Featured Exhibitors
TIPTONS RECREATE COLONIAL CRAFTS
By Gladys Blews Wilson
Sep 4, 2007, 09:44

Tina Tipton grew up in a family that loved art. Her mother, Loretta, who is a nurse and artist, encouraged Tina to be creative on her own.

Loretta received her art degree with a painting major. Tina received her art degree from Kent State with a Bachelor of Art in fine crafts which included ceramic, textile, metal work and graphic design. Tina now works with computers.

Tina and Loretta both believe that art, in whatever form and materials used to create it, is a passion and challenge.

Tina introduced her mother to needle and wet felting.

Needle felting is done on felt which is laid on top of foam or styrofoam. A special felting needle pushes wool roving (wool which is dyed in a variety of colors before being spun into the felt to create beautiful compositions. These compositions can be created as folk, primitive or contemporary styles.

In welt felting, wool roving is laid onto a bamboo place mat in several layers in alternating directions.

When desired composition is achieved, the wool is saturated with hot, soapy water. The bamboo place mat is then rolled in a tube and agitated by hand. The composition is unrolled, patted dry, allowed to dry then framed as needed.

Another folk art interest investigated and created by Tina and Loretta are “penny rugs.”

Penny rugs were created in colonial days. The pioneers couldn’t afford to waste anything. They turned their worn out clothes and blankets into what they called “penny rugs.” Pennies were larger in the 18th century and were used as a template for their patterns.

Penny rugs were not used as rugs, but as table runners and wall hangings.

Tina and Loretta will also bring to their “Gallery of Art Now and Yesterday” booth a variety of other artwork which will include paintings, fuse glasswork and a variety of folk and primitive crafts that will showcase both of their talents.

Find Loretta and Tina in Booth 80.

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