COLORFUL ROPE SAILORS’ KNOT WREATHS
I came across these colorful sailors’ knot wreaths on a walk one night in Marblehead. It was green and hanging on an old wood door. The decoration was simple but striking. When I posted the door on Instagram I found out the wreaths made by All For Knot Rope Weaving and were for sale at my local art museum, The Peabody Essex Museum’s shop.
I caught up with the museum’s Merchandising Directory and Buyer, Victor Oliveira, and we chatted about All For Knots’ and how their wreath’s colors really stand out. “All For Knots’ intent is to keep history alive, rope out of landfills, and create designs that generate memories that “Connect with the Sea” allowing folks to experience the ocean at their door, wherever that may be.”
Since Covid, Nova Scotia has been shutdown and Victor mentioned how as the popularity of the wreaths has grown All For Knots’ has been able to employ more local workers. By the museum recognizing the importance of rope weaving they broaden All For Knots’ reach and help to promote a growing creative business. Victor mentioned how a few specially designed wreaths for the PEM will available on the website soon.
Lobster Rope Sailors’ Wreaths will last outside for decades, resistant to mildew and fading. Using the traditional Turk’s Head knot, these wreaths are hand crafted in Nova Scotia, Canada on the shores of the Bay of Fundy. This knot has been tied for centuries and was originally crafted aboard ship for decorative purposes. Wreaths may be hung on a door, used as a candle ring, to frame a mirror/picture or a flower pot mat.
-Peabody Essex Museum
I wanted to find out more about the wreaths and the story behind them so I reached out to Angela Worsley of All For Knot Rope Weavings and she was kind enough to answer a few questions for more me over e-mail.
Q: The wreaths are made of lobster trap rope? Are they salvaged? Where do you get it from? Local fisherman?
A: Some of our wreaths/products are made with reclaimed rope and yes, it is the lobster fishing rope that has lost its strength for holding the lobster traps. It is doesn’t absorb the moisture so will not mildew and it is colorfast.
Q: What colors do your wreaths come in?
A: We have Aquamarine, Beachglass Blue, Blueberry, Morning sun, Overcast, Carbshell, Dory Red, Sou’wester Black, Seashore, Emerald Sea, Ocean mist and we are in the process of developing new custom wreath for Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Massachusetts.
Q: The knot used for the wreaths, does it have a special name?
A: There are about a hundred different variations of Turk’s Head Knot, made for centuries aboard a ship for decorative purposes. This variation of the knot is painted by Leonardo Da Vince in the 15th century.
Q: How long have you been making wreaths?
A: I’ve been making the wreaths for eight years now.
The Peabody Essex Museum will have the wreaths for sale on their website. But be warned they are becoming quite popular and sell out quickly. A new batch will be released this week and the best way to find out about when they will be available is signing by up for their newsletter.
All images shown here are Courtesy Peabody Essex (PEM)/ Photos by Kathy Tarantola
All images shown here are Courtesy Peabody Essex (PEM)/ Photos by Kathy Tarantola