Orlando entrepreneur and activist Victoria Walsh, affectionately known as Macramé Momma, teaches the joy of making through the art of macramé. Victoria guides students in the creation of classic plant hangers, delicate earrings and intricate wall hangings through engaging workshops. From their first knot to the completion of their unique project, she patiently introduces each new technique. Students enjoy the relaxed, social atmosphere of Macramé Momma’s workshops and feel the accomplishment of making their own macramé items. She will be among the artists at this year’s Fall Fiber Fest at Orlando Public Library on September 29.
Macramé Momma uses her love of macramé to bring people together for community service and social justice community art projects. From her first project in 2018, Victoria invites everyone to help create unique street art installations to raise awareness for local groups.
“I’m grateful to tie into the community with immersive urban installations, fiber art education and synergistic creativity,” Victoria told us.
Her “Central Florida Yellow Ribbon Project” wrapped trees in intricate yellow macramé to raise awareness for veterans. From the University of Central Florida to the Maitland Art Center, community members added their knots to the project while appreciating the sacrifice of our veterans. Victoria’s most recent project, “Knots of Love,” brought women together in creating an installation beautifying the fence on the Dinky Line Trail with multi-colored hearts.
In recognition of the contributions of the LGBTQ+ community in Central Florida and in memoriam to the victims of the Pulse shooting, Victoria and community volunteers created two rainbow colored street art installations. “Pride Wrap” at Colonial Town Square Park features nine wrapped trees created by more than 100 volunteers. Victoria knotted “Pride Pole” in front of The LGBT+ Center Orlando on Mills Avenue, which was later cut down in a presumed hate crime, but the community reacted in support to remake the installation bigger and prouder than the original. In a collaborative effort, 37 members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies “macraMADE” a new wrap, dubbed the “Pride Pole Redux,” which was installed higher than the original to protect it from vandalism.
From helping students gain a love of making with their hands to raising awareness of local groups through community engagement, Victoria Walsh uses her talents to create a better, more inclusive Orlando. To discover workshops and upcoming street art projects, visit macramemomma.com, or stop by the Macramé Momma table at the Fall Fiber Fest and try your hand at macramé.
FALL FIBER FESTIVAL
Orlando Public Library
Sunday, September 29, 1–5 p.m.
Calling all fiber artists! Join us in a celebration of sewing, knitting, crocheting, weaving and more!
- Explore exhibitor and vendor booths
- Explore the Yarnfiti Community Art Project installation
- See demonstrations and try family-friendly activities
- Compete in speed knitting and serger threading competitions
- Win hand-crafted items
- Discover who will walk away with this year’s Fiber Arts Contest Grand Prize
