Observation and contemplation coupled with the intense desire to
create something gorgeous and tangible are the main ingredients that
drive Jennifer’s work as an artist. Since childhood she has enjoyed
hobbies such as creating lush terrariums in glass jugs, etching
decorative leather belts in her dad’s workshop, and sewing elaborate
sequined ornaments for the Christmas tree with her mom. Creativity was
an everyday part of life while growing up in Massachusetts. Her mother
and father were loving and supportive. As the youngest of five, she
had lots of freedom to grow and discover. Her path was clear from an
early age: to combine her love of art, sewing and travel. As a young
woman she studied Surface Design at Fashion Institute of Technology in
New York City and worked in Wales, UK, with Laura Ashley. In the late
80s after graduating from the University of Vermont with a BS in
textiles, wanderlust led her west to San Francisco where she was hired
as the creative director for P&B Textiles, an established yet small
company ripe for exciting design. She headed up all P&B fabric
creations for seven years, leaving an indelible mark in the industry.
In 1996 Jennifer ventured out on her own and opened Studio Sampou in
San Francisco. Studio Sampou serviced Northcott Fabrics and later
began an exclusive and fruitful relationship with Robert Kaufman
Fabrics. As one of the first licensed quilt fabric designers for
Robert Kaufman Fabrics, Jennifer developed thousands of fabric prints.
Also during this time, she co-authored the book In The Nursery with
her sister, Carolyn Schmitz, for C&T Publishing. In 2005, after nine
years of running Studio Sampou, producing millions of yards of fabric,
Jennifer decided to take a sabbatical to slow down, enjoy her
children, do less, and observe more. In 2010 the Sampou Hensley family
made their dream of living abroad come true and moved to Mexico. There
they to could experience a different culture, learn another language,
and delve into a new life. Joyfully engaged in a vibrant Central
Mexican colonial town filled with culture, art, and beauty, their
journey continues. In 2011 she focused on design for a new fabric line
based on the countless colorful and festive celebrations she has
experienced in Mexico…. FIESTA marked her return to fabric design.
Browse her latest fabrics and sewing projects here, and follow her
creative journey on her Facebook page or websitejennifersampou.com
