Ticklepie

A horse, a map and an axe

When you have done nothing with your life and yet have access to everything, be careful when you spit upon people who built a nation with nothing but a horse, a map, and an axe.

And then there is that other matter of how they drafted governing documents that have endured over 244+ years with only a quill pen, ink and paper to guide a nation with liberty and justice for all.

And it worked.

Thank you to our founding fathers and to all patriots who have served this nation with their countless contributions. I will never deface a monument or tear down a statue, or smear the memory of those who have given so much .

History is history and it should never be erased.

A great Welcome Home rug pattern for these unusual times

My Welcome home rug pattern has had a universal appeal it seems for so many varied reasons. Ladies write to me and say that they love this rug because of its design with the "HOME" weathervane as the focal center that looks like wrought iron or because it is a great rug to use up all those worms that have been accumulating or that it is fast and easy to hook because of its simplicity. It is a great rug for these times .

It is wonderful  done in any color and comes drawn with the dark lines so that all you must do is fill in all the in-betweens. And best of all...it is drawn on linen and is available in my Etsy store with free shipping. I also have a great assortment of other rug hooking supplies there as well.

Here is the link: https://www.Etsy.com/shop/ticklepie

Sale on all Rug hooking wool, rug punch, applique wools plus frames, hooks, backing and more !

Oh, this rug was a lot of fun to hook. The mixing of all the browns to create the background has rewarded me with just the effect that I was seeking. So many of my students are reluctant (at first) to be a mixologist, but I keep encouraging them to give it a try and then, with such success in being painterly, they never look back.

To help many get started on being  a painterly mixologist, I have created some of my overdyed texture bundles that are now on sale in my Etsy store.

As a matter of fact, everything in my etsy store is on sale.....even hooks, frames, linen backing, patterns , wools and even finished rugs. Just use the coupon code    Sale10discount  and you will automatically receive the 10% discount. Plus, another great bonus is that I am offering flat rate shipping of $7.95 no matter how many items that you buy ! Great time to grab some wonderful items.

Here is the link:

www.etsy.com/shop/ticklepie

https://www.etsy.com/shop/ticklepie

 

 

 

 

QUESTIONS about this post ? You can always write to me as I am always happy to help at  [email protected]

 

Winter rug hooking Workshops in Mesa, Az for Jan and March 2019 Announcement

I am pleased to announce that registration is now open for our Winter 2019 Rug Hooking workshops that will be held at the Alta Mesa Golf and Country Club here in Mesa, Az. Please plan to attend one (or both !) of these fabulous unique workshops that I have specially developed . Unlike any others in the rest of the USA !

LAUGHS AND GIGGLES RUGS CLASS with Carol Miller

January 11,12,13 in 2019 (three day workshop)

For many years, I had been inspired by the ladies in Cornwall ,U.K. who publish their rug hooking videos on YOUTUBE.com that are titled " We are not Doormats 2016". (Please view them down below in an earlier blog posting where it was inserted.) What a great group of imaginative hookers!

The photo above shows the samples I have recently completed for this workshop. This is my grandaughter, her dog Sam, her chicken, Gertrude, and their home. These were created as wall rugs for her room so that she may walk up to them and touch them anytime. They are finished with wool on the back.  I will be teaching how you may create your very own along with my super simple finishing technique and padded insert. (not wood ) These are fast and easy to hook and you can use so many different materials to create special effects. This is going to be a very fun class and I am hoping to find a sponsor where we may exhibit the finished pieces as these are such conversation starters.

All you need is an outline or photo to start and you are good to go. I can draw your pattern for you or you are free to create your own. Since there is no background, these are projects that can be quickly and easily finished.

 

WILD ABOUT POPPIES class with Carol Miller

March 1,2,3 in 2019  (three day workshop)

Poppy rugs have long been a popular subject of rug hookers. Always stunning, these red, orange, yellow, magenta and pink lovelies make for a great rug !

This year I have designed a poppy pattern for this class that can be hooked either in a rug size 24 x 28 or a pillow size 16 x 16. Over 16 different red wools will be included in your supplies starter pack along with your pattern for you to create some of the most painterly poppies ever!

We will focus on a multitude of wool mixology and painterly techniques to improve your hooking of all florals plus an in depth discussion on creating better leaves without having to use the old style methods of shading.

This will be a very fun and exciting class, as these flowers will hook up very quickly using my technique.You will be amazed with the results !

ALL CLASSES INCLUDE : daily coffee/tea with pastries as well as a full lunch. We have many new hotels in Mesa should you need any help with accomodations.

Request my 4 page email brochure with registration form by emailing me at:   [email protected]

QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS POST :  don't hesitate to contact me as I am always happy to help.

 

 

New Rug Hooking Pattern----and so many ladies love it !

I recently posted my newest rug pattern on my Instagram and Facebook pages and got a very heartwarming reaction from all my wonderful fellow hookers. Thanks you so much for that! This rug is especially close to my heart with its message of   " Mommy loves you........Always." I drew it in my sketch book as children were being separated from their families at immigration centers and I could only imagine what parents were saying to them as they departed.

It is fast and easy to hook and is available in my etsy store here:   www.etsy.com/shop/ticklepie

 

 

Questions on this post?  Please email me  at   [email protected] as I am always happy to help. I live and teach rug hooking here in Mesa, Az and offer the largest selection of wools in this area here in my studio.

 

2 Fantastic Rug Hooking Workshops in Mesa, Az for Jan. and Mar. 2018 ---WOW !!!!

I am so pleased to announce our winter rug hooking workshops that will be held at the Alta Mesa Golf Club in Jan. and Mar. 2018.

Here they are:

HUTCHINSON RUGS with Janet Conner

2 sessions will be available;

Jan 5,6,7  OR  Jan 12,13,14

      Janet Conner is the co-author of the recently published "Rug Hooking Traditions with James and Mercedes Hutchinson" and is probably one of the most remarkable rug hooking teachers I have ever met. Her in-depth knowledge is mind boggling along with her vast abilities to make every  students' rug come alive in the Hutchinson style.

Her research for the book, along with her enthusiasm for these very charming all American rugs allows her to bring them to life in a way I had never seen before.Students may purchase a pattern from her website, drawn their own, or have Janet draw a special one for you. Janet will walk us through the history as well as provide complete instruction on how to create and add all the details that make these rugs "Hutchinson". Her book is the most thorough and comprehensive guide ever published about the Hutchinson Rugs. Known for their whimsical sayings and stylized period people and backgrounds, they never fail to bring a smile to your face. Sign up today to avoid disappointment !

***************************************************

March  2,3,4 -------Laughs and Giggles Rugs with Carol Miller

For many years,  I had been inspired by the ladies in Cornwall, U.K. who publish their videos on youtube.com that are titled "We are not Doormats 2016". Please view them if you have a moment, as they are awesome ! What a great group of imaginative hookers !

The photo above shows my samples I have recently completed for this workshop. This is my grandaughter, her dog, her chicken and their home. These were created as wall rugs for her room, so that she  may walk up to them and touch them at any time. They are finished with wool on the back.

I will be teaching how you  may create your very own along with my super simple finishing technique and padded insert. These are fast to hook and you can use so many different materials to create special effects. This is going to be a very fun class and I am hoping to find a sponsor where these very special rugs may be part of an exhibit.

All you need is an outline or photo to start and you are good to go. I can draw your pattern for you or you are free to create your own. Since there is no background, these are projects that can be done quickly and easily finished. Please plan to join us and sign up today !

EMAIL ME RIGHT AWAY......as my winter workshops always fill quickly. If you send me your email address, I can forward the 4 page brochure and registration form that contains all our information. If you are traveling from out of state, we have many economical hotels here in Mesa and I am happy to assist.

Contact me with any questions at    [email protected]

 

 

 

Special Edition Rug Hooker Christmas ornaments for sale

For years I had wanted to design and paint an original ornament for rug hookers. This year, on International Rug Hookers Day, I  finally sat down , drew a pattern, cut them them from wood and then hand painted each. They are available with a choice of blonde , brunette or silver hair. Cost is $19.95 plus $4.95 shipping. If you order more than one, all additional items ship free. Great gift idea! Each 4" gal has her hook in her hand and her rug on her lap. You may email me at  [email protected] and I can send you  a Paypal invoice. Copyright 2016 original design by ticklepie. Limited quantities.

Xmas Rug Hooking patterns on Sale !

Cleaning out my closet and found these 3 adorable Xmas Patterns in the bottom of a box. They need to go to a good home, so they are being sold at a discount with FREE SHIPPING.

Vintage snowman pattern  - 16 x 20  on primitive linen ( Old Tattered Flag)   $38 with free ship

Second pattern - Prancer  19 x 24.5 on primitive linen (Old Tattered Flag)     $40 with free ship

Third pattern  - Tree for Ewe  (11 x 27)  on primitive linen (Woolen memories)   $32 with free ship

Please email me right away if you are interested. Plenty of time to hook these cutie pies before Christmas. Contact me   [email protected]

 

Arizona Rug hooking Workshops Jan. and March 2017 - wow, what a line-up !

This year for our 2 winter rug hooking workshops here in Mesa, Az , we are welcoming 2 outstanding teachers!

Our first workshop will be on Jan. 6, 7, 8 with JANICE JOHNSON of Wooley Woolens. ( ONLY  1 space left in Janice's class  - hurry!)

Janice is known for her outstanding primitives, as well as as her huge selection of wools and patterns. We are excited to welcome her to teach a 3 day class and workshop.

Our second workshop will be held on March 3, 4, 5, 2017 and will feature multiple CELEBRATIONS winner CAPRI BOYLE JONES of Navarre, Fla. Her "Painterly in a Pinch" workshop will help you focus on the use of color and light to hook more beautiful rugs. This study is beneficial to all styles of hooking and any size cut or varieties of cut, whether contemporary or primitive. ( ONLY 3 spaces left in Capri's class - hurry !)

All of our workshops are held at the Alta Mesa Golf CLub here in Mesa, Az. Winter is a great time to visit Arizona and we welcome so many wonderful hookers from all over North America. We have great accomodations near the club and lots of interesting sites and shopping. Please contact me via email for my 4 page brochure and registration form. [email protected]

I am always happy to help should you need any additional information.

Portrait rug for my sister

So, it is always tough to know what to get your sister for her birthday. Especially if you've had a lot of birthdays. In this case, at least 29, per her count. We also share the SAME birthday, only 7 years apart. So that makes me 36.  okay, if she says so.

My sister lives in a target rich area of thrift shops. Me, well, not so much. I have been gifted on many occasions with mystery boxes landing on  my doorstep with random wool clothing that I am  able to rip apart and use as parts and pieces of my wool dyeing experiments. I call them my Frankensteins. That's because A) they are body parts of garments and B) you never know what is going to come out of the dye pot. This happens because old garments have been dry cleaned many times with various chemicals or washed at home with strange stuff. Below is one of the most recent batches.

So, any way, I figured it was about time that I send her some of this wool back. I sat down and drew a pencil sketch from a photo and then taped it to my kitchen window. After I had transferred it to the linen backing, I actually re-drew and changed several things on the table. My sister had a green house built in her backyard this year and I had her standing inside.

Here the work has just begun and it is bumpy and lumpy while wool is being taken in and out to test the effect of colors.

One thing I always recommend to all hookers is to pin your rug to the back of a sofa and step back. It will give great perspective. I am not a gal who wants to do rug portraits that are accuarate down to the last shaded detail. Those are not my favorite style of rug. I prefer to give a folk art rendering of a baby sister who has big blue eyes, baby bunnies in her greenhouse, and a love of all things green. Happy Birthday Little Sister !

P.S. The green Haired beauty is my college niece, Shannon.