5 Ways Handwoven Rugs Are Sustainable
With the 50th anniversary of Earth Day fast approaching in 2020, Earth Day Network is launching a series of major campaigns to catalyze and channel global collaboration for the health of our planet. Buying a handwoven, sustainably sourced rug from me qualifies as an act of green!
Here are five ways buying a handwoven rug supports the Earth…
Read More»2018 Color Trends
Yearly Color Trends – Love them? Follow them?
“Each season the team at the Pantone Color Institute creates the PANTONE Fashion Color Trend Report; a color overview highlighting the top colors fashion designers showing at London Fashion Week will be featuring in their collections for the upcoming season.” – FASHION COLOR TREND REPORT
Read More»How to Order Bespoke Rugs and Tapestry
Together we’ll create something that’s truly unique
People often ask me how to go about creating an artful rug to fit a specific space or highlight the art and colors of their home. It’s always a great adventure to work with my clients to come up with bespoke designs, special techniques and natural materials needed to make a rug.
Together we will discuss your space, your style and all the possible choices available you to that will make your project a one-of-a-kind handwoven showcase rug or tapestry.
Follow along through the five-step process from start to finish with details from my latest 5’x7’ commissioned rug.
Step 1 Let’s collaborate
You know where you want the rug to go but may not be sure what it should look like. We’ll do a layout to help the imagination process, look at your art and favorite colors and share our ideas.
One of my existing designs might spark your interest and I can make a similar rug for you or it can be a stepping stone to a new design
Next, I’ll do a rough sketch of my ideas and show you color samples. After your approval, I’ll order materials and get started.
Step 2 Setting up the loom
Weaving has been around for thousands of years but setting up the loom properly remains the same. As in the video, the warp threads are wound on the loom, tied on and tension set so weaving can begin.
Which loom I use depends on what size rug you need. l have three looms to choose from. I may already have a loom and warp ready to use for your rug or I may have to set it up. Many people choose a custom rug to fit an unusual size space, which I can easily accommodate. [See the video below: a custom table runner brings the table alive!]
Step 3 Weaving!
Once your yarn materials arrive I can begin weaving! I will use the rough sketch you approved as a guide, but I also let the weaving flow and develop on the loom as I weave. If you like my style, you’ll like the flow.
The time it will take to weave will depend on the size and the complexity of the design of the rug. I will estimate how long it will take to weave your rug at our first meeting. Typically a 5’x7’ rug or tapestry will take 6-8 weeks of production time.
Step 4 Finishing
Every weaving needs the warp threads bound on the edges to keep the weaving intact. Once the weaving process is complete and I take your rug off the loom, I finish the edges by knotting and weaving in the ends of the warp threads.
Step 5 Delivery!
And just like magic, I will deliver your custom rug! Check out some commissions I’ve done here.
Ordering custom art for your home can be nerve-racking but together we will go step-by-step to assure you are thrilled with the results.
Give me a call at 805-766-1343 to set up your no-obligation consultation today.
Introducing: LIQUID
Set the tone for your table with an artistic handwoven runner inspired by liquid
For me, a new design idea can come from many different sources. Sometimes it’s a thought and sometimes it’s inspired by something I see. This new table runner series is a little of both.
I’ve woven other pieces with blended yarns before but recently I was inspired by new, unique colors from Weaving Southwest to create a series of table runners using monochromatic colors.
Your table runner will:
- define the table
- create the mood and add character
- connect the color scheme, tableware and furniture
Which color combination inspires you!?! Join us on Facebook to vote!
Looking at Nature
One Look at Nature: The Paintings of Gail Pidduck
at the Santa Paula Art Museum now through November 6, 2016
I have had the honor of being chosen by the renowned artist Gail Pidduck to exhibit one of my rugs at her latest show, One Look at Nature: The Paintings of Gail Pidduck, which runs now through November 6, 2016 at the Santa Paula Art Museum.
The museum asked Gail to invite artists whose work she admires to exhibit in a companion gallery adjacent to the main exhibition. I was lucky enough to be one of those admired artists — thank you Gail! After Gail talked with me, Jennifer Heighton, the Executive Director of the museum, paid me a visit at my studio to chose a piece for the show. We decided on something from my Origins exhibit, the rug Paint Horse.
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