During the 18th and 19th centuries, dairy farmers used prints and molds to decorate their butter. Each farmer used a different print that was specific to individual farms. Often, shoppers linked quality to a particular butter print. In addition, printed butter sold for more money than the unmarked alternative. Aside from brand identification, butter molds and prints afforded a creative outlet for farmers and craftsmen in the Pennsylvania farming community. Initially, prints were crafted by farmers and wood carvers on the farm. They carved the prints by hand from boards or blocks of wood. Beginning in the early 1800s, craftsmen began producing a wide variety of prints. During this period, prints were often made using a lathe. Later, the craftsman would hand carve the design. Pennsylvania German butter print patterns usually bear motifs inspired by nature, the most popular being the tulip. However, birds and farm animals often appear as well. [General information from State Museum of Pennylvania ]
