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 shower curtain. The "Ocean Rules Shower Curtain"...
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Channel your inner carefree child with this fun decorative pillow. This design by Marla Rae will...
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Live by this beach mantra all summer long! This rustic coastal design is perfect for...
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Decorate your bathroom with this coastal meets rustic shower curtain, featuring a palm tree on...
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Live by this beach mantra all year long! This rustic coastal design is perfect for a...
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Decorate your bathroom with positive sayings! This Marla Rae design is meant for the heart...
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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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Live by this beach mantra all summer long! This rustic coastal design is perfect for...
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Channel your inner carefree child with this fun duvet cover. This design by Marla Rae will...
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Live by this beach mantra all year long! This rustic coastal design is perfect for a...
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Channel your inner carefree child with this fun duvet cover. This design by Marla Rae will...
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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 coastal inspired Tote Bag, "Beach Rules" features coastal icons in a neutral palette with...
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qd2Bring the spirit of the ocean to your bathroom with Laural Home's "Ocean Rules" bath...
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One great thing about beach life is shore-ly all the opportunities for puns! Get started...
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One great thing about beach life is shore-ly all the opportunities for puns! Get started...
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If the beach if your happy place, this pillow is just what you need! The...
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Let your cares drift away as you sink onto the "Ocean Vibes Green Monstera" decorative...
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Sea the beauty' of the "Ocean Vibes Aqua Monstera" decorative pillow. A monstera leaf silhouette...
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You'll fall in love with the beautiful colors of the scallop shell centered on this...
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Include some ocean vibes in your home decor with this gorgeous pillow full of calming...
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You won't be able to resist admiring the beautiful teal and brown conch shell featured...
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Changing tides make waves, and we guarantee this delightful pillow will also make waves in...
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Natural shades of tan, brown, and grey make this "Ocean Vibes Natural Scallop" decorative pillow...
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The "Ocean Vibes Natural Shell" decorative pillow combines coastal decor with a slightly rustic feel....
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Whether you're living at or dreaming of your beachy happy place, the "Ocean Vibes Natural...
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The beach is calling, and so is this pillow! White, tan, and brown are used...
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Give your home decor some ocean vibes with the "Ocean Vibes Natural Starfish" decorative pillow....
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Let your cares drift away as you sink onto the "Ocean Vibes Green Monstera" decorative...
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You'll fall in love with the beautiful colors of the scallop shell centered on this...