hand made rugs LOTS of pics

[perpetualspiral]

these are just amazing!  I've done some patterned rug hooking (3 large), and I loved it. I've always wanted to create my own though, and these are really inspiring. Such a great story too!

[Knickertwist]

Holy crow!

Those are fan-flipping-tastic! I cannot imagine the time, patience and talent that went into each and every one of those gorgeous rugs.

That is one special and creative lady.

I'd gladly invite any of those lovelies to live at my house where I could stand, stare and drool over them.

Rocks, wisted, favourited...

[KrisEOB]

It's so neat to see these! 

Gene Shepherd is a friend of mine, and the pastor of my church.  He is considered one of the premier rug hookers in the U.S. (along with Jane Olsen, who is also goes to my church.)  I'm working on my first rug hooking project now.

Anyone who's interested in learning how to hook might be interested in Gene's website: www.geneshepherd.co m.  He and Jane worked together on The Rug Hooker's Bible and a new second book on three-dimensional rug hooking, called Prodding.  (I'm not trying to be all salesman-y.  I don't get anything from this, just think it may be helpful to anyone interested in trying this type of work!)

Thanks for sharing these!

[wickedgoodknitta]

Beautiful. I hope the rugs are preserved as the true heirlooms and works of art they are.

A woman in my town designs and hooks rugs in this traditional way. I admire the patience and the vision to make such beautiful, long-lasting pieces.

Thanks for sharing and best to your MIL.

[SonjaBoo]

Joy is an incredible artist!  Those are truly heirloom pieces and your family will be fortunate enough to treasure them for a long time! Congrats to her on her first art show! 

I had an art class in college (way back in the day) where our teacher taught us how to make these traditional hooked rugs.  I haven't done it since then, but have totally wanted to!  For any Craftsters out there who think they might be interested in doing this -- trust me, you will love it. 

[Lmcbride]

H.O.L.Y. S.@.%.*!!!! That's simply amazing. Tell your grandmother she rocks this hizzouse, for sure. (Or tell her wonderful work so she doesn't think you have a speech impediment or something).

Hahahahaha!  My husband and I were just discussing this last night!  We are wondering how easy/hard it will be to even describe what Craftster *is* to her!  She knows what the internet is, in theory, but has never touched a computer.  We were wondering if we should bring the laptop over to her so she can see, but she is kind of shy and we wonder if she will be mildly scandalized that I posted her stuff to the world - She might only feel that way because it's (ahem) unladylike to seek attention .  She really is very genteel and excrutiatingly well-mannered.   So what I'm going to do is print the comments out and make a special crafty card (or perhaps a book!) for her.  I know that in her heart she will feel very loved.

And KrisEOB, THANK YOU for posting that Gene Shepherd link!  Everyone, go check it out!  Go to the blog, and you will see some fantastic pictures and "action shots" of people working on this type of rug (although they are all working on lap-sized projects - Joy used a huge fram, sort of similar to a quilting frame, to hold her work).  There are pictures of the little wooden-handle hooks that Joy used, and you can see how the design is drawn onto the burlap first and then you can see some in-progress pictures of various people with their work.  And that's all on just the first page!  www.geneshepherd.co m  is awesome! 

Thank you again to everyone taking the time to leave your lovely comments, they are all much appreciated.

[Spice]

She did some amazing work. I never knew that rugs were made that way. My favorite is the one that is family related. They are all pieces of art but that one is beyond description wonderful.

Spice

[Belladune]

these are intensely amazing!  That woman had patience and dedication.  What skill!  all those rugs are gorgeous, and I can't believe she made them all by hand!!!!!!!  what wonderful work!

[TAOJ]

They are gorgeous! I remember my great aunt making these hooked rugs and they took a ton of time, but were beautiful. I live on Cape Breton Island where this craft is still continued especially in the Cheticamp area, if you google Cheticamp, NS you will probably find some info. Tell her that her work is wonderful.

[keogan42]

these are beautiful and she is so talented.  i love the designs, which seem very unconventional for the time period in which they were made...they are stylish even today!  i would totally buy one of these if i could.  thanks for sharing her work.