Burlap Lovers

Urban Prairie is all about recycling found objects and materials. I love burlap and have been using it in my design work for years. Seattle designer Sidney Ann has taken it to the next level in Urban Prairie cool for the gals - the burlap coffee sack clutch. Made from a recycled burlap coffee sack, this eco-friendly clutch features a brown button and leather shoelace wrap closure. Lined in a lavender, pink, white, and turquoise stripe print. Available at Etsy.

Quote of the Week

"Alongside people like Amy Butler, Chris is giving new definition to American West country style, updating it with a hip modern sensibility, and yet maintaining a strong retro feel."

The South Africa design blog smokeandochre.blogspot.com on Chris’ new Urban Prairie BLOGSHOP.

Urban Cowboy

Victoria at the influential blog sfgirlbybay.com has featured Chris and his twist on modern country design. "Chris Brown is a bit of a dichotomy. A good old, cowboy-hat-wearing country boy with a heart of gold, and an artistic collector, design lovin', tattooed rebel!" says Victoria, "Chris first introduced us to the hipper side of country with his website, Urban Prairie, then his blog, modern-twisted Urban Prairie REFUELED, and now he's introducing us to his Urban Prairie BLOGSHOP. An electric mix of odd meets modern day, the Blogshop offers alt-country assemblages, collections, odd one-offs and the curious goods Chris has come to be known for." Take a peek.

Mini Collections in a Bag

NEW! Urban Prairie "Curious Goods" grab bags. Now available at the BLOGSHOP.

Contemporary Art with a Southern Accent

People who know me know my affection for the South. Sweet tea, good BBQ and cool folks who bring a little bit of that to the world through their art. Check out Dolan Geiman. Dolan discovered a profound appreciation for the tangible and visceral elements that define rural America. He brings that to us in mixed media.


Great acrylic and silk screen on wood pieces. The perfect addition to any Urban Prairie home. Visit: dolangeimanartist.com

Urban Prairie "BLOGSHOP" Open

The “Urban Prairie” BLOGSHOP, home to alt-country oddities, assemblages & collections, has a new location. You can follow the link found in the right-hand column, or you can log on directly at: urbanprairieBLOGSHOP.blogspot.com. Take a peek. A great way to add to your collections, start a new one or simply buy a complete vignette to showcase in your home. Updated weekly - please note, items move quickly - log in regularly.

Quote of the Week

“Country style has never been so hip!”

Jo & Kim from the influential design blog “Desire to Inspire” on Chris’ new Urban Prairie BLOGSHOP.

Vintage Shirt Labels

I’ve been collecting vintage shirt labels for years. I’ll buy a shirt from a thift store or yard sale just for it's label. Their interesting names, fonts and faded colors inspire me. I like to carry inspiration with me wherever I go so, I’ve started sewing them on to the herms of t-shirts. No fancy sewing is needed. I even strive for uneven & frayed applications - it adds to the “urban prairie” coolness.

“I described him to my sister this morning as the Jesse James (tattooed husband of Sandra Bullock-not the gangster) of country decorating/collecting.”

Cool Collectible of the Month

Remember gum wrapper chains from your childhood? I'm seeing these everywhere again. I think they would be great used on vintage aluminum Christmas trees as garland or as a cool choker necklace.