Melinda Byrd

Hi, I am Melinda Byrd. I grew up in Concord, Massachusetts where I was fortunate enough to be exposed to a variety of teachers who stimulated my interest in playing with art. I learned a lot about rya rug-making from my very creative and artistic Swedish grandfather.

When the local newspaper featured me in a “Handcrafted Tradition” story and Youtube video sharing the story of my Scandinavian rya rug making heritage and skills in 2012, I didn't anticipate that people all around the world were seeking to reconnect with this dying art form. To date, the video has had approximately 620,000 views.

That video changed my life. I spent the next 9 years writing a book on designing and making your own rya rug and stocking my studio with rya rug making supplies of the highest quality. I “bought back” my grandparents’ rya rug supplies and designs which had been sold after their deaths in the 1980s. I also have found supplies in Norway and Finland. With the help of Etsy, I am assisting people as they begin to make their own ryas.

I invite you to look at my website to see all the things I do: www.ByrdcallStudio.com. I post my latest works and art adventures on my Facebook page called Byrdcall Studio. Go ahead and "Like" it if you want occasional studio updates.

The best way to keep up-to-date on rya or the other work I do is to subscribe to my monthly newsletter. Sign up in the right margin of my web site, or send me your email address asking me to sign you up. It is worthwhile, everyone tells me!