Hand hooked rugs are a folk art-inspired rug making technique known for its traditional use of old clothing and bits and pieces of cloth too precious to discard. Once a hallmark of thrifty pioneers, hand hooked rugs now embrace tradition to offer us lessons in sustainability. Michelle Sirois-Silver shares her passion and expertise with students in this rug hooking course designed for all levels.

Each student can choose either a basic or an intensive component. The basic component is designed for newcomers who want to learn how to make a functional hand hooked rug from start to finish. Over two-days they will hand hook a small sampler, learn directional and random hooking techniques, how-to transfer a design to the backing, finishing, and selecting and sourcing materials, hooks, and backings. Students will be introduced to easy dye techniques including over dye, natural dye with tea and onion skins, and marbleizing.

The intensive component is suited for experienced rug hooking students wanting to take their designing, colour planning, and experimentation with materials to the next level. When registering for the intensive component each student will work with Michelle to create a unique lesson plan tailored to their specific needs. Michelle will bring her expertise in design, colour, and non-traditional materials to the process. Students registering for the intensive component need to contact the instructor two weeks prior to the course.

Course Fee: $280  Supply Fee: n/a       Tuition includes lunch and two snacks. Prices are inclusive of all applicable taxes.

Michelle Sirois-Silver’s first love was the hand hooked surface, her second was deconstructed screen printing, together these two techniques inform the framework for her art making, teaching and talks. An award-winning artist, Michelle is known for making work that reflects a clear understanding of colour relationships, experimentation with materials and techniques, and integrating traditional and contemporary design. Michelle has studied with Dorothy Caldwell and Jason Pollen and has taught at the Maiwa Textile Symposium, Convergence, and the Gibsons Fibre Arts Festival. She exhibits in North America and works from her studio in Vancouver, British Columbia.

$280.00