Here at RopesDirect, we’re always fascinated by the creative ways in which people use rope.

From classic home DIY and craft projects to children’s playgrounds, art installations and even sustainable wooden bicycles, we thought we’d seen it all. But last week, we came across these amazing pieces of ‘climbing rope art’ and were absolutely astounded.

Created by Mischa Ylva Ostberg in Maine, each design is made from a mixture of retired, multi-filament climbing ropes – very similar in appearance to our coloured polypropylene cord.

And we think you’ll agree, the results are pretty amazing. So amazing, it’s easy to look at Mischa’s designs and be inspired to have a go!

 

Taking rope art to the next level

Mischa started her company – East Mountain Designs – back in 2020.

As a keen mountain climber, she’d amassed many years’ worth of used climbing ropes that were no longer suitable for climbing. But rather than let them head to landfill, she decided she’d make something out of the pile and give them a new lease of life.

Her first design paid homage to Arches National Park. And over the last few years, she’s created many different pieces depicting fantastic outdoor spaces across the US.

Each piece can take anywhere from two to 40 hours to complete, depending on its size and complexity. And to create the stunning, brightly coloured and deeply textured design, retired climbing rope is simply cut into strips and carefully glued onto fabric, canvas or wood.

 

 

It seems other creative minds across the world have also had this same ingenious idea.

Lots of similar companies can now be found online, particularly on social media. Plus, ‘rope wall art’ is becoming increasingly available on sites such as Etsy UK – and it’s easy to understand why.

These are truly unique and eye-catching pieces, that wouldn’t look amiss in anyone’s home!

 

Impressed?

If you’re feeling crafty, you could have a go yourself.

Here at RopesDirect, we don’t sell climbing ropes per se. But we do have plenty of colourful rope cords available in our store that would do the job just as well.

Take, for example, our coloured polypropylene cord.

With an 8-plait multifilament polypropylene sheath and no core, this is a soft and flexible braided cord – that can be easily manipulated and glued into place. Not only is it available in several thicknesses (2mm – 6mm), it comes in a rainbow of colours – including black, red, white, blue, navy blue, yellow, green, orange, khaki, grey, pink, purple and fluorescent yellow.

The perfect palette for creating your first rope art masterpiece.

We also stock multi-coloured bungee cords, static ropes and coloured polypropylene ropes, in various colourways and patterns – all of which can be bought by the metre to meet your needs. So why not invest in a few different shades?

You could attempt to replicate one of the outdoor scenes created by East Mountain Designs. Or get creative and come up with your own unique design.

The results may not be as intricate or refined as Mischa’s, but where’s the harm in giving it a whirl and seeing what you can come up with? Perhaps make a thoughtful gift for a birthday or anniversary? Or just a little something, to put up and decorate your home?

 

 

Show off your rope art on our socials

If you do have a go at this using the ropes and cords from our store, we’d love to hear from you.

We’re always delighted to hear from our customers about the wonderful (sometimes surprising!) ways in which our products are being used – and it would be great to see our ropes and cords featuring in a piece of ‘rope art’ as impressive as Mischa’s.

Simply tag us in your photos on Facebook or Instagram using #ropesdirect. Or if you prefer, send an email to info@ropesdirect.co.uk and let us know how you got on.