Students are invited to learn the ancient art of macrame at the new ARTifacts DIY series sponsored by Creative Campus. Macrame, often incorporated in table runners, hand towels and even clothing, is a craft consisting of string tied into decorative knots.
Abigail Ratliff, a sophomore majoring in marketing and a Creative Campus intern working on the ARTifacts team, said the biggest goal of the DIY event is to increase the appreciation of the history behind the crafts.
“The main purpose is to explain the cultural background of the craft,” she said. “We want to add authenticity and understanding to decorating.”
The word “macrame” comes from the Arabic weaver’s word “migramah,” which means fringe.
Kylie Cowden, a sophomore majoring in advertising and an ARTifacts team member, said the backgrounds of different crafts can be easy to miss in today’s increasingly commercialized society.
“Someone buys a tapestry from Urban Outfitters, but they don’t understand how it’s made or what work went into it,” Cowden said.
Cowden said the series is meant to appeal to everyone and build community among different UA students.
“The University has some great arts programs, but we want to make the arts appealing and accessible to everyone on campus,” she said.
ARTifact’s macrame DIY event will take place Tuesday in the Idea Lab, located in 150B Hardaway Hall, at 6:30 p.m. The workshop is free and supplies will be provided.
