Have you checked Etsy lately? There's a great raft of macrame jewellery going on at label Yinjoux's online shop. Designer Yin Chuah was born in Malaysia, learned her knot-tying skills in the favela in Salvador, Brazil, and now lives in Australia.

Six months in the favela meant she had to develop a skill to defend herself from the random crimes. And so knot-tying seemed like the best option. I joke. Of course she know show to use a handgun. I joke again. But she did get obsessed with the knot making, friendship band selling craft and now she has turned that obsession into a business.

While a macrame owl made at primary school might be your last memory of the craft, Chuah has turned out space invaders, Aztec hats, and threaded bracelets woven with gold chain. The animal totem series features jellyfish, cats, squids, hippos and crocodiles in minimal colours. They're a long way from the awkward friendship bands we used to offer our besties back in grade five.

Prices from US $35 for a ring to US $370 for a hat.