Monday Market Place OFG Artisan

On Monday's we gals from the Old Farmhouse Gathering love to feature our group sisters and their Etsy shoppes to showcase, and *ahem* show off their multiple talents and skills at the art of handmade, as a result, some of our gals have more than one Etsy store. OFG sister, Barb of Prairie Harvest Folk Art and Primitives, who is located in the heartland of America on her beautiful family farm, is one of those gals. Barb strives to bring you the best in primitive handmades and handpainted folk art and more.

What is the name of your Etsy shop and why did you choose that name?  Prairie Harvest Arts is the name of my Etsy shop as well as my website. I am so lucky to live on a farm and the harvest time is when we see the fruit of our labor. I love seeing the leaves turn color, the scent of autumn in the air and the few quiet moments when you look at the harvested fields, the full pantry and the feeling of accomplishment, knowing that you did the best for your family. SO I live on the prairie and love the harvest and art, thus Prairie Harvest Arts.

How long have you been on Etsy?  I have been a member since February 1, 2008.

What type of items do you offer? I enjoy offering primitive and Americana folk art, sometimes in a form to what our predecessors created and sometimes with my own interpretation of what they did, appreciated or how they lived.

How long have you been crafting? I have been sewing and painting since I was a child. We were always encouraged to be creative, play outside or at least “do something.” Sitting around was not part of our way of life.

Who or What inspires you?  I am so lucky. Every generation has been an inspiration to the following members of the family. Great Grandma Amelia came to the US at age 11, in the 1800s, by herself, worked hard and eventually married Julius Kringle (As in Santa Claus). As homesteaders, they worked hard and she was known for her beautiful handwork. She also made the best soap, from what I was told. Her daughter, Alice was superb knitter and did crocheted items we still enjoy. My mom was and is incredible. She encouraged us to create and always to gain new skills. She considered every part of life to be a piece of art that deserved your greatest attention and effort. She’s an od mom and my best friend.

What is your favorite item in your shop and why?  Right now my favorite item is the Pumpkins and Bittersweet. I think it would be considered to be a fabric sculpture. There are three pumpkins with a quilted crow sitting at the top. Bittersweet (which used to grow along the roadside everywhere-but no more) is made from hand painted muslin and beads. There is a great deal of detail on every part of the sculpture.

Places where you can be found:

Prairie Harvest Arts on Etsy
Prairie Harvest Arts Website

Artfire

Old Primitive Sisters Marketplace

Patternmart

The Pattern Cupboard

Crafty Avenue

Barb also enjoys blogging at:

http://prairieharvestfolkartprimitives.blogspot.com/

http://christmaswithprairieharvestarts.blogspot.com/

http://thanksgivingwprairieharvestarts.blogspot.com/

http://prairieharvestpatterns.blogspot.com/
So much talent Barb has. You'll not want to miss the rest of her handmades so visit her links to find  your Primitive or Folk Art must haves.
Many thanks Barb!