Rug hooking is evolving and it was time for us to make some changes.  The studio has been renovated, merging the old with the new.  It is a reflection of the evolution that we are witnessing in all fiber arts.    Technology has also rapidly changed the way we shop.  Cell phones and tablets have become the “go to” device for online shopping, therefore it was necessary to redesign the website in order to be compatible with a wider range of devices.  We are pleased to announce that the new site is now live and invite you to visit and browse.  We welcome all comments and critiques as it helps us provide you with an enjoyable shopping experience. 

Every year we host a BBQ/hook in where we raise funds through a raffle for the Hooked Rug Museum.  Unfortunately, this is now the second year that we have had to cancel this event due to Covid restrictions.  It has been a difficult year for everyone and most especially for organizations that rely on visitors such as the Museum.   We decided to run a fundraiser this weekend by offering customers the opportunity to win a prize.

All orders placed starting tomorrow, June 4th-June 6th will qualify for  the draw.  Every 50.00 spent, you will receive a “virtual raffle ticket”.  If your order is 50.00 you will be entered once, a 100.00 order you will be entered twice and so on.  Instead of prizes, we are offering ten 50.00 studio gift certificates. Monday morning, 10 tickets will be drawn.  Winners will receive notification and we will also post a list of the lucky winners.

At our BBQ/hook in, each raffle ticket cost 3.00 so we will donate the same amount for each “virtual raffle ticket” to the Museum.  Shipping will still be free for orders over 50.00

Let’s have some fun and raise some funds for a worthy organization.

Join us for a new series of workshops focused on refining your skill to hook elements of architecture, the elements of a seascape and tackling a variety of trees in a hooked study that can be used as a point of reference for future work. FOCUS workshops are hosted by Martina Lesar’s Studio in beautiful Caledon, Ontario. We are pleased to have Elaine Copeman as our guest facilitator. Elaine is an accomplished rug hooker, accredited OHCG teacher and interior designer with a keen contemporary eye for colour and design. Sign up for one or take all three and build your rug hooking repertoire of techniques that expand your practice. Classes will be held outdoors under canopy. Price includes a FOCUS Kit*created specifically for the workshop.

*Kit includes linen (20” x 20”) with pattern and selection of wools from the studio.

Elements of Architecture: Tuesday August 10th, 2021 10am -4pm

Stairs, Bricks, Logs & Stone

Tackling Tree Varieties: Tuesday August 17th, 2021 10am-4pm

Deciduous, Coniferous, Birch & Flowering

Elements of a Seascape: Tuesday August 24th, 2021 10am -4pm

Sky, Clouds & Water

$120 + Kit Fee $80 +hst

Hooking Up with Heather Goodchild is a one-day event designed to inspire growth and exchange. Spend the day hooking, making connections and enjoying an artist-led talk. Goodchild will offer insight into her own creative process; how historic rugs inform her work and how she views rug hooking within a contemporary art practice.

Set amongst the rolling hills of the Caledon countryside in a tented outdoor studio, participants will be delighted by a complimentary continental breakfast and the chance to browse and shop exclusive wool fabrics, yarns, and fibres in the Martina Lesar Hooked Rug Studio. Please remember to bring a boxed lunch and your current project-in-progress to work on for the day.

@heather__goodchild (Toronto) has exhibited her multidisciplinary work since 2002 across Canada and abroad. She received the Chalmers Arts Fellowship in 2019 and was recently at the Varda Artists Residence program (California) and the Skopelos Foundation for the Arts (Greece). Goodchild exhibited at the Textile Museum of Canada in 2013, was the Artist in Residence at the Art Gallery of Ontario in 2012, and in 2020 showed at The Rooms, St John’s NL. She is currently exhibiting as part of A Temple most August at Clint Roenisch Gallery (Toronto) and this winter will be part of Hooked by Design, a survey of contemporary hooked rugs at the Wisconsin Museum of Quilts & Fiber Arts.

Date: Saturday August 28th, 2021, 10am-4pm
Location: Here at the studio

Click here to register: https://www.beareppcommoncraft.ca/workshop/p/hooking-up-with-heather-goodchild-1

(Poster design credit) @works_by_drea

This Friday we are having our biggest sale yet.  Everything, even sale items, will be 15% off with the exception of the Roseland Rug Hooking Frame and the bolt priced items which are already discounted. This is an excellent opportunity to stock up and save, so check your stashes and see what needs topping up for all those winter projects. Get your lists ready and take advantage of the savings on Friday, November 26th.  Shop online or call to schedule an appointment for in studio shopping.  To apply the discount, use coupon code FRIDAY when checking out. We decided to forgo a Cyber Monday sale in favour of a bigger Black Friday event.

On a personal note, I would like to thank you all for your amazing support during these past couple of years. Now that we seem to be easing restrictions we are planning our 2022 in person events.  Watch for the opening of registration for HOOKED: Rug Hooking Retreat with Alexandrya Eaton. We expect to once again host our summer bbq/hook in and Bear and I are working on exciting new events.  2022 will be a great year!  

 Wishing you and your families a wonderful, peaceful Christmas and spectacular New Year.

Martina 

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! 

During these last couple of years, many of you have immersed yourselves into your rug hooking.  Exploring new fibers, techniques and most of all, creating original work.  As difficult as Covid has been, I have witnessed through your photos and emails the incredible work you have been creating and I am honored that you have been using our wool and fibers in your rugs. Thank you so much for your support. If you find that you need to rebuild your stash, I encourage you to take this opportunity to save during our annual Boxing day sale.  The sale will run for one day on December 26th.  

In 2022 you will notice price increases as the cost of shipping and the cost of goods has risen significantly. These increases will go into effect in the new year and this sale is your opportunity to stock up and save before they do. 

Shop the sale at your convenience on the website. The studio is open by appointment Wednesday through Saturday.  We will be closed from Dec. 24th – Dec 28th and Dec 31st – Jan 4th

 Wishing you and your families a wonderful, safe Christmas and spectacular New Year.

Martina

A workshop on the technique of hooking my painterly style leaves is  scheduled for Sunday July 3rd and a rain date for Monday July 4th 2022.  This is a one day workshop where I will demonstrate the methods I use to create unique leaves using a variety of textured and dyed wools.    It is a style that is extremely creative,  where you are encouraged to paint with wool.  You are welcome to use your pattern or mine.  If planning to hook with a wide cut, select a leaf pattern that is larger in scale.   Originally I had taught this as a wide cut workshop, however I have since used this technique using a #4 cut and the results were wonderful as well, therefore,  you can choose to work in whatever cut you prefer.

If you would like a small project for this workshop, I can draw a single leaf from any of my patterns.    You are encouraged to bring along any wool you would like to use in your leaf.    The more variety of the chosen colour, the better.  Select the color that you would like to use  and bring along any wool that you have in your stash that is in that colour family. Eg.  Red leaf: dark red, red, orange/red, etc  Textures or plaids are invaluable,  so include those as well.  If you don’t have any suitable wool, not to worry as the studio has a wonderful selection.

Supply List:

Pattern, hoop or frame, hook suitable for the cut you are using, scissors, wool (as described above),  and lunch.  Please note that the class is will be held outdoors under tents.

This is not a beginner class and you must have a good grasp on the fundamentals of rug hooking

Date of Class:  Sunday July 3rd  (rain date July 4th 2022)

Time:  10:00 – 2:00 (try to arrive by 9:30)

Teacher:  Martina Lesar

Cost:  65.00 (no refunds within two weeks of class) If weather is a factor, then we will reschedule.

Contact Information:  Tel:  (905)838-3022  Email:  studio@martinalesar.com

Click here to register  https://martinalesar.com/product/painterly-leaves-workshop/

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 2:00pm.   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.  If weather becomes a factor, you will be contacted for rescheduling.  We will be outdoors under tents and have a rain date for the Monday.  You will be contacted if there is a change in the date.

Payment is required at the time of registration.

Class Details:

Cost:   90.00 plus tax for studio class (no refunds within 2 weeks of class)

Date:  Sunday, June 19th 2022 (rain date Monday June 20th)   SOLD OUT    or Sunday July 10th (rain date Monday July 11th)

Time:  10 – 2

Address: 16311 Mississauga Road, Caledon, Ontario

To register click on the “Register Here” button

Register here

We are pleased to announce that registration is now open for Hooked 2023!  

Hooked is a two-day luxury rug hooking retreat and a wonderful opportunity to explore new approaches to your own artistic practice while working alongside renowned contemporary textile artist,  Liv Aanrud.  Aanrud will share her knowledge through  discussions and provide insight into her own process as inspiration for creative growth and exchange. The retreat will include an artist talk, an on-site wool boutique and ample time to delve into your own work while enjoying all the amenities of the Hockley Valley Resort, a glamorous boutique resort located in the Hills of Headwaters, in the heart of Ontario’s most picturesque countryside. 

Event Date:  Monday April 17th – Tuesday April 18th 2023

Your Hosts 

Martina Lesar Hooked Rug Studio
Bear Epp, Common Craft

Your Hooked Retreat Includes:     

Two full days of rug hooking with guest artist and mentor Liv Aanrud from Los Angeles, California. We will be spending our days in the Aida Room, a beautiful large space with abundant natural light from the garden doors which open onto the terrace overlooking scenic landscape and gardens.

All meals and snacks are included in the Retreat package.  Expect delicious farm-to-table organic culinary experiences. Vegetarian options are available upon request and your dietary restrictions will be accommodated if you notify us when you register.  Dinner will be served under the grand chandeliers in the beautiful Montclair Ballroom ! A perfect setting for socializing, viewing the participant exhibition and Q&A with Liv and Handhooked Current.  

Artist Talk  with  Liv  Aanrud.

 Liv will share examples of her work and the inspiration behind her ideas and design process. The Monday morning artist talk will focus on the evolution of Aanrud’s art practice of painting onto textiles and how a hybrid of “fabric painting” has emerged in her work. 

Swag! Some events hand out Swag Bags but we thought you would rather have a complimentary Swag Bundle!  Upon your arrival you will receive a stunning selection of Martina’s favourite wool fabrics and fibers carefully chosen for the Hooked Retreat. 

On-site Wool Boutique:  An exceptional selection of rug hooking wool fabric, fibers and supplies will be available for purchase during the retreat.  For your convenience, a Beeline cutter with a full range of cartridge sizes will also be available for use.

A 25.00 spa voucher.  You will be able to use the voucher toward any treatments or products. 

About our retreat mentor Liv Aanrud

Informed largely by the language of painting, and constructed through the traditional folk method of rag rug hooking used by her grandmother; Aanrud’s work is at once a slowly stitched drawing and a labyrinthine map of the act of thinking. 

Liv Aanrud earned her Bachelors of Fine Arts with a painting emphasis from the University of Wisconsin—Eau Claire in 2001. She was awarded a full scholarship and teaching fellowship at Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University, where she received her Masters of Fine Arts in 2011. She has taught at ARTworks Charter School, at Santa Barbara City College, and was awarded a teaching fellowship at Armory Center for the Arts in Pasadena. 

Aanrud’s work has been the subject of one person exhibitions at New Image Art, Arvia, 1700 Naud and TSA-LA in Los Angeles. She has also had solo shows at Sierra Nevada College in Lake Tahoe, Pamela Salisbury Gallery and at John Davis Gallery, Hudson, NY, Oasis Gallery, Marquette, MI and Steven Harvey Fine Art Projects, New York City. Her work has been shown in group exhibitions across the U.S., Taiwan, Germany, and Spain. 

She currently lives and works in Los Angeles, California. 

https://www.livaanrud.com/           https://www.instagram.com/livaanrud/

The Location:

Hockley Valley Resort is less than an hour’s drive  from the Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and most of the Greater Toronto Area. It is easily accessible via many of Southern Ontario’s major highways.

 hockley.com

Accommodations:

Treat yourself to a relaxing stay at the resort during the Hooked Retreat!

The rooms are spacious and elegant.  Comfort is key with upgraded hotel amenities plus a sitting area with amazing views, writing table, a Keurig coffee machine, a flat screen tv with complimentary wifi and spa style bathroom.

As Retreat participants, you are responsible for booking your own hotel room. We have secured an incredible rate of 144.00 plus tax and fees per night for a single occupancy and 77.00 plus tax and fees per person for double occupancy.  We have also negotiated the same rate for anyone wanting to arrive on Sunday.   These rates are for  Hooked Retreat participants only  (more than 40% off regular price).  Rates are valid for dates April 17th – April 18th, 2023

To receive this special rate, you must first register for the Retreat.  Once registered we will provide you with the hotel booking code via email.

**Accommodations at the Hockley Valley Resort must be booked before March 1st 2023 to secure the retreat pricing .

Cancellation and Vaccine Policy:

Health protocols will be followed based on the government requirements at the time of the retreat.

In the event that Hooked Retreat is forced to cancel due to unforeseen circumstance such as, but not limited to, acts of nature, labor strikes, pandemics,  100% of your paid fees will be returned to you. Please note all refunds take a minimum of 14 days to process.  If you choose to cancel before February 1st, 2023, you will receive a 50% refund on your retreat investment. After February 1st, 2023 no monies will be refunded.  Room refunds fall under resort policies.

There are no exceptions to this cancellation and refund policy, including for reasons related to weather, border restrictions, personal, family or medical emergencies or any other circumstances beyond our control. You may however re sell your retreat spot.  Refunds will not be issued should the borders close or if government travel restrictions prevent entry to Canada.

What to bring:

• A rug hooking project, new or in progress  
• You are welcome to bring your own cutter however, we will have a Beeline cutter on site with cartridges for cuts #3-#8.
• A bathing suit for those who would like to indulge in the pool 
• Your favourite hooked rug  for the evening rug display (optional)

Any further questions regarding the Hooked Retreat, please send us an email at studio@martinalesar.com

Hooked: Itinerary        

Day One

8:00 am                   Arrive at Hockley Valley Resort and you will be assisted with unloading your vehicle and directed to the parking area.  You may check in at the front desk  and your luggage will be stored safely until your room is ready.

9:00 am      Aida Room.  Introduction and artist talk.  Your day of rug hooking commences with your fellow participants.  Resort staff will have prepared a lovely continental breakfast buffet for you to enjoy upon your arrival.

10:30 am                   Morning refreshment break with coffee/tea/beverages and baked goods

12:00 – 1:00 pm     A delicious buffet lunch is served in Restaurant 85. 

1:00 – 4:30           Rug hooking commences in the Aida Room.  Afternoon refreshments will be available while you continue to work on your projects

4:30 -6:00             Free time to indulge in the amenities of the Resort.  Indoor pool,  gym or book a treatment in the incredible 8000 sq ft. spa

6:00 – 9:30           Dinner and evening social in the Monctclair Ballroom.  Two complimentary glasses of wine or cocktails.                                                                                                                        Spontaneous Inquiry:   Q & A  Liv Aanrud  with Handhooked Current.  A lively Q & A following up from the morning artist talk 

Day Two

7:00 – 8:30 am       Breakfast is served in Restaurant 85 

9:00 – 12:00         Aida Room.  Your day of rug hooking commences with your fellow participants.  Resort staff will have prepared a refreshment table for you to enjoy throughout the morning session.  Remember to check out of your room before 11:00 am.

12:00 – 1:00pm    Buffet lunch is served in Restaurant 85

1:00 – 4:00pm     Rug hooking resumes in the Aida Room where Resort staff will make available afternoon refreshments.

Please note alcoholic beverages are not included in the cost of this retreat with the exception of 2 complimentary wine or cocktails at the dinner and evening social.

Hooked Retreat Registration Info:  Price 589.00 plus tax.  For room rates, see ‘accommodations’ above.

For many of us, rug hooking has seen us through these past couple of years.  It has been a welcome distraction and comfort while we have isolated at home. With that behind us, Bear and I are pleased to invite you to join us in celebrating International Rug Hooking day with an in person event.

Hooking Up: International Rug Hooking Day

Sunday December 4th, 2022 10AM to 3PM

Kinsmen Hall / Gellert Community Centre
10241 Eighth Line, Georgetown, Ontario

Fee: $48

Presented by Martina Lesar & Bear Epp of Common Craft

Join artists Deborah Farquharson and Marina Dempster for a day designed to inspire instinctive and intuitive approaches to your rug hooking practice.

Spend time creating together, making community connections and gaining insight into the creative practices of two talented multidisciplinary artists as they share their artistic process through slide presentations and group discussion.

Cruise the complimentary dessert bar, help yourself to coffee or tea , pack a lunch and come celebrate International Rug Hooking Day with us!

Rug Hooking Pop Up shop with Martina Lesar & Crowsfoot Studio

Marina Dempster – Artist Bio

Marina Dempster cross-pollinates traditional craft techniques to transmute forms, materials, and limiting habits of thought and emotions. Influenced by the patterns and cycles of nature and consciousness, loop by loop, bead by bead Marina Dempster’s artworks embody our interconnection and a deep, humble and universal reckoning and movement from shame to grace, fear to love and woe to wisdom. Her sculptural work has been exhibited internationally in over a dozen public art museums.

Deborah Farquharson – Artist Bio

To register click on this link…https://www.beareppcommoncraft.ca/rug-hooking-day/p/international-rug-hooking-day

We are so thrilled to be welcoming Liv Aanrud from Los Angeles, California as our 2023 Hooked Retreat Mentor.  Liv will share examples of her work and the inspiration behind her ideas and design process. The Monday morning artist talk will focus on the evolution of Aanrud’s art practice of painting onto textiles and how a hybrid of “fabric painting” has emerged in her work. As our mentor Liv will be available throughout the retreat for one to one discussion, and new this year, a lively evening Q & A in the Monctclair Ballroom facilitated by Ann Pappert of Handhooked Current. 

Time becomes tactile, ticked up in a stitch; this rhythm is a reverie where my mind can find rest through work. My textiles are an earnest attempt to slow time, to hold fast in a world that seems built to commodify and consume. This meticulous labor is necessary retreat, a coping mechanism in a world that simply cannot be kept up with.

Yarn is a rolled-up line, that becomes a stitched, soft sculptural drawing that looks like a painting.  Liv Aanrud

Liv Aanrud earned her Bachelors of Fine Arts with a painting emphasis from the University of Wisconsin—Eau Claire in 2001. She was awarded a full scholarship and teaching fellowship at Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University, where she received her Masters of Fine Arts in 2011. She has taught at ARTworks Charter School, at Santa Barbara City College, and was awarded a teaching fellowship at Armory Center for the Arts in Pasadena. 

Aanrud’s work has been the subject of one person exhibitions at New Image Art, Arvia, 1700 Naud and TSA-LA in Los Angeles. She has also had solo shows at Sierra Nevada College in Lake Tahoe, Pamela Salisbury Gallery and at John Davis Gallery, Hudson, NY, Oasis Gallery, Marquette, MI and Steven Harvey Fine Art Projects, New York City. Her work has been shown in group exhibitions across the U.S., Taiwan, Germany, and Spain. 

We hope you can join us Monday April 17th & Tuesday April 18th at Hockley Valley Resort for Hooked 2023 ! Find out more by clicking here: /https://martinalesar.com/https-martinalesar-com-product-hooked-rug-hooking-retreat/

**Please take note that discounted Retreat room Rate ends Feb 7th , discount code is sent to you when you register.  If you have registered and haven’t yet booked your room, after this deadline, rooms will be billed at full price.