Plush Punch Needle Denim Jackets

As an artist and middle school art teacher for 20 years, Eloise Kehler Mahoney, has been immersed in the creative process daily.  Through creating lessons, teaching, and her personal art — oil painting, printmaking, ceramics and hand embroidery.  Eloise says, "I have been continually developing as an artist, maker, and fiber artist. I have always been drawn to fiber art in various forms, whether through weaving and sewing projects with my students, embroidering children’s clothing, or punch needling." Punch needling is a fiber art where yarn is punched through a backing to create rugs historically.  She is passionate about all stages of the punch needle process — sketching the original designs, choosing the color palette, punching the design and finally sewing the finished piece to the jacket.  All designs are original, all jackets are thrifted using 100% wool, and all parts of the process are handmade.