Blog Post #11 - Occupational Storytelling

Macrame Update

This week I finished my paw print wall-hanging project. In all honesty, I was kind of disappointed by how this one turned out. I knew it was going to be different from the video tutorial I was following because the cord I used was thicker and it was black instead of white, but I thought it would look closer to the one in the video. I feel like it is difficult to tell that this project is actually a paw print. Next week I will move onto my coaster project which I have already bought at Hobby Lobby, as mentioned in a previous post.

Macrame and Occupational Storytelling

I'm not sure exactly where it got started, but a couple years ago my mom started a running joke between her and I about how I loved macrame while she found it to be odd-looking and something she would not want in her home. Every time we would see a macrame art piece, she would point it out to me and say, "oh I bet that is something you would like" in a way that was clear that she didn't like it (I think it is important to point out here that my mom and I are really close, this was all in fun and games). When I met my husband, he was also included in this ongoing joke because he also finds macrame to be an odd craft. Despite their teasing I've remained steadfast in my appreciation for macrame, and so when the opportunity arose to pick a new occupation to learn for this course, macrame art seemed like an organic fit for me since I wanted to do something that was creative and would result in some sort of end-product. I'm also happy to report that as I've engaged in the occupation of creating macrame, my mom and husband have both grown in appreciation for the craft!

Finished Paw Print Project


Comments

  1. Makenna SchowNovember 17, 2022 at 6:37 PM

    Alyssa,
    I love your paw print macrame! I think that would be a super fun addition to a wall, especially below a framed masters degree. ;) I also love that despite your close family thinking macrame was odd in the beginning, you chose it anyway. I can tell you are a very motivated individual. Do you believe that you will continue to include macrame in your life story? Is it something you would like to continue to do after this class is over?

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    Replies
    1. Alyssa ShirleyNovember 19, 2022 at 6:02 PM

      Hi Makenna, thank you so much, that means a lot! I think I will continue to participate in creating macrame after this course is over, but I think after this class I will probably focus on creating macrame as gifts for others. My walls at home are starting to get pretty full from my projects in addition to what I already had, so I think my projects moving forward might be more geared towards considering what I can make to give to others. This would be an addition to the ongoing occupational story I have surrounding creating macrame, as I haven't yet given it as a gift before. Thank you again for your comment!

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