TLD DESIGNS : TAMMY L DECK

Tammy L Deck TLD Designs

Tammy is an award winning, fiber-focused artist and educator whose creative practice began in childhood under the guidance of her mother, JoAnn. Encouraged to explore widely—from sewing and embroidery to knitting, jewelry, and painting—Tammy developed both technical skill and creative curiosity early on.

During high school and college, Tammy designed and constructed costumes for multiple dance and theatre productions, gaining practical experience in patterning, garment engineering, and performance-focused construction. She earned her degree in Clothing and Textile Science with a concentration in Fashion and Fiber Art in 1985, followed by postgraduate studies where she served as a Graduate Assistant teaching beginner sewing and textile science laboratory courses.

As an undergraduate, Tammy interned with Chicago artwear designer Paige Mayberry of Grass Orchids and later contracted independently under her own label, TLD Designs. Her handwoven textiles were featured in Grass Orchids ArtWear collections but notably included in a custom garment for Oprah Winfrey.

In 1986, Tammy formally launched TLD Designs, producing wearable art entirely by hand using weaving, knitting, dyeing, felting, embroidery, and sewing. 1988 Tammy began selling her work in a variety of local Arts & Craft Shows. In 1990 Tammy, together with her mother, JoAnn, rented their first shop space within an Artist and Designers retail "Incubator" called Chicago Originals located 1531 N Wells St (OldTown) Chicago. In 1993, the mother/daughter team went on to open TLD Design Center & Gallery in Westmont, Illinois, growing it into a longlasting art studio, Art gallery, and art education center.

Tammy is known for her patient, inclusive teaching style, delivering university-quality instruction accessible to beginners, hobbyists, and career-focused learners of all ages..

Tammy is available for weaving, dyeing, felting, glass bead‑making workshops, or as a guest speaker. Reach out to her at tammy@tlddesigns.com.