probably 1/3- 1/2 of them really appealed to me and that's unusually high. These are nice projects and can be adapted to suit any decor. Each of the projects includes a difficulty level, a project time estimate, a bullet list of supplies, and step by step directions.
The end of the book includes a very short supplies resource list, and readers will also have no trouble sourcing necessary tools and gear via internet e-tailers or local crafts/hobby suppliers.
It amused me to see that although the book is well updated for modern readers, it does include an homage to 70s culture, the perennially undying macrame owl.
Four stars. There's a lot to like here.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Macrame for Home Decor is a tutorial crafting guide for home dec macramé by Samantha Grenier. Released 11th June 2019 by Pepperell Braiding Co. and Fox Chapel, it's 144 pages and available in paperback format.
This is an appealing and well written tutorial for learning the skills necessary to complete any of the 40 included projects. The introduction and basic tools and materials guides (~18% of the page content) cover sourcing supplies and learning the basics of macramé. The following chapters are split into project categories and include: home decor, mats and rugs, plant hangers, and decorative wall hangings.
For anyone who lived through the 70's and for whom the word macramé summons to mind 'rustic' jute plant hangers in lime green, orange, and russet brown, this book is full of completely updated and modern/neutral color schemes and projects which will look good in modern homes. It includes large projects such as chair backs and room dividers, along with smaller projects such as placemats and coasters.
The layout and typesetting are appealing and accessible. The instructions are very clearly written and easy to follow and, more importantly for visual learners, very well photographed. The weaving and knotting diagrams are well drawn and simple to follow. Of the 40 projects, probably 1/3- 1/2 of them really appealed to me and that's unusually high. These are nice projects and can be adapted to suit any decor. Each of the projects includes a difficulty level, a project time estimate, a bullet list of supplies, and step by step directions.
The end of the book includes a very short supplies resource list, and readers will also have no trouble sourcing necessary tools and gear via internet e-tailers or local crafts/hobby suppliers.
It amused me to see that although the book is well updated for modern readers, it does include an homage to 70s culture, the perennially undying macrame owl.
Four stars. There's a lot to like here.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
July 31, 2019
Macrame for Home Decor Is a great project book. 40 projects are featured. Each has clearly written instructions and wonderfully illustrated directions. I especially like the color coding when showing one how to tie the knots - that feature makes all the difference in making each project fun and easy to make, Any skill level can produce results and gain knowledge on the art of macrame. Love that macrame is coming back in style,
May 29, 2020
Good book for beginners with interesting projects for home decor. It has step by step instructions, quantity of materials needed, working time, pictures, etc.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the eARC
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the eARC
March 12, 2019
This is a fun book, with a variety of macrame crafts to make for around the home. There are illustrations to go along with photos of the projects to help you see how to make the knots. The pages are very clean and easy to follow. There is sure to be at least one project anyone would like. It has simple projects with simple knots, to more complicated knots. There is a resource page with some excellent suggestions for places to buy your supplies.
I would definitely recommend this book for either a craft class or just to have around the home.
I would definitely recommend this book for either a craft class or just to have around the home.
March 17, 2019
Macrame for Home Decor
by Pepperell Braiding Company
This book brings me back to my youth, when we would macrame bracelets with beads. What this book gives you is more ways to macrame and make decorations for your home. If you never tried it before you’ll find enough in the introduction to begin learning the process. A list is provided for tools and supplies that you need.
With written instructions, photos and diagrams of making the knots you can make any project that’s provided in this book. Macrame is a easy craft to start with if you’ve never tried your hand at crafting.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
#Netgalley
by Pepperell Braiding Company
This book brings me back to my youth, when we would macrame bracelets with beads. What this book gives you is more ways to macrame and make decorations for your home. If you never tried it before you’ll find enough in the introduction to begin learning the process. A list is provided for tools and supplies that you need.
With written instructions, photos and diagrams of making the knots you can make any project that’s provided in this book. Macrame is a easy craft to start with if you’ve never tried your hand at crafting.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
#Netgalley
March 21, 2019
Love macramé, it is lovely to see it back in vogue. This book has some lovely projects for hanging things, woven type macramé and decorative knots. The illustrations are really very good and easy to follow. Starting with some simple knots and progressing to multi layered designs. I fell in love with the very simple feathers.
Some thing you will love others not so much, but one thing is for certain, there are lots of ideas and projects for the home
Some thing you will love others not so much, but one thing is for certain, there are lots of ideas and projects for the home
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews