There is little known about the life of Barbara Warren at this time.  She was the block-printing design foreman for the WPA's Milwaukee Handicrafts division, one of the most diverse and progressive branches of the Work Projects Administration.  The Milwaukee Handicrafts employed thousands of women and African Americans who were otherwise unable to find work during the Great Depression. They designed and manufactured household goods ranging from textiles to books, as well as dolls, toys, and costumes for local theater. Warren (with fellow WPA artist Doris Cox) also published a book, Creative Hands, a popular guide to basic arts and crafts techniques.