Sunday, June 27, 2010

Americana Folk Art

I love red, white and blue and it was my color scheme in my living room and kitchen for a long time. A LOOOONNNNGGG time, lol! Ask my kids! This was the stereo cabinet in my living room with a heart garland for our February/Valentine's Day/Wedding anniversary. The flag is painted on a cupboard door. I've have since changed over to a red, brown, cream and gold scheme but the Americana style still charms me.

So I went scrolling through my gallery of projects for the last decade looking for inspiration for some new patriotic projects. Americana style folk art is always fun to do and I hadn't realized just how much I have made. Whoa! I made alot of projects. Easily a couple hundred.

My style has evolved alot since 2001. Right after 9/11 I had many orders for red, white and blue folk art. I made dozens of Primitive Raggedy Annies and patriotic angels.....

.....with lots of handmade extras like flags, crocheted pieces, painted birdhouses and appliqued aprons......

...and twig stars and painted signs and button flags....

......and I'd almost forgotten my Uncle Sam dolls! These are probably my oldest pair from 2002, they are fun to make and have such a dignified air. I think I need to make some of these guys again!

I made several primitive embroidered and patchwork pieces too. I still have a large stash of good wood frames. Hmmm, maybe I should be making some of these again.



And, when I get an idea I will try it out many different ways, I did some folk art Americana paintings....

...with the willow tree, clapboard barn, a simple fence and, of course, an American flag.

I traded this painted cupboard door to the building supply for 20 more blank doors, on which I painted, you guessed it, more folk art flags! Hey, I might have a door or two stashed away. Hmm.....

I've added painted banners to my list of projects, including this pretty Americana angel with her blue striped stockings. She makes me smile. I painted the muslin to look like an old white washed fence with big ol' knot holes. That was fun to do!


And of course I have my favorite dolls, my Santas. I make about a dozen Americana Santa dolls each year and I love the way they come out. The really tattered and worn vintage quilt for this doll even had a big burn hole in one end, I wish I had alot more of that quilt instead of the little bit I've saved.And here is a wooden box that my sister gave to me. It was painted barn red and pretty boring, but I can't leave well enough alone and fixed it right up in my favorite colors. Out of ALL the Americana folk art projects I've made, THIS is the only one I've kept. It's so sturdy and rustic and folk art and vintage Americana looking. At least until I decide to paint it!

I'll be linking to a few parties listed in my sidebar. Please join me there and see what fun projects are listed this week!