Made in Calgary: Lucky Bear Brightens Homes with Tufted Wall Hangings

by editorial-intern

What began as a creative outlet during the COVID-19 pandemic for Calgary maker Jillian Harrison has grown into a small business known for its playful, tufted wall hangings that bring a burst of colour to homes.

After discovering fiber art on Instagram, Harrison tried punch needling before quickly switching to tufting when she realized it allowed her to create bolder designs. That early experimentation grew into a business called Lucky Bear. Harrison creates large and small tufted wall hangings depicting colourful, creative shapes like tulips, baby rainbow fish, suns and more.

“I’ve never had a plan from the start. It’s always just been like putting one foot in front of the other and kind of seeing what people liked and seeing what I enjoyed making,” Harrison says.

Tufted wall hangings in shapes like a carrot, cowboy boots, oranges and clouds. — An assortment of mini tufted rugs. Photo courtesy of Jillian Harrison.

To make her pieces, Harrison stretches fabric across a frame and sketches her designs freehand, drawing whatever comes to mind and fits the space. Using a tuft gun, she layers yarn to create bold textures and colours. Once trimmed and finished, each piece becomes a one-of-a-kind wall hanging. While she takes a few custom orders each year, most of her work is designed in the moment.

Harrison hopes her work encourages people to think beyond neutral tones and embrace more colour in their homes. “I just hope my pieces bring joy,” she says.

Available online at shopluckybear.com

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