Last Updated on December 17, 2023
A few weeks ago while scrolling through Instagram (i.e. procrastinating) I came across an intriguing post. The profile owner (Amy Munson) posted a picture of her newest creation – quilt art of an American Foursquare house comprised from fabrics in a variety of vibrant colors and patterns. It was absolutely stunning, and I had to learn more about this artist and her American Foursquare art.
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I reached out to Amy and she was gracious enough to answer my questions about her American Foursquare art. Check out more of her art on her etsy shop Amy Munson Designs.
Q: Hi Amy. Tell us a bit about yourself and how you got started with creating art and incorporating American Foursquare homes.
A: I am an award winning quilt artist and historic preservation professional living in Bismarck, North Dakota. I create unique art quilts that express my passion for history, preservation and architecture. I am also an obsessive knitter and design and publish my own line of knit ornament patterns (which are on Etsy as well as Ravelry).
I donated the first Foursquare art quilt I created to the Quilt Alliance in 2016. The first Foursquare art quilt I created I donated to the Quilt Alliance in 2016. For a number of years, the Quilt Alliance organized a fundraiser of donated quilts all based on a particular theme. The theme for the donated quilts that year was “Playing Favorites”; and all quilters, regardless of their style (traditional, modern, art) or technique (longarm, hand quilting, applique, pieced…) were encouraged to enter a 16″ x 16″ quilt celebrating their favorite technique, style, pattern or whatever you most love about quilting.
Q: When did you fall in love with historic buildings?
I chose to not only combine what I love about quilting but also what I love from my professional life. I chose the American Foursquare because it is such a quintessential house style of America, and found in nearly every community.
A: The first historic house I fell in love with was the house my mother grew up in located in Douglas, Mass. It is a beautiful Victorian cottage built in 1882 and was in our family for over 100 years. I grew up in California and South Dakota and only visited the house a handful of times through out my childhood. But it was always magical and wonderful place to play and explore. My mom still has the original blue prints to the house and many old photos of when it was originally built.
Q: Why the soft spot for American Foursquares? Does North Dakota have several American Foursquares?
A: The American Foursquare a quintessential house style of America, and was adapted to fit a wide range of styles and price ranges. Every foursquare quilt I create becomes it own unique work of art, even though I am using the same pattern.
I would say most of the communities across North Dakota have a Foursquare or two. One of my favorite is the Putnam House which is now home to the Foster County Historical Society and located in Carrington, ND. The interior is just incredible.
Q: I see that you are a historic preservation professional in Bismark, ND. What is your role? I feel like I could do an entirely separate interview just based on your job, but I’ll stick to 1-2 questions. What do you see is the biggest challenge for homeowners of old houses? Any recommended resources for an average homeowner like myself to learn how to preserve the historic character of their homes?
I work for the State Historical Society of North Dakota as the Grants & Contracts Administrator as well as the Certified Local Government Coordinator. Which means I take care of all of the state and federal grant for the agency and work with local governments (city or county) to establish historic preservation commissions that are certified through the National Park Service.
I have been with the State Historical Society for 16 years and just love my job. I get to give away money to people working on historic preservation projects. I work with wonderful non profits and county/city governments on historic preservation projects and issues.
Owners of historic building have so many challenges but the top ones are funding and know what their options are when it comes to a preservation project. So often we see a homeowner call one contractor who usually advises a total replacement rather than a repair. Historic wood windows are a really good example. Your state historical society or local historic preservation commission should be able to provide technical advice on any preservation project.
Q: Your art on Etsy is beautiful. And others must agree with me since I see that you have won awards for your quilts. How did you get started? What is your favorite part of making quilts?
A: I have been quilting for over 25 years. I started out making very traditional bed quilts that followed a pattern but quickly moved to creating my own art quilts. I draft all of my own patterns for my quilts and use a raw edge applique technique to create the image. From working in historic preservation, I love old buildings and abandoned placed.
Q: Your Instagram and Etsy feed shows a variety of crafts – knitting, quilting, and fiber arts. What motivates and inspires you to do all three crafts?
A: I have an ever prevailing need to be creative. It is what keeps me going. I am always thinking of the next project, the next quilt the next knitting pattern I want to share.
Q: Specific to American Foursquare mini quilt postcard and patterns, where do you find the inspiration for the specific house?
A: The mini quilt postcards were created as a quick small project for a quilting class. It is a great way to try a new art technique on a small scale and be able to finish the project in the class. Using the basic Foursquare facade of a hipped roof, front porch, four windows and a door it is amazing how different fabrics and colors can change the entire look of the house.
I love to teach and share how I create my art. I have taught many quilting and knitting classes in my hometown and around the region. The classes are all based on my original patterns that I sell in my Etsy shop. If you are not close enough to take one of my classes you can purchase one of my patterns.
Q: This website is dedicated to tackling the challenges of owning and older house while still appreciating its charm and character. Do you own an old house? If so, tell us a bit about it. What is your old houses’s greatest challenge? Biggest charm?
A: I (sadly) do not own a historic/older home. Our house was built in 2012 and is a open floor plan ranch with a attached garage and walk out basement. We have done our best to inject the modern space with a historic Craftsman feel with a mix of custom wood furniture and sentimental antique pieces.
Q: What are your favorite and least favorite DIY house projects you have completed?
A: I love paint and color. Whether it is paint on the wall,canvas or furniture it can totally transform a space.
A heartfelt thank-you to Amy for taking the time for this interview. All of the items pictured here are currently for sale (as well as many others), so when you get a chance, head over to Etsy to check out all of her one-of-a-kind creations.
Interested in learning more about American Foursquare homes? See related posts:
- The What, Who, Why and Where of the American Foursquare
- 16 Foursquare Blogs to Follow and be Inspired
- Celebrities Who Grew Up in Foursquares
- American Foursquare House In Need of a Lift!
- And last but not least, check out my American Foursquare Pinterest board where I’ve collected 500+ pins to date of exterior photos, kits and house plans, and inspiring additions and new construction.
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