Slovenian Bobbin Lace (Idrija Lace)

Artists:

Metka Fortuna (Master Artist)

Alexandria Marguccio (Apprentice)

Description of the Art Form

Idrija lace making is a cultural craft that has roots in Idrija Slovenia , where the technique and skill of the craft has been perfected by the small mining community for quite some time. Throughout Europe, there are a number of different styles and techniques of hand made lace, but this particular style is unique to Slovenia . Traditional and contemporary styles are created using traditional techniques and methods to create beautifully hand woven pieces or accented laced embroidery.

Metka Fortuna

Place of birth: Idrija , Slovenia
Place of residence: Idrija , Slovenia

Artist Statement

Metka Fortuna became familiar with bobbin lace art during her childhood watching her grandmother make lace. At the age of 6, she entered Idrija Lace School and was a student there for 9 years. After finishing secondary school in Tolmin , Slovenia and university in Ljubljana , she entered the lace making teachers course in Idrija. Following her education, Fortuna began doing voluntary work helping other lace teachers gain as much knowledge as possible. In 1993, she secured a permanent job as a lace making teacher in Idrija Lace School . In 2005 she became the director of the The Idrija Lace School. This prestigious school was established in 1876 and has been working as part of the Secondary School Jurif Vega since 1974 teaching the art of hand crafted lace making. Since 1992, the school has been a member of the International Organization for Sewn and Bobbin-worked Lace (OIDFA).

Alexandria Marguccio

Place of birth: Seward , PA
Place of residence: Seward , PA

Artist Statement

“Friends and family who know me best call me a craft junkie. I knit, crochet, embroider, quilt and sew, but bobbin lace is my passion. I’ve researched it, read about it, studied antique lace, taken classes from a variety of known experts in the craft of bobbin lace, and most importantly, have made a commitment to learning and excelling in the form, technique and pattern design of Slovenian Bobbin lace which is also know as Idrija Lace.

Teaching bobbin lace is also a learning experience for me and one that I am happy to share. There is a saying among bobbin lace makers that every lace maker should try to teach at least seven people the craft in her lifetime to keep it alive. I am happy to report that I have far surpassed that goal.”

Accomplishments/milestones

Education:

Saint Francis College , BS Elementary Education and Elementary Library Science

University of Pittsburgh , Masters of Library Science

Classes/training in bobbin lace:

Beginning lessons in Torchon (2000-2002)

Ongoing lessons in various teachings as need (2003-present)

Lace Making Related Experience:

Slovenian Bobbin Lace for Beginners—(2005 to present)

University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown Community Outreach Program ( Bottle Works Ethnic Arts Center )

Beginning Bobbin Lace—May 2007—United School District Community Outreach

Private In-home lessons

Head Coordinator—Five Rivers Bobbin Lacemakers—2005-present

Presented work at Ithaca Lace Days conferences

Featured artist at Ligonier Farmer’s Market, Ligonier PA

Lace work is on display at Bottle Works Ethnic Arts Center , Johnstown , PA