We moved to the gorgeous Puget Sound area in 2009, and I found myself with the time to work on growing my fiber art skills. I took up spinning, and at a crochet retreat I learned how to carve my own hooks...soon I had jars of them and I couldn't stop!
What I love about carving hooks is that each hook is part of a story of the life of the tree - each step in the process is a chapter. Where the wood was found, what it looks like under the bark, how it wants to be carved, and the finished item - each step is a new discovery. It's beautiful. A mystery to be solved. And once in a while, a particular tool has a name that comes out. Over the past few years since I started this, I like to think up new tools and supplies for the fiber arts, also. I don't like to waste anything, so necklaces hooks came from the rest of the branch that made a hook, shawl sticks came from branches too small to carve, etc. I feel the same about fiber, too! If I can't spin it or crochet it, maybe it can be felted. I also try to be sensitive to my environment - I use a natural, vegetable-based wood preserver, and NO wood is cut off a tree just to make a hook! Most of my wood is found by me, friends, and sometimes customers (I do a trade, 10 usable pieces of wood for a hook!)
The absolutely best part about doing this, is finding the person to match the tool. Nothing makes me more happy, nor is more satisfying, than getting feedback that says "I love it! Fits my hand PERFECTLY!"
I want everyone to try a one of a kind, fits-to-your-hand tool - take pride in your craft, enjoy the process - have a beautiful tool!