A Timeless Craft, Reimagined

Traditional Baltimore screen painting, early 20th century — the folk art tradition that inspired our work.

Inspired by Baltimore Screen Painting

Over 100 years ago, painting on window screens began in Baltimore, Maryland as a way to provide daytime privacy in the city’s iconic row houses. Residents could see out and let in fresh air, while those walking by saw only the beautifully painted screens. Inspired by this American folk art, we’ve reimagined the tradition—miniaturized it—and given it a brand-new purpose.

From a Simple Solution to a Shared Passion

What started 30 years ago as a simple craft project has blossomed into a full-time creative business and a shared passion. Barbara Downey was just trying to solve a problem: how to store her earrings. Her first holder was made from an embroidery hoop. After a few friends showed interest, she brought her hand-painted holders to a local craft show—and things took off from there.

Barbara Downey painting an earring holder at Frankfort, IL Fall Festival

How Each Piece Is Made

As interest grew Barbara began painting on the wooden frames, as well as the display screen itself. The frames got larger, the designs more intricate, and soon she was accepted into some of the top Art & Craft shows on the U.S. East Coast.

In 2002, her husband David joined the business full-time. Since then, he has handcrafted every single frame, stand, and base—each one fitted with fiberglass screen that serves as Barbara’s unique painting surface. Using acrylic paints, she hand-paints every design, often decorating the frame itself. Because of this specialized method, there are no prints—each piece is an original.Though they function beautifully as earring and jewelry holders, many customers choose the work as decorative art for the home. You’ll often hear someone say, “I’ve never seen anything like this before.”

Creating From Our Michigan Studio

Although Covid and time have reduced their travel schedule they continue to work from their home studio in Livonia, Michigan, proudly creating every piece by hand. Everything is made in the USA—no imports, no mass production.

Barbara may be the most prolific screen painter working today, having created thousands of original pieces since 1996. But for the couple behind the work, it’s always been personal. They are a husband-and-wife team with five children and eight beautiful grandchildren, grateful every day for the opportunity to share their art—and their journey—with you.