Teacher Profile
Ruth Emerson
LOCATION: Grimsby, ON TEACHER SINCE: 1985 (and supplier) CONTACT INFORMATION: Email: remersonrugs@gmail.com Phone: 905-309-1047 |
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Where do you teach?
I started learning Traditional Rug Hooking in 1972 and have been teaching since 1985. I am presently teaching in my home studio; but I have also taught at the Burlington Arts Centre as well as various mini workshops including the Ontario Hooking Craft Guild Annual in 2000, some OHCG branches in Ontario, two OHCG Quebec branches and the International Guild Handhooking Rugmakers’ in 2003 in Toronto. I have been featured as a designer in "A Needle Pulling Thread" and have submitted articles to the magazine.
What do you teach?
I have taught all levels of students from beginner to advanced. I specialize in teaching floral designs, realistic portraits, pictorials, designing and sculpturing (in various forms such as: flowers, faces, brooches and Christmas ornament). I prefer the finer strips cut on #3 to #5, but will encourage my students to use whatever cut they like.
What is your favourite thing to teach?
My favourite thing is helping students to design and create what they really want to hook. I love it when they can enjoy the feeling of creating that one-of-a-kind piece.
Do you offer workshops?
I have taught one-day workshops such hat trivets, five cut, five value swatches in floral designs, sculptured Christmas Ornaments, and sculptured brooches. I am presently offering a one-day workshop on a flowering cabbage cushion using casserole dye fabric going from one colour to another. For a week-long workshop, I am willing to teach designing, pictorials, and realistic portraits.
How far are you willing to travel to do a workshop?
I am willing to travel out of my area, time permitting and with mileage reimbursed. I am also willing to billet with the group's hostess, as in the past I have found that it keeps the cost down and can be a fun experience.
What do you like best about teaching?
My favourite thing about teaching is being stretched in all directions and possibilities. My students in the past have wanted to create things that I haven t thought of and that has taken me to new directions in order to help them in their projects.
What is your favourite tip to share with your students?
For the beginner student I like to tell them to be sure to have plenty of light over their shoulder in order to see their work and not strain their eyes. It is very important to maintain good posture in order avoid neck or back pain. If you are uncomfortable, you are not a happy rug hooker and may not continue. Learn to relax!
