14

Mrs. Gaulton finishing a mat
2006
Placentia West Region, Newfoundland

Credits:
Photo supplied by Marjorie Keeping

15

A new group of ladies learn to make mats
2006
Placentia West Region, Newfoundland

Credits:
Photo supplied by Marjorie Keeping

16

Finishing the mat
2003
Placentia West Region, Newfoundland

Credits:
Photo supplied by Marjorie Keeping

17

Poking a mat
2010
Placentia West Region, Newfoundland

Credits:
Elizabeth Murphy

18

Poking a mat
2005
Placentia West Region, Newfoundland

Credits:
Photo by Amanda Walters

19

Poked mat under construction
2006
Placentia West Region, Newfoundland

Credits:
Photo supplied by Una Smith

20

Partly finished poked mat
2006
Placentia West Region, Newfoundland

Credits:
Photo supplied by Una Smith

21

Back of a completed mat
2000
Placentia West Region, Newfoundland

Credits:
Photo supplied by Marjorie Keeping

22

Students set brin in frame for a matmaking lesson
2006
Placentia West Region, Newfoundland

Credits:
Photo by Elizabeth Murphy

23

the work side of a poked mat
2006
Placentia West Region, Newfoundland

Credits:
Elizabeth Murphy

24

Hooked mat made by student
2006
Placentia West Region, Newfoundland

Credits:
Elizabeth Murphy Photo

25

Though the number of matmakers has declined, the skill continues to be passed on through programs such as Arts Smarts for students and demonstrations for visitors. Others have learned through skill development programs offered through the local craft shop. New products are still being developed and new materials are used to create variations on the old time mat. In recent times there has been a revitalization of the poked mat as an item of interest to buyers. Along with this there has been a return to the old way of hooking and poking following pattern lines instead of straight horizontal lines. Poked mats are being adapted to make pet mats, seat cushions and even works of art.