May15th
Casa927 San Jose Costa Rica Gallery
At the FIA event in March this year, I was approached by the founders of an artists’ gallery and asked to participate showcasing my canvas rugs. Considering that the majority of artists involved are Costa Ricans, it was an honor to be invited.
Touting the gallery as a solidarity-based business model, Casa927, opened its doors in May of last year, 2011. Displaying the works of more than Read More
April3rd
Innovative Art Form for Costa Rica
It seems contradictory almost that one of the most innovative ideas to come into Costa Rica is an art form created in the 1400’s. Such was the response from the locals upon viewing my hand painted canvas rugs during the 2012 International Festival of the Arts (FIA) in San Jose, Costa Rica.
When I arrived in Costa Rica 35 years ago, Ticos were fond of saying, “No estamos acostumbrados.” Translated it means, “We are not accustomed to that.” At that time, Costa Ricans in general were not open to new ideas or different ways of doing things. At the art festival, however, Read More
March29th
Custom Kitchen Rug
Last year I had posted about an interior designer from New York inquiring about one of my rug designs; she had ordered the Mexican tile design as a custom kitchen rug; I had assumed it would be used for a Mexican décor project.
With all orders that are shipped outside of the country or where I wouldn’t necessarily have access to either delivering or installing a canvas Read More
March20th
Canvas Rugs Costa Rica
(COSTA RICA), March 14, 2012 –The March 16-25, 2012 International Arts Festival (FIA) in Costa Rica will feature striking and original hand sewn and hand painted canvas rugs by custom textile Artist Laurel Anderson.
Laurel Anderson, a thirty year resident of Costa Rica, has been creating the beautiful canvas rugs or floor cloths, under her label, Laurel’s Originals, Read More
March7th
Natural Fiber Rug on Canvas
A new client, an interior designer, informed me that she was looking for a natural fiber rug that, “…is not a natural fiber rug.” Upon arrival to the studio she confessed, “I don’t know how this works, [creating a custom canvas rug] so I’ll just have to bumble along.” For most interior professionals in Costa Rica, canvas rugs are a completely new and novel product; I assured the designer she was in good hands and that the process, as well as the end result, would prove to be a positive experience.
Every design, idea or vision for a custom canvas rug is a new experience, which is why I enjoy this work so much!
Because tropical homes are designed, usually, with an openness to incorporate Mother Nature’s setting (rain forest, beach, and mountain) there is an Read More
February23rd
Custom Rug
Recently, a potential client submitted an email requesting a quote for a canvas custom rug. As you’ll read, the writer provided lots of detail about what she was after and the particulars concerning a custom rug for her kitchen dining area. My reply (and quote) follows.
In sharing this letter, it is my goal to encourage anyone who is considering a custom rug to Read More
January17th
Runner Rugs
Runner rugs are extremely versatile and serve many purposes in a home*. They provide a focal point or define an area of interest. They can also be placed in any room: in front of the kitchen sink, an entryway or hallway or flowing down a flight of stairs. And such rugs can be changed with the seasons or per your mood! Read More
December21st
Zebra Rugs
Reminiscing over 2011 and all the unique opportunities clients and friends have given me to create one-of-a-kind canvas rugs, I recalled in particular a black and beige stripe area rug painted for Frances. It was in fact, what many would consider a zebra rug, because of the flowing stripes. Traditional zebra rugs bring to mind the feel Read More
November5th
Tribal art, African art, African tribal art, these are one of the most popular design themes in any country, including Costa Rica! Art from Africa provides a wide variety for custom design ideas on large area rugs and other textiles for the home interior.
Often people ask, “Where do you get your ideas for custom canvas rug designs?” and my answer is any and everywhere!
When I come across a pattern, a combination of colors, a pretty scene, or just a piece of fabric, I take a photo and keep it in my treasure trove of canvas rug ideas. One such came from the back of a canvas chair with an African art motif. Read More
October15th
Baby Nursery Themes
Just recently on my Laurel’s Originals blog, I wrote about creative decorating ideas for baby nursery themes and decorating. It’s an idea, or niche, I plan to expand upon with my custom canvas rugs but for now, there are plenty of current designs that lend themselves perfectly to a baby’s nursery.
As those of us who live in Costa Rica know, Read More
