A New Spin on Traditional Techniques: Sea Tied Goods

There’s a revival going on in the arts and crafts world. Artisans are using new techniques, materials, and technology to give their works a modern twist; and buyers, perhaps trying to escape the ubiquity and impermanence of the digital age, are looking for unique, custom-made artifacts.

Here are three local craftswomen whose work exemplifies the new levels of artistry and innovation that are hallmarks of today’s arts and crafts revival.

• Crewel Ghoul: Click here to read about Amanda Neely and her embroidery work.
• Sea Tied Goods: Read more about Elise Siegel and her work with macrame below.
• Salty Ceramics: Click here to read about Meghan Harper and her work with ceramics.

ELISE SIEGEL started doing macrame just three years ago, but she’s already made her mark as a fiber artist.

In addition to plant hangers and wall hangings, Siegel also creates a number of atypical macrame pieces such as earrings, coasters, and Christmas ornaments.

Nature serves as Siegel’s inspiration. An avid hiker and beach lover, she often looks to the outdoors for ideas.

“To me, the ocean has tons of texture and color,” she says. “I try to incorporate that feeling into my pieces. They have a lot of movement.”

Siegel’s work is representative of the new direction macrame has taken. It is highly textured and contains multiple layers. Also, rather than jute or twine, with which macrame was made in the past, Siegel uses natural materials such as rope that is recycled from textile industry wastes. Materials that are now available for macrame include recycled cotton, raw silk, chiffon, and wool.

In the future, Siegel plans to use some of these other materials in her larger works; and she will expand her product line, available at etsy.com/shop/seatiedgoods, to include other items customers are asking for such as dog collars, leashes, and yoga mat straps. Siegel would also like to teach a workshop on macrame.

“It’s such a fun, meditative craft,” she says. “It’s important to keep the traditional crafts alive.”

To view more of photographer Terah Hoobler’s work, go to terahhoobler.com.

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