Mother // Maker : Isabella Strambio from TwoMe

I have another exciting installment for the Mother/Maker series, where I interview a maker or designer on their life as a creative and a mother. I am delighted to say that Isabella from TwoMe is my guest on the blog today. I first came across Isabella on instagram many years ago when she had challenged herself to learn 12 crafts in 12 months. Since then she has grown a successful business writing, making and teaching about Macrame and natural dyeing.

She has been featured in publications including Mollie Makes, In the moment and Hobby Craft. She was a guest on Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas and has a new book coming out in April. All very exciting stuff!

What sparked ‘TwoMe’? How did it all begin?

I had been toying with the idea of doing a blog since my first daughter was born in 2011, however, managing a young family and a job did not give me any time to actually plan how I was going to do it. Then I had the idea of learning 12 crafts in 12 months and I thought the blog could follow this journey.

In 2016 my husband’s job moved from London to Hampshire and for nearly a year he was away Monday to Friday. I saw this as an opportunity; in the evenings when the kids were in bed and all the housework was done, I would spend a couple of hours setting up the blog and then starting the project of learning and documenting 12 crafts in 12 months. At the same time, I started an IG account too and that it's how it all started.

Where does the name ‘TwoMe’ come from?

TwoMe means: 

Two - two hours

Me - for myself

What came first, mother or maker? Have you always been creative?

I have always been creative as my career was Interior Design until we relocated to the county and I made the decision to give up interior design to be a maker and educator, and look after the kids.

How has motherhood inspired you?

Motherhood inspired me to look at my work in a completely different way. In London, I was working full time and hardly saw the kids. By the time we were all together at home they were tired, I was tired....not a great combination.

I wasn't enjoying my job either; even though it is classified as creative it wasn't for me. It was a job so I could stay in my career and pay the nursery. I didn't really make any money and I didn't really spend any quality time with the kids during the week. That is why I kept thinking about the blog - it was a way out for me to use my creativity the way I wanted, at my own pace, for my own pleasure.

Crafts have an amazing power to bring peace, mindfulness and calm to your life. That was my transition from a designer to a maker. We eventually moved to the country and as a family the work-life balance is so much better, it's priceless. Quitting my career as an interior designer was the easiest and best decision ever and I do not miss it.

What is a typical day for you? Would you say you have a good work/life balance?

I drop the kids at school by 9:00am, once I am back I will have a cup of tea or coffee and then start working. Every day is different but usually it's either making while listening to a podcast, or getting ready for a workshop/event, replying to emails, a bit of social media, marketing and planning new courses or collaborations.

I finish at 3:00pm, tidy up the house and then head off to get the kids. Once or twice per week I will have some evening calls with people I coach, or workshops. Two or three times per month I also work at the weekend running workshops in London or around the UK.

What does self-care look like for you?

To me is finding time for myself and it could be exercising, having coffee with a friend, reading a book, going for a walk or having a chat with my family or close friends.

Do you have a creative space?

I don't have a studio, yet. I work from my home and my large kitchen is my creative space. The light is great, even in the gloomy days, which really helps me when I am making.

Do you have any favourite mother maker/designers?

I have lots! I think every mother that is dedicated to their kids and their job is amazing.

To mention a few: Teri from @thelovelydrawer, Silvia from @Silvia_salvialimone, Fiona from @jewellerymoves and Katie from @ceramicmagpie 

What are your dreams/plans for the future, as a mother and a maker?

I want to keep growing my business organically, around the kids and my family and at some point have an extended holiday around the world as a family.

Where can people find you online, or get involved with your work?

My website www.twome.co.uk for anything macrame: how to start, knot tutorials, free macrame projects, list of suppliers, workshops dates and more.

IG @_twome to follow my journey and every day behind the scenes.

Pinterest for inspiration @twomeuk

Thank you so much Isabella for sharing more about your creative business journey and your plans for the future - an extended holiday sounds amazing!

You can find more from Isabella on her website, hang out with her on Instagram or pre-order her new book ‘Macrame for the modern home’ which will be released in April 2020.