Eloïse Boulerne

Kaisla

Carpet maker

©Eloïse Boulerne

©Rigers Lata

©Okba Khettache

Crochet inspired by Finland

Eloïse started crochet as a hobby
Living in Finland inspired her use of motifs
The name Kaisla symbolises the old and the new

The name of Eloïse Boulerne's atelier, Kaisla, reflects the spirit central to her work: bringing back long-established traditions into contemporary craft. An old Finnish name, she describes “Kaisla” as also having a modern feel, just like the rugs she creates. Largely inspired by Finland, where the French-born craftswoman lived for a decade, she uses traditional patterns with a twist to design and create her rugs and link them with modern aesthetics. Working with the crochet technique, traditional and somewhat rooted in the past, Eloïse brings a new perspective to this craft and the possibilities it offers. Now settled in Hamburg, she founded Atelier Kaisla in 2019 with the goal of creating unique, thoughtfully crafted rugs with traditional Nordic designs.

Interview

©Okba Khettache

©Eloïse Boulerne

How long does it take to make a rug?: The crafting phase, without the design which can take from 2 days to 3 weeks, is about 50 to 60 hours. I use two different types of cotton, one fine and one much coarser, but I prefer to work with the coarser, the finer cotton takes a much longer time.
What are your sources of inspiration?: I am inspired by old Finnish embroidery. I enjoy creating something new with something old, with a cultural origin. I like to recover old designs from materials that people don't care about anymore, so that they can be used again.
What do people not expect about your work?: When people who don't know that they are crocheted see my rugs, they are surprised since it is a technique known to be a bit old-fashioned. It is highlighted in my carpets, and I'm pleased to be able to give this art form a new lease of life.
What do you like most about your craft?: What I like is to use my hands to make something aesthetic that people appreciate, there is no greater recognition than that. People like it when something is made by hand, and manual work needs to be revalued. Craft is passion, it makes my heart beat.

Eloïse Boulerne is a rising star: she began her career in 2019 and she started teaching in 2019