My philosophy is to examine a fiber or material and design a beautiful, yet functional handwoven item that best captures the color, texture, and feel of that fiber. My work consists of handwoven rugs, saddle blankets, and scarves or shawls. Rugs are woven for the floor or wall in original designs and color effects. Although most of my rugs are in wool, I also work with acrylic, nylon, and rag. Saddle blankets are woven in 100% wool. Scarves are woven in a wide range of fibers, and may also be hand-dyed. I explore techniques that deviate from linear, as well as traditional rectangular designs. Techniques include tapestry, shaft-switching, inlay, rippsmatta, deflected warp, double corduroy, double weave and others, as well as hand-dying for specific colors. ~ Joy Edwards-Beckett