Barns Quilts by Mel
Welcome to Barn Quilts by Mel. I am located in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky in the heart of bourbon country. My family is native to Anderson County and we are proud to live in a community that is home and rich in history and heritage. I started making barn quilts in the late winter of 2020. I really wanted a barn quilt and I thought that I could do this. I quickly discovered there is so much more to this form of artistry, both in history and in technique. Raised by parents with an appreciation for antiques and my own love for art, this was perfect for me. Barn Quilts by Mel rapidly took off from there. I will provide your creation with the same love and attention to detail that I give to each and every barn quilt.
Barn quilts are very popular now but they have been around for a very long time. Particular colors had different meanings to protect the land where they hung. Designs also had different meanings. During the time of abolition, barn quilts were also used to provide meaning to slaves along the freedom road. As I paint my quilts I remember this heritage and am proud to continue a tradition that will develop its own meanings and tradition in this new age.
My other motivation for Barn Quilts by Mel is our daughter Claire. Claire is a type 1 diabetic and that has its own challenges both financially and physically. I have found a way to help us to provide better for her and to be able to spend time with her while I paint. She is even starting to paint her own barn quilts! She makes me a better person and challenges me to grow as an artist.
I look forward to creating for you. I will provide attention to detail and work with you to create a barn quilt that you will treasure. I use MDO which is a wood used by sign artists to withstand the outdoors. I use high-quality exterior paint. Every color you see has 3-5 layers of paint to provide the rich color that you see. I then seal with a UV sealant to help protect the colors.
Barn quilts are definitely not just for barns. I have painted barn quilts that are displayed in homes, he and she-sheds, barndomiums. The sky's the limit and there is no end to the imagination and ways to display barn quilts!
Available Now
Take a look at the ready-made barn quilts I have in stock and don't miss out on the chance to take one home today!
My Work
Browse examples and get inspired!