How would you describe your style? Traditional and Modern. Plain, simple beautiful design. Earthy colors.

Do you remember the first thing you made? The first thing I made from beginning to end, was a rug made out of 100% paper. I designed it and put it into reality. It was difficult to make, and it was very different from what I was used to. But in the end, we mastered it and it came out beautiful.

Before I started making I… I was in school, I was in high school. Then when I graduated from high school, I started at the factory. I started sweeping, then to a weaver, and a mechanic. I was excited because my grandmother was a hand-weaver. It is exciting to see that you make something with just yarns.

If I weren’t a maker I’d be... I would like to be an architect, because I like working with CAD, shapes, a building and bridge, a house. I love creative things.

Favorite quote or words to live by: “Nothing is impossible.”

If I could run away I’d go… Copenhagen, I just love it. I love that lifestyle. The people are very friendly, the landscape is great, there is a community.

If you could collaborate with one person dead or alive who would it be? Sylvie Johnson, dead or alive. I collaborate with her, but I'd love to just work with her. Nothing holding us back. She is very creative, and I help her put her ideas into reality.

What would be on your maker’s soundtrack? Classical music, violin, something that makes you relax and feel down to earth. It puts you in the mood to create.

If you could learn a new skill what would it be? I'd love to be a carpenter, work with wood. I'd love to get the technique to work with wood.

What’s your favorite movie? The Viking, it was a series about the viking Wagner, when he conquered the northerners in England.

What is your perfect day? No troubles, no headaches, especially personal headaches.

Last book you read? Biography of Price Charles of England.

What would your last meal be? Shrimp Mosombic.

Favorite scent? Lavender

Favorite flower or tree? My Lilac tree that I have in my yard.

What is the most challenging project you have worked on? Why? Atelier 2020, because it is a new way of weaving, it is ALL hand. It's 75% hand, 25% machine.

What do you see outside your bedroom window? My vegetable garden. Before I go to bed, I make sure there are no animals, when I wake up in the morning, I see how everything is.

What was the last gift you gave someone? I gave my wife a carved wood sculpture of a man hugging a woman.

If money was not a factor how would you live your life? Simple, the way I live it now. The biggest factors in my life as health and peace.

Best piece of advice you have ever received? From my grandmother, you pay for your sins. As you get old, you pay for what you did when you were young.

Any hidden talents? Music, I played trumpet, in a Portuguese marching band. I am learning how to play viola.

Where did you grow up? Fall River, MA, where we weave our rugs.

Favorite holiday? Christmas eve, with all the kids.

What is your most treasured possession? My books. I'm never giving them up!

What are you most thankful for? My wife. She encourages me to switch jobs, to pursue my dreams. She always says “you’ve got nothing to lose.”

To see more from Merida visit, www.meridastudio.com or Instagram @meridastudio.