Penny Rugs
Visit Our Featured Crafter
KM Primitives
 
 
Hi, I’m Karen Martinsen and I live in Burlington, Wisconsin with my husband Doug.
After working for a printing/publishing company in graphic design for 20 years I
joined the "early" ranks of the retired.
I have always enjoyed some kind of designing or creating so it was no surprise to
family and friends when I decided to make my Penny Rugs.
I grew interested in the Colonial art of 'Penny Rugs' during our years of travels
to several living history museums and Colonial design shops through-out the east
coast. Many of the stores I went into during our trips east had these beautifully
sewn pieces of art and I was intrigued with them and decided it was time to try my
hand at it, so I researched it on the internet and found the history behind them
very interesting and realized I could do this.
My signature piece, a traditional pineapple table runner, was created two years
before I started selling them. I gave them away to friends and relatives and their
reaction was…"why aren’t you selling these?". So that’s how it all started. My
husband has encouraged me from the beginning, even suggesting I sell at craft
shows which I have done. I also wanted my work to be in stores and seen everyday
by people who appreciated this craft and to enjoy what I so enjoy and hopefully
want my products for their homes as well. I recently started a web store.
I work from my home, a Cape Cod with picket fences and reproduction Colonial
furnishings…my 'Penny Rugs' found a home immediately! My product line keeps to the
primitive folk art designs for an authentic look and consists of decorative table
rugs (runners), bed pillow-toppers, wall hangings, candle/chamber stick mats, lamp
mats, coasters, pictures, ornaments, sofa back runners, round back dining chair
backers and framed work. I carry general and Christmas merchandise, along with
some home decorative accessories (these I sell at home shows only)
I use the finest 'wool felt' for my designs to create a true Colonial look and
feel. I choose dark warm Colonial colors such as bronze, brick, dark gold, dark
green, antiqued ivory, navy and black. Some items have Colonial homespun fabrics
added for a lighter touch. All designs are exclusive to KM Primitives, DESIGNED
and HAND STITCHED by me.
My webstore is a collection of my Penny Rugs in general and holiday designs that
will fit into any style decor, not just primitive/country. I also have many prim
decorative items, dolls, bears, hang tags and so much more.
My site has a 'HAPPENINGS' page where I have contests, drawings and recipe of the
month. In time I would like to do a 'feature artist' to promote thier site as
well.
This month I have a drawing for a set of Beehive coasters. And a Paula Deen
Chocolate Cake Recipe.
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