The reason I’ve been kind of ‘absent’ from my blog over the last months is that I’ve been preoccupied studying rug design and manufacture and preparing designs to begin my rug collection. An activity that has captured my interest like I never expected. 

One of the reasons I began researching this subject was a personal need to create something of my own, and in particular, something that would combine my love of interior design with my love for art. Something, after all, that would represent me as an interior decorator and designer. Meanwhile I had ascertained a certain ‘difficulty’ in finding suitable rugs for the interiors I was decorating. 

loomah

So, I visited many major exhibitions abroad and noticed how other designers were applying their ideas and concepts to rugs, either as independent entities or under the ‘umbrella’ of an established rug firm. I was immediately attracted to the idea of applying my own ideas to rugs and fireworks went off in my mind as an avalanche of ideas flooded my head. I simply had to learn more about this art form! 

luke irwin

So, I began by studying how these other designers went about this business. I researched the various manufacturing techniques, the language of rug making, the history of rugs and the basic ‘rules’ of rug design as these arise according to their origin. At the same time I started to create my own designs that I continued working on and improving as I learnt more and became more accustomed to the natural limits and requirements that this art form imposes. I studied the materials used and the available techniques that are constantly being improved helping the designer create ever more complicated and amazing designs. 

amy kent

Although the last step in my research, finding possible candidates to manufacture my rugs was one of the most important tasks. Initially I began by looking for Greek manufacturers, wanting to support local commerce. However, to my chagrin and surprise, I discovered that there was no such service here. My choices therefore, as I saw them, were one of the following: England – Portugal – Turkey – Iran – India – China – Nepal. 

loomah

However, before making any such decision I had to determine the character of my product. Its quality, reputation (in other words, what kind or product do I, Lena Blonsky, want to be identified with), its cost and to whom I am directing this product. In other words, my “brand”. 

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Following this it was imperative that I secure my designs by copyright. The internet is rife with copyright theft and no-one can ever be too sure. 

Truth is I had been hoping to have already begun with the production of at least two of my rug designs. However, (fortunately or unfortunately) I am ridiculously thorough and conscientious in my research and study taking every step very carefully and methodically, aiming to reduce risks and errors along the way as much as possible. My aim is always to make the best possible decision. What does that mean for me? It means finding the best quality in raw materials and manufacturing process and a production team that will be using up-to-date methods of design and computer imagery that will meet with the designer’s (my) requirements and by extension, my clients’. 

kokeshi for spina

Furthermore, I wanted to be sure that working conditions were of a high standard and that no child labor is employed – manufacturers registered with Goodweave were favored. I also liked the idea of an amount of the income made on each rug being put back into the local community in the form of schooling, clothing, health and quality of working and living conditions. Finally, it was imperative that I be able to communicate with the manufacturers, that they understand what I want and that I understand them. Not forgetting, of course, the importance of cost. 

loomah

All these ideas and thoughts began to take form and become reality so that today I am in conversation with a rug manufacturer in Nepal and have ordered a ‘trial run’ of one of my ‘simpler’ designs. Something that will help me gauge how the whole process works and to see how my designs come out in reality. I would say that this is the most exciting phase of the process! 

Assuming all goes well I will be visiting the manufacturer in Nepal in autumn ( ideally I had wanted to visit now, however, it is rainy season in Nepal) and giving them my next order. 

amy kent

till then, I’ll be designing more rugs!

all my best 

Lena