Launching a Home Based
Business as a Decorative Rug Maker
The
art of rug making has evolved from the traditional woven
rugs produced on carpet weaving looms. What used to be a
hobby for some home-based craftsmen has transformed into a
lucrative business for the modern well trained rug maker.
It's now possible to create high value custom rugs from
home. A good sized garage is all the space that is needed.
The
concept that has made this possible is often referred to as
decorative rug making. It's a multi-faceted approach
utilizing advanced rug making tools that can literally fit
into a duffel bag. The carpet materials are widely available
in nylon and wool, yet there is no actual weaving involved.
The carpet mills do this for you.
Decorative rug making utilizes a blending of techniques
allowing a rug maker to complete a project 'in
house' from start to finish. The process begins
with a rug design on paper, then carpet styles and colors
are selected. Templates are then created from the design and
the rug goes into the fabrication phase.
Fabricating a rug generally begins with an inlay process,
unless it's tufted wool, and the design elements are
actually inlaid into the main body of the carpet. The inlaid
carpet can even be sculpted and carved with a specialized
high speed clipper. Usually a secondary backing is adhered
to the back. Finally, the edges are bound to create a clean
and polished custom rug.
So
where do the rug designs come from?
The
short answer is
everywhere. The rug designs are simply
reflections of a clients taste and style. There are
countless themes, styles and influences that can make up a
rug design. Some good sources for inspiration are: Google
images, area rug websites, design books published by Dover
Books, interior design and architectural books and
magazines.
The
unique markets for decorative rugs are intriguing because
there are so many available. The markets range from the more
broad based luxury, residential, and commercial, to smaller
niche markets like pet related rugs, or custom yacht rugs.
In
conclusion, the old school rug making techniques have
evolved into a lucrative highly specialized business
opportunity. It's no longer a time worn weaving process,
it's generally an 'inlay' process featuring a few concrete
steps that can be learned and practiced at home.
By Russell Webb |
