{"id":55019,"date":"2021-02-18T07:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-02-18T07:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ae.com\/aerie-real-life\/?p=55019"},"modified":"2021-03-08T18:17:06","modified_gmt":"2021-03-08T18:17:06","slug":"how-to-macrame-coasters-changemaker-katie-howland","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ae.com\/aerie-real-life\/2021\/02\/18\/how-to-macrame-coasters-changemaker-katie-howland\/","title":{"rendered":"How To: Macram\u00e9 Coasters with Changemaker Katie Howland"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

You may have met #AerieREAL Changemaker<\/a> Katie Howland and know all about her inspiring humanitarian efforts. But did you know she has a bustling creative side too? We caught up with Katie to learn how to craft handmade macram\u00e9 coasters that can work as the perfect gift for anyone in your life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

She breaks down what exactly macram\u00e9 coasters are and what she loves about crafting, alongside a step-by-step guide on making the artsy pieces yourself. Read on below to learn more and get started with your own macram\u00e9 session at home!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What are macram\u00e9 coasters?<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Macram\u00e9 is a textile created by knotting! The artform actually goes all the way back to ancient Babylonia and Assyria in modern-day Iraq. It\u2019s had several resurgences, from Victorian lace to 1970s wall hangings. A third resurgence is happening right now because it\u2019s a fun, cheap, and simple way to create anything from plant holders to coasters for your home. Macram\u00e9 coasters are my favorite craft because you can create one in a single evening while binge watching your favorite show on Netflix (hello, Schitt\u2019s Creek!). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What do <\/strong>you<\/strong> love most about crafting?<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I actually began crafting during a really hard time in my life. My mental health was really poor, and I needed an outlet. Crafting keeps my mind occupied and gives me a sense of accomplishment every time I create something with my own two hands. Plus, you can create some beautiful items out of repurposed material. My favorite macram\u00e9 cord is a 100% recycled brand called Bobbiny, which I buy from an amazing small business called All Yarn Drive<\/a> on Etsy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Crafting keeps my mind occupied and gives me a sense of accomplishment every time I create something with my own two hands.”<\/p>Katie howland<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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How do you prioritize activities that you enjoy, like crafting, while <\/strong>working in the humanitarian field<\/strong>?<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Work-life balance is incredibly important to me. I set strict work hours for myself and try my best to do something creative at least every other day. That could be anything from learning to crochet  to coloring in my Joe Biden coloring book \u2014 but I\u2019ve found that my creative time is crucial to my overall happiness and well-being. This is especially important for people working in the humanitarian field or other high stress jobs that can be emotionally taxing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you could gift anyone in the world your handmade macram\u00e9 coaster, who would it be?<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If I can include dead people, definitely Frida Kahlo. She was an incredible force of nature \u2014 an outspoken, disabled, bisexual, politically-active feminist just like me! She was so dedicated to her art that she painted canvases hung above her head while bedridden on her back. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Macram\u00e9 Coaster Supplies:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 3mm single-strand macram\u00e9 cord \u2013 I recommend Bobbiny brand from All Yarn Drive<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Sharp scissors <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Tacky glue <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Comb <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Directions: <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Step 1:<\/strong> Cut five pieces of cord the length of your outstretched arm (fingertips to the inside of shoulder). Cut a sixth piece of cord that is slightly shorter than the length of both of your outstretched arms (from your left fingertips to your right elbow). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 2:<\/strong> Create a loop with the longer cord (we\u2019ll call this the working cord), roughly the size of a coffee mug.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Step 3:<\/strong> Using each of your 5 shorter cords, create a reverse lark\u2019s head knot<\/a> (see pictures) on the loop. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Step 4:<\/strong> Pull the longer end of your working cord to create a tight circle. This will be the center of your coaster. Ignore the small tail from your working cord \u2013 this will be cut and glued to the back of your coaster later. Spread your shorter cords out in a circle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Step 5:<\/strong> Cross your working cord over the first cord to its right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Step 6:<\/strong> Make a number four with the cord that is now on the left over your holding cord and pull the end through the loop of the four. Repeat using the same cords. This is called a double half hitch knot. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 7: <\/strong>Move your holding cord to the right of the next cord and repeat step #6.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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