Jett Thompson
Timeless Artistry
Years ago, Jett Thompson made a wonderful discovery in a weathered school bus behind an old house in Beaufort, SC. In the middle of nowhere was a collection of intricately woven sweetgrass baskets with a unique coil pattern. These became treasured artifacts in her personal collection. On her first trip to Africa many years later, she was delighted to find these same intricate basket designs. While the African artisans’ patterns differed slightly from those she had seen in South Carolina, the techniques passed down for generations remained the same.
On her numerous trips throughout Europe and Asia, Jett has built lasting relationships with local artisans and vendors in many communities. Whether they specialize in textiles, jewelry or other handmade crafts, each serves as a representation of their area’s traditions, history, culture and creativity.
To Jett every unique find, no matter how unconventional, can enhance a home. African textiles such as Kuba cloth, Indigo and mud cloth are exceptional textiles that find new life through Jett Thompson Home as wall hangings, bed accents and unique and beautiful pillows. Even the vibrant red plaid blankets of Maasai warriors are transformed info Christmas tree skirts and festive table runners to give contemporary homes a sense of seasonal warmth. She mounts\wood carvings from Kenya in shadow boxes lined in vibrant vintage fabric to create unusual accents in clients’ homes.
Jett is committed to preserving traditional African craft making and artisans. Along with a group of friends, she helped establish a foundation that funded a school, enabling children to receive much-needed education and support. She emphasizes that through the internet and social media we can all support initiatives that help preserve cultural heritage and improve the livelihood of countless artisans and their families.
Jett Thompson
