Jodi Reenstierna Sleeper is every bit the New England native. Born, reared, and educated in New Hampshire, her love of art, botany and colonial handcrafts blend together to form the basis of her design inspiration.

A silkscreen of an old stone wall with a daisy and caterpillar, done at eight years old, still hangs in Jodi’s studio. Her pen and ink illustrations are kept and treasured by family and friends. She recently hooked a wedding rug for close friends married in front of Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. It serves as a remembrance of their perfect day, and hangs above their bed in their ornate Victorian home.

A “thank you” rug featuring a friend’s wooden fishing schooner in front of his scenic lighthouse was gratefully hooked by Jodi when he had allowed Jodi and her husband complete use of both. The rug is a welcome mat for his antique-filled coastal colonial house, which overlooks a famous New England harbor.

Beyond the “feel good” personal attachment with friends and family, Jodi’s professional background includes staff design positions with Claire Murray, Bob Timberlake, and Capel. Introducing original botanical and folk art designs has taken each of these companies into new and exciting areas. Museum associations include the American Folk Art Museum, Williamsburg, Winterthur, and Old Salem. Licensed agreements include those with Shaw Industries, Cabin Fever of Vermont, Capel Rugs, and Sea Street Graphics of Maine.

Jodi’s rugs are fun, historical, and in many ways sentimental. They are great to give, and great to receive! They are equally appropriate and appreciated by someone just getting started, or for the person who seems to have everything.

Next: The style