From Longboarding to Rug Making: Meet Tufting Artist PeyPey
Sometimes, life takes unexpected turns that lead us exactly where we need to be. That’s definitely the case for Peyo, also known on Instagram as @pey_pey_rugs. What started as a healing process after a longboarding injury transformed into a full-blown creative career, and we’re beyond excited to have this talented French artist as part of the Tuftingshop Ambassador Community.
From downhill speed to a slow and steady stitch
Before tufting entered his world, Peyo’s heart belonged to downhill longboarding. The adrenaline, the freedom, the wind in his face, longboarding wasn’t just a sport; it was his rhythm, his passion, his drive. But a serious ankle injury forced him to press pause on the one thing that had always kept him grounded (and sometimes flying downhill at terrifying speeds).
Instead of letting frustration take over, he turned to something entirely new: tufting. "I needed a creative outlet, something to keep my hands busy and my mind focused," he explains. What began as therapy quickly became an obsession.
From shadows to the spotlight
Peyo’s work didn't stay hidden in his studio for long. Thanks to a supportive friend who believed in his talent, he was nudged (okay, maybe pushed a little) into the spotlight. Within just a few months, he was showcasing his first tufted pieces at L’Artsenal, a small gallery near his home in Bayonne. “I had only been tufting for four months,” he says, “and it was my very first experience presenting my work to the public.”
Since then, the journey has been nothing but inspiring. Exhibitions at Kaxu, Zuzulu studio, and the renowned Quartier Moderne creators’ market followed. Each event helped him build confidence, meet fellow creatives, and grow into his identity as an artist. Peyo is now part of the team behind L’Art Troc Café, helping other emerging artists find their voice and audience too.
Tufting style: playful, bold, and collaborative
Peyo’s creative style is full of color, humor, and texture. Inspired by his 12 years of travel, he brings together patterns, textures, and memories from around the world. His go to tools? A trusty tufting gun, high-quality wool, and his trimmer for those clean final touches. And we have to say it, Peyo is one of the most genius carvers we know.
One of his proudest projects is a collab with local artist Nils Inne, blending tufting with illustration in a piece that was showcased at Maison Sanat gallery. More recently, he’s been working with illustrator Simon Landrein on a collection that celebrates fruits, veggies, and all things fresh and funky. (We cannot wait to see those pieces!!)
Words of wisdom for beginners
Having taught himself everything through trial and error, Peyo knows how tough it can be starting out. His advice?
“Start simple, use quality materials, and be patient with yourself. Tufting is a process, enjoy it.”
He also recommends soaking up inspiration on Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube, and connecting with other tufting enthusiasts whenever you can. “The tufting community is so open and supportive,” he adds. “Everyone brings their own style, and there’s so much to learn from one another.”
What’s next?
For Peyo, the journey is just getting started. His goals? More collaborations, more exhibitions, and continuing to challenge himself creatively. “I want to push the boundaries of what tufting can be,” he says. “I’m always looking for new ways to tell stories through texture and color.”
We’re so inspired by Peyo’s story, a reminder that creativity often comes from the most unexpected places, and that healing and art can go hand in hand.
Follow Peyo’s work:
Want to be featured on our socials? Tag us in your tufting creations with #TuftingshopCommunity.
✨ Stay inspired,
Team Tuftingshop