Making of a Large Canvas Rug: Many Things to Consider for Large
Canvas Rugs
Creating large
custom canvas rugs is a challenge on many levels: size, placement, and design are my primary concerns to ensure a happy client.
A particular custom design concept may look good on a small scale,
but may not work for a larger canvas rug. Things to be considered include determining where exactly the custom rug will be
used, what furniture will be placed on it and the size and décor of the room, including the floor. 
For example, in a busy restaurant it is necessary to have
enough room for a chair to be pulled out, away from the table, without moving the chair off of the large canvas rug body,
so that when moved back towards the table there is no catching the chair legs or tugging at the rug's edge.
An example related to design and placement was that of Francis'
rug; she had in mind for a custom canvas rug to replace an 8' x 10' white shag rug in her living room. The new hand painted
rug was to measure 8' x 8'.
Initially prior to installment,
it seemed too small. Part of this was because of the black and beige design of the painted rug placed on a dark floor; the
black portion of the painted rug seemed to diminish the size of the entire rug. Once the rug was laid out in front of the
couch and the coffee table set in place, however, the rug looked wonderful and both client and artist were delighted with
the result.
We have just received an order for another
large 5' x 12' custom canvas rug for an Architectural Digest-like Costa Rican home. The entrance from the patio leading
into the home is the hangout spot for two very large dogs, one of whom enjoys a refreshing dip in the pool, then mosey into
the house soaking-fur wet. A canvas rug was an ideal solution for décor and wet dogs.
The floor of the entranceway is a dark green tile flanked on either side with wood floors. Much of
the décor includes colorful weavings from the owners' travels. While looking at a photo, a piece of textile art in
the background caught my eye. I thought it was an attractive yet simple design perfect to incorporate into a border for the
rug. For a sample to present to the clients a light tan color was selected with a soft wash for the center; the soft wash
not only provides depth and texture but will camouflage wet doggie paws.
Although painting large custom rug canvas floor cloths can present challenges for the artist, so far, knock on wood, the results for our custom canvas rugs have been rewarding
and received by clients with rave reviews. It takes patience, practice and an eye for detail to make it all come together...perfectly.
Have you made a large canvas rug? If so, what tips would you offer for a
first timer?
Join us for a Costa Rica Holiday shopping opportunity showcasing fifty local artists
and artisans on Sat. Dec. 5th from 10:00 a.m.- 1:00 pm. This event, held at the Country Day School in Escazú,
will benefit a local school in need of repair. Visit our 