If there’s one thing interior-designer-turned-macrame-master Isabella Strambio knows, it’s how to transform a creative passion into a thriving and successful business. Since discovering her love of knotting in 2015, Isabella has been featured in a variety of publications, taught hundreds of workshops, written three books and is now the most sought after macrame teacher in the UK – so we’re truly honoured to have her on our judging panel for the 2025 ClassBento Awards!
During the past 8 years, Isabella has helped thousands of people from across the globe dive into their creativity; from those attending her online and in-person macrame workshops, to passionate crafters looking to turn their hobby into a business, she’s been on-hand to inspire, invigorate and guide with her depth of knowledge. With appearances in prestigious publications such as Homes and Interiors and The Sunday Telegraph, and a spot on popular TV craft show Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas, it’s clear Isabella is a true craft powerhouse.
So put your feet up, grab a cuppa and join us as we chat to Isabella to find out more about her journey into the world of macrame, those all-important creative processes and which craft she’s dying to get to grips with next.
I got started in macrame when…
I first tried macrame on my birthday in 2015, and was instantly hooked. The potential of transforming simple strings with just a few knots captivated me, opening up an entirely new world of creativity and possibilities. I also love the natural colours and textures and the boho vibes of macrame – it goes hand in hand with my passion for keeping everything as sustainable as possible.
Macrame is such a timeless craft…
It really is! But it’s not just timeless, it’s also super versatile – you can make anything using macrame! From beautifully intricate micro macrame jewellery to bold furniture, cool home decor, and fashion pieces – really, the only limit is your imagination.
My creative process is driven by…
Everything starts by gathering inspiration, every time. When I receive a brief from a client, I begin by creating a mood board that captures the desired look and feel of the macrame piece I’m planning. From there, I design and sketch the concept, carefully considering the size, materials, colours, knots, and patterns that will bring the vision to life.
I always draw inspiration from…
So many different things! With my background in interior design, I'm constantly inspired by a wide range of creative influences; I draw ideas from designers, artists, and makers across various mediums, including fashion, ceramics, and interior design. Nature also plays a significant role in my work, with its organic shapes and patterns influencing my creations.
I fire up creativity by…
Exploring a different craft! Tapping into a new medium and engaging different parts of my brain and senses always helps me ignite fresh waves of creativity. I’m planning to get stuck into beading jewellery soon – I can see a trend and I love the look of the colourful pieces of jewellery.
Sustainability in business is important to me…
I really try to be as mindful of the environment as I can, which is why I tend to stick with 100% recycled cotton material or bamboo. It's very important to me to be as eco-friendly as possible in my art.
One piece that holds a special place in my heart…
The large wall hanging featured on the cover of my first book, Macrame for the Modern Home, will always be special to me. Back in 2019, it was my largest creation to date – the centrepiece of my book and a symbol of my journey, and since then, it has adorned every home we've lived in and accompanied me to every exhibition, from The Stitch Festival to Goodwood Revival. Even here in Sweden, where we moved just two months ago, it was the first piece I hung. For me, this wall hanging is more than just decor; it's a powerful reminder of how my passion for macrame has transformed my life. I'm forever grateful for the art of knotting and the joy it's brought me.
Macrame is always evolving…
My confidence and creativity have grown tremendously since I first began: what started as a hobby, creating simple plant hangers and wall hangings, has evolved into a passion for crafting intricate and large-scale items. I've now created everything from lampshades, rugs, and curtains to bags, clothing, and custom pieces for high-end clients
I really think macrame will continue to evolve, incorporating new trends and materials, and blending with other disciplines for even more creative possibilities. I’m excited to see where it goes!
The qualities I’m looking for when judging are…
For the Class Bento Awards, I’m going to be looking for a combination of passion, creativity, community spirit and versatility.
I’ll also be evaluating creativity and innovation within workshops; noting whether there are any opportunities to experiment, how you infuse your personal style, and the ways you might add unique touches – those ways to freestyle and make the craft your own once you've mastered the basics.
The creative workshop industry is set to change…
I really think it’s set to be an exhilarating time in the craft world – I believe more makers and artists will start to offer more workshops, and we’ll see a larger variety of classes. I’m incredibly excited about the potential for the mix of disciplines, and the comeback of almost forgotten crafts!
My advice to anyone kicking off their creative journey…
Don't be afraid to offer something new or different to what's out there – it’s the easiest way to stand out! Also, don’t forget that a really great class or workshop is about the whole experience, not just the teaching; from the moment they enrol, to your energy during the workshop to the follow-up email afterwards, it’s about making the whole journey a truly memorable one.
As a business mentor, an educator and a passionate creative, Isabella is truly one of the craft industry’s gems; her own inspiring tale of turning a hobby into a vocation is proof positive that with determination, dedication, hard work and a whole lot of love, you can achieve amazing things.
Whether you’re looking for a gentle introduction to the world of macrame, some insight from a craft maven or even just a little inspiration on how to make a living from the things you love, Isabella’s story is the perfect starting point. We’re looking forward to hearing more of her expertise at the ClassBento Awards this year!
