Students Need to Bring:
Students should bring basic rug hooking supplies including a frame, small scissors, a hook, needle and thread for finishing. Sharpie markers and a ruler would also be helpful but not necessary. Burlap backing will be provided but students can bring their own backing if preferred.
Bio:
Shelly grew up on the east coast of Canada and moved west to Regina, Saskatchewan, the heart of the Canadian Prairies in 2002. She first picked up a hook in 2015 and while she is largely self taught, genetics may also be at plat as her paternal grandmother was also a rug hooker and hooked beautiful traditional rugs to keep the farmhouse floors warm.
Drawing on the traditional rug hooking technique, Shelly uses the texture and colours of natural fibres to explore the prairie landscape. While the prairie landscape is a strong influence, any landscapes she finds herself is creative inspiration and often turns into souvenirs of time spent elsewhere.
Sharing the craft of rug hooking through teaching has been a rewarding part of her art journey. She has a deep belief that creating art through rug hooking has therapeutic benefits and that everyone can benefit from finding their own creative outlet.
Shelly is a juried member of the Saskatchewan Craft Council and has had her work in solo and group shows. She has sold her artwork to individuals all over North America. Shelly’s Prairie Alphabet Project was featured in a number of publications and was recently acquired by the Saskatchewan Arts Board as part of their permanent collection