RANDESIGNS CUSTOM JEWELRY

What is a Barn Quilt?
It all began in Adams County, Ohio with Donna Sue Groves, a Field Reprensentative with the Ohio Arts Council. She decorated her family barn with a quilt square pattern from one of her mothers quilts. It grew to over 20 barns in Adams County and now Quilt Squares can be found on barns in Iowa, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennesee, the Carolinas and quickly spreading throughout the Appalachian Region. As of April 2009, 24 states now have counties participating in this wonderful movement. More states and counties are joining in as word sweeps the country.

What is Barn Quilt Jewelry?
I began seeing the Quilt Squares appear on Barns throughout the area where I live in Kentucky, Fleming County, Bath County, Rowan County etc. At the same time, I had begun crafting with Polymer Clay. I immediately could see how this medium would be a wonderful way to reproduce the beauty of these Symbols of Americana. This would also allow the people who seek out and enjoy the "Clothesline of Barn Quilts" to collect their favorites to wear and display as pendants, charms and earrings.

I began my project with Barn Quilts of Fleming County and Rowan County, Kentucky, Brown County, Ohio, Adams County, Ohio, and Mason County, Kentucky. I have subsequently added beautiful patterns from Carter County, Greenup County, Lewis County and Bath County, Kentucky. In addition, I have done commissions as far away as Fayette Co, Wisconsin. It is my goal to represent each county that is participating with at least one of their Barn Quilts. Due to the increasing popularity, it is difficult to do each and every one. I am trying to showcase the many different patterns and their variations and reveal the many different interpretations of different regions.

I must add that in the three years I have participated in this movement, I have met some of the nicest people in the world. Most projects are strictly volunteer and it is so gratifying to see the community spirit and pride shine through. It is a very unifying experience and I recommend it to anyone that wishes to share their community pride with the world. Donna Sue started something very special and is very generous to let us share in her idea.

Check back often to expand your collection, as I plan to add many new patterns as I work my way through the beautiful

"Clothesline of Barn Quilts"