The Penny Rug appeared around the time of the Civil War as thrifty homemakers started using every scrap of wool from old clothing, blankets and hats that they could find to create layered mats or rugs on which they would clean their boots. The ‘Penny’ part of the name came from the penny coin (larger in the 1800s) that was used as a template for the top layer and replaced by another when it became worn. Pennies were also sewn into the rug to keep it flat.
In today’s world, Penny Rugs are not floor rugs at all, but can be found as decorative coverings for beds, tables, dressers, mantels and hanging on walls as beautiful folk art pieces. Many of Carole Welch’s original designs have kept the penny circle as a design element to which she has added detailed scenes and seasonal motifs. Welch’s modern day Penny Rug creations are on display at the Parma Public Library’s Gallery for the month of August.
Carole’s life has always been filled with artistic endeavors from doing the artwork for her high school yearbook, making all the clothes for her three daughters, sewing teddy bears, creating watercolor and oil paintings, tending her art garden, quilting, Penny Rug making, and what she says is her favorite now as well as folk art painting on furniture. She also finds time to participate with a group of people who get together to knit and crochet hats and mittens for school children and cancer patients.
The Penny Rug show is number 50 in a series of exhibits hosted by the Parma Public Library, 7 West Avenue, Hilton which feature area artists and photographers. For information or to inquire about a show call Rosalind Lipomi, Adult Services Librarian, at the Parma Public Library at 392-8350 or visit www.parmapubliclibrary.org
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