Thank you for joining our class on this fun and creative way to celebrate the 4th of July. We explored American folk art through the tradition of barn quilts and created a patriotic design perfect for home display. This project was both a relaxing and meaningful way to engage with our country’s artistic heritage.

Key Takeaways and Next Steps

Understanding the History of Barn Quilts

Barn quilts are large painted quilt blocks, often seen on barns across the U.S. They trace their roots to early 19th-century Pennsylvania Dutch hex signs and were revived in 2001 by Donna Sue Groves to honor her mother and promote local tourism. Today, they’re a vibrant part of American folk art, found in all 50 states and even Canada.

Gathering Your Supplies

You don’t need a barn—or even wood—to make a barn quilt! All you need is a square surface (wood, cardboard, paper, or canvas), acrylic paints (red, white, blue, and black for shading), paintbrushes in various sizes, ruler or T-square, painter’s or washi tape, a palette (like a paper plate), water cup, and optionally a hairdryer to speed drying.

Creating the Quilt Design

The design process involved dividing your square surface into quarters, adding diagonal lines and tick marks, and then connecting those marks to form a star pattern. Stripes were added around the star to evoke the American flag. Precision tools like a ruler and tape helped create clean lines, and shading with mixed colors added depth.

Painting Tips and Techniques

Start by painting your central star white, then alternate with blue and red sections. Mix a small amount of black with your white and blue to add shading for a dimensional effect. Consider using acrylic paint markers (like Posca) for outlining or fine details. Use painter’s tape for crisp edges, especially for stripes.

Personalization and Inspiration

Beyond patriotic themes, barn quilts can reflect family heritage, favorite colors, floral designs, or personal symbolism. Consider creating seasonal versions or personalized gifts. Explore local barn quilt trails or try your hand at designing one for your home.

Here are some links for the June Class: Paint a Patriotic Barn Quilt. I also have included 2 attachments as well. Thank you.

Ohio Barn Quilts
Barn Quilt Trails by State
American Garden Barn Quilts and A House in the Hills (offer comprehensive tutorials)
Nana Sews (free printable patterns)
"Hex Signs: Sacred and Celestial Symbolism in Pennsylvania Dutch Barn Stars"

Supply Links

Wooden square or board (Dollar Tree, Amazon, Michaels)

Let your creativity shine and remember that every barn quilt tells a story. Look out for the notes with design templates and links to quilt pattern resources to inspire your next masterpiece!