Macrame Owls: Their time has come...again
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The Challenge:
In the 1970s the macramé owl could be found in great numbers peacefully existing in its natural habitat; the homes and offices of the western world. But tragically, in just a few short years the macramé owl has been almost completely eradicated from the planet. Today, they are rarely sighted and many of today's children do not even know what one is. The once plentiful macramé owl has become an endangered species.
Our Mission:
To bring back the macramé owl to its rightful place of prominence in interior decoration.
How You Can Help:
Make or purchase a macramé owl and display it proudly in your home, office, school, or car.
Together we can bring them back!
In the 1970s the macramé owl could be found in great numbers peacefully existing in its natural habitat; the homes and offices of the western world. But tragically, in just a few short years the macramé owl has been almost completely eradicated from the planet. Today, they are rarely sighted and many of today's children do not even know what one is. The once plentiful macramé owl has become an endangered species.
Our Mission:
To bring back the macramé owl to its rightful place of prominence in interior decoration.
How You Can Help:
Make or purchase a macramé owl and display it proudly in your home, office, school, or car.
Together we can bring them back!
A Short History of the Macrame Owl
Origin of the Macramé Owl The exact origin of the macramé owl is unknown, however there are several theories. The most widely accepted theory states that the owls first appeared in Ancient Egypt. Hieroglyphics suggest that the owls were made from reeds that grew by the banks of the Nile and that the owls were used as sacred burial objects in the tombs of the pharaohs.
Other macramé scholars believe credit the origins of the owl to Han Dynasty in ancient China. Poetry from that era often mentions the owls which were made by the Noble women of the court from the finest silk. These pendent-sized owls were then given to the man of their choice before he went into battle. It was said that a soldier who carried such a talisman was sure to be victorious. Although most macramé scholars agree that the ancient Chinese did indeed make owls of silk, there is some debate about whether these beautiful works of art can really be considered macramé.
Perhaps the most controversial theory is that of the Mayflower Owls. This theory claims that the pilgrims created the owls on route to America. Bored by the long ocean journey, the pilgrims unraveled the ropes they found on the Mayflower and used the strands to make the owls. The theory even goes so far as to say that the pilgrims brought the owls to the new world and traded them to the Indians. Although it cannot be completely discounted, this theory is not taken seriously by most macramé scholars.
The Rise of the Macramé Owl
Macramé Scholars agree that the Macramé owl population increased dramatically in the 1960s, reaching its peek in the mid 1970s. During that decade, one could scarcely enter an American home without finding one and often several macramé owls. The owls could be found almost anywhere, thriving in their natural environment of shag carpets, overpowering incense, and an abundance of houseplants. The macramé owl flourished during this time, bringing joy to all who encountered them in the homes, schools and dentist offices of what was once our great nation.
The Fall of the Macramé Owl
Sadly, the age of the macramé Owl could not go on forever. The humble macramé owl with its innocent eyes and natural fibers could not withstand the materialistic consumerism of the 1980s. Replaced with chrome furniture, elaborate window treatments and something called a personal computer, the poor macramé owls were condemned to live out their days in boxes in the attic, or worse yet, on the nickel tables at garage sales. Often the poor little creatures were simply tossed into the garbage. There are even stories of people who set their owls on fire. Almost overnight, the macramé owl became an endangered species. Where once there were millions, only a few remain today.
Hi! I'm Knotty. Please save me!
What YOU Can Do
What YOU Can Do
There are fewer macramé owls today than in any other time in history. But we can change that. We can bring them back! We can restore the macramé owl to its rightful place in forefront of home decorating in America. We must once again bring the macramé owl into our homes, offices and schools. Let us rise up as a nation and relearn the art of decorative knot tying, or at the very least, appreciate the work of those who have dedicated their lives to this noble craft.
Contrary to popular belief, creating a macramé owl is not difficult, time consuming or expensive. For just a few dollars and about an hour you can create a macramé owl of your very own. Make them for family, make them for friends. Don't want to make a macramé owl? No problem, you can buy one. Whether you make your own macramé owls or buy them doesn't matter. What does matter is that you begin, as those before you did, to decorate with macramé owls. Remember: Every owl counts. Together, we can bring them back!
There are fewer macramé owls today than in any other time in history. But we can change that. We can bring them back! We can restore the macramé owl to its rightful place in forefront of home decorating in America. We must once again bring the macramé owl into our homes, offices and schools. Let us rise up as a nation and relearn the art of decorative knot tying, or at the very least, appreciate the work of those who have dedicated their lives to this noble craft.
Contrary to popular belief, creating a macramé owl is not difficult, time consuming or expensive. For just a few dollars and about an hour you can create a macramé owl of your very own. Make them for family, make them for friends. Don't want to make a macramé owl? No problem, you can buy one. Whether you make your own macramé owls or buy them doesn't matter. What does matter is that you begin, as those before you did, to decorate with macramé owls. Remember: Every owl counts. Together, we can bring them back!
Ten Reasons to Get Your Very Own Marcrame Owl
1. Just for the sheer beauty of it2. You can be the first person in your neighborhood/dorm room/ prison block to own one.
3. It will look great hanging next to those oversized salad tongs.
4. It makes a great gift! Appropriate for any occasion: baby shower, kids birthday, Valentines Day. Everyone appreciates a macramé owl.
5. One word: Prestige
6. Goes with any décor.
7. Way Cheaper than a home theatre.
8. Easier to live with than a dog.
9. Nothing impresses those important clients more than a macramé owl!
10. Because deep down in your heart, you know it's the right thing to do.
FAQ
What is macramé?Macramé is the art of decorative knot tying.
What is an owl?
An owl is a nocturnal bird of prey with large eyes, a hooked beak, and typically a loud hooting call.
Why macramé?
Because it is fun, easy and cheap, and if done well can actually look pretty cool.
Why owls?
Because it would be really hard to make a macramé giraffe and a snake would just be boring. In addition, macramé owls are the epitome of macramé kitsch, which brings joy to our hearts.
Why now?
Although macramé has been a kind of lost art in recent years, it seems to be making a comeback as a new generation discovers all the cool things you can do with a few beads and a spool of cord.
Is macramé cool?
Contrary to popular belief, macramé actually is cool! Macramé is retro, vintage, kitsch and made with natural fibers. Want to make your macramé owl super cool? Make it with hemp!
Are there different kinds of macramé owls?
Macramé owls come in all shapes, sizes and colors. Check out our gallery of owls to see some of the many varieties.
Who is "Knotty?"
Knotty is our beloved mascot. He graces our site with priceless words of wisdom, reminding us that it is important for us to bring his species back.
What do I need to make a macramé owl?
Not much. Some kind of cord like jute or hemp. A couple of beads for eyes (and or wooden rings if you want to get fancy) and a stick for a perch. You will probably also want some instructions, which you can find on this page.
Where can I get supplies?
Sadly, most craft stores no longer stock macramé materials. However, they usually do have beads that will work for owl eyes and hemp. You can often find jute at your local hardware store. You can also order supplies online.
Links to Love
- Macrame Owl Sanctuary
- Truly committed to the plight of the Macrame Owl, these devoted people have created a sanctuary for unwanted owls.
- A Treasury of Macrame Owls
- Bill Davenport has collected a delightful gallery of Macrame Owls for your viewing pleasure.
- A Simple Macrame Owl Necklace
- Instructions for making a Macrame Owl of your very own!
- All Natural Owl
- A more challenging macrame owl
- Minds in Bloom
- This link has nothing whatsoever to do with macrame owls, but if you happen to be a teacher, parent, or homeschooler, you might want to check it out. Also, if you want to know more about the creator of this page, you can find it here!
So, What Do You Think?
Got something to say (hopefully good!) say it here!
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Tracy
Jan 1, 2011 @ 3:11 pm | delete
- Love It!!!!!
I would really appreciate the instruction (pattern) for the macrame owl on the home page.
tracybibby@live.ca
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by ReallyRachel
Hello world. This is my bio. I can edit it later!
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