Even as a child growing up in the historically rich countryside of Eastern Pennsylvania, I always admired the hand-braided rugs I saw on the wooden floors of my neighbors’ farmhouses. They were quintessentially American, from a simpler time, and I imagined the care that went into making each one, and the pride of the maker when on display in their home. As a busy young mother, I didn’t find much time for my own creative pursuits, but after the children were a bit older, I began to make my own hand-braided wool rugs, often from old coats or clothing from the thrift stores. I find it so satisfying to make a beautiful new rug from old cast-offs destined for the trash.
As a member of the Valley Forge Rug Braiding Guild, I feel very blessed to rub shoulders with some truly wonderful braiders who have taught me so much, and inspired me to explore new ideas of braiding. I hope to pass on some of the knowledge and techniques that I use to make rugs and other projects, and through the modern wonder of the internet, enable others far and wide to learn an old craft and express their own unique creativity. No two handmade projects are exactly alike!