Handmade Pioneer Day

[hKristin]

This week we are going to celebrate Pioneer Day. What is Pioneer Day? Well, Pioneer Day is actually an official Utah state holiday celebrated on July 24th, commemorating the Mormon pioneers. What’s that you say? You don’t live in Utah? You’re not a Mormon? Nope, me neither, but we can still celebrate the spirit of the pioneer. Although we most commonly associate the idea of a pioneer with the westward expansion through the United States, according to the dictionary, a pioneer is “a person or group that originates or helps open up a new line of thought or activity or a new method or technical development.” So, really, that makes all our crafty friends in the world of handmade goods pioneers of the creative community! Here are a few handmade items that recall both the pioneer spirit that helped settle the West and the creative pioneers that are settling the Internet today.

Whenever I think of pioneers, I think of covered wagons! You can bring this iconic image into your home with this great photo from Photographs by Jon Holiday. I love that this image is both rustic and colorful!

Another slice of Americana comes in the form of quilts. This fabulous baby quilt from Sweet Baby Jamie is a modern version of classic quilting. And, never fear, if you don’t have a baby, this would make a great lap quilt or wall hanging!

This Home on the Range ring from Oory Labang brings pioneer style into your wardrobe. I love the mix of textile and metal!

Here is an innovative, pioneering use of fabrics in this squirrel from Fuzzibax. The creative use of color, fabric, and pattern is sure to have you smiling, whether you use this squirrel as a pin keeper, or just let him sit on your desk.

After celebrating the Fourth of July, we are all reminded of the beauty and symbolism of the stars and stripes. Why not bring the stars into your home with this wonderful primitive cabinet from Ozark Primitives? The stars give the cabinet an open and airy feel, without exposing too much of the clutter that might be hiding inside.

Last, but not least, is this gorgeous prairie wildflower sculpture from Hanging Lake Studios. When you put this in your order, you will be paying homage to pioneering Americans, and you’ll be the envy of your neighborhood!

That’s it for Pioneer Day! Join me next week when we find handmade items that express summer at its finest.