How to Make a Macrame Monstera Ornament
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Nothing is better to decorate your Christmas tree with than DIY ornaments. There is something about that handmade touch that really brings out the spirit of the holidays and it gives you something to be proud of every time you see it! You all know I love macrame so I am going to be doing a series of DIY macrame ornaments over the next couple weeks starting with this Monstera leaf ornament. It is extremely easy, only involves two knots, and I already had all the supplies. Plus my cats can’t break it so it is a double win for my tree.
I made a few mistakes along the way and ended up deciding to remake it and I am happy I did. The total size is about 7 inches from top of ring to bottom of leaf and 4.5 inches wide. You can make this any size you want though since it comes down to how you cut it. I already had the wood bead and ring so that kind of dictated my size as I wanted it to feel proportional. The first time around I got scissor happy and each side I tried to cut to match the other until it was too small. Sort of like trying to do your eyeliner and you can’t get each side to match. Unfortunately you can’t just backtrack when it comes to scissors. The second time around I went slower and with more intention and I love the result!
Tips & Tricks
Some of the supplies linked below are bulk. Granted, macrame always comes in a big spool and wood beads and wood rings can be used in so many projects, but I craft stores like Michaels do sell the wood rings and beads in quantities of around 6. I use them so often in my Etsy shop that I buy bulk.
Be aware of the spray adhesive. This will stick and never leave any surface it touches. Use cardboard or parchment paper to protect your work area.
To brush out the macrame I use a pet metal brush. The metal really grabs the fibers and separates them. You can use your fingers, a hair brush or a comb though.
I advise staying around 2mm to 4mm macrame. Too large and the knots in the center will appear huge. If you go with 2mm you will need more pieces to fill up the center since when you brush it out there will be less macrame there. I think 3mm was just right for this project, like Goldilocks and the Three Bears!
Supplies
Cut Macrame
Cut 14 - 8 inch pieces
Cut 1 - 12 inch piece
Knot Macrame
Take your 12 inch piece of macrame and create a Lark’s Head knot through the wood ring. Pull tight.
Thread Bead
Thread your bead through the ends of the macrame. You can use tape on the ends if it is difficult to get it through the bead.
Place Macrame
Take one of your short pieces and place it behind your central stalk.
Loop
Take a second piece and thread it through the loop of the first and draw it over your stalk.
Knot
Take the ends of the first piece and thread it through the loop of the second.
Repeat
Pull the knot you created tight and repeat with the rest of your short pieces.
Brush
Use your fingers, brush or comb to unravel the macrame until it is nice and fluffy.
Trim
Give the macrame a haircut. Cut it until it close to the monstera shape you are looking for.
Spray
We need our leaf to hold its shape when hung so use the spray adhesive in a coat over the fronds. Let is dry and repeat on the back.
Trim Again
Now that your leaf has dried and stiffened, do one last trim to get your exact shape.
Besides the one failed attempt, I am happy with how this turned out and I think it can be used on so many things besides a Christmas tree. You could hang it from your car rear view mirror, on your wall, from a door knob, the possibilities are endless. I have more macrame ornament DIYs coming out over the next couple weeks so keep an eye out or subscribe to my newsletter! Hope you like this one and let me know how it turns out in the comments.
