Rug Hooking Guild of Newfoundland & Labrador
Come here till I tells ya
We’re tickled you took the time to drop by.
We’ve been working on the content for this website since 1497, after explorer and navigator Giovanni Caboto (John Cabot) made land, aboard the Mattea (Matthew), at Cape Bonavista on June 24, and claimed the island for King Henry VII of England.
Been flat out ever since trying to preserve a little bit of the past that might have fallen off the pages of history. It would have too, if it wasn’t for a ‘fine crowd’ working hard to ensure ‘Mat Making” maintains its place. Sure, there’s days it’s enough to wear you out! But, we’ll keep at it! We will continue to talk, to teach, to record and preserve the historical background of rug hooking here in this province.
So it’s good of you to visit. Now, pour yourself a cup of tea and get comfortable, 'cause we got a lot to say!

MEMBERSHIP
You’ve never been part of a team like this one, we can guarantee you.
Mission Statement
The Rug Hooking Guild of Newfoundland and Labrador was established in 1995 on Change Islands when a group of passionate craftspeople met and created a mandate to preserve and promote the heritage of this nearly forgotten craft.
Ever since, our Guild has been committed to teaching, encouraging participation in the craft, and registering and archiving the art form and the stories it tells, through the province’s history.
As we strive to record and preserve the historical background of rug hooking in our province, RHGNL will create public awareness, encourage participation, and provide opportunities for training, networking and sharing of ideas.

Original Logo by Lori LeDrew. Composition of Mat Designed & Hooked by Joan Foster
Benefits of Membership
You’ll see lots of benefits for becoming a Guild member on our Membership page for sure.
But what you won’t hear, see, taste, or feel is what’s beyond the words you read here, unless you actually join the team and spend time with us.
You won’t hear words at any other rug school like: “Don’t you people sleep?” “Is your grandfather single?” “That crowd from Tilting” or “Nipply Weather”. You probably would never hear Kelley sing ‘The Butcher Boy’
You won’t see Philomena and Anne perform one of their famous skits: Aunt Aggie's famous letters offering hooking advice.
You won’t ever taste Jiggs Dinner and homemade blueberry or partridge berry pies, or have bologna, beans and toutons for breakfast.
You will never feel the joy of spending time with such a fine crowd as shows up to the hook-ins and rug school as we get here, in Newfoundland and Labrador.
So, what are you waiting for? Come on, join up now and enjoy an experience you won’t soon forget!
Why join RHGNL?
“I meet other like-minded people, from all over North America, every one of whom has their own story and artistic influences. We learn from each other, growing creatively along the way…”
Lynn Torraville
Newfoundland & Labrador
“Rug hooking is a deep connection to creativity and passion. It’s very comforting to be connected to a group of folks that share your passion and exchange their stories. So much can be learned from the mentorship of other members – and not just about the hooking! A cultural exchange is woven into every loop. It’s a different story in every location, hook-in, workshop, and event”.
Lisa Meecham
Ontario
As with any craft, rug hooking can help to maintain a well-balanced healthy YOU!
Improves hand-brain coordination; sharpens the mind as color, direction, and methods are thought through.
Boosts self-esteem through the creation and completion of rug hooking projects.
Relieves stress by allowing you to focus on something else; its calming effect enhances the mind’s ability to focus
Strengthens social skills and expands friendship circles as people gather to learn and hook rugs together