Exclusive Preview of The Color Lab
Plus, leave a comment for your chance to win a free copy of The Color Lab!
I’ve had a lifelong interest in color, especially when it involves fashion and textiles. I’ve handcrafted since I was seven years old. My mother was incredibly generous with her tools and textiles. When she got a sewing machine, she taught me to use it and kept me supplied with fabrics. We had a sample case of yarns—I don’t know where it came from, but I remember that it was covered in delicious purple chevrons and when unzipped it was a magical Aladdin’s Cave of Wool. It was filled with all colors and thicknesses of yarns in an endless variety. I was delighted by it. I had deep yen for the button can and would look at and sort those buttons endlessly. All of this childhood play was what I, as an adult, now recognize as really important color play and was very enriching.
Thirty years later when I started rug hooking, I was delighted because in this textile craft, color is so important. Unfortunately, I found my love of color did not parlay into effective color use. I didn’t understand how to make color work for me, how to use the right component of a color to create the effects I wanted in my rugs. I wanted to recreate what I saw in my mind’s eye, or sometimes I wanted to make something look realistic, but I was missing some important tools.
Slowly and diligently I worked at becoming a better colorist. I observed the work of other artists and looked to nature for color cues. I began to discover what was going on with color in my work. I saw how color enhances objects, if placed carefully. I began to look at color in new ways. I got out of my own way and expanded my love of color into a real marriage of passion and practice, with a smattering of discipline.
I realized this knowledge I was accruing was useful to others and began teaching what I discovered in easily graspable units. I built a successful online class about color and how to use color more expansively and expressively. This was an incredibly freeing class that informed you so you might hook whatever you like, effectively and masterfully.
My teaching is always about color. My aim is to help you know more about color so you can do more with it. It took a long time for me to discover how to use color more effectively. My book opens the door wide and lets you revel in this knowledge in a simple, straightforward way.
The Color Lab will take the mystery out of color and replace it with mastery. It is a fresh way to look at color and holds the building blocks of creating great rugs, no matter their design. The suggested exercises are revelatory and enriching, but not difficult. Even if you only complete a few of them, you will notice a remarkable difference in your color competency.
I love the idea of rug hookers diving deeper into the use of color and swimming swiftly and with strength to the far shore. If you are like me, that shore is a place we didn’t imagine we could ever reach. But it is, and I invite you to come along with me. I’m excited to imagine what possibilities you might realize with this useful collection of color ideas.
We're giving away The Color Lab to one lucky reader! All you have to do is leave a comment below for your chance to win this incredible rug hooking book.
PLUS: Along with the book you will win a seat at Wanda’s three-month online class, beginning March 1, 2018. The class is designed to support the practitioners of The Color Lab as they work through each chapter. Wanda will answer questions and support students as they discover color in a new and richer way. Go to www.thewelcomemat.ning.com or wandaworks.ca for more info.
Good luck!
Leave a comment below for your chance to win! [CONTEST CLOSED]
Let us know: Why do you want to win this book?
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Heather
Feb 22, 2018
I have recently begun rughooking and I love it! This book would be a fantastic resource as choosing colour is the most difficult part for me. Thank you for this opportunity )
nmnursern
Feb 21, 2018
I love working with color. Dying wool for snow or for a mountain of fall color are some of my happiest times.
Member 1362014
Feb 21, 2018
As a newer hooker, I am discovering how colour challenged I am. This would be great!
Member 8282299
Feb 21, 2018
I love colour but my rugs often end up with similar colours. I find it very difficult to have a background that is not dark.
Dianne Warren
Feb 21, 2018
I am anxiously waiting for my copy of The Color Lab to arrive, hoping it will make choosing colours easier.
marniehillyard 297 8486
Feb 21, 2018
I have trouble picking out colors that go with each other so Im hoping this book helps. I would love to win it!
fmandin 5315384
Feb 21, 2018
I need to develop more dyeing skills and I believe this is the way to do it.
fmandin 5315384
Feb 21, 2018
I have followed Wanda's dyeing exercises for years and I really need to upgrade my skills as a dyer. I can't think of anyone more capable of doing that for me.
Color Lover
Feb 21, 2018
How exciting to have a chance to win this book that's right up my alley!
bettyupnorth 78985 61
Feb 21, 2018
how do I enter to win Wanda's book?
Editor
Feb 22, 2018
Hello bettyupnorth! You entered the comment contest simply by leaving your comment. It's as easy as that! We'll select a random winner tomorrow morning, and we'll email the lucky reader immediately after. Good luck!
FishGirl53
Feb 21, 2018
Wanda Kerr is the modern day Mae West, or even Ethel Bruce, of color! Even if I don't win this prize, I'm glad to be able study Wanda's use of color in her own rugs. Thanks for offering Wandas pearls of color usage!
Joan MacKenzie
Feb 20, 2018
I would be so thrilled to receive this book and have an opportunity to take Wanda Kerrs class on colour. Thank you! )
Member 7723600
Feb 20, 2018
After several years away from it, I'm trying to get back to working with fabric. I use color mainly by instinct, but would love to have a better understanding of theory! -)
Stephanie
Feb 20, 2018
I'm new to rug hooking so I would definitely benefit from this book!
lnkball 0440369
Feb 19, 2018
Too often I have decided not to start a project because I worry that my color choices will be wrong. The Color Lab book caught my eye the first time I saw it. I would love to have a tool that will give me confidence in using color to create. I will purchase this book even if Im not the lucky winner.
Member 8607083
Feb 19, 2018
I love colour - maybe too much! I am like a kid in the candy store and can not help picking a bit of this, and oh a lovely little bit of that! I am curious to learn more about colour and putting it together in ways that draw and hold the eye and heart. I look forward to further explorations and the opportunity to float in the world of colour
Mary Ramsey
Feb 19, 2018
There is nothing more exciting than experimenting with dyeing fibers. I have been eagerly awaiting Wanda's book!
Karen
Feb 19, 2018
Color is so important in rug hooking, thx for writing this post, I just started a year ago and love rug hooking. I joined a local chapter of hookers and have learned so much. I am blown away by the amazing skills and beautiful projects. Some look just like a photograph. I love the details that color can enhance, highlighting, shadowing etc.... thx for having a contest
Kimberley
Feb 19, 2018
Color can make or break a rug, or any other project. I love to gleen knowledge from those that do it best. I'd love this book! If I don't win it, I'll be purchasing it.
sk
Feb 18, 2018
I have always enjoyed Wanda's site and she has great ideas. I would love to further my knowledge of color
rita hammock
Feb 17, 2018
Wanda's book will be an exciting addition to my dye book collection. If I'm lucky enough to win, I can spend money on wool to dyeThanks for the opportunity
luvmybiscuit 89475 15
Feb 16, 2018
As a wool worker I really want to be on top of my colour game, my dyeing started with majic carpet dyes and I have not wanted to use anything else! There is sooooo much to learn though and that is what I seek! Thanks for the chance!
marybajcz
Feb 16, 2018
Wanda has an incredible amount of information to share and I love the above portrait of her.
MimiYanda
Feb 16, 2018
Have read the Kindle sample of this book and learned so much from just that!! Would love a copy!!!
candacef 9630858
Feb 15, 2018
Would love this book...Wanda is the go to person to learn about color in Rug Hooking..
sk
Feb 15, 2018
I know Wanda has fantastic colors and would love to learn more about color planning.
donnalegere 600028 9
Feb 15, 2018
My husband installed a dedicated dye stove in my laundry room am I am so excited to learn and experiment with color..this would be of great help, would love to win.
lindamurphy54 4688 706
Feb 15, 2018
love to experiment with colors would love to learn the proper way
momdaloon
Feb 15, 2018
I want to learn more about color!! It's the most challenging and interesting part of rug hooking for me.
Lynda H
Feb 14, 2018
I find color and color planning the hardest part of rug hooking. I'm excited to learn all about color. What a wonderful book to have as another tool in our hooking bag.
pbazar 5802298
Feb 14, 2018
Color excites me and produces emotions in me so effortlessly.I would love the book but the class sounds even better! I included a few rugs Ive done for extra points!lol
Lynda H
Feb 14, 2018
I love to hook rugs! I do find using color one of the hardest things to grasp. This book will be a great tool and reference for planning rugs.
lorispacas
Feb 14, 2018
Why I would LOVE to win this book - I would love to be able to dye just like this wonderful cover shot of the dragonfly - I love Wanda's work and just love this book!! Can wait to start playing with color!!
Trish Johnson
Feb 14, 2018
I am a big fan of Wanda Kerr and like Wanda, I like colour.
kckatw 6625070
Feb 14, 2018
I love color and dyeing. The cover of this book is enough to wet the appetite.
pauletteza
Feb 14, 2018
With Wanda, all colors are possible. Reading her book will be like a study in perception, a lesson in mindfulness. Why would it be any different from her classes? She and Shell Silverstein have something in common about color. Colors - Poem by Shel Silverstein My skin is kind of sort of brownish Pinkish yellowish white. My eyes are greyish blueish green, But I'm told they look orange in the night. My hair is reddish blondish brown, But it's silver when it's wet. And all the colors I am inside Have not been invented yet. Shel Silverstein
Member 5283464
Feb 14, 2018
We are very fortunate to have you in the Rughooking community.
Pweiss 2816507
Feb 14, 2018
I love colour Wanda's dye recipes. This would be a great addition to my library!
waughwhooo 7104809
Feb 14, 2018
Looking forward to reading this book. Just starting into the exciting world of fiber and colouring is a big part of this new experience
ghess1
Feb 14, 2018
Because I cannot wait to delve into this book! Wanda is my fav, I love color and I think this book and class is going to be perfect for me at this point in my rug hookin' life!!
bambakes7
Feb 13, 2018
I've been rug hooking for a few years now, but I'm definitely not a pro. The Color Lab would be incredibly beneficial! I would love to win the book.
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