Hello and Welcome to the Tarpestry Family!
Ted and Carrie here, creators of the family-owned and Made in America Tarpestry!
What drives Tarpestry is the raw majesty of the outdoors and the pleasure of being in it. What does not? A soggy bottom and sunburn. That is why we create products that widen comfort zones – providing a buffer from the occasional unpleasantries in nature. Fun, funky and most of all functional, Tarpestry provides protections with the beloved outdoors so that all may enjoy nature with ease.
Alongside taking pleasure in the environment there have to be provisions to protect it. That is why we are dedicated to incorporating sustainable components into all aspects of our business and lives. Learn more about our practices here.
The Tarpestry Story Began With Tom
During the summer of 2010, we were vending at music festivals across the country. We stopped at a festival near our hometown and Carrie’s stepdad, Tom, came to see us. He told us about his “million dollar idea”: a quilt with a tarp attached to the bottom. As a lover of nature and music, Tom enjoyed outdoor concerts on the lawn. He did not, however, enjoy a wet blanket. We agreed, the idea was genius! Our imaginations went wild and we began to picture the many places to use a blanket with a tarp attached to the bottom. Then we thought about our own tendencies to down a tarp first and then a tapestry over top it at music festivals. In that moment, it clicked – tarp + tapestry = TARPestry!
We were all ecstatic and enthusiastic – especially Tom! For the rest of the summer, we brainstormed on long road trips and got feedback from festival-goers and other music-lovers along the way. Returning to Colorado that fall, we buckled down to make Tarpestry happen. In early 2011 we had our prototype and the first product line was on its way to market.
It’s our honor to dedicate the Tarpestry concept and product to Tom. He was a strong fireman and amazing storyteller with a triumphant laugh. Most of all he was a devoted father to three girls. Tom gave his all, everyday, to his family and to his fire department. While he never got to see a finished Tarpestry product, we know he is with us in strength, love and courage everyday.
From the mountains of Colorado
to the mountains of North Carolina
We started our business in Denver, Colorado – first from our garage and then our basement. All Tarpestry products were hand cut and sewn just outside of the city by Stryker By Design. Every Spring and Summer we would hit the road for our Tarpestry Tour and set up shop at music festivals across the country.
After a few years of deliberation we decided to move back to the Blue Ridge Mountains in our home state of North Carolina. In late 2015 we packed ourselves and the business and moved to a family farm outside of Boone, NC. We set up our office in a beautiful old barn and found a local manufacturer, Tsuga, to produce our Tarpestry. In early 2017, Tsuga completed the first “made in NC” Tarpestry line.
We are proud of our Colorado roots and are excited for our future in the mountains of Appalachia. Tarpestry is officially, built in the Blue Ridge.
