Posts Tagged ‘lobster rug’

Maine Inspiration for Your Floors

Friday, May 4th, 2012

Having a respect and appreciation for nature, while understanding the beauty of Maine and all it has to offer, is a talent that Maine artist Harry Smith knows hows to capture in his work. We are proud to carry a selection of Harry Smith’s designs on some of our 100% jute accent rugs. His artwork evokes feelings of summers past, peaceful countrysides and vacations spent in both rural and coastal Maine. Currently, Harry is living and working in an old sea captain’s home of the 1860’s, on Mt. Battie along side the coast of Camden Hills (Down East coast of Maine) with his wife Marsha. The home provides inspiration to all aspects of his work, due to the rich nature that surrounds him.


Seen here to the left is a new rug offered at Sturbridge Yankee Workshop that could be used as an accent rug or doormat in your home. A multi-colored, braided border frames the image of a red covered bridge surrounded by forest. There is an emphasis of green within the colored braid, highlighting the lush, Evergreen trees ever so nicely. We know you’ll love this Covered Bridge Rug, as it really is artwork for your floor. Made of 100% natural jute, this rug offers a tranquil moment in an entryway or hallway of your home. As with all our jute rugs, made from a biodegradable fiber, it is an eco-friendly choice.

Another option to inspire Maine living, is none other than
our Blueberry Rug. Blueberries and Maine have become synonymous over the years as it is our official state fruit, producing 25% of the low bush blueberries in North America. These treasured little blueberries are seen here in a small basket, peraps after a long day picking in the fields. Atop a bush of more blueberries, the image is set against a cream background and displays a distinctive deep blue braided border.

On a daily basis you might find Harry sketching various Maine objects, of wildlife or food, while also creating original designs in his studio. He is not just a painter though, as we know him at Sturbridge Yankee Workshop. Harry is also an accomplished author, illustrator, sculptor, graphic designer and miniaturist. His books include such titles as, ABC’s of Maine and Windjammers of the Maine Coast. He is featured in “Who’s Who in American Art,” as well as on Early American Life’s list of “America’s Top 200 Traditional Craftsman.”

Other Harry Smith designs at SYW include those featured on our Lobster Rug and our Portland Head Light Rug; both presenting the true beauty that is, Maine.


Meet: East Coast Artists Harry Smith & Phyllis Stevens

Wednesday, January 25th, 2012

Two more great artists with work featured here at Sturbridge Yankee Workshop are east coast based artists: Harry Smith and Phyllis Stevens. Both use their beautiful outdoor surroundings to inspire them in their work. Let’s take a look.


Harry Smith

Maine artist Harry Smith is a man of many talents. Currently Harry is living and working in an old sea captain’s home of the 1860’s, on Mt. Battie along side the coast of Camden Hills with his wife Marsha. The home provides inspiration to all aspects of his work, due to the rich nature that surrounds him. Harry studied art at the Chicago Academy of Fine Art and Washington University. On a daily basis you might find Harry sketching various Maine objects, of wildlife or food, while also creating original designs in his studio. He is not just a painter though, as we know him at Sturbridge Yankee Workshop. Harry is also an accomplished author, illustrator, sculptor, graphic designer and miniaturist. His books include such titles as, ABC’s of Maine and Windjammers of the Maine Coast. He is featured in “Who’s Who in American Art,” as well as on Early American Life’s list of “America’s Top 200 Traditional Craftsman.” Through his work, whether that be a painted image as seen on our rugs below, or a handcrafted miniature piece of furniture, you will notice his attention to detail.

Having a respect and appreciation for nature, the beauty of Maine and all it has to offer, is something that Harry Smith knows hows to capture in his work. Maine’s infamous red lobsters are featured  above in our Lobster Rug. It could be the perfect summer accent rug or doormat for your beach cottage. Two lobsters holding onto a gold rope by their big claws, atop a soft cream background, are ready for dinner! A beautiful red, white and blue braided border is the Americana décor you love.


Phyllis Stevens

Another well known, east coast artist is none other than Phyllis Stevens. A little farther south than Harry, Phyllis resides in rural Pennsylvania. Phyllis is an accomplished folk artist who loves the challenge of translating what she sees in real life, to a design on paper. She is inspired daily by taking nature walks surrounding her home, her friends and family; treasuring the time spent especially with her grandchildren while sharing meals around the dinner table. Phyllis loves warming the homes of others with the art she creates and hopes to continue to do so for many years to come.

Phyllis particularly loves the warm colors that Autumn brings each year and living on the east coast, she has live inspiration to draw from, for such designs as the one seen to the left. In our Autumn Leaves Rug, we see a swirl of pretty fall leaves decorating this lovely oval, 100% jute accent rug. Maple and oak leaves are featured in earthy shades of crimson, gold and brown and then scattered amongst acorns and bordered in a braided trim of red, orange and green yarns. To match consider our Autumn Leaves Placemat.

~Thank you Harry & Phyllis for sharing your talent with Sturbridge Yankee Workshop over the years.