The Juggler of Hearts

Dimensions: 32" diameter
Materials: #3- to #4-cut wool on monk's cloth
Designed by Ralph Caparulo and hooked by Michele Micarelli, New Haven, Connecticut, 1993.
Featured in: Celebration IV

"I started hooking in 1991. I made eight rugs in my first year closely watched by my teacher, Jeanne Zook. The Juggler of Hearts was my first original rug and the first time I dyed all the wool for a rug. Jeanne was traveling in New Zealand, and I had no resource for supplies. It’s hard to believe now, but I loved the muted Jacobean colors, and I used them for this rug. This rug was designed for my husband who was learning to juggle at the time. The medieval juggler represents my husband who is juggling four hearts: mine, his, and the hearts of our two children--a difficult job. The rug was a Valentine’s day gift to my husband, Anthony."
- Michele Micarelli, Celebration Hall of Fame 2018