home
about the artist
gallery
blog
links
contact

Heidi Leugers – Zero-Waste Artist

Heidi Leugers is an artist who was way ahead of the times. She decided to have a zero waste business in 1998. But perhaps, once you have taken the leap from finance to graduate school in Renaissance portraiture, recycling wool is not so extraordinary!

Heidi moved from the northeast to the northwest around the time that I was president of Columbia Fiberarts Guild. I remember her first visit when she stood and told us about her zero waste work. I did not realize how devoted she was to this ethos until I saw her work on display and she had visuals to show what she does. You can see the felted ball with the opening in the photo above. It is filled with the scraps from that result when she is cutting up the felt to make her designs.

Here is her manifesto:

Here is some more of her work. She recycles hundreds of pounds of post-consumer goods every year. She also works with virgin wool.

Pin cushions:

 

A kit for making a floppy trivet.

Tree garland made from recycled waste.

Heidi’s sheep are breed specific – not sure which one this is.

Yesterday, she was member in the spotlight and then taught a class after the meeting.

You can see more about Heidi on her website. This link will take you to a video that was done about her reclaimed wool work when she lived in the Northeast.      Reclaimed Wool

I hope you enjoyed the photos of Heidi and hearing about one of the pioneers of reclaimed wool art. She plans to open an online shop soon.

4 Responses to “Heidi Leugers – Zero-Waste Artist”

  1. Heidi says:

    Wow! Geri, thank you for such a kind and affirming review of my work and process. I appreciate all the beautiful photography, and your thoughtful observations. Since you are an accomplished artist, quilter and master of color, your words are as credible as they feel flattering to me. Thank you, Thank you. Blessings in the New Year, Heidi.

  2. nancy says:

    this is a wonderful article about heidi… it was really fun taking her workshop… she is a great teacher!

  3. Kristin L says:

    Heidi’s work is wonderful! Thank you for sharing it with us.

  4. Jeannie says:

    Thanks Gerrie! I love what Heidi creates and how she creates it. I also was envious of her organized studio in the clip. Have a wonderful Friday!