Life as a mother of two young daughters, an interior designer, and a London resident was constantly busy—extremely demanding but deeply fulfilling. Yet, caught up in the middle of motherhood’s chaos, I found myself craving something uniquely mine. A spark of creativity that extended beyond the daily grind. That longing led me to start a personal challenge: 12 crafts in 12 months. Little did I know, the first craft I tried—macrame—would become my favorite hobby and, eventually, a calling for something more meaningful.
In this blog, you will also find the best tips on managing a small macrame business, motherhood, and creativity from some of the amazing macrame artists from my community. You won’t feel alone in your journey ever again!
How Macrame Found Me as a Busy Mother
As the first craft in my creative experiment, Macrame came into my life almost by chance. But I felt an instant connection from the moment I tied my first knot. The simple act of knotting rope into patterns had a calming, meditative vibe that I didn’t expect. As a mother, my days were filled with responsibilities, and as an interior designer, my creativity was often tied to client expectations. Macrame, on the other hand, was different—it was purely for me.
It didn’t take long before macrame became my creative escape. Each knot was a chance to pause, reflect, and reconnect with myself. It wasn’t just a craft but a mindful practice that gave me a sense of peace among the endless cycle of snack-making, story-reading, and work deadlines.
Motherhood, Macrame, Creativity, and Mindfulness
At first, my “studio” was my kitchen table, with macrame projects squeezed in between naps and school runs. The hum of London life buzzed in the background as I tied knots at night while my daughters were sleeping, playing, or waiting for dinner to simmer. These small pockets of time were life-saving—they reminded me my identity was more than a mum, I was more than an interior designer.
Macrame became my form of mindfulness.
The tactile sensation of working with rope, the repetitive rhythm of the knots, and the satisfaction of creating something beautiful at the end, grounded me in the present. It allowed me to recharge and reclaim my sense of self in a way nothing else could.
Intuitively I’ve always combined macrame, creativity, and mindfulness, and this is the reason why I wrote “Mindful Macrame”, which is on sale now, a book that I am so grateful for.
Whether you’re dipping your toes into the waters of mindfulness, crafting for the first time, or seeking fresh inspiration and support, this beautifully illustrated gift book welcomes you with open arms.
Turning My Macrame Passion into a Meaningful Purpose
As my love for macrame deepened, it became clear just how transformative creativity and mindfulness were for my well-being. When our family left London for the slower pace of the countryside, I decided to turn my passion into a full-time business. Now, I share the joy of macrame with others, helping them tap into their creativity and find calm amidst life’s chaos.
Whether you’re a busy mother like me or simply navigating a hectic life, creativity can be an anchor—a way to center yourself and face challenges with greater clarity and calm.
Tips to Nurture Creativity as a Busy Mother
If you’re a mum trying to balance family, work, and personal aspirations, here are my top tips for finding your creative spark:
- Keep a Simple Project Ready
Choose a craft you can work on in small chunks—whether it’s during nap time while waiting at school pick-up, or in the quiet moments after bedtime. Progress doesn’t have to be fast; it just has to be consistent. - Start Small and Manageable
Begin with projects that are easy to finish. If you’re new to macrame or any craft, focus on simple designs to build confidence without overwhelming yourself. - Showcase Your Work
Display your macrame creations at home or gift them to loved ones. Seeing your creativity appreciated can boost your confidence and might even open doors to selling your work or starting a small creative business. - Join a Creative Community
Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals can be a game-changer. Whether it’s online groups or local meetups, having a support network of fellow creatives can keep you inspired and motivated.
I also asked some of the amazing macrame artists and mothers from my macrame community to give you their feedback on how they manage motherhood and creativity in their lives. Here’s what they have to say:
“My studio is in the family room with TV, Playstation and much more. We share the space. The rules are clear, the big table is my space of creativity, so the kids respect it. I always ask for their opinion on my work and ideas. They are big fun and very supportive. At the same time, I make stuff in macramé for them on demand. I show interest in their activities too, and so my studio/family room is a very familiar place.” Odile www.the-fiber-tryst.com
“Get them involved! My daughter loves having a go and has made her own keyrings and small decorations. She’s so proud of her mini makes! I also get her involved with the creative process and ask her to help me by choosing colours to with”. Gemma www.gemmacrame.co.uk/
If you want to be part of a curated, close-knit community for macrame enthusiasts like Odile and Gemma, who want to keep learning and growing in a supportive, nurturing environment, then you must check “Your Macrame Community” below. It’s the creative community I’ve always craved when I first started my macrame journey. You don’t need to do it all alone!
“Get your kids involved. My 13-year-old loves to have a go at different knots, and she is also a great help in choosing colours. She has helped with refreshments at my workshops and loves helping me on stalls. Apart from that, now she has to bring her own money as she loves to go and look at the other stalls! This has given her ideas of her own to design things (she designed my first logo), and she understands how a business works.If you really want something, it is achievable with hard work, determination, and support around you”. Jennifer @tiedbyjuniper
“For me, it’s really important to find a bit of ‘me time’ in your day when you become a parent, as it’s quite easy to lose your identity. Time alone during the day can often feel like such a treat. Getting creative with my macrame whilst the kids are at school is my time to do something that I love. It helps me relax, it stops my mind from wandering, and I feel like I am achieving something. My daughter especially is finding her creative streak and will often come into the craft room to steal some of my stuff! I share the space with my kids so they can also get inspired by my makes!” Jo @tyingtheknotdesign
Creativity as Self-Care for Mothers
For me, macrame became more than just a hobby—it was my self-care since day one!
It showed me that creativity isn’t about having hours of free time; it’s about making room for what nourishes your soul. As a mother, your life is busy, but creativity can be the key to staying grounded and connected to your true self.
So, here’s to finding those small, meaningful moments of creativity in motherhood. Whether it’s macrame or another craft, let it remind you that you’re not just a mother—you’re a creative force with so much to offer.
Isabella.
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