LET'S TALK BUSINESS

   Creative Rug Studio

         Traditional Hand Twined Rugs for your Home

 

"Of the many types of rag rugs that became popular about 1850, twined rag rugs are more durable and beautiful than most. It is possible to incorporate intricate designs that are rarely found in other types of rag rugs."

 

I have shown Mary Zurich's Rag Rugs several times during the last few years. . .Now, she has a WEBSITE! . . .and an ETSY SHOP. . .This lady is serious about her craft. . .as she should be! . . .I love the combinations she uses both in color and fabric choices. . .See what you think. . .

 

Creative Rug Studio--SALTWATER TAFFY



Creative Rug Studio--MINT JULIP



Creative Rug Studio--BLUEBERRY MUFFIN

Creative Rug Studio--APRICOT TART

I've had numerous inquiries from other Rag Rug artists who are interested in starting a business. . .questions such as 'What do I charge?'. . .'Where do I sell?'. . .'What's popular?'  The thing I've found is that 'it all depends'. . .As with any business, you have to find your niche. . .And, it's often a trial and error situation at the beginning. . .That goes for craft shows, boutiques, gift shops as well as online places of business.

 

I don't sell my rugs but at one time I did make a living designing, making, and selling girls clothing. . .It took a lot of disappointing shows to find the ones for me. . .Likes and tastes were so different in this one state. . .Our own Delta area was a so-so venue. . .Yet, I could travel to the Ozarks and have a sell out every time I set up. . .It was a good lesson learned that I've carried through life. . .Don't give up. . .If you like your product and would buy it, then there are those out there who will do the same. . .Life is a learning experience. . .Some of us get more learning experiences than we want, but it all evens out eventually.

 

As for Mary, with her talent and eye for color, we know she'll be a hit. . .

John and I wish her a long and prosperous journey with her new business.

 

Visit Mary at: CREATIVE RUG STUDIO

OR

at: CREATIVE RUG STUDIO @ ETSY

 

If you have a Rag Rug business utilizing our looms, email us and we may feature you in the future. . .It's always nice to know what your doing!

 

 

 



Tip for Weaving Those Last Few Rows

 

 

I must admit, the last few rows of weaving a Rag Rug can be frustrating.

It slows me down. . .besides the pull on my shoulders and can cause my hands to ache.

I probably feel the pull more than most of you,

unless you have fibromyalgia and/or arthritis.

 

One day I was shopping yard sales and happened upon a package of  vintage Bodkins.

I haven't seen these in ages. . .Do they still make them?

If so, I bet they're more than 39c on the package or the 10c I paid.

 

I brought them home with weaving in mind. . .

In the past I've used a large 'bobby pin'. . .so I was pretty certain this would work better.

And. . .it DOES!

 

There were two in the package. . .The one with the loop was a little harder to thread. . .

I used one for each strip I was weaving and zipped right through those last rows.

 

 

 

John has decided--when he has a little more time--that he'll try making a few of these in a size that would accommodate the wider weaving strips. . .In the meantime, check with a fabric store or Hobby Lobby or other craft store. . .I'm sure they still make Bodkins. . .I had just never thought about using them.

It took a yard sale for me to say, "Duh. . .Why didn't I think of this before?"

 

Hope it works for you!!!

 

 

 

 



Change the Strip Size: Change the Rag Rug

It's been a while since I've given you any tips on Weaving Rag Rugs, hasn't it?

Life sometimes goes by too fast.

But, here I am now. . .with an answer to your many questions about strip widths.

 

There is no set width size for the strips, although we all have our preferences.

Did you know, though, that you can change the thickness of the rug by changing

the size of your strips?

 

I needed some thinner mug rugs.

I've long used 3/4" strips for the warp to cut down on the thickness.

I thought I'd try 3/4" strips for the weft, too.

It made a much tighter weave, as well as a rug that's not so thick.

 

I tried to take a close shot for you. . .with no luck. . .

maybe this won't be too blurry. . .

 

Can you see the difference in the two?
The top mug rug is thinner than the one below.

(Sorry for the blur)

I like the closer weave, though I must warn you that it takes a little longer to weave

since you're not working with 1 1/2" strips that work up much faster.

 

It's a matter of preference. . .as well as the purpose of the rug.

I'm more than certain that I will make both sizes in the future.

"Vary the strip size and change the look of your rug"

 

 

I have another tip to share later this week. . .One I just happened across.

Til Then. . .

Happy Rag Rugging!

 

Joe Chipman's Newest CD: Arkansas In Me-Keeping It Delta

It's Here! For Sale Now!

We have long awaited it's arrival. . .but it is well worth it.

Joe Chipman is more than a song writer/musician. . . .He's also a story teller and historian. . . .mixing narrative and lyrics that tell of the Delta when the land was first cleared and farming began. . . .
the hard times and the good. . . .the struggles and the triumphs. . . .

during the Great Depression and beyond. . . .

You'll be captivated from start to finish.

Produced by Joe Chipman and Craig Morris

Narrations by Joe Chipman with the exception of "Arkansas In Me" by Dale Blaylock and "Flood of '37" by Morris Simpson.

Lead Vocals: Craig Morris, Charlsy Bryant, Sandy Rhodes, Kenny Seratt,

Billy Joe Warren, Bo Jackson and Joe Chipman

Background Vocals: Pam Chipman, Brandon Bryand, Lori Bryant, Craig Morris,

Donna Rhodes, Brenda 'Bear' Barnett, and Sandy Rhodes.

Tim Crouch--Fiddle, Acoustic Guitar, Banjo, Upright Bass Mandolin

Craig Morris--Keyboards

Brenda 'Bear' Barnett--Electric Bass

Sandy Rhodes--Acoustic Guitar

Jeff Knowlton--Acoustic Guitar

Cover Photo by Dwight Booth--L to R: Joe Chipman, Bob Rothfus, Jeff Knowlton, John Holt, Dru Duncan and Dale Blaylock at the C. A. Smith Grocery located at the Widner-Magers Farm Historic District.

  

Order your copy today!

Arkansas In Me--Keeping It Delta

12.00, plus 3.00 Media Mail Shipping



Or order both!

Arkansas In Me--Keeping It Delta

and

Taming Mississippi County

22.00, plus 4.00 Media Mail Shipping

Visit Duncan Farmstead Sharing the Delta Story in Song
to learn more about The Man and His Music. . . .and to hear HARD TIMES from Chipman's first album.

Beautiful Rag Rugs and a Loom Stand Suggestion: You have to see this!

Mary has been busy again! Just look at the gorgeous Rag Rugs. . .She has used cord for her warp and has woven fantastic patterns. . .Far beyond anything I've ever done. . .

Don't you love them?

Mary also shared: "Two months after purchasing my loom and here are photos of my accomplishments. . . .I just took out my business license: Artisan Folk Rugs. Will be selling at the local Farmer's Market. . . I am pleased to find a craft that might help me make some $. In the depression my widowed grandmother make these rugs for $ to feed her 8 kids. I am still working on the website and it isn't published yet. Will let you know when it can be viewed."

Isn't that great news? . . .She goes on to share her exciting discovery for a loom stand. . . . "I have purchased an easel from Hobby Lobby.  It's easy for working and a beautiful display when I am not working."

I have seen these easels myself at Hobby Lobby but never thought about using them for weaving. . . .Thanks so much, Mary, for sharing with us. . . .I'm sure Hobby Lobby will be having a run on easels now. . . .And thank you so much for sharing your Rag Rugs with us. . . .What an inspiration you are!. . . .We look forward to your website!