Arts
& Crafts Hobby: Decorative Rug-Making in 5
Easy Steps
When
I got started as a custom rug maker, I admit I
was in it for the money and a much needed career
change. Since then I’ve had decorative rugs
featured in Designer Showcase Homes, Corporate
Headquarters of numerous Fortune 500 Companies,
and even a Generals office in the Pentagon. It’s
been a great ride. But what if you don’t
care about all that, maybe you don’t want
a career change? What if you’re just looking
for a creatively rewarding hobby that’ll
blow the socks off your friends or family? Here’s
a quick guide to decorative rug making in 5 easy
steps.
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Step One – Learn
the Basics: What’s the best approach
to learning how to make a rug? Do some research,
identify the different techniques used for rug
making. You’ll find basic teaching guides
for latch-hook rug making kits that that will
tickle Granny Smith’s fancy. If the antiquated
latch hook rug-making techniques make you *yawn*,
then keep your eyes open for more comprehensive
custom rug fabrication programs
that are designed for more serious hobbyists and
entrepreneurs.
Step Two – Invest
in Your Education: Identify an investment
level that you’re comfortable with. Some
hobbies require a larger investment than others.
If you want a very low budget entry point, then
Latch Hook rug-making with grandma is definitely
the way to go – expect a measly investment
of 50-100 dollars. On the other hand, a more specialized
custom rug training program will cost $1,000 –
$10,000 dollars, tools and equipment included.
Step Three –
Create Your Studio: Create a space for
your new studio - workroom. A garage-sized studio
with a 4 x 8 table is fine for a hobbyist. The
table top should line up with your hips, not too
high or too low. I like to add some splashes of
color in my work-space. I make cool and colorful
samples and hang them on the walls. It’s
fun to let those creative juices flow. Make your
studio a fun place to come too and practice your
hobby.
Step Four – Have
fun with your rug designs: Fill up your
home with your new creations. Give them away to
your friends and family. Identify themes to play
with; what are your interests? There are countless
attractive themes like - animal print rugs, abstract
designs, company logos or heck, even a Star Wars
Yoda Rug! Replicating a design into a rug is easy
once you learn the tricks.
Step Five – Brace
Yourself: Prepare for the WOW! comments
coming from friends and family when they see what
you’re doing. The questions will come: ‘Where
did you get this rug? You made this? Wow what
talent you have… You’re so talented…
this is amazing, I had no idea you could make
a rug like this…”. I am not making
this stuff up, it will happen.
Decorative rug making is one
of those fun and creative hobbies that has the
potential to uplift your spirits because it really
is so rewarding. You’re actually producing
a beautiful product from start to finish. Yes,
of course, it does take some practice, but the
steps are manageable and relatively easy to learn.
Give it about 30 days of practice and you’ll
be well on your way to a enjoying a fun hobby.
© 2007 Russell Webb-
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