DIY Botanical Illustration Macrame Wall Hanging

Merging the elegance of botanical illustrations with the timeless charm of macrame, this Botanical Illustration Macrame Wall Hanging brings a touch of nature into your home. Crafted with simple materials like cotton rope and fabric, plus a dash of creativity, this beginner-friendly DIY project is perfect for anyone looking to add a personal and artistic touch to their space. With easy-to-follow steps, you’re not just creating art; you’re weaving beauty and tranquillity into your decor. Whether you’re a macrame master or a beginner, this piece promises to bloom splendidly on your wall.

Botanical Illustration Macrame Wall Hanging

Materials Needed:

• Reference Image: Choose any flower, herb, etc., you admire.
• Branch or Stick: Preferably straight, about 15 cm in length.
• Cotton Fiber Rope: Approximately 15 grams, 2 mm in thickness. The thickness of the rope will influence the chunkiness of the macrame knots.
• Unbleached Cotton Fabric: A small piece will suffice. Consider repurposing a branded tote bag or similar fabric.
• Acrylic Paint: Suitable for painting your botanical illustration without the risks associated with watercolour or oily media.
• Plastic Lids: For mixing paints and water.
• Scissors
• Pencil
• Needle for Hand Sewing: Ensure it can penetrate your chosen fabric without difficulty.

Tools and Equipment:

• Iron: Helpful for removing wrinkles from the cotton fabric.
• Ruler or Measuring Tape: For measuring rope and fabric.
• Permanent Fine Tip Marker: For transferring your design onto the fabric.

Step-by-Step Guide

Preparing Your Macrame Base

1. Cutting and Attaching the Rope

• Measure and cut 12 strands of rope, each 135 cm long, and an additional strand 40-45 cm for the top hanging section.
• Secure each of the 12 strands to the stick with a loop knot, ensuring they are aligned in the center.

2. Creating the Top Hanging Device

• Apply adhesive towards each end of the stick and wrap it several times with the reserved strand of rope, securing it with a minimum of two knots.

Crafting the Macrame Pattern

3. Mastering the Macrame Square Knot

• Commence by creating six square knots using 24 strands (considering 12 initial strands each divided into 2), forming the first row.
• For a brick-like pattern, skip the outer two strands on each side for the second row, crafting only five square knots.
• Alternate between six and five knots for subsequent rows until reaching the desired height of the hanging.

4. Finalizing the Macrame Design

• Securely tie off the strands, trimming the ends to create a neat fringe.

Incorporating Botanical Illustration

5. Preparing the Fabric Piece

• Decide on the desired shape for your fabric, adding about 1 cm on each side for hemming.
• Sew the edges, flattening them for a clean finish.

6. Transferring Your Design

• Sketch your chosen botanical illustration onto a piece of cardboard the same size as your fabric piece.
• Use a permanent fine tip marker to transfer this design onto the fabric.

Bringing Your Art to Life

7. The Art of Painting

• Paint your botanical design onto the fabric, aiming for a consistency in your paint mix that’s neither too thick nor too thin.

8. Attaching the Canvas to the Macramé

• With careful, even stitches, secure the painted fabric to your macramé base.

Congratulations!

You’ve now combined the warmth of macrame with the delicate detail of botanical illustration, creating a piece that’s both personal and striking. Hang your new art piece with pride, and let it spark conversations and inspire creativity within your home.