BIO:  Laurie has been doing some sort of handwork since her Mother handed her a needle and thread at age 5. While still in school and with limited resources, she began designing and hooking rugs in 1970 after seeing an article in Early American Life magazine.

Known for her keen sense of color and whimsical, folk art designs, Laurie has been teaching rug hooking and various fiber arts around the Twin Cities for over 30 years. Her goal for each student is to relax and enjoy the process, while gaining confidence in their technique and ability to make each project truly their own. Laurie’s patterns have been featured in many publications including Wool Works and Rug Hooking Magazine.

She is currently a faculty artist/instructor at Minnetonka Center for the Arts and a member of numerous organizations including TAFA: The Textile and Fiber Arts List.

2017 marked the 30th anniversary of L. J. Fibers, her fiber arts business that became The Wooly Red Rug in 2002 when Laurie opened the doors of her studio to the public. Her museum quality hooked rugs, wool applique and needle punched pieces are part of private collections across the country and have earned her recognition as one of America’s top traditional craftsman by Early American Life magazine…where her passion began.

SPECIALTIES:  Dyeing and color planning, rug hooking, punch needle, wool applique and embroidery.