Inquiring minds want to know......

I've had many questions about my blog challenge and my antique santa and reindeer rugs. The burning questions are 1) where did I find the felted balls that I used in my hanger for my challenge project and 2) Will I part with my dye formula for the face in the Santa and Reindeer rug?

The felted balls are from Ally Strebel of Kindred Spirits and here is her contact information....

www.alistrebeldesigns.com"

Those felted balls are the bomb...Just think of all the ways to embellish your rug hooking or sewing projects.....Top of hats, hangers (like my challenge project) or try stringing a few from the bottom of the rug to add a little whimsy. The possibilities are many!

As for the flesh colored dye formula for my santa rug.....can't give it to you because, I don't know it...BUT I do know where you can buy the wool. My pal Kris Miller sells the wool and it is just perfect for flesh toned projects. You can contact her here:

www.spruceridgestudios.com"

Inquiring minds now know!.........................Have a Merry and Joyful day! Maria

Look What I received in the mail......

Just the sweetest little package from some of my dear buddies over at AAPG. The package came without a name on it so I had to do a little investigative work to determine who sent it to me. It wasn't too hard as these two gals are a couple of the sweetest, most giving gals I know. Ginger and PattiJane put together a little bag for all of us. Now how sweet is that?

Included in the package were some handmade Christmas Tags....aren't they adorable? Love the Candy Cane one!


Some chocolate...yum!

Some flavored tea for those cold winter nights here in the North.

The neatest little sewn pocket to store needles....



and a fun little booklet with doodles and places to keep notes.



I was delighted to receive this little gift from some of my pals.

This sweet gesture made me think....what if we all took the time and effort to create some happiness like Ginger and PattiJane did. They've inspired me to do that same. May your day be Merry and Joyful, Maria

Some Exciting News to Share.....

Early American Life Magazine did an article about rug hooking and I'm in it! The article, authored by Edyth O'Neill and Gregory LeFever, titled "Primitive Hooked Rugs" is very informative. The authors chronicle the history of the craft and explain how the craft is flourishing. I along with Barbara Carroll, Anita White, Tish Bachleda, Peggy Teich and Susie Stephenson were all interviewed and the article features each of us along with two or three of our individual rugs. Pictures of my Tyler Flower Basket and Old Thyme House were chosen for the article. Here is a picture of my rugs.



What a thrill to be included in such a great historical magazine along with some of the names listed above. If you get a chance you should pick up this magazine.....It is worth having in your collection of articles. There are 18 color photos of rugs. Below is a picture of the magazine cover.



Here is a link to Early American Life to inquire about the magazine.

http://www.ealonline.com/

May your day be joyful and merry! Maria

What I'm Working on Wednesday.......

Not much I'm sorry to report! As is par for my course, I started another rug before I finished the 20 that are in my art studio.....do any of you have the same problem? Once I have the color planning done with the rug and have hooked on the rug enough to know that the wool will work, I set it aside to start another rug. Here the latest rug on my frame.


A closeup of the face...............



It is my rendition of the antique Santa and Reindeer pattern that is so popular. As many of you know, I have an affinity for sheep so I added a cute little one into this rug. Once I get this guy hooked, it will be available as a pattern....

And of course alot of my time was focused on finishing my Creative Rug Hooking Blog Challenge. Here is a picture of the finished project. More detailed photos can be seen in a few posts back.



I made a little progress on my hit or miss snowman ( and I do mean little!)....



This is a Christmas present so I must work on this little guy pronto!

And last but not least is a cute little snow guy that is almost done......I'm hoping to find a little time to finish all three of these over the holidays.



Many Blessings to you. Maria

The Creative Rug Hooking Blog Challenge Photos Revealed

Oh this was so much fun and challenging.... Isn't it neat seeing all the challenge projects together? I think it is interesting that we each did something a little different with our projects. If you click on the picture and it will open in another screen (a little bigger) so you can see the projects better.



Here are the links to Ali, Kris and Alices' blogs to read about how their projects were created.

http://alistrebel.blogspot.com/
http://spruceridgestudios.blogspot.com/
http://alice-folkartprimitives.blogspot.com/

As for me, I opted for doing a little mixed media and used scrap book paper collaged onto an art canvas for my background.



I hooked the snowman and attached him to the canvas. Here is a side view of the snowman.


Another side view....



In this picture, you can see that I used the wire to make arms for the snowman and to hold his tree. Can you see the glitter that I added to the scrap book paper? Kind of makes it dreamy looking. I added a red wool scarf to the snowguy.



Here is a picture of the snowman's hat. I added the irredescient pipecleaner to the brim and added more tinsel glitter to the hat. You can see the scrapbook paper that I chose. The green was also irredescient and I love the circles on it.



The red ball, star button and wire were used in the hanger. The star button was a little to harsh color wise with the scrapbook paper so I primed it and added more glitter to it. Not bad....I'm kind of liking the tinsel glitter. (thanks Martha!)



Here is a closeup of the button after I made the changes to it. Sorry the picture is a little blurry but you get the idea.



I almost forgot to mention the ribbon....I thought the ribbon was pretty and it definitely directed me to the color palette I chose. To display it, I opted to attach it across the bottom of the canvas and have a space all to its own.



Now if I were to make this snowman again, I definitely would hook my snowman with whiter wool. It is a little to primitive for the pinky red and green paper in the collage. Lately, I've been leaning toward this pastel palette.....there is something soothing to me about the softness of the colors. Plus I love glitter!
Thanks so much for stopping by and following our challenge. We are all looking forward to the next one! Maria

Look what one of my students hooked!

Cora was in my class at Star of Texas in Tyler and hooked this sweet rug. Cora ventured outside her color palette and used great colors like purple. I think the colors are just wonderful and I love this rug. Look how she hooked the hat on the diagonal...very clever. The socks are beaded which is a simple technique that adds so much to a rug. This of my patterns, Mister Snowman, and you can find him on my website. Thanks Cora for sharing your rug with us all!
Speaking of teaching, I'll be adding my teaching schedule for 2011 to the right of the page soon. Maria

A New Segment to my BLog

Called "What I'm Working on Wednesdays". Each Wednesday, I'll show you what I'm working on for the week. NOW....... I'm not going to guarantee, what you will see will always be finished products. Hopefully, you'll get a glimpse into what projects I have on my plate for the week. Seeing half finished rugs will also and maybe I shouldn't admit this.......show you the method behind my madness! My rugs oftentimes look like a battle field with all the reverse hooking I do.

For my first "What I'm Working on Wednesday" post, I have a snowman mat to show you.
Like I mentioned, this little mat isn't done yet...yet is the operative word as this little guy may be a Christmas present. I have a ton of worms (did you know worms multiple like rabbits!) and was trying to come up with a pattern to use them. While looking through my stash of rug hooking books, I saw a Karen Kahle pattern book that I had purchased and she hooked a sweet little sheep rug using a hit or miss background like this......so I drew the snowman out and went to town on the background. I'm pretty pleased with the results...What do you think? Like it or not?

AND yes, I am working on my challenge project.......IT WILL BE DONE!! Did you see the post by Kris Miller about the project....She was taunting us because she has her project done...done a whole 10 days ahead of schedule. It is a cute post and you can read it by clicking here. http://spruceridgestudios.blogspot.com/2010/12/one-of-reasons-i-love-michigan.html
Here is a little peak at my challenge project....

Needless to say, I have a lot more to do. WHo came up with a deadline 5 days before Christmas anyways? Enjoy your night. Maria

Playing around in my photo editing program

And I came up with this fun Halloween Collage (a little out of season, I know, forgive me) and..... it is a little small and kind of hard to see. I'll be working on how to make it bigger.....but pretty cool for my first time playing around with this program, eh?
This weekend, I am starting a new rug that I designed and will hopefully preview on Monday.....And I probably should get cracking on my Creative Blog Challenge!
Have a good weekend. Maria

Creative Rug Hooking Blog Challenge

CREATIVE RUG HOOKING BLOG CHALLENGE 2011......

Recently, I asked three of my teaching friends who also have blogs if they wanted to participate in a challenge. My thoughts behind the challenge were to make the four of us think outside the box and come up with some new ideas for classes. Below you will find the statement that each of us have posted on our blogs. The deadline is the 20th of December and I have no idea what I am going to do. I hoping this weekend my creative juices will start flowing. Maria



In an effort to expand our rug hooking creativity,

Maria Barton http://starrugcompany-maria.blogspot.com/
Alice Frazier http://alice-folkartprimitives.blogspot.com/
Kris Miller http://www.spruceridgestudios.blogspot.com/
Ali Strebel http://alistrebel.blogspot.com/

have joined together to challenge one another to come up with fresh new ideas for rug hooking projects. How the challenge works is simple. Over the next few months, one of us will take the lead and will send items to the each other to use in our rug hooking project. The only requirements are that the project involve rug hooking and all items received be used in the challenge. The leader of the challenge can designate a theme if she wishes.
We will have deadlines for the projects and will post the deadline along with the items received for the challenge on our blogs hopefully on the 20th of the month. The day of the deadline, we will post on our blogs the finished project along with links to the other participants finished projects. Our hope in this challenge, is to inspire you to think outside the box, use new materials in your rug hooking projects and to be creative. If you would like to participate in the challenge with us, you can contact the leader of the challenge to purchase the items. Thanks for allowing us to share the works of our hands with you.

If a dog could talk.....................

We've being trying on hats and scarfs on Miss Josie in an attempt to locate the perfect look for the Christmas card. Doesn't her face just say it all? She was very obliging at first and then just wanted to play with the hats!



Hope your day is Merry! Maria

Drum Roll Please.............................

And the winner of the Antique Santa and Reindeer Rug as generated by the random number generator.........................
Quaint and Plain!!
Please send me an email so I can get your address!

I want to thank everyone who participated in the giveaway by leaving comments, posting the giveaway on your blog and becoming a follower. I'm totally blown away by the response and all the kind words. It truly gives me a warm feeling knowing what you do is enjoyed by others. A big, humble thank you to all!!!
Maria

Star Rug Company Giveway Antique Santa Rug

I'm very grateful for all that visit my blog, buy my patterns and offer friendship so in honor of all my followers and customers, I'm giving away this reproduction hand hooked Santa and Reindeer rug.
It is the sweetest rug and was hooked and punched by my hands using strips of wool. It has the time worn look of an antique rug and is replicated from an antique pattern which I love. This special rug would make a perfect addition to your holiday decor. It measures 18 inches by 18 inches.

So let's get to the Nitty Gritty.........HOW to ENTER to WIN this rug:

You have several options for registering to win!

1.) Simply become a Star Rug Company blog "Follower" by clicking on the "Follow" button at the upper right column of this page.... (your name will be entered).

OR

2.) You could enter a comment for me here at the bottom of this post by clicking on the "Comment" button ( and if you don't have a Blogger Account no problems....you can simply click the "Anonymous" feature to leave the message). Keep in mind though that I'll need to identify you if you are chosen! If you are unable to leave a comment just email me, and I'll add your comment to the list below.

And Finally,

3.) If you have a Blog and help spread the word about my Giveaway on your Blog, I not only thank you but encourage you to leave a 2nd comment here for a second entry! You can use the picture below to advertise on your blog's sidebar, or just use the larger picture above!



I'll be announcing the winner of the rug in one week, December 7, 2010. So sign up and check back in one week to see if you have won the rug. Again, thank you all who read my blog, offer support and friendship. I enjoy hooking and sharing my hand goods because of you.

For all you rug hookers out there that want to hook this pattern, I do have it for sale. Email me if interested.

~Maria~

Sneak Peak of the Giveaway Rug

As promised, below is a picture of the giveaway rug. It is a remake of a popular antique rug. Details for the giveaway will follow tomorrow.
Thank you for the overwhelming response to the Cyber Monday sale. There are still a few hours before the sale ends. See post below for details. Maria

CYBER MONDAY SALE at Star Rug Company

I hope all of you enjoyed Thanksgiving and the long weekend. We enjoyed spending time with our families and eating all the wonderful food. Dave and I didn't make the turkey dinner but we did help cleanup afterwards. Here is a picture, albeit small, to prove it.

In honor of CYBER MONDAY, I'm offering 15% off all patterns. Plus every order over $50 (after discount and before shipping) will receive a little thank you gift and free paper pattern from me. The sale will conclude at 12 am pst. If sending an email, in the subject line, type CYBER MONDAY SALE.
Looking for a pattern to hook over the holidays or maybe a little gift for your rug hooking buddy, take advantage of the sale.
In the next coming days, look for a giveway in honor of my 100th post.....IT WILL BE WORTH CHECKING BACK FOR....trust me on this one. Maria

I'm in the mood for winter!

You read that correctly. We are between fall and winter and it has been raining lately. When it rains it is dreary and the cold just seeps into you. You know what I mean? But when it snows.....it is so pretty and fresh! So bring on the snow!
This little mat was punched with that in mind. I was playing with my new Oxford Punch again and used 8.5 strips of wool this time. The more I fiddle with this punch hook....the more I like it. This mat is on the small side about 5 inches by 8 inches and was punched in less than two hours. Not bad eh?

On another note, I'm two posts away from my 100th post.....so stay tuned for a giveaway! Maria

I'm teaching a Workshop at Sauder Village

In case you didn't know, I'll be teaching a 1/2 day workshop at Sauder Village next August. The class is called Altered Rug Hooking and involves artist canvas, scrapbook paper, paint, glue, glitter, napkins, and wire just to name a few pieces I'll incorporate into my rug hooking.
You can check here for more details about the class. Scroll down and you will see the details about my class http://www.saudervillage.org/creativity/rughooking_workshops.asp. I'm very excited about the class! Have a good weekend. Maria
Maria

Punch Hook using 1/4 wool strips

I wanted to share a little mat that I punched hooked while at Barbara Carroll's last week. After class, I stayed up late and hooked while my mates were ZZZZZZZing....I'm not naming any names though!
Years ago, I purchased an Amy Oxford Punch hook and never had much success with it. Lori Brechlin had punched a rug using 1/4 inch strips of wool and it was wonderful...but again when I tried I just couldn't get the hang of it. After reading my friends' blogs (Ginger, Primitives by the light of the moon and PatiJane)and learning about their new found appreciation for punch hooking, I thought I would give it another go. Ginger and Pati had taken a class from Frank Bileac (sp)(who is also a great guy) at Star of Texas rug camp earlier this fall and made all these wonderful items....so through their blogs, I was determined to try it again. AND this is the result. I love the ease of the punching and how quickly the projects are completed. I was also able to punch some glittery wool into the rug. I'll be posting some photos soon of my rug and time spent at Barb Carroll's class. Til next time. Maria

Enjoying my time at Barbara Carroll's class

I've been hooking with Barb Carroll for the past two days at her lovely home and have had such a great time. I'm hanging with good friends, learning from one of the best in the business and enjoying every minute of it. I'll post pictures of our rugs in the next post, but for now, I thought you would enjoy seeing pictures of Barb's sweet Maine Coon kitty named Posie. She is so dang adorable.....Check out the last picture where she is laying on her back on my lap. Very calm and mind mannered.
As for the rugs, I'm working on Tennessee Hearts and am loving my color palette. I'll snap pictures of every one's rugs in progress so you can see them. Maria

Isn't this guy great too?

Another Mister Iggy has made an appearance.

Jennifer Faulkner sent me this picture today. The colors in the rug are wonderful. He looks so real. Great job color planning this rug! Don't be shy....send me pictures of those completed rugs. Maria

Mister Iggy has made an appearance

Sue Milanik sent me this picture of her version of Mister Iggy. Isn't he wonderful?! The colors in the rug are fantastic. Can you see the rolled wool circles in the background? This was a free pattern in Rug Hooking Magazine last year I believe. Keep those pictures coming...I love to see them and will post them here on the blog for all to enjoy! Maria

Pictures from my booth at Ghoultide Gathering

I thought I would share a few pictures from my booth earlier this month at Ghoultide Gathering. May I say...what a show! I had the best time and enjoyed meeting all the talented artists. The talent and creativity was truly amazing. If you get the chance to attend this show next year.....go. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.

Another little mat to whet your appetite......

These hands of mine are busy hooking rugs for the Ghoultide Gathering show on October 2, 2010. I can't believe it is only 11 days away. So much to do and oh so little time! Here is another little mat that will be offered for sale.. I have few more rugs that I'll share over the next few days. Maria

And the winner of the name contest is Ghoulish Grins!

Oh my goodness thanks to everyone who participated and helped me name the rug. It was so hard to pick a name as they were all good and so clever. I think Kris's name spoke to me as it combined the name of the Ghoultide show in the name.....Thank you, thank you!
Below is another little hooked rug that is headed to Ghoultide Gathering......
This is a tiny little mat (5 x 5).....I have three more to go with it.....I'll show you the others in the upcoming days. Have a good week. Maria

I'm gearing up for Ghoultide Gatherings

Ghoultide Gathering is quickly approaching and I've been busy creating new rug designs. Here is another little mat that I hooked up for the show.



Her name is Witchie Poo! Will any of you be attending the Ghoultide Gathering in Northville, Michigan? If so, please stop by and introduce yourself.
Thanks to everyone who participated in the naming of the rug. What great names you all came up with! I'll still trying to pick my favorite.....will let you know tomorrow. Thanks for stopping by. Maria

New Halloween Rug...I need a name for it!

Over the next few weeks, I hope to share with you several rugs that I am hooking for the Ghoultide Gathering show in Northville. I have been hooking like a mad women trying to complete rugs for the show and this is one of them. This rug needs a name......

Oh, a contest!!!!!!!!! Leave comments with suggestions naming this rug and the winner will receive a 1/2 yard of unwashed wool. Contest will end on Sunday at 5:00 pm. So put your creative thinking caps on....!!! Maria

>

Before and After

Here is a before picture of the sweet little table that I found while thrift shopping last weekend.

I just loved the lines of the table. What I didn't like about it was the melamine finish on the table so....... I bought some of Krylon's Fusion plastic spray paint and went to town...
..
It took two cans and I like the finished product. The table would look perfect in a cottage/lake type house.
I've also been having fun with hooking rugs for the upcoming Ghoultide Gathering show in October. The show has made me come up with new rug designs and create new ways to display the rugs. I'll post some pictures of a few of them when they are completed....here is a little sneak peak of one I'm working on.....

Can you tell purple is my new favorite color? Maria



Maria

Metal Sculptures

Whenever we go to Manitoulin Island, we pass through this little town on Highway 17 called Massey. There is a metal artist in Massey that does the most amazing things with metal. He use scrap metal and if I remember correctly uses old propane tanks for his sculptures. His sculptures grace the open spaces in the center of town. Check out this horse. It is life size. Can you believe the mane on the horse?
His work is so wonderful. Several years ago, he had two rabbits, March Hares, they were probably 5 feet tall and would have been amazing in a garden. Here is a picture of two more horses and a life size moose.



Don't you just love these wonderful works of art?

As promised, here are a couple of rugs I've been working on for an upcoming folk art show in October.



Thanks for stopping by, Maria