My recent design rabbit hole started with a desire to create a historic looking mural for our home. Somewhere in my search for folk art painting techniques I stumbled upon one Mr. Rufus Porter and the rug hooker in me took over. His motifs struck a chord. While I’ve yet to paint anything, I’ve been enjoying designing rugs inspired by his work. This little footstool is the first of many to come.
I’m just gonna say it. I’m super pleased with how this sashiko embroidered pillow came out. Styled after Japanese Boro textiles, works like this make certain that nothing in the studio goes to waste. The smallest scraps prove a useful and artful purpose. For a truly multi-cultural fiber experience, I included the Dala Horse motif as part of the imagery and pattern. The fabrics include antique quilt squares and cottons, recycled denim, and homespun cotton. Bordered and backed with antique European homespun linen, this generous pillow is is filled with the highest quality stuffing I could find.
To see this piece in the shop, click here.
To see the Maine Lobster Boat Pillow in the shop, please click here.
I am fascinated by the primitive. The old and weathered. The patina of life’s wear and tear. The functional side of folk art. Dave and I have designed and made several pull toys together, but this one is an altogether new undertaking. Three dimensional, fiber art, and salvage combined all in one piece. I am just thrilled with the results. While the piece functions spectacularly as a pull toy, due to governmental oversight, I need to tell you it is not a toy. It is for decorative purposes only. Nonetheless, our Primitive Hooked Giraffe Pull Toy has won over our hearts.
More designs to come…
Still cold out, but in my head my toes are still tucked in warm sand. The Vintage Bathing Beauty needs a Beau. And I think I may have finally come up with a design I’m happy with. Still tweaking, but I’m liking it overall.
My head is dancing with ideas of how I’d like to hook this, what materials and colors I want to use. I know a lot of folks color plan their rugs, but that just never works for me. Maybe more to the point, I don’t seem to be good at sticking to a plan. Free spirit and all…
I confess, I have a thing for rugs. I love looking at them, shopping for them, and napping on them in front of the fire. So, I tore myself from the depths of my studio this weekend, re-communed with friends, and dove head long into a whole new craft that I am sure I must create stash for.