Right away I want you to get your head out of the 70's because these decorative knots are not your mother's macrame. But like macrame these decorative knots were born on the ships of history. Sailors from both history and modern day, are masters of tying knots. Knots were used for everything, as a way to secure items to the decks, move objects from ship to ship, they were even used to decorate railing, masts, and bottles. This art form brought to us by the sailors of the world is known as Marlinspike Seamanship. Sailors would get creative and make items like hammocks, bell ringers, belts, bags and floor mats that they would sell or barter when they arrived in port. This would help spread their art around the world and it would come to be known as macrame.
Although marlinspike seamanship maintained its strength throughout history, the art of macrame would almost fall off the face of the earth. It wasn't until the 1970s that the art of decorative knots would regain it's lost popularity. It was our parents in the hippie and grunge crowd of the early 70's that took these knots and began making items like wall hangings, bedspreads, small shorts, skirts, tablecloths, draperies, plant hangers and jewelry. This resurgence was short lived and would come to an end in the late 80's early 90's. But as we look around the world in today's society it seems as if the art form is trying to make another push into the mainstream. As decorative knots are making a push to the forefront again, the art of marlinspike seamanship is coming right along side of them as well. People are once again searching for items covered in intricate rope work to decorate their homes.
Decorative
Everyone out there wants to take an everyday room and make it something that will amaze your guests. The easiest way to do this is to use some form of art. The problem with using art is that it is usually quite expensive and difficult to find. However, art using decorative knots can be found online and it can actually be made by anyone who has some patience and can tie knots. Remember we are not talking about your mothers macrame, we are talking about marlinspike seamanship. We are talking about cotton, hemp, nylon and manila rope being used to wrap bottles, make floor mats, bell ringers, coasters, needle cases etc... Wouldn't a liquor bottle covered with decorative knots look better sitting on a bar or shelf than the same old, labeled bottle. Imagine a friend walking into your house and seeing your liquor case filled with bottles wrapped in knots, then you pour him a drink and give him a coaster made of rope to place it on. I don't know about you but I think that is cool and something totally different. All most of us want is a beautiful focal point in a room, and art made with decorative knots will create that focal point.
Truth is that any art using decorative knots is both beautiful and intricate. Here is a great source of information on the history of this art form, some other great resources and also a place where you can buy some great handmade art work. www.marlinspikes.com