California Barn Quilt Coloring Book

Lake County California Barn Quilt Project A drive through the rural farmland and towns of Lake County in Northern California is very colorful today because many brilliant "quilt blocks," called barn quilts,"are on display on barns and other buildings throughout the area. Objectives of Barn Quilt Projects Barn quilt trails help promote and celebrate the unique agricultural heritage and history through the visual combination of rural barns and quilt patterns. Barns are vital to the economic well being of the rural community and surrounding area. Handmade quilts provide warmth, beauty and an outlet for individual artistic expression. What is a Barn Quilt? A barn quilt is made by painting a quilt pattern on a 3/4 inch MDO plywood square, then mounting it on barn or other outlying structure. Two coats of primer are applied to both sides of the board and edges. After the pattern is drawn out painter's (Frog) tape is applied outlining the various sections of the quilt pattern. Three coats or more of each color are applied, with each coat being allowed to dry thoroughly. After the quilt is finished, it is allowed to cure for at least two weeks before it is mounted. Making a barn quilt allows individuals and volunteer groups the opportunity to create and paint their own quilt square. The design that is chosen may represent a family pattern from a beloved quilt or perhaps a new pattern meaningful to the creator(s).