This was my first attempt at hooking water reflections. I so enjoyed watching this rug come to life! I love the 3-D appearance of the branch and bird. I hand-painted wool to get the muted movement of trees/foliage in the background. I then cut and used each strip in order to create the movement of foliage. The reflection in the water shows the water movement as well.
About the Artist:
Sandy Ducharme
Cabot, Vermont
I have been a fiber artist for decades. I was knitting and crocheting as a young girl. I soon learned to sew and was designing clothes in my high school years. I made several wedding gowns for clients and as my two daughters were growing, I created most of their clothes. I made dolls and children’s toys for several years. I began quilting in the late 1970s.
We lived in an 1800’s farmhouse when I read an article about historic floorcloths. I was determined to paint one for my home. I was soon painting them for family and friends. In 1994 I founded Vermont Floorcloths and Fiber Arts.
I discovered watercolor painting in the early 1990s. This medium allows me more freedom to express colors and my interpretations of nature.
I have managed two artisan galleries over the past 15 years and learned to appreciate so many ways of artistic expression, not only in fiber arts, but in many mediums.
In late 2003 my sister-in-law, Yvonne invited me to join her local rug hooking group. I was hesitant at first as I felt I did not need another hobby! However, I purchased a pattern, wool, and hooking equipment and made my first rug. I was “hooked” from the beginning. I felt the need to be more creative and for my next hooking project I designed the pattern and learned how to dye all the wool necessary to complete the project. That rug was featured in “Celebrations of Hand-Hooked Rugs” in 2005. I have had four rugs featured in “Celebrations” at this time. I have received several awards throughout Vermont for my hooked rugs including “People’s Choice” Awards at past Hooked in the Mountains shows.
I began teaching fine-shading rug hooking in 2010 and now teach throughout New England.
Nature is my inspiration. I enjoy sharing my passion for nature, colors, textures, and new discoveries with my students. I have learned to “paint” with rug hooking and pass freedom of expression on to anyone wanting to learn. I feel very blessed to live in rural Vermont where I take daily walks and enjoy all the changing seasons and amazing landscapes.