The Hunterdon County Rug Artisans Guild was founded in April 1977. We currently have over 100 members from nine states. The mission of the Guild is to perpetuate the tradition and art of rug hooking, to encourage creativity, to provide the means for an exchange of ideas and information and to promote educational activities to enhance the interest in rug hooking. Monthly meetings in Flemington, New Jersey offer programs for someone new to rug hooking as well as the seasoned artisan. Members have opportunities to participate in hooking demonstrations, rug exhibits, rug camps and “hook-ins”. A supportive environment is provided for those new to the craft and for those looking to refine their technique. New members are always welcome!

For more information, please contact Cindy Boults at cboults@gmail.com or Therese Shick at etshick@gmail.com

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From the Presidents' Corner

May, 2013

Thanks to all who once again braved “weird weather” to attend our April Guild meeting.  Thus far this year, the second Friday has been consistently a challenge.  But the Merry Month of May has to change that pattern!  Please note that we will be gathering at the Court Room within the Raritan Township Police Station for the May meeting at our usual time.

Thank you to everyone who helped make our April meeting both productive and informative. Despite heavy rain our many rugs from the Hertzel-Strasburger Farmstead event were returned.  Thank you to Martha Thieling for the “heavy lifting” and to all the effort by Annie Edwards, Juliana Kapusta, Karl and Guild members who displayed rugs and demonstrated that day.  Annie also created a beautiful display at our Hunterdon Library that many of us were able to visit after our meeting.  Beside the rug display, the signage presenting our Guild and upcoming Festival was very effective.

The Spring Fling was reported to have been once again a very successful event for all who attended.  As a result of questions and interest in dyeing resources coming from the Leaf Dyeing class, Patty Mahaffey graciously agreed to present a short program showcasing a selection of books and color swatches. The number and variety were extraordinary and a decision to purchase formula books and swatches for our library was made.  We had agreed at an earlier Guild meeting to add some books in memorial and also as a regular effort.  The formula books will allow members to experiment before making a decision to add a book to their collection.  Thank you to Patty who demonstrated a strong knowledge in this area and is a wonderful resource for our Guild.

We were very delighted and thankful to all who committed to various tasks for our Rug Festival.  The “We Can Do It” spirit certainly prevailed as evidenced by the number of people who signed-up and all the wonderful Boutique items created and donated to date! Also Thank You to Debbie Walsh who began the process of selling and distributing tickets for our raffle rug.  All agreed the finished rug is beautiful and will be highly coveted.

Our Show & Tell of chicken rugs was a perfect segue into our long delayed assembling of Clara Chicken.  It was great fun to see all the different color selections and each was a charming delight.  Ellen DiClemente’s willingness to create, share and teach us the assembling is so appreciated as she is a very knowledgeable seamstress who patiently shared “tricks” that can be utilized in many projects.  Thank you to all who participated and most especially to Ellen.  In the last year we have certainly explored three dimensional hooking with sheep, trees and chickens. We have found that they receive many accolades and make great gifts!

Our May meeting at the Police Station will be a hook-in.  Additionally we will continue to collect and decide on pricing Boutique items, further discuss Festival organization and tasks.  If anyone did not complete your Clara, Ellen will be available to help with finishing.  As we approach the summer season we would like to encourage members to share hooking events, camps resources, and inspiration that they have experience in their travels.

Cindy & Therese