5 Ways Handwoven Rugs Are Sustainable

Regina Design weaves Earth Day

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…

Regina Design weaves Earth Day naturally1. Wool is renewable

Wool comes from sheep and, just like our hair, the wool fiber grows back every time. Some breeds, such as Churro, are shorn twice a year otherwise the fiber will get too long and heavy. Remember the lost sheep found in Australia carrying over 90 pounds of wool? 
 

2. Wool fiber is strong and will last a long time

People tell me they are concerned about walking on my rugs. Rugs have been woven with strong, durable wool for centuries. That’s the reason I use wool for my rugs. A wool rug you buy today will last for generations.
 

3. Biodegradable and recyclable

When, generations from now, your descendants need to replace their Regina Design wool rug, they can use it for insulation or add it to compost. The fibers will decompose into fertilizer and return to the Earth in a renewable form.
 

4. Locally sourced materials

I buy wool from a family owned business Weaving Southwest who have been serving their community for three decades. That business in turn supports the community of sheep ranches, fiber mills and local businesses in their area. 
 

5. Support a local artist, support a community

Coming to my studio gives you access to one-of-a-kind handwoven rugs that you won’t find anywhere else. You will be supporting me and I use sustainable practices to create my art and participate in Studio Channel Islands Art Center, an artists cooperative. 

6 Inspired ways to decorate with hand woven rugs

hand woven rugs

You’ll never hear me say “Don’t walk on my art!”

It’s understandable that you might not want to walk on an artistic, handwoven rug. It’s totally fine to feel it under your feet, trust me. In case you are one of those people who can’t bring themselves to put their art on the floor, consider these other creative ideas!

  • Drape it over a railing
  • Decorate the top of a door
  • Cozy up the back of the sofa
  • Make a statement

 6 Inspired ways to decorate with hand woven rugs

1 Drape it over a railing

Use it as a colorful centerpiece or divide the room.

2 Decorate the top of a door

Interior doors become more decorative when you add a beautiful stylized rug while helping with the acoustics of the room.

regina design studio channel islands

3 Cozy up the back of the sofa

Rugs can be just the perfect hit of color and warmth when used as a throw on your bed or couch.

hand woven rugs4 Make a statement

It makes perfect sense to hang a rug just like you would any other art. Make a statement by adding the right light and frame to style your home.

Other fun ideas:

5 Make a stylish pillow

Small rugs are the perfect size to transform into statement-piece pillows for your couch or bed.

6 Upholster a chair or headboard

Decorative rugs can be a soft and beautiful way when used as upholstery fabric for a chair, ottoman or headboard.

Feeling inspired!?!
Come to our next Open Studios and we’ll look at colors, examples I’ve already woven and create something special just for you.

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.

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