Creating colorful rugs and wall hangings that capture the eye and invite one's touch is my goal. I have always been a hands-on person wanting to create. I find inspiration in nature's hues in all her seasons, from the chartreuse leaves just budding forth in spring to the rich autumn hues of burnt orange and red. To create my pieces I first start with a simple sketch. I may be inspired by a tree, a road sign, or a visit to the zoo. I always have my sketch book handy to capture a sudden inspirational thought. Once I have a composition on paper, and to the size that I want, I transfer it to linen.

My next step is to create my palette of color. I do all my own dyeing for my pieces. I start with skirt weight wool (14oz) which I purchase by the bolt from several different mills. I overdye the wool in manageable pieces. Different dye techniques are used depending on what I am looking for in the composition. I use commercial wash-fast acid dyes which give a strong beautiful color and are very colorfast. The mixing of dyes in the dye pot is always a joyous event.

Having my palette in hand I then utilize a stripping machine to cut the material into strips of a width appropriate for the piece I am creating. Strips may be cut as narrow as 3/32" wide or as wide as 1/4". The narrow strips provide a means to create great detail if needed. The wider strips I use in bolder, simpler, but stronger patterns. Once the palette is ready I begin the hooking process. Methodically I pull loops of the wool strips through the linen backing. As more and more loops are pulled through, creating the pile of the rug, the linen canvas tightens holding the loops in place. Colors emerge and entwine, bringing the composition to life.

Once the rug hooking is complete I finish the rugs by placing cording at the edge and binding it off with wool yarn. The corded/whipped edge provides stability for the loops and creates a durable and clean finish to the rug.  Some pieces are set into simple gallery frames.