Inspired by the Fun of Folk Art

I know it's Friday and normally we have Harrington and Hannah here, but since Wednesday was Happy Harrington Day, I decided to share some fun folk art with you today.

I simply adore folk art and it inspires me in so many ways with my designs. Folk art makes you smile, laugh and feel good. It's whimsical, silly and unpretentious. It's art that comes from the heart.

There are so many wonderful mediums in folk art from painting, wood working, pottery and of course textiles. I find inspiration from all of them. Of course, I also love to collect pieces from other artists especially pieces I know I could never make myself.

For instance, this first piece is from the fabulous Sandra McKenzie Schmit. There is a cool interview with her on the site. Hop over and take a listen to this sweet and very talented artist.

This piece is a casserole dish. You know I love it with the bunny on top! You can use it in the oven, microwave and even put it in the dishwasher. I'm saving my pennies to get this piece.

Another piece I love by Sandra is this sugar bowl,

and then there is this utensil holder. I want it to hold all my scissors and rotary cutters in Bunnyville. Aren't her pieces wonderful? I find her work to be so charming.

Next is this one of a kind mug by husband and wife team, Dan and Laurie Henning. They met in art school a long time ago and have been making their living at art ever since. I think their work is so enchanting like something out of Lord of the Rings or The Hobbit.  They look like they are telling some wonderful tales of far away places.

This piece is actually one I own. My aunt and uncle purchased it for me for my birthday. I was blown away (major happy bunny dancing took place). You can put olive oil in it, but I simply enjoy it as a decoration.

These next few pieces are from Sarah Grant of Sticks. I have seen her work up close and it is stunning. She burns the lines into the wood and then stains the wood with beautiful colors. Her work is folk art whimsy at its best.

I think this chest is fabulous. I would love to have it as a coffee table.

This is a queen size bed. It's magnificent. I do believe I would have the most incredible dreams sleeping in this magical bed. :)

She also makes clocks. I have a thing for clocks. They are all over my house. This grandfather style clock is so cool.

I love the saying on this one.

and I love the colors and style of this one. It reminds me of a quilt.

This final piece from Sarah is a side table. I looooooooooooove it! I want it! I don't own any pieces from her "yet." It takes a lot of pennies to purchase one of her pieces, but it's fun to save for something like this which I know I will love forever.

The last artist today is Jennifer Lanne. I consider her paintings to be more of an elegant style of folk art. What draws me to her work is the simplicity of it. The colors are strikingly beautiful and she choses to focus on one thing. It's uncluttered and makes a statement.

I am loving that green and purple together. Gave me an idea for a cool Folk Art Fusion quilt.

This cow is soooooo sweet! I would love to have a giant bunny painting from her. Hmmm....might have to commission that one someday.

Again, her style is simple, but striking.

I own these four small originals from Jennifer.

I purchased them for this peg shelf that hangs in my bedroom. They were the perfect pop of color in my black and white color scheme. Not to mention, they fit perfectly in those openings. :)

So what kind of art do you like? Do you purchase original pieces? Do you have a favorite artist?

I want to wish you a very safe and fun Labor Day weekend here in the US. I swear it was just Memorial Day! What a fast summer this was. Remember, my 20% off SALE in my shop ends Monday. Change is in the air and things will be changing in Bunnyville too. Much good news to share with you so join me back here on Tuesday.

Light, love, hugs and lots of smiles.
xx,
Michelle and the Bunnies