2007-05-08 11:10:32 -

NANTUCKET, Mass., May 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Claire Murray's hand-hooked rugs tell colorful stories of life by the sea. Murray began making her rugs 20 years ago. Today she owns 17 retail stores and her heirloom rugs are known worldwide.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070508/NYFNSF04 )

She's been credited for rejuvenating the art of hooking rugs ever since she ran classes at her Nantucket Island Inn and still in her business today. See http://www.clairemurray.com/

"I fell in love with the art while converting an old Nantucket sea captain's home to a cozy cottage inn," says Murray,

a single mom who left New York seeking a seaside lifestyle close to nature.

"I learned to hook rugs and began filling my rooms with them. Year after year my guests wanted to purchase them; that gave me the idea for my business," says Murray.

Murray was invited to a 1996 fundraiser for the National Garden, which was attended by six first ladies, including Nancy Regan, Betty Ford and Barbara Bush. "I was asked to develop a fragrance line and soaps to benefit the garden," says Murray.

Later she was inspired to create Our Nation's Garden, a rug to honor each state's flower. With the national garden completed, this rug now hangs at the entrance to the Botanic Garden's Conservatory in Washington D.C.

"People say that looking at my rugs everyday makes them feel good," says Murray. "And it makes me feel good that I'm creating something positive."

Her retail stores, mostly located in seaside vacation communities, has led to a thriving Internet superstore and most recently an award-winning magazine, La Vie Claire, The Art of Living a Creative Life.

Bedding and quilts, stationery and dinnerware are just a few of the many products now being offered utilizing Murray's intricate designs and unique color palette. Her designs have been carried by several major retailers such as Target and Toys "R" Us, Sears, Macy's and others.

Murray has been featured in numerous major magazines, including Better Homes & Gardens, Country Living, House Beautiful and Victoria.

For more information about Claire Murray's inspirational designs visit http://www.clairemurray.com/

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070508/NYFNSF04
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Source: Claire Murray