Par Rachel Barrett-Trangmar
I was most intrigued to find out more about a textile technique that is practised here on St Barts by an enthusiastic duo, Manon Gréaux and Mikaël Chateauraynaud. They clearly share a passion for this art form, which is becoming increasingly popular thanks to social media promoting these unique designs to attract clients near and far.
Can you briefly describe what ‘tufting’ is?
Mikaël: Tufting is a textile technique whereby woollen threads are stitched onto a stretched canvas, following a specific pattern created by the artist. Tufting allows the artist to produce unique colourful textured designs.
What inspired you to practise the art of tufting?
Manon: I have always enjoyed working with my hands, be it drawing or creating things. Since my early childhood I have had a curiosity for unusual techniques, which led me to study art and design at school and college. It was during this time that I discovered the art of tufting. I initially embarked on tufting projects for pure pleasure and, in doing so, I realised that this textured technique stems from my passion for drawing. When faced with a blank canvas my ideas multiply and come to life through tufting.
How did this tufting evolve, bringing you where you are today?
Manon: I practised this skill with the help of the Internet, learning through watching tutorials. However, when tufting a cushion for my grandmother I realised that I needed far more practice to reach a good standard – which I have since achieved. Nevertheless I am always on the lookout for new ideas and techniques.
Who are the people in your tufting team?
Manon: My partner Mikaël and I work together sharing the tufting tasks. I am more involved in the creative side, whereas Mikaël manages our marketing on social media, as well as our accounts and all things technical.
What creations do you make?
Mikaël: We mostly create ornamental designs for rugs or wall hangings, as well as specific commissions from clients. We like the fact that we appeal to a wide clientele, from children and adults to interior designers.
Manon: Our work is principally inspired by our surroundings on St Barts with its beautiful landscape, flora and fauna. These simple things in our daily life are transformed into works of art. I often allow my mood and imagination to guide my pencil and express my feelings through my designs.
Can you describe the tufting process?
Manon: Firstly, I use my graphics tablet to sketch different designs, which we compare and contrast before making a final decision. Next is the canvas that is stretched tightly on a 2m2 frame. We use 100% acrylic wool, which is generally softer than natural fibres. Our wool crosses a broad spectrum of colours, allowing us to create one of a kind designs. A tufting gun stitches the woollen threads onto the canvas, which requires some dexterity and a lot of patience, as we have to frequently reload the gun.
Mikaël: We then use good quality glue that is spread over the back of the design to attach it to a support such as a non-slip material for rugs. Whilst wall-hangings can be mounted onto a wooden base or frame – working in collaboration with Lurin Menuiserie. And finally, good clippers and sharp scissors are used to level off the design or to create different reliefs.
How can your clients purchase your creations?
Mikaël: Our enterprise is known as ‘Tuft Island’ and we welcome clients to visit us in our workshop based in Lurin. We can also be found on Instagram: @tuft_island and contacted via email tuftisland.pro@gmail.com.
What is your connection with St Barts?
Manon: I was born and raised on the island where my family live. I then did my studies in Bordeaux France, which is where I met Mikaël. His enthusiasm to travel and discover another culture, combined with my yearning to be closer to my family, precipitated our move to St Barts in 2023.
What message would you like to convey to the readers of Coccoloba?
Mikaël: We would like to share the passion that we put into each creation, encouraging Coccoloba readers to integrate creativity into their daily life.
Manon: By reaching out to us, you can let your imagination take over while developing your skills. This collaboration is an ideal opportunity for you to explore new ideas and create a work of art that reflects your style and personality.
