Just under two years ago, Cross village residents Cheryl Reed and Mary Ann Van Lokeren brainstormed an idea for a nonprofit, fiber artisan-based organization that would employ people in their rural community while preserving the historic charm of this tiny village on M-119 north of Harbor springs. Cross Village Rug Works was born. Community members helped with everything from refurbishing an old 4,000-square-foot studio to donating looms.

Today some 20 apprentice artisans work in the studio or from their homes producing woven and punch needle rugs made from locally sourced and spun wool that has been dyed at Rug Works. Cross Village Rug Works takes custom orders and is scheduling workshops that are open to the public. The 2-by-3-foot punch needle rug shown here is $585. 231-526-7849, crossvillagerugworks.com.

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