Meet Eryn Young | Rug Maker and Educator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Eryn Young and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Eryn, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I started Tuft House L.A. to give people a chance to try the craft of rugmaking without the large investment in materials that it takes to get started. Most of us who have learned how to tuft are self taught and there hasn’t been a lot of resources to get information and feedback in the process. I have created a program where someone who has never even heard of tufting can come in and create a rug in an afternoon. I also wanted to create a space where people who want to continue on can learn everything they need to know to do the entire process, start to finish, by themselves. I also offer studio hours for the intermediate students to create their own work throughout the week.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have been a musician my entire life. I went to college for Jazz studies and continued on to compose and perform with an incredible dance group, a rock band and my own weird solo work. I spent 35 years playing music with a big focus on improvisation. When tufting came into my life I was really burned out on my relationship with music. I had been doing punch needle as a hobby and when I saw that there were machines that could so the same time of thing but a lot faster I decided to give it a try. The second I picked up a tufting gun and started to play around I knew I had found my next act. I haven’t stopped tufting and working on my pieces since that day. My years of improvisation and discipline as a musician transferred easily into the world of fiber art where textures and colors layer and work together to create an overall piece that has an impact.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting we would start with a hike up the steep hill in Brand Park, Glendale. It’s a great way to start the day, get the blood pumping and has a big pay off of a wonderful view of downtown L.A. Afterwards I would head to Olympic spa for a soak, a scrub and a healthy Korean lunch. Then we would go to LACMA to check out the latest exhibit and have a relaxing afternoon glass of wine and a snack. In the evening we would hit up Salazar for dinner on the patio and Zebulon for whatever music is on that night (it’s always good).

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My shout out would have to go to my husband Tim. He has supported me throughout this journey and shown nothing but pure faith in my vision. He helped me build the entire studio and continues to be on call to support all of the students needs.

Website: www.tufthousela.com

Instagram: tufthousela

Youtube: tufthousela