What do you create? How did you get started and what motivated you to start?
The Fanciful Hooker is a textile studio inspired by the whimsical and fueled by recycled textiles. We create "fanciful" rug hooked and other textile items inspired by fantasy, visual puns or whatever you're nerding out on. We make everything 'hooked' from DIY Kits to framed textile art to commissioned pillows and rugs.
It all started on a honeymoon trip to Cape Breton's Pioneer Highland Village when I bought my first rug hooking kit using local wool yarn. I was hooked!
The Fanciful Hooker is a textile studio inspired by the whimsical and fueled by recycled textiles. We create "fanciful" rug hooked and other textile items inspired by fantasy, visual puns or whatever you're nerding out on. We make everything 'hooked' from DIY Kits to framed textile art to commissioned pillows and rugs.
It all started on a honeymoon trip to Cape Breton's Pioneer Highland Village when I bought my first rug hooking kit using local wool yarn. I was hooked!
Which item do you have the most fun making (please attach photo if possible)
My 'favourite' always seems to be whatever I'm planning next. I've really enjoyed making some 'underground garden' pieces where you can see the vegetable still in the dirt from the view of the worm, often with a funny word like 'rad' or 'gus'.
What are you doing when you're not creating?
I am also a freelance musician working mostly in the classical and celtic world, also teaching budding oboe students in my studio or at Peterborough New Horizons Band. You'll see me on stage for the Peterborough Symphony's first show this season on November 5th.
My 'favourite' always seems to be whatever I'm planning next. I've really enjoyed making some 'underground garden' pieces where you can see the vegetable still in the dirt from the view of the worm, often with a funny word like 'rad' or 'gus'.
What are you doing when you're not creating?
I am also a freelance musician working mostly in the classical and celtic world, also teaching budding oboe students in my studio or at Peterborough New Horizons Band. You'll see me on stage for the Peterborough Symphony's first show this season on November 5th.
Where do you work on your creations?
At home, sometimes if I'm in a waiting room somewhere, often while watching Netflix!
How do you occupy your mind while working (eg background music, conversation, TV, thinking in silence)?
TV, oddly enough if there's not someone else crafting along with me. Can't be too visually distracting, dialogue-based is perfect.
Where do you get your inspiration?
Other visual or textile arts, or even art gallery shows or exhibits and even other vendors at craft shows!
At home, sometimes if I'm in a waiting room somewhere, often while watching Netflix!
How do you occupy your mind while working (eg background music, conversation, TV, thinking in silence)?
TV, oddly enough if there's not someone else crafting along with me. Can't be too visually distracting, dialogue-based is perfect.
Where do you get your inspiration?
Other visual or textile arts, or even art gallery shows or exhibits and even other vendors at craft shows!
What's the most difficult part of the process?
Sometimes, just getting started. I create all of my designs myself, unlike a lot of rughookers. I can be a bit hesitant to try to get what's in my head on the 'paper' and I know I often change my mind about details while I do it.
Sometimes, just getting started. I create all of my designs myself, unlike a lot of rughookers. I can be a bit hesitant to try to get what's in my head on the 'paper' and I know I often change my mind about details while I do it.
What is your favourite piece of work that you have created?
Probably my logo piece! "Mermaid Dreams"
What memorable responses have you had to your work?
Well the most memorable is when they want to pick something up and touch it - then buy it! Or the best might be when a commission finally goes to the owner and they lift it out of the bag and look at it like a long-lost friend!
Probably my logo piece! "Mermaid Dreams"
What memorable responses have you had to your work?
Well the most memorable is when they want to pick something up and touch it - then buy it! Or the best might be when a commission finally goes to the owner and they lift it out of the bag and look at it like a long-lost friend!
What else should readers know about you and your creations?
I use both new materials and - when I can - recycled textiles that have been cleaned and prepared. Keep that stuff out of the landfill
I use both new materials and - when I can - recycled textiles that have been cleaned and prepared. Keep that stuff out of the landfill
Where else do you sell your creations?
Out of my studio, through email and mostly at vendor fairs like the Artisan Fair. Sometimes the occasional pop-up fair and most often closer to Christmas.
https://www.facebook.com/thefancifulhooker/
thefancifulhooker@gmail.com
https://www.instagram.com/thefancifulhooker
Meet Tori Owen on December 3rd at the Lions Club in Peterborough, 10am-2pm!
Out of my studio, through email and mostly at vendor fairs like the Artisan Fair. Sometimes the occasional pop-up fair and most often closer to Christmas.
https://www.facebook.com/thefancifulhooker/
thefancifulhooker@gmail.com
https://www.instagram.com/thefancifulhooker
Meet Tori Owen on December 3rd at the Lions Club in Peterborough, 10am-2pm!
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