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

Jayde , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

Many years ago, I began my craft at the age of around 5 years old. Watching my mother carefully tie knots into beautiful artwork, was amazing to me. How could something so simple as tying a knot, turn into something truly amazing…
I decided then I wanted to give it a shot and see if I could do it too.. Slowly with her assistance, I learned how to tie many different knots and began to work on more intermediate knots, as these were essential skills needed to produce quality artwork pieces …. throughout high school I made simple things like necklaces and bracelets for myself and friends, but continued to work on learning and developing those new skills; mainly reading books and tying (and untying) alot of knots over and over….. After the passing of my mother shortly after high school and into my 30’s I felt it my duty to work and help my familly as much as possible. it wasnt until my mid 30’spicked macrame back up, just as a pastime. When children arrived, my focus began changing, and the workforce was no longer as important. I decided to leave my career of 23 years to be home with the children more. However, I needed something to do during slow times at home and as the kids became more independent, so I decided to restart macrame more full time, and fell completely in love again! Shortly after, I made the leap and began my business, Knot and Pine Design, llc in 2020 (officially 2021). I regret not starting it sooner and have no intention of returning to a corporate structure ever again. I have slowly grown the business since 2021 and currently am thriving in what I do. I attend Artisan markets and have my items for sale in 5 locations around SW Washington area. Most of all I get to be home AND do what I love to do: Be with my family and Macrame!

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My business focuses on Macrame and wood working. I make very intentional pieces using many different natural materials including 100% Cotton Cords (I use mainly cords made in the USA and Poland), recycled cords, Grade A natural crystals, stones, minerals, and fossils, and branches from the PNW area. All of my branches are hand foraged, cleaned and prepped by myself or my husband. I remove bark using my large knife or bench grinder, I sand them all with multiple grits and I stain/ protect every single one prior to use. I create custom “forever” art ( as well as small pieces and accessories for market sales) and what sets me apart from most is that I tie my knots tighter than most and I use a mix of mediums. My work does not unravel or warp. It will last generations if cared for properly. When creating custom art for a client I want to feel connected to them and confident that I am bringing our shared vision to light. I ask many questions during the creation process, such as color of wall paint, furniture and style. What crystals they desire and why they desire those specific crystals to be used. It assists me in ensuring the art work is focused. Id like to eventually have a clothing line as well. I’ve begun/continued to learn the skills that are needed to take my art up to that level. I want to continue to provide extra income for my family and continue to sell my art locally. My husband will be joining me at some point more regularly, as he is the woodworker. (hes still working his full time job right now) We have already begun adding small wood items to our list like plant propagation stations and shelves but eventually would like to add live wood tables as well. We also sell live plants and propagated plants! Since I make alot of plant hangers, plants are a must at the markets!

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

I get to do what I love, and when I want to do it! I was in the corporate world for so long that I no longer got to be creative. There wasn’t time. I was told what to do and when it had to be done. The very stressful world of the Food and Beverage Industry can wear on you, and I no longer have to feel that. I get to be with my family and work when I want to. Or not!

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I made a huge pivot when I left my career in the Food and Beverage Industry to open my business. I worked in the industry ever since high school. working my way up from hostess to food and beverage director to General manager. Sure, it was great money, for the most part it was flexible hours, but it was stagnant. It was boring and completely unfulfilling, doing the same thing over and over. Once I had children, everything changed. Nothing was as important as being with them, and I wanted to do whatever I could to spend as much time with them as possible! I left my career after 23 years. I was one of the highest paid people in my company, in one of the highest positions, and I walked away. And I have never felt better. I have never regretted it and have continued to move past the life I used to lead, into a more simple, healthy environment, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world! happiness is truly richness.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @knotandpinedesignllc
• Facebook: @knotandpinedesignllc
• Youtube: Knot and Pine Design llc
• Other: Current Retail Outlets:
  Willow and Fern Collective – La Center WA
  Ridgefield Floral and Gifts – Ridgefield WA
  Cougar Store and
  Lakeside Store and Grill – Cougar WA
  North County Wellness Collective – Amboy WA

Image Credits

@willowhillphotography
@willowandferncollective
@sunshine_co (hats provided by)
@knotandpinedesign