About Us
Briar Patch Heirlooms is a company founded upon inspiration. As happens to so many of us, my inspiration came in the form a baby girl named Aria Grace. When my daughter was born, I discovered how difficult it was to find unique, heirloom-quality pieces for her that she could pass down to her children and they in turn to generations beyond.
I was looking for more than just the standard baby fare that to me felt destined for on-line auction or garage sale: the pastel flowered art for her walls, the compressed wood crib manufactured abroad, the store-bought Christening gown. I wanted to infuse her world with whimsy and culture. To expose her to all genres of art and broaden her sensory palette. To give her pieces that would be heirlooms for generations of our family to come. Things to treasure. Things to inspire her.
With those general desires in mind, I began seeking out artists of all media. Many came from art festivals and galleries that I visited around the country. Some of the artists I’ve found are what many would consider “professional” artists; others are grandmas who are really great with knitting needles or part of a quilting group that stitch lovely quilts while reminiscing and sharing fanciful gossip with friends and neighbors. That’s the beauty of art – it’s everywhere.
When I found these amazing artists who could create things for my child, I immediately wanted to share their gifts with others who are blessed with children in their lives. Because what inspires me most is inspiring others. This company expresses my desire to share the abundant talent I have discovered along the way with parents, grandparents and others who seek gifts for children who touch their lives, and in turn supporting these artists so that they may continue growing their talents and living their passion. Creating a world of possibility for children who are now learning the 3 Rs but little of culture in our schools due to budget constraints and other inhibiters.
Surely the same mom that seats her child in front of Mozart and Beethoven in hopes of engendering a love of music would also want her little one to have an appreciation of art in all forms. As a nation, we are striving to reconnect with our roots and deepen the ties of family. We are making scrapbooks again. We seek out classic toys and abiding childhood storybook characters.
My hope is that our returning sense of nostalgia leads us to support our nation from within again, as well. To buy quality heirloom pieces made individually by North American artists. To conceive of culture for our children in all forms. To inspire the life of a child.
I offer my sincere gratitude for your visit to Briar Patch Heirlooms today. I hope that you may also find inspiration from the many artists represented. Enjoy!
Andrea DeLara
Owner, Briar Patch Heirlooms, LLC
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