Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristina Mattison
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
After our youngest child began to drive about five years ago, I immediately was driven to learn macrame. I had always loved a certain style of it. I have my own unique style and rarely do I deviate from it unless I am asked to make a custom piece. Learning was a bit of trial and error. My husband is an artist so he has a great eye and helps me a lot when I’m stuck on a color way or need help with cemetery. A few friends in the wedding business asked me to create a wedding piece which turned out pretty nice considering I was just learning. Then I taught myself how to make plant hangers, wall hangings and small things such as keychains. Before I knew it, I was asked to sell in some local maker markets. I’ve been interviewed on the news a couple times which was pretty exciting too! Instagram helps a lot with building a following and is great advertisement. My markets are a lot of fun and I love meeting new people and always love when I can meet people face to face.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
As far as obstacles along the way, I would have to say learning how to use social media, photography and creating content consistently. You really want a flow to your Instagram feed with visually appealing photos. My daughter who has her own jewelry business has helped me a lot and is so patient with me. The younger generation is so quick and savvy with technology.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Salty Knots by Krissy?
First, my husband came up with the name Salty Knots because of my lifestyle. Our entire family has worked in the surf industry for the past 30 plus years. I’m a surfer true and true. As my brand began to grow, we noticed a few other macrame accounts also using the same name with a minor adjustment which was pretty aggravating. So we decided to add my name “Krissy” to make it more personal. If you’ve seen a picture of me you will always notice long blond tangled hair. So there you have “salty knots by Krissy” and the art of macrame is the making of knots with cotton rope. I have a daytime visual merchandising job at a local surf shop here in Oceanside, so usually I create my pieces in the late afternoon evening. It’s so relaxing and full filling. I take photos of all my work so everything is documented on my Instagram page.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Fist I have to say that we all have some kind of inspiration, either someone who communicates well, maybe you like their style of art, whatever it is. As I’ve grown in my business and really just the love of creativity. I can be stubborn but I feel in a good way. I know what I like. People say at times to artists “have you ever tried this or that?” Or “maybe you should make this”. I’m true to myself and I create what I love, I have my own unique style and I don’t want to be like anyone else. We can all find inspiration but it’s important to do what makes you happy. It’s your work ultimately and the right customers will come along when the time is right. I do appreciate that my rope suppliers have helped me when I’m looking for a certain kind of rope and not sure on thickness and length. It’s definitely a learning curve.
Contact Info:
- Email: Saltyknotscreative@gmail.com
- Website: Saltyknotsmacrame.com
- Instagram: @saltyknotsbykrissy
Image Credits
Wedding backdrop @sanfordcreative Surfing images @lancesmithphotography
