Barn quilts are large wooden squared with quilt block patterns painted on, often with colors or a block associated with a particular family's heritage or business.  The concept of decorating a barn to differeniate a family or business started with folk art.  When paint became available to the masses in the 1830s barn quilts became a vivid way to advertise a farm.  The tradition of the barn quilt was eventually replaced by large painted advertisements.  Barn quilts have seen a resurgence in popularity in the last 20 years.  In 2001 an Ohio woman painted a large barn quilt to honor her mother's quilts.  The idea quickly caught on and barn quilt trails have popped up around the American MidWest.