Registration is now open for  Sunday May 15th  2016 class.

This is a one day introductory rug hooking class  where you will learn the necessary techniques to create your own hooked rug.  The classes run for one day  from 10:00am to 3:00pm.   Studio hooks and hoops will be used for the duration of the class and upon completion you will have the option to purchase the equipment.  The cost of the class includes the beginner pattern and  wool.   Coffee, tea and treats will be provided however it is recommended that you bring a lunch.

Payment is required at the time of registration.

Class Details:

Cost: $80.00 plus tax (no refunds within 2 weeks of class) Date:   Sunday May 15th 2016

Time:  10 – 3 in studio

Address:  16311 Mississauga Road, Caledon, Ontario.  L7C 1X8    Tel (905) 838-3022 email studio@martinalesar.com

Register here

The post Beginner Rug Hooking Class appeared first on Martina Lesar.

“Creative Shading’ is a new workshop by Susan Grant which will be taught in the studio. Susan will teach different ways to multi-swatch where you incorporate more than one colour swatch in a flower or leaf. You will also learn how to work with dip dyed or casserole dyed wool; as well, you will examine concepts such as the Ives colour wheel and ideas of how to integrate your work. These techniques will be applied to a contemporary pattern using a #6 cut. The class will include the pattern and the wool for the “Carrie Runner” 14″ x 24″ pictured here. The prerequisite for this course is basic experience with swatches and shading techniques.  If you have taken the introduction to shading course with Susan or any other teacher you have the requirements for this workshop. Susan will also do a quick review of those techniques used in the piece.

This workshop will be taught by Susan Grant who is a talented, award winning rug hooker.  In recent years  including  2016, her rugs have been featured in “Celebrations” magazine.   Her attention to detail and the study of various rug hooking techniques over the years have allowed her to develop her superb talent for creating breathtakingly beautiful rugs.  As a retired school teacher, she is well organized, thorough and detail oriented.  The runner “Carrie” designed by Sarah Skrlj, pictured here was hooked by Susan Grant.  You are required to bring to class a hoop, hook which is suitable for a #6 cut, scissors and a lunch.  Coffee/tea and dessert will be provided.

To register for this class please contact Sue Grant via email at grant2@execulink.com  Payment for the class is required when you register.

Date:  Saturday September 17th and Sunday September 18th 2016

Time:  9:00am – 3:00pm

Cost:  225.00 (includes 2 days of instruction, Carrie Runner pattern on linen which is 14″x24″, specialty dyed wool and class instruction manual)

Location:  Martina Lesar Hooked Rug Studio.  16311 Mississauga Road, Caledon, Ontario L7C 1X8 (905)838-3022

The post NEW! Creative Shading Workshop with Sue Grant appeared first on Martina Lesar.

It’s finally here!  If you are reading this you have noticed that the website has been redone with loads of new features.  Our new look reflects a lighter, more current direction the studio is moving towards.  We still love our primitive patterns and vintage wool colours and will continue to add to this line.  However, many of us are exploring contemporary styles therefore, we now carry exciting new patterns by young artists and offer brighter dyed wools, art dyed wools and alternative fibers. The studio is awash in colour.  Our product line has expanded online to include everything that is offered in studio.

Some new and improved features:

Shopping cart:  You can now checkout with Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Paypal.  A Coupon Code feature for special discounts will be offered frequently (advertised on facebook, this blog and subscribers) and best of all FREE SHIPPING ON ALL ORDERS OVER 150.00.  For the month of April, in honor of our new launch, you will receive 10% off all patterns by typing in the word “welcome” in the coupon code feature at checkout.  All pricing is in Canadian funds so U.S. customers will benefit from our lower dollar value which will be automatically converted by paypal or credit card providers.

Earn Loyalty Dollars:  A customer appreciation gift for you.  Earn loyalty dollars towards future purchases every time you buy through the website.  For every 500.00 (before taxes) that you spend, an email will be sent to you containing a $10.00 coupon code to use on your next purchase.  In order to earn these dollars, you must create an account at checkout.

Gift Certificates:  This is a great feature.  We can now send your gift certificate by email to the recipient with your note or it can be emailed directly to you so that you can print it off and give it personally.  Alternatively,  you can opt to have the actual paper certificate mailed to whoever you wish.  If you would like us to do the mailing for you, we will send the certificate to the recipient with your personal greeting.  The gift certificate will contain a one time use gift code which can be redeemed at checkout on the website or in studio.  A great gift for your rug hooking friends and family and very convenient for you.

Events Calendar:  Keep up to date on all the events and classes scheduled in and out of the studio.   It is a convenient tool for letting you know when the studio is closed for off site events and perhaps help you plan your future rug hooking trips.

Better Photos:  Improved photos with double zoom feature allows you to get really close to the product.

New Arrivals Page:  This page will feature all the newest additions in the studio.  You will be able to check back here without having to go through the entire website to see the newest arrivals.

Sign Up for a Subscription:  Special offers will be sent to members on our subscribers list.  Sign up today to receive special coupon codes which you can use at checkout when you shop on the website.  You will also receive information about all the latest studio news as well as newest arrival previews.  All your information is confidential, we do not share any of your information.

As you peruse the new site, you will discover many more features. Ruth Maude of Dandelion Web Design has worked hard to develop a site that is easy  to navigate and make your online shopping experience a pleasure.  Credit for the best photos on the site goes to my nephew, Thomas Skrlj.  Now that all the hard work is done we  invite you to grab a cup of coffee or tea, perhaps a glass of wine, get comfortable and browse around.  Welcome.

Martina.

The post Welcome to our New Website! appeared first on Martina Lesar.

Why is it that the power always seems to go down during a major holiday or special event?  This time, it was Easter weekend.  Power went down during an ice storm on Thursday and didn’t come back on until Saturday night.  Thanks to a very hard working hydro crew, my power was restored for Easter Sunday.  Normally I don’t have very much time to spend rug hooking,

Normally I don’t have very much time to spend rug hooking however, I found myself with lots of free time during these three “powerless” days.  So, what do you do when the power goes out?  Hook of course!  It was so nice to be able to get back to my rug hooking without feeling that I really should be catching up with work or home.  No internet, no electricity, no water….as uncomfortable as it sounds it actually gives you a sense of freedom from the everyday pressures to “get things done”.  Et, voila!  Finished my Sunflower mat.

I’m calling this one “Hello Sunshine” because that was my sentiment when the morning light finally arrived after long candlelit nights. This is a new pattern I designed a couple of months ago and is available in two sizes.  13 x 30 and 19 x 45.  You can find it on the pattern pages under “Martina Lesar Designs” or on the “New Arrivals” page. Here’s a link.

Remember, during the month April all patterns are 10% off when you order through the website and save even more with free shipping on orders over 150.00.  Use coupon code “welcome” to apply the discount when checking out.

The post When the Power is Down….Hook On! appeared first on Martina Lesar.

It’s just a few weeks away!  The Ontario Hooking Craft Guilds Annual Conference is Ontario’s largest rug hooking event and one that I look forward to every year.  Its a lot of work preparing as a vendor but it is still a weekend away with rug hooking friends and despite the work, it is always a lot of fun.  This year is particularly special as it is the 50th Anniversary for this Conference and to make it extra special, its being held at the Deerhurst Resort!  Beautiful!  This year there are two featured artists, both well deserving of this honor, Diane Ayles and Shirley Lyons.  Congrats to both of you!  Since the rug display and vendors will be together in one very large room, it will give me an opportunity to get a really good look at all the wonderful rugs.  And there will be many to see.  If you are not registered for this event, Sunday is open to the public for a 10.00  entrance fee.  The display alone is worth the trip and you get the bonus of checking out all the newest goods for sale by all the vendors.  I will be featuring rug hooking patterns by Eugenia Koumpouli, Sarah Skrlj  and Carla Kumer as well as the studio line.  Lots of wool and fibers too.  Stop by the booth to see all the newest offerings.

I want to remind everyone that the studio will be closed on  Thursday April 28th-May 1st. I will be packing up the place on Thursday and it will be in complete disarray.  If you would like to place an order ahead of time to pick up at my booth please contact me soon with your requests.  This is the last week for any Beeline orders before the annual.  I look forward to seeing you there!

Date:  April 29th-May 1st

Location:  Deerhurst Resort  1235 Deerhurst Drive, Huntsville, Ontario Canada

The post Countdown to the OHCG Annual 2016 appeared first on Martina Lesar.

You can now subscribe to our free studio E-Newsletter!  The form is located at the bottom of each page of the website and your information is confidential. As a subscriber you will receive

– member only special discounts and offers

-advanced previews of incoming new products

-exclusive articles

-notices of upcoming classes

-studio news, classes and events

Next months issue will feature extensive coverage of the OHCG Annual at the Deerhurst Resort.   This will be an excellent opportunity to see exclusive photos of the event.

The post E-Newsletter Subscriptions Now Available! Free appeared first on Martina Lesar.

The OHCG annual was a memorable event.  It was a whirlwind weekend as it is every year for me as a vendor.  Months of preparation lead up to a hectic few days of set up, selling and dismantling.  I couldn’t have done it without the help of Cheryl and Debbie.  Thank you!!!!  The rugs on display were inspiring and the vendors booths were tantalizing for the wool addict.  Thank you to everyone that stopped by the booth.  The May e-newletter will feature many of the rugs that were on display at the event.  To receive this newsletter you can subscribe by filling out the form on the bottom of the website pages.  These photos are some views of the studio booth.  Thanks also to all the people who organized the event and Im looking forward to the 2017 Event.

The post A Wonderful Event! appeared first on Martina Lesar.

Eugenia Koumpouli is an embroiderer who creates her own designs.  As you may be aware, the studio has acquired the license to produce these embroidery designs into rug hooking patterns.   The photos of her designs on the website are pictures of her actual embroideries and not a hooked mat.  How do these appear when hooked?  Can one medium be substituted for another in fiber art?  Not always but in rug hooking almost any design can be hooked into a fabulous mat as long as it is enlarged enough to accommodate the chosen cut of wool.  Below is an example of this comparison in the “Swirls” pattern by Eugenia.  The first is of the design embroidered by Eugenia and the second photo is of the same design hooked by Diane Caruso.  The hooked mat is much larger than the embroidered version and was easily hooked with a wider cut.  If you have completed a pattern by Eugenia, I would love to share them here.  Feel free to email me your photos.

The June e-newsletter is now available.  Subscribe below for exclusive offers.  This month’s article features artist Sarah Skrlj.

The post One Design – Two Mediums appeared first on Martina Lesar.

There is growing interest in creating larger or room sized rugs lately and I applaud those who take on the challenge of a long term project such as this.  It is incredibly satisfying to complete a rug that will become a significant feature of your rooms décor.  Step one is selecting a design but there are so few patterns available in large, room sized patterns that it can be off putting if your are not able to draw your own design.  The solution is to look at smaller sized patterns and see if the design can be repeated to create a large rug.  A spectacular example is this rug hooked by Susan Grant.  The studio’s “Cheltenham” pattern was selected as the design and we repeated it nine times in order to obtain the size that Susan required.  It is not always possible but this pattern repeated beautifully.  Susan did an amazing job of colour planning and hooking this heirloom rug that will be cherished for generations.  Well done Sue.

The photos show Sue’s completed 8×10 rug, a close up detail of the rug and the original pattern of Cheltenham.

The post Love a Pattern but Want it Larger? appeared first on Martina Lesar.

With summer drawing to a close, many of us are looking forward to getting the kids back to school.  I’ve always loved back to school shopping….a fresh start with shiny new supplies.  I get the same feeling when starting a new rug hooking project.  A fresh new start with yummy new wools!  The studio is stocked up with fabulous new wool and patterns to inspire your next project.  A design sure to inspire you is this exquisite pattern by Eugenia Koumpoulis.  As you may know, Eugenia is an embroidery artist and the photos on the website are her designs done as embroideries. There has been much curiosity about how Eugenia’s designs adapt to rug hooking so I’m thrilled to show you her pattern “Sunburst Floral” as a hooked mat.  Katy Debost sent me this photo of her completed rug which she started at the beginning of summer.  Absolutely, beautifully done!  Thank you Katy for allowing me to share it.

Here in the studio, things are getting back to normal after a busy summer of family events and now I’m looking forward to the new season.  New wools have arrived and more are on the way.  We’re back in the dye pots and getting ready for all the fall shows and hook ins.   Check back soon for all the details and dates for  upcoming events.

Welcome back.

The post Hooked on Eugenia Koumpouli designs! appeared first on Martina Lesar.

It’s that time of year again!  Fall festivals and rug hooking events fill calendars for the next couple of months.  The first event where I will be vending is the Etobicoke Rugcrafters Gathering on Tuesday October 4th 2016.  Doors open at 10am-3pm at the Neilson Park Creative Centre, located at 56 Neilson Drive, Toronto Ontario.  There will be rug hooking vendors, a speaker, show & tell, silent auction, pick-to-win, refreshments and lots of inspiration.

The Woodstock Fleece Festival is an event not to be missed.  It is a wool lovers paradise.  Rug hooking, knitting, weaving, felting, spinning and any other wool related craft is celebrated at this festival.  MANY vendors, demos and classes will most certainly inspire your next project.  The event is held at the Woodstock Fairgrounds in Woodstock, Ontario on Saturday October 15th 2016.  Click on this link for all the information and details about the Festival.  http://www.fleecefestival.com/  This year our booth is bigger and better.  We were fortunate to secure a double booth which will allow us to offer a lot more wool, patterns and rug hooking supplies while providing all visitors more space for a comfortable shopping experience.  See you there!

The post Get Ready for Fall Events appeared first on Martina Lesar.

It’s finally here! The Woodstock Fleece festival takes place this Saturday October 15th 2016.   Whether you are a rug hooker, knitter, weaver, felter, spinner or wool addict then you will absolutely love this event.  I am pleased to have a larger booth this year and will be offering a large selection of dyed and off the bolt wools.  The new arrivals are wonderful….beautiful autumn colours.  Featured patterns by Eugenia Koumpouli, Sarah Skrlj and of course the studio line will be available.  If you have any requests please call or email me before noon tomorrow so that I can prepare your order in time.  Click on this link for all the details  http://www.fleecefestival.com  I look forward to seeing you there!

The post Woodstock Fleece Festival…..Saturday!!!! appeared first on Martina Lesar.

The weather, it seems, has chilled overnight.  The fires are lit regularly now which always makes me think of the snowy season ahead.  Everything that relates to wool is welcome, especially at this time of the year.  Halloween is just a few days away and I completed this new pattern “Something Wicked” just in time.   I received a request for a witch pattern from a friend and this was one of the options.  It measures 14×24 and is perfect to hang on the studio door.  It is available on the pattern pages on the website and also on the New Arrivals page.  You will also notice lots of new wools that are fabulously suited to fall hooking.  In addition, many wools are now on sale which you can see on the “wool sale” page under the “wool” heading.  Now that November is upon us, it is time to start planning some holiday themed projects.  There are some wonderful Christmas themed patterns designed by Sarah Skrlj under the pattern pages.  A few come in different sizes to suit your needs.  “Joy” and “Festive” are all over designs which are perfect for table mats.  Placement of your poinsettia or floral arrangement doesn’t obstruct a central motif in these mats.  They are also available in a large floor mat size.  I always enjoy seeing your finished mats so please feel free to send me photos so that I can share them with everyone.  Welcome back to hooking everyone!

The post Halloween Fun! New Pattern, New Wools and Sales! appeared first on Martina Lesar.