This isn’t your 1970s latch hook pillow!
Come discover the beauty of the hand hooked rug. Learn about its origin as a utilitarian object two centuries ago and its development into a mode of self-expression and even fine art. From delicate flowers to bold geometric designs, from curious self-portraits to beloved animals, you’ll never look at a rug the same way again!
•Hundreds of professionally exhibited rugs from the 19th Century to the present
•Beginner’s classes for adults and youth
•Advanced workshops for experienced artists
•Hands on activities for scheduled groups
•Exhibit kick-off April 14, 2012 with guest speaker, Gail Dufresne, “The Heritage of Hooked Rugs”
Off the Hook: Exploring Our Rug Hooking Heritage
April 9 – June 30, 2012
Sponsored by the Atlanta Dogwood ATHA Chapter in partnership with The Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center Workshops, Hook-In, Hundreds of professionally-exhibited rugs
ADVANCED RUG WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS
Welcome Rug Hookers!
The Dogwood Chapter of ATHA is pleased to invite you to the Atlanta area for a whole lottahookin’! Come for the day or the week, explore our rug hooking heritage and experience some true southern hospitality.
The Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center is a state-of-the-art facility bursting with stunning nature views and 8 miles of walking trails. It is conveniently reached from either interstate 85 or 985 and only a few minutes from the Mall of Georgia, where shopping, restaurants and hotels are plentiful. It’s the perfect place for a rug hooking respite!
Physical Address: 2020 Clean Water Drive, Buford GA, 30519
- Registration begins Sept. 15, 2011 until classes are full.
- Includes daily lunch and admission to the rug exhibit.
- All workshops are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. unless noted.
Here are the workshop descriptions:
Kathie Meyers (Simple Braided Borders for Hooked Rugs) April 12-13, 2012
Kathie Meyers, a McGown Certified teacher, has developed a foolproof, logical and reliable method to attach braided borders to hooked rugs. Owner of Woolen Rooster, a Rug Hooking Store in Newnan, Georgia, and author of "Simple Braided Borders for Hooked Rugs," Kathie will share her secrets for the perfect braided finish. In this two-day class, learn how to make a braid to attach to a small round rug measuring six-inches across. Then go one step further and learn to attach a braid-to-braid for the second row on the same small rug. After learning these techniques on this small piece, you will be able to braid around any size or shape of rug! Choose one of the five hooking patterns provided, design your own six inch pattern, or just hook a plain six inch circle using your favorite wools. Class also includes a small doorknob wreath to learn a picot edge. Set your rugs apart with this beautiful technique!
Cost: $160 includes braiding supplies and rental of braid stand
HOOK-IN April 14, 2012 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Vendors, lunch, admission to “Off the Hook” Rug Exhibit, Guest Speaker - Gail Dufresne, National ATHA President
Cost: $25 ($20 for Dogwood members)
Gail Dufresne (Geometrics) April 16-18, 2012
Hooking since 1984, Gail Dufresne is the national ATHA president, a McGown certified teacher and regular contributor to Rug Hooking Magazine. Gail is the Celebrations VII award winner and a past Celebrations judge. She believes the easiest way to learn how to use color is to study and work with geometric designs. Since there are no preconceived notions of what color any certain geometric form must be (must all circles be orange?), the student can abandon the usual color stereotypes he or she may possess and concentrate on playing with color to achieve the desired results. Use a pre-printed pattern, design one of your own, or use a pattern from Gail; it's your choice. Gail can also help you custom design your own pattern using one of hers as a base. She loves to work with textures, is open to using mixed media and her free-wheeling approach to dyeing will loosen up your preconceived notions. Learn more about Gail in her recent book "Geometric Hooked Rugs" or on her website www.goathilldesigns.com.
Cost: $240
Eric Sandberg (Open Project Class) May 21-23, 2012
Eric has been rug hooking for 20 years, being certified as a McGown teacher in 1997 and teaching full time since 2000. He is a master colorist and adept at hooking all styles from narrow cut, fine-shaded flowers to wide-cut primitives. Eric includes many interesting and informative lessons throughout the workshop such as color planning, oriental rug terminology, geometrics and of course, dyeing. He likes to work with the student's wool augmented with his own or he will custom dye for your project. 2012 is a busy year for Eric as he teaches across the country at Yellow Rose of Texas, Cambria Pines and the McGown Maryland Shores, just to name a few. Eric's extensive knowledge and his great sense of humor make his class informative as well as fun!
Cost:$200
PrisButtler (Klimt Inspired Design) May 29-30, 2012
An experienced and gifted graphic and folk artist, Pris now splits her time between the world of fine art and rug hooking. She has been teaching since 1999 and has won many awards from Celebrations to Sauder Village. Pris has also authored several dye formula and lettering books as well as designed her own book of patterns. For this workshop, a kit will be provided with pattern, some wools and embellishments to create a fun and exciting project that will make a wonderful mat or pillow. It will contain an original PrisButtler design created exclusively for this workshop after the artist Gustav Klimt and will tickle your fancy in the world of abstract geometrics. This is a wild and woolly workshop!
Cost: $210 includes pattern
Local Restaurant and Hotel Information Available
We are happy to provide you with local information to make your hooking experience the best ever!
Simply email DesteArthurton ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) or call 678.642.3441.
