We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Carlie Hatley a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Carlie, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

I learned how to macrame through YouTube videos and countless attempts and failures. When I first started learning to macrame, I couldn’t even create something as simple as a keychain. Knowing what I now know, I wish I had taken more creative risks and stopped wasting my time perseverating over how the final product would turn out. In that regard, I was my greatest obstacle. However, I am too stubborn to quit learning something until I have perfected it, and macrame was no exception. That being said, I think that having grit is the most essential key to accomplishing just about anything.

Carlie, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I began my macrame journey in 2020 during COVID. During that time, I was teaching remotely and filled my free time trying out different hobbies, and that’s when I fell in love with macrame. Once I figured out how to successfully macrame, I worked up the courage to post my work on social media, and that’s when the messages and requests started pouring in. I had no idea there would be such a positive reaction to my work. I am most proud of the fact that everything I create comes from the heart. If it’s not something that I would be proud to display in my own home, then I would never sell it. I use my macrame Instagram account, @wildwildcrafts, for orders and as a personal portfolio. I love doing custom orders for people, and I love doing large, elaborate wall hangings.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

With the subjective nature of art, I think everyone is creative and talented in their own way. The challenge is finding a creative outlet that makes your soul feel good. I didn’t learn how to macrame until I was thirty, and before that time, I didn’t view myself as a creative individual. It is never too late to try new things and discover new interests.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

The best way to support artists is by purchasing their art. If that’s not possible for whatever reason, follow the artist on social media and tell people about the artist. Many of my macrame works have been sold through word-of-mouth connections.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: wildwildcrafts