Who Is Gene Shepherd?
Although Gene Shepherd did not start rug hooking until 1998, it’s been his only outside interest since that time. Described as a “self taught artist who hooks by ear,” Gene hooks, does commission work for individuals and museums, designs, dyes, develops tools, teaches and writes about rug hooking. His work has been featured many times in Rug Hooking Magazine, ATHA Newsletter and A Celebration of Hand Hooked Rugs. Gene has been director of the Cambria Pines Rug Camp, Cambria, CA, since 2001.
In 2006, he became the Author/Editor of The Rug Hooker’s Bible, and wrote and appeared in Rug Hooking Magazine’s two volume DVD series, Rug Hooking At Home. The popularity of those DVDs convinced Gene that there was a widespread need for more instructional DVDs on all aspects related to the production of hooked and prodded rugs, leading him to self produce 4 other instructional DVDs in 2007, the same year he started making daily blog posts about all topics related to rug hooking at www.geneshepherd.com. Since then, Gene's Internet Rug Camp library has increased to over 75 videos.
Gene's online store offers the unique rug hooking supplies that he uses. Whether it be bent hooks, wire brushes, original patterns or his hand dyed wool, you can know that Gene has been involved in the selection, production or design of each item. Gene currently only offers short runs of "special" wool, hand dyed by him and selected for it's uniqueness, usability, and beauty. Since it is an ever changing grouping of fabulous colors and textures, be sure to check in often and see what he has been cooking up for you! Don't see a color you want? Send him and email and he will include in his next batch.