PRE-ORDER eBook Lana Testa's Tall Tales: A Heartfelt Tribute to a Primitive Artisan (Releasing in July, Limited Copies Available)

This is the eBook (digital) copy. You will receive an emailed download link upon the magazine's release in early July.

We are honored to have been asked by the Testa family to present this commemorative issue celebrating the life and legacy of beloved primitive artist Lana Testa. Lana was a cherished member of the original A Primitive Place forum—long before the magazine was first published—and her creativity, humor, and kindness left a lasting impression on all who crossed paths with her.

As a gifted doll maker and storyteller, Lana created hundreds of one-of-a-kind characters using antique fabrics, salvaged materials, and inspiration drawn from her family, the people she met, and her vivid imagination. She also crafted exclusive dolls for A Primitive Place, each tenderly holding a miniature version of the magazine—a charming nod to her connection with the community.

In this special tribute, we also share the story of how Lana first began her journey into doll making—an artistic path that became a reflection of the way she saw the world: full of character, warmth, and meaning. Over 90 dolls will be featured in this issue, telling a story—some whimsical, some touching, and many with deep personal roots. From her heartfelt Valentine’s Day creations to tender-hearted rabbits, patriotic figures, and tattered Halloween witches, every piece reflects her signature style and storytelling spirit.

This keepsake edition includes full descriptions of each doll and the tales behind them, often rooted in family memories, everyday moments, and imaginative detail that turned each character into a living tale.

The issue also invites you to step inside the home where imagination took root, featuring exclusive photos of Lana and David’s primitive home. Rich with early American antiques, seasonal styling, and her lifetime primitive collection, it offers a heartfelt look at the spaces that surrounded and inspired her work. Lana and David tragically passed away one year ago in a car accident, a loss felt deeply by all who knew and loved them. Yet their spirit lives on—in the warmth of their home, the artistry of her creations, and the memories they left behind. A full re-feature of their home will appear in the Fall 2025 issue of A Primitive Place magazine, showcasing different photos and rooms not included here—offering readers a more complete view of the home they so lovingly curated over the years.

Created to honor their beloved mother and grandmother, this special issue is a 72-page full-color magazine offered in limited quantities, with all proceeds going to the Testa family. We are currently taking pre-orders, with the issue set to be released in July 2025. With personal reflections from her family and a rich showcase of her work, this tribute celebrates Lana’s enduring legacy—one stitched with love, creativity, and the joy she brought to so many.