Ennis Designs was created as a place where we could share our creative passion, and showcase our work.
Our Medium
We design original hooked rugs, 3 - dimensional figures (hooked and felted), and we have published 2 books. We generally use burlap, linen or monk's cloth as backing. We hook using recycled fabrics, much of it hand-dyed, although we do experiment with a variety of materials. While always anxious to try new things, much of our hooking is done the "old way" with wide strips, hooked randomly, representing an image, rather than depicting fine details.
Our Inspiration
We are constantly enriched by the "awful good people" that we meet, and the beauty of the landscapes and seascapes that surround us.
About Us
I enjoy self expression through style, texture and color. I particularly enjoy creating story rugs and see them as a wonderful way to capture a moment in time. Living on Canada's east coast surrounded by so much natural beauty, it is not hard to find inspiration.
Maxine
We have enhanced our relationship and our rug hooking skills, by collaborating on many projects. We have participated in provincial, national, and international juried exhibits. Many of our rugs are displayed in private and public collections throughout the world.
My rugs reflect my personality and my life's work, as a promoter of equality and social justice. Some have a spiritual element, some are historical, while others speak to the place I call home.
Frances
20 years already
20 years already
20 years already
Can you believe it? This year marks our 20th anniversary in creating one of a kind hooked rugs. In 2002 we enjoyed a weekend workshop at the Anna Templeton Centre in St. John's where we literally got hooked..
Here we are working on Seasons Gros Morne created for the Wild Pure Aesthetic wonder exhibition that coincided with Fibre Arts NL, 2015, an international conferenve held in Gros Morne National Park.
Our Mandela
20 years already
20 years already
Our Mandela depicting the four seasons with a subdued rendition of the Tablelands in the background, speaks to the beauty and majesty of Gros Morne. The image salutes birth and new life, the seasons depict the passage of time and death as part of life, while the circle embodies a sense of wholeness, infinity and mystery. We were thrilled when this piece was purchased by the Government of NL for the Provincial Art Bank.
Initial drawings
20 years already
Close up of work in process.
Close up of work in process.
Close up of work in process.
Close up of work in process.
Putting design on
Close up of work in process.
Putting design on
Creating our own designs has been challenging but very rewarding.