We had a very successful weekend demonstrating in the Master Craftsman Tent at the Folk Festival in Hot Springs State Park, Thermopolis, Wyoming. We considered this our most successful event so far.
Visitors at our booth not only learned about the history of rug hooking in North America, but were able, this year, to get them the tools they needed to start hooking right away. We had several beginner kits available for purchase that have everything they need to complete a mat except a hoop and a hook. We also sold the Moshimer hooks. We had several sign up for our Newsletters.
In the very right hand corner you can see the mug rugs made by Debra that were for sale. Behind Debra you can see two of her rugs. Patty's footstool is peaking out from under the table.
Debra was so happy to show the process of rug hooking to anyone who stopped by.
Here is a woman who was very interested in our craft. Notice the Lincoln Bag of Patty's next to her chair. It is all hand hooked!
You can see some of our kits available for anyone wanting to learn how to hook. Our favorite customer was an adorable little 10 year old girl. Her mom was a vendor at the fair so we lent her a hoop and she hooked the afternoon away. She was a natural! Her mom also got a kit and they will hopefully come to one of our hooking days at the Library in Cody.
Patty is telling a visitor about the history of rug hooking.
It was so nice to show so many people, who had never seen rug hooking before, what we do and promoting rug hooking not only in Wyoming, but to people from all over the world. We had the most amazing time and we even learned from other craftsman as well. Debra and I came home with beads and jewelry from a wonderful woman who demonstrated Lampwork glass beads.
A Native American sang songs beating one of the drums his son had made. His son Cole demonstrated his drum making ability while his father told stories and sang. Cole is learning the craft of making drums from his father through the Mentor-ship Program through the Wyoming Arts Council. Now the Lone Bear family will be known as the drum makers of the Shoshone tribe.
Von Ringler showed leather work and sold his amazing goods. There were two men tying flies, and a woman demonstrating horse hair braiding. The booths were filled with art, jewelry, crocheted rugs, hand made goats milk soaps and lotions, and many many other things. Music and stories are always going and the food and drink vendors are SO good!
This is an event that is definitely worth traveling to!
