April 22, 2010 - Medfield, MA Call it “Human Green!” The Trend: to support of artisan-created products. It’s an experience that many enjoy. Boston-area colorist and designer Barbara Jacobs, owner of Silk Road Weaves custom Tibetan rugs, reports that “Clients state a preference to direct their hard-earned dollars toward individuals rather than mass-produced items.”

States Jacobs, “Among many people there seems to be an increased interest in appreciating individual efforts with the result of owning something unique, special, and custom. I love to call this ‘human green’ experience because it’s so directly related to our individual economy and well-being in general.”

As this applies to the world of area rugs, she offers five important things to know about ordering a custom Tibetan rug:

1. Work with a reputable company
a. Members of Goodweave.org dedicate a percentage of sales to ending child labor
b. Have “Human-Green” policies for workers as well as environmental practices
c. Personal communication, directly with you throughout the process
d. Honest representation of knot count, where “100 knots per inch” really means “100,” not less.

2. Personalized service is important
a. Creative designers can modify existing collections in new ways
b. Showing you design variations along the way, as needed
c. “Bespoke” design applies to creating a completely original design for you

3. You will have many options
a. Custom design is much more than changing a color or ordering a different size
b. Fiber selections will make a big difference in the look
c. Texture, knot count, pile height

4. Expect to be patient: custom work takes time
a. Be sure to allow the extra time for scaled samples to be created.
b. A high quality Tibetan rug will use Himalayan wool, and is entirely hand made from start to finish by adult artisans.

5. Expect to pay a little more, and enjoy it for generations
a. Expect to add a bit to the total cost of the rug when you ask for additional custom options
b. It’s art for the floor
c. Cost will vary depending on the types of custom options
d. You will enjoy it for many years. Creating the feeling of well-being in our homes adds to long-time enjoyment.

You can see a bit of what’s involved in this experience in a new, 2-part slide show from Silk Road Weaves. http://www.integralcolor.com/silk-road-weaves/slide-show-parts-1-and-2/