Would hand-braided rugs be considered suitable for the Arts & Crafts home/bungalow? Are they too "craft bazaar", or too far removed from the period?

I think a high-quality wool, hand-braided and stitched rug could be very handsome especially in the rich golds, browns, greens, and mahogany reds seen in oriental style carpets. The most important element is that the carpet be correctly sized for the room.

Much as I love the A&C style, I personally favor a more eclectic approach to my surroundings. If you stick with William Morris' axiom, "Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful" then you will be able to create a personal space unlike any other.

Hand-braided rugs have been with us for a long time, so I think one would be very suitable, particularly in less formal cottage style homes.

R.

I really do think that most braided rugs are really far removed from the period. Don't get me wrong I love braided rugs but I would never combine them with arts and crafts.

{no link dropping please}

Hmmm. I wonder how a handcrafted braided, wool rug could be too removed from the period since they are a longstanding American carpeting solution that has been in continuous use for at least 200 years?

There really are different approaches to A&C design and vary by individual:

1. You are an A&C purist. Stickley, Limbert, Van Erp, TECO, et al. Original, period pieces for an original or restored A&C period home (1880-1925 more or less).

2. A follower of the A&C philosophy regarding craftsmanship, quality, and lifestyle. You can be as eclectic as you want and all over the board with equal affinities for an original Stickley buffet or a modern interpretation by a contemporary craftsman like Thomas Moser.

Of course, there are variations along this continuum. Feathering one's nest is very personal, so is a braided rug suitable? Sure, if it pleases you.

R.

We've been doing a ton of research on various topics and I came across an article in a 1908 American Homes and Gardens magazine today. The article is titled "Making Rugs from the Scrap Bag" writing by Mabel Tuke Priestman. Referring to crocheted and plaited (i.e. braided) rugs, she writes, "These rugs are especially pretty in front of a bureau or for a hearth rug, especially in a living-room, in conjunction with Mission furniture."

Rikki

Good Morning Friends,
We all know that it would be nice if we could just go out and buy an original piece made by Stickley, Greene and Greene as well as many other noted furniture makers with the marking on them that are those made by the masters.

However there are those of us who are making reproductions in the given styles and as long as we don't try to say that this is my own design we should not be trying to fool some one in thinking it is in fact an original.

I am going to try to insert one of my pieces as an example but, I am in no way trying to make this as an advertisement but just a showing of what can be done in the styles set forth by the masters.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2164/2085710352_427f1b371d_m.jpg

Respectfully,

Ralph Jones

Hello Again Folks,
I forgot to mention that the drawer front was cut out of the apron so it will match when completed.

Respectfully,

Ralph Jones

I don't see anything wrong with them if carefully made and in colors like soft reds,green,s etc.

While no expert, magazines of the period carried ideas for crafts,things women could make in their spare time if they had any,
and would brighten up their home enviroment.
As suggested in the magazine article
which is mentioned,the rug was to be used in the bedroom,and nothing wrong with that.You could also use the rug in a den area as well.

Not everyone is rich and can afford geninue craftsman antiques.Hence the reproductions people are making today because there is a market for it.
Just go with what you feel is right in this situation.

Sorry,I had to reread the posting of the article
but do what you feel like.