Marla Rae is not just an artist; she is a woman who wears many hats. Over 20 years ago she and her husband Brian founded the Barn Festival, a unique shopping experience out in the country on their property. The Barn Festival has grown into an event they host in May and September each year, bringing tens of thousands of customers out on a dirt road, surrounded by corn fields, to shop over 150 vendors’ unique wares from across the country. Marla has been in the gift industry for 30 years, always working from home...which just happens to be the upper two levels of a 1930 Sears and Roebucks Barn. In 2011, after selling an international candle company that her husband and her founded and grew for 12+ years before giving up to ‘simplify’ their lives, Marla started her career as an artist with publisher Penny Lane. The timing could not have been more perfect...something she likes to refer to as a “God thing”. She is always thinking of what might be next, but hopes to continue with her art work for years to come, as that is what brings her the most enjoyment of all. Recently, she started to teach String Art Classes once a month at her daughter Alyssa’s “Art Bar” in downtown Hastings, Nebraska. She calls it her social outlet. Each day for five days straight, 40+ students gather to enjoy a little art, fellowship with friends and a drink or two.
“I love my life! I am so blessed and do not take a single day for granted. Each day is given as a gift, and it is up to us what we do with that gift. I am choosing to live my dreams, and am living life to its fullest”. Travel is important to Marla and Brian as well. They make sure they get away as often as possible to explore different cultures throughout the United States. “We hope to get our passports soon, but until then, we continue to enjoy our little trips from the east to west coast. We both grew up in rural Nebraska, just a few miles from each other. We live a simple life. It really doesn’t require much to completely enjoy ourselves...A bike ride on the bike trail through Hastings is as close to heaven as anything, as well as Taco Tuesday. That is pretty close to heaven too, according to Marla Rae.
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Get your marching orders for vacation with this "Ocean Vibes" beach themed shower curtain. This...
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Channel your inner carefree child with this fun decorative pillow. This design by Marla Rae will...
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Channel your inner carefree child with this fun decorative pillow. This design by Marla Rae will...
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Decorate your home with positive sayings! This Marla Rae design is meant for the heart of...
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This mountain inspired shower curtain, "Mountains Are Calling," creates an adventurous vibe. The abstract design...
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This mountain inspired memory foam rug, "Mountains Are Calling," creates an adventurous vibe. The abstract...
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This mountain inspired indoor decorative pillow, "All Good Things," creates an adventurous vibe. This pillow...
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This mountain inspired outdoor decorative pillow, "All Good Things," creates an adventurous vibe. This pillow...
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This mountain inspired indoor decorative pillow, "Go For It," creates an adventurous vibe. This pillow...
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This mountain inspired indoor decorative pillow, "Go For It," creates an adventurous vibe. This pillow...
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Channel your inner carefree child with this fun duvet cover. This design by Marla Rae will...
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Channel your inner carefree child with this bedding. This design by Marla Rae will remind...
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This beach inspired beach towel, "Ocean Rules," is a fun, stylish design. Hues of green,...
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This coastal inspired beach towel, "Beach Mantra," will add fun and relaxation to your life....
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This lake inspired Tote Bag, " Lake Rules" will channel your inner carefree child. With...
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This coastal inspired Tote Bag, "Beach Rules" features coastal icons in a neutral palette with...
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This rustic, farmhouse inspired hand towels, "Loving Home," brings a soft, loving feeling into your...
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One great thing about beach life is shore-ly all the opportunities for puns! Get started...
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Bring the lively spirit of the farm into your space with Laural Home's "Farmhouse Animals" window...
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Channel your inner carefree child with this fun Sherpa Throw Blanket . The "Ocean Rules Sherpa...
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Channel your inner carefree child with this fun Sherpa Throw Blanket . The "America Proud Sherpa...
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The "Nautical Anchor Sherpa Throw Blanket " displays inspiring coastal words and fun nautical imagery....
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Channel your inner carefree child with this fun outdoor door mat. The "Ocean Rules" outdoor...
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Channel your inner cowboy with the "Southwest Ranch Rules" outdoor door mat. This western themed...
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Channel your inner carefree child with this fun outdoor area rug. The "Ocean Rules" outdoor...
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Channel your inner cowboy with the "Southwest Ranch Rules" outdoor area rug. This western themed...
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Channel your inner carefree child with this fun comforter. The "Ocean Rules Comforter Sham" reminds...
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Dress your bed with art-inspired style and channel your inner carefree child with Laural Home's...
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Channel your inner carefree child with this fun comforter. The "Ocean Rules Comforter" reminds you...
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Live by this beach mantra all year long! This rustic comforter sham features coastal icons in...
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The "America Proud" outdoor door mat displays patriotic inspired words to show your pride for...
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The "America Proud" outdoor area rug displays patriotic inspired words to show your pride for...
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This rustic, farmhouse inspired window panel set, "Loving Home," brings a soft, loving feeling into...
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– Sold OutThis lake inspired beach towel, "Lake Rules," is a fun, stylish design. Hues of blue...
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This western inspired window valance, "Southwest Ranch," will channel your inner cowboy. The rustic design...
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This rustic, farmhouse inspired memory foam rug, "Loving Home," brings a soft, loving feeling into...