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An Interview with Jane Olson

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From the December 2024 issue

The rug hooking world was saddened by the death of Jane Olson, an icon in the art of rug hooking and wool dyeing. One of the founders of the art of rug hooking in the western United States, Jane succumbed on August 17, 2011, to the blood disease myelofibrosis, which she had been fighting for ... Read More

All’s Well that Ends Well

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From the December 2024 issue

Creating a hand-hooked stair carpet, as I found out, takes a little more planning than your average floor rug. Beyond the usual tasks of choosing colors to match your décor and dimensions to fit the space, you also need to plan designs to fit the risers and allow extra backing beyond the finished edges. And ... Read More

Proddy Hooking: Peony

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Discover how to bring a peony to life in your rug hooking with Gene Shepherd’s expert instruction. In this video, he demonstrates techniques for building the lush, voluminous layers of petals that make the peony a show-stopping flower. Gene’s tips on shading and texture create a truly dimensional effect, making this an impressive addition to ... Read More

Proddy Hooking: Tea Rose Bud

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In this video, Gene Shepherd demonstrates how to craft a delicate tea rose bud using proddy hooking. Gene covers the shaping and petal arrangement needed to create a realistic, budding flower that complements larger floral motifs. His guidance makes this a lovely addition to any floral-themed rug project, bringing variety and a sense of growth. ... Read More

Proddy Hooking: Black-Eyed Susan Petal

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Learn to create the distinctive, vibrant petals of the Black-Eyed Susan with Gene Shepherd’s guidance. In this video, Gene shows you how to capture the characteristic form and contrasting colors of this beloved flower, resulting in a proddy petal with dynamic shape and life-like detail. Perfect for floral enthusiasts looking to add iconic wildflower elements ... Read More

Proddy Hooking: Waldoboro (Sculpted Center)

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Master the art of Waldoboro-style sculpting with Gene Shepherd’s tutorial on proddy hooking a sculpted center. Focusing on this intricate, raised technique, Gene teaches how to create striking dimensionality in the center of your designs. This video is ideal for anyone interested in elevating their proddy hooking projects with a unique, textural focal point. ... Read More

Proddy Hooking: Carnation Flower

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Create a captivating carnation with proddy hooking, guided by Gene Shepherd. In this tutorial, Gene demonstrates how to build the layers and frills characteristic of a carnation, capturing its natural texture. Using subtle changes in hue and shape, he shows how to produce a lush, multidimensional flower that can stand out or complement other floral ... Read More

Proddy Hooking: Through the Topside

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Dive into proddy hooking from the topside! In this video, Gene Shepherd demonstrates how to manipulate wool strips from the front of the fabric, giving you greater control over placement and appearance. This method is perfect for creating bold, textured designs with dimension and allows for easy adjustments, making it ideal for those looking to ... Read More

Traditional Proddy Hooking Through the Backside

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Learn the foundational technique of proddy hooking through the backside of your project with Gene Shepherd. In this video, Gene demonstrates how to work from behind the rug to create vibrant, three-dimensional textures that add depth and visual interest. He guides you through the basics, from selecting the right tools to achieving consistent loops and ... Read More

How to Hook Circles

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Gene Shepherd demonstrates how to hook a circle in this easy-to-follow video. Do you like perfectly round circles? Gene explains his simple technique. If you prefer wonky, slightly off-kilter circles, you will learn how Gene introduces the colorful irregularities that make his circles shine. ... Read More