HISTORY of Hooked On Hessian

The first time I saw rug making was a chance meeting back in 1990. I remember thinking “with a bit of work we could do that.” We included my son Nathan who desperately needed to improve control in his right hand after a stroke left him paralysed on that side when he was 8 years old. Rug making began as therapy. Free time was spent experimenting with texture and design. Nathan’s skill and dexterity slowly improved and to everyone’s delight he began to win prizes in both the local and royal show.

In 1998 we saw an opportunity to develop our skills and run workshops. Nathan was 18 and there was little chance of employment in the big world. We purchased 6 tools and built 6 frames and away we went. In 2000 we launched Hooked on Hessian from hobby to business. This included after school arts programmes for primary aged children and day classes for adults with special needs. By trial and error a programme for visually impaired people was established.

Over the years many Community Tapestries have unfolded with grants from Community Arts Network WA and the Lotteries Commission. The one completed with students from Bellevue Primary School gave us a nomination for Excellence in Education. The tapestry made by children from the Kalamunda Primary School was presented to a local wildlife centre and has been used as a backdrop in the Perth Royal show. In 2003 an underwater theme project was completed by the Heights Community Centre and is now on display at Wanneroo council offices. Some of the pieces are over 4 metres long and can be viewed on our web site gallery.

The potential for enjoyment and self-expression with rug making is huge. The designs are endless, from traditional to contemporary. Just about anyone can do it. Finished pieces can be framed or backed and used on the floor as functional rugs or sewn into soft furnishings or wearable art. The finished work when backed with latex glue is very robust. If you would like more information on how to get Hooked on Hessian, contact us and we can get you started wherever you are.

Here are some pictures of some of our work.

Regards Norma