Meet Emily Katz, the girl behind Modern Macrame.
We recently partnered up with Modern Macrame to bring you two styles of plant hangers – our newest favourite home decor. We decided to catch up with the Queen of Macrame herself, Emily Katz!
Photo by Nicole Clementson
You studied primarily printmaking and fibers in school. What got you interested in the art of macrame?
I learned macrame from my mom as a way to reconnect in 2012. I love plants, and so was interested in learning how to make them, and she agreed to teach me in her Connecticut kitchen, and after 20 years of not being in touch, macramé brought us back together.
You’re leading a very nomadic life teaching macrame workshops, art directing, styling, etc. What have you learned in your time traveling – about yourself? art? culture?
Secretly I am a homebody. I love my home in Portland. But home would not be the same without satisfying my wanderlust. I love exploring, tasting new flavours, seeing new sites. I find that sometimes I get lonely traveling by myself, but the loneliness actually is wonderful fodder for creativity and inspiration.
Keeping with the travel theme – what is your favourite place to travel to and what are some of your recommendations while there?
So far, I loved my trip last Spring to Japan. The culture is fascinating, loving, full of dreams for me. I love the food and customs. I was so well taken care of there.
If you go: Kyoto has an amazing flea market on the 21st of Every SINGLE MONTH. Stay at a cute Hostel nearby that had a nice vibe and was really affordable.
Walking around the big Nishiki market is amazing and mouth watering.
Eat at Stardust and Awomb.
Our collab is focused on two styles of plant hangers and a lot of your work is very bohemian. When did you start feeling so connected with nature and is there any specific part that inspires you?
I grew up in Oregon, and for two years my family lived on a farm. We had a horse named Babe, and my playground was the forest. I always gathered little objects and brought them home to make my room special. So my inspiration from nature began as long ago as I can remember. I love the smells of the forest, ocean and desert. Getting out of town and camping is one of my favorite things to do. There is something special about sleeping on the ground. But I still like to make it feel fancy.
What do you have in store for your next project?
We are working on our own small kits that will launch this holiday, as well as developing more inspirational content including a blog, which I am SO excited about. Other projects in the wings that are still top secret! But I can’t wait to share them soon!
Be sure to check out both Emily and Modern Macrame on Instagram as well as learn more about her macrame work here.