Good afternoon all… this is a note for all of the BLOGGERS out there who are planning to attend Round Top Antique Week this Fall 2010 & interested in complimentary tickets from Marburger Farm.  Let me start with a quick round up about Round Top for those of you who don’t know about it…

Forty years ago a little lady name Emma Lee Turney launched an event in Round Top, TEXAS selling antiques.  Round Top is located smack dab in the middle of Houston and Austin on Hwy 237 and Emma Lee’s Antique Show was widely attended by Houston’s socialites.  Over the last four decades it has grown to be one of the biggest and best Antique Shows in the country, if not the world.  Round Top Antique Week isn’t just one show, it is now comprised of hundreds of Antique Shows & Sales, all in a 20 mile {or so} area around Round Top, Texas, and takes place twice yearly in the spring and fall. 

One of our favorite shows to attend during Round Top Antique Week takes place at Marburger Farm.  In fact Marburger Farm was named one of the Top TEN by Country Living Magazine…

Sooo, here’s what’s happening at Marburger Farm this Fall 2010… If you are a BLOGGER then Marburger Farm has free tickets & a gift for YOU!!

Marburger Farm is the premiere shopping venue during Round Top Antique Week.  The event covers 43 acres and almost 400 antique vendors who bring everything from fine European Antiques to Industrial Country Antiques to Recycled Art.  The merchandising and ideas that come from Marburger Farm are on the forefront of trends you’ll be seeing in the Antique and Vintage Marketplace.  This is an event that you
SHOULD NOT MISS this Sept 28 ~ Oct 2!!

 If you plan to attend Round Top Antique Week ~ and blog all about your BIG adventures along the way ~ then Marburger Farm would like to know about it and comp your admission to the Marburger Farm Antique Show, plus offer you a few gifts before your arrival.

So here’s what you need to do to receive FREE ADMISSION to Marburger Farm for this Fall ‘10 Round Top Antique Week…

(1) Post about your upcoming trip to Round Top, and your plans to attend Marburger Farm Antique Show

(2) Leave your URL in the COMMENTS section below.

(3) I’ll contact you for your address & info, and voila ~ you’ll receive TWO TICKETS to Marburger Farm + a gift. 

Tickets are limited so y’all hurry.  THANKS!!!  Holler at me at cactus_creek@hotmail.com if you have any questions… fancy

** For more INFORMATION about **
Round Top Antique Week check out
Cactus Creek’s Round Top GUIDE

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The Farmstead is a farm/retail store/girls getaway/escape from reality that is located here in my neck of the woods ~ Platte County, Missouri. I know that Platte County Missouri doesn’t sound very romantic. or hip. or beautiful. But I think it’s all of those things… we are nestled in the Missouri River Valley where we have fertile soil, rolling hills, trees & streams, and abundant wildlife.  The views go on forever and it’s easy to get lost in the big starry sky after sun set.  The people are kind and generous and FUN, and we are just a hop from Kansas City which has a thriving art scene, home to Hallmark and the Kansas City Art Institute.  The people here are wildly creative and just a tad wild.

You’d think I was writing for the Bureau of Tourism but I’m not ~ I’m just starting the list of why you should, without a second thought, head to Platte County Missouri this weekend.  But the very biggest reason you should rush right over is that The Farmstead is having a Spring Antiques Home & Garden show that you will not want to miss!!
{and we’re going to be there!!}

So… what is the Farmstead??  Well, I caught up with owner Kelly Littmann to give us the 4-1-1 on her store, this weekend’s event, and the story on the who’s who & all that will be there!!

When did you open the Farmstead and how would you describe it??

I first opened Farmstead three years ago in a small store in Liberty, Missouri. It was just a year ago that we closed the Liberty location and relocated Farmstead to my Platte County, Missouri farm to try a new concept in retailing.

At Farmstead’s new location on the farm we offer boutique shows twice a year in May and October, as well as monthly weekend retreats which are new this year. The retreats offer attendees an opportunity for shopping, creating and connecting through workshops and exploring the farm.  I also do a lot of interior design work in people’s homes, and also by appointment at my studio on the farm.

I describe the Farmstead lifestyle as rustic yet elegant.  It’s all about stuff you love to be surrounded by at your home, at your farm and on you.  Farmstead is about encompassing a lifestyle we all love ~ city girl meets country life in a very fresh new way.

What is the show this weekend??

At Farmstead’s 2010 Spring Antiques Home & Garden Show we will have 18 vendors, all from the Kansas City area, who have been hand picked to make sure that our guests have the best of the best, and a broad selection to choose from.  We will have antique dealers, artisans and unique interior stores that offer everything from French Country, to Shabby Industrial, to Rustic & Western stores like Cactus Creek.  {see a list of vendors HERE}

During the weekend we will have live music with acoustical sets playin’ Johnny Cash & Patsy Cline.  We will be offering homemade food ~ soups, salads, sandwiches & cupcakes.  At our party on Friday night there will be a huge bonfire and s’mores, and even hot chocolate, if there is a chill in the air.

We are also offeringcreative workshops with Sheila Rumney and Cathy Kline {more info HERE}that include a painting class, soldering workshop and more.

Our world is under a lot of change, Farmstead is a unique shopping environment that takes us back to where we were when we were growing up.  You’ll hear the frogs, the neighbor cows, you’ll see the lighting bugs and get your first taste of summer.  This event is about supporting local business owners and connecting and having a good ol’ fashioned time.  It’s an opportunity to take some of our past
& see how it made us who we are

 What are the times for this weekend’s show and how do we get there??

Farmstead’s 2010 Spring Antiques Home & Garden Show
Friday, May 7th, 5pm till 8pm
Saturday, May 8th, 10am till 5pm

From the south — 29 North to Exit 18 (Platte City)
East on 92 Hwy. (right) (drive approx. 3 miles)
North on Winan (left) (drive approx 1.4 miles)
Go to 4 way stop at Winan and Interurban NW (left) on Interurban.
Drive past the Basswood Resort, continue approx. 2.5 miles 
RIGHT on Gooseneck Bend * LEFT on Stubbs Station Road * RIGHT on Mellons Bridge Rd. Look for Private Drive sign at the foot of the hill on the right side. You’ve arrived!

Cactus Creek can’t wait to be a part of this very special weekend!!!!  Thanks, Kelly for inviting us to join y’all on the Farmstead ~ hope to see everyone there this weekend!!

** Click HERE for more STORES we Love **

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Click on READ MORE for more pics….

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I have so many more pictures and people from our trip to Round Top a few weeks ago but I think it’s time to move on… so here’s my last bit, till the fall…

The best story I heard while at Marburger Farm during Round Top Antique Week was that of Kirk of Great Stuff Vintage Furnishings and Susan Wheeler.  These two each own their own antique stores in Seattle, Washington.  While their neighboring stores have no official ties, they work together seamlessly by offering Susan’s feminine twist on vintage design and Kirk’s deep, masculine spin on style, just next store.  Customers are encouraged to shop in both stores to fill all of their needs for distinctive antiques & decor…

Thus, a partnership that works both in Seattle and Round Top, Texas, where Susan and Kirk shared a booth space at Marburger Farm.  But it wasn’t their unique business partnership that made their story unique, although it is exceptional to see neighboring businesses work together and pull one another up, versus viewing one another as competitors.

What made their story interesting for me was the method in which they stocked their booth space at Marburger Farm.  It’s expensive {ok, outlandish}to ship a truck load of antiques and vintage decor from Seattle to Texas; so, this duo went out on a limb and showed up in Texas ten days before the show began, with NOTHING.  They spent the next ten days shopping, buying, styling, tweaking, and opening at Marburger with an exceptional assortment of inventory that looked wonderful, and frankly, sold like hot cakes.

Kirk and Susan’s buying extravaganza began by finding one unique painting that Kirk found particularly powerful.  Every other purchase stemmed from it’s ability to be related to that original purchase.  But outside the box in a very big way.  There was a {working} mechanical bull & rhinestone saddle, exquisite vintage leather chair, a sculpture that made a great statement about life’s “Daily Grind” {BELOW}, plus vintage signs & quirky furniture that made you smile.

I adore the confidence of Kirk and Susan’s plan and even more, their boldness of pulling it off so expertly.  It gives me inspiration, and a goal of some sort, to know that some adventures don’t have to be planned to a tee… and that success can in fact be born through methodical spontaneity.

** Click HERE for more from Round Top Antique Week **

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Before I left for Round Top Antique Week I posted pics from my favorite Marburger Farm booth from Fall 09 ~ 2 Girls Stuff.   I have had several people ask me about their booth from this Spring 10.  Welll… I was there first thing, on the first day, anxiously awaiting all the beauty of 2 Girls stuff. 

And so was everyone else. Their booth was PACKED with women oohing and ahhing ~ it was so full of people that I decided to wait and check it out later in the week…

By the time I got back there the next afternoon, it was almost all gone.  The 2 Girls were kind enough to send me a few photos, though, and I did have a couple of my own images {like those vintage pink leather chaps BELOW ~ to die for!!}, so here’s a peek into the best booth at Marburger {well, one of the many!!} ~ before and after the big rush…

 What is it about these girls’ style that is so appealing??  The unedited use of imagination first of all ~ the log slab with industrial base {BELOW} is as good as it gets.  Then there are the muted colors that ooze Southwestern charm with a few punches of urban sizzle.  And the streak of gritty cowboy charm…

Their style is undefinable but nevertheless spot on… I just wish I didn’t have to wait another six months to go back to Texas and Marburger Farm and see it again!!
Till then… xoxo,fancy

** Click HERE for more from 2 Girls Stuff **

** Click HERE for more from Marburger Farm!! **

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** MORE PICS after the BREAK!!!! **

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For as long as I’ve attended Round Top Antique Week, and Marburger Farm, I’ve always loved to look at the displays from J Hill Designs… BUT I’ve never stopped to visit, which is just down right silly, because the owners of J Hill Designs, husband and wife Billy and Judy Hill are about the nicest, and most talented, people I’ve met!!

For twenty years Judy has been recreating and perfecting her personal style which has been referred to as “SOFT INDUSTRIAL”.  Her creative eye is evident in the details of every inch of space of J Hill Designs.  They use a lot of white ~ and zinc ~ and galvanized metals ~ there is a magnificent juxtaposition in their style.

 In addition to attending Marburger Farm twice a year the Hills also attend shows like Urban Market in Houston.  And when they’re not busy on the road they have an open house at their home in Kilgore, Texas, twice a year.  The next one is Thursday, June 10th and I just might be taking a road trip if anyone wants to tag along!!   Mr. Hill told me that  everything in their home is for sale ~ my guess is that everything is amazing…

The most recent endeavor by Judy and Billy is their steps into their own line of bedding.  Made from textured cotton blends, the J Hill Designs are a simple palette of white and oatmeal, but their linens are anything but simple ~ they are durable, rich, organic and full of fanciful character.  They are easy to launder and remain a unique look.

Enjoy the beautiful pics and look for your inspiration from J Hill Designs ~ their website is right HERE and they have a list of all the places they’re headed in the next couple of months.  AND, if you are interested purchasing J Hill LINENS, or carrying them in your retail store, go here for more information.

** Click HERE for more from Marburger Farm**

** Click HERE for more BEDDING **

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The trend for turning would~be “trash” into something brand new for you is a great way to be GREEN while celebrating your imagination and creativity.  Celebrating creativity is exactly what the folks from Vintage Sculpture do everyday as they create their exceptional art.  Owned by husband & wife team, Brad & Sundie Ruppert, Vintage Sculpture is an emerging art business that is all about up-cycling cast offs and creating whimsical art that can’t be duplicated.

I first met Brad & Sundie while attending theMarburger Farm Antique Show a few years ago and always look forward to visiting with them, checking out their newest creations, and hearing about all of their fun stories of life on the road.  With two teenagers, dogs and a business that requires them to attend art shows all over the country, these two have fun tales of their adventures from here to there.

From bottle caps to scrap iron, cast off furniture, poker chips, old toys and game pieces…. nothing is off limits for Vintage Sculpture when it comes to creating.

To have your own Vintage Sculpture check out Brad and Sundie’s website right HERE, along with many STORES that carry their original pieces of art.

** Click HERE for more from VINTAGE SCULPTURE **

** Click HERE for more from Marburger Farm **

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A favorite place to entertain my Cadillac Cowboy decorating fantasies while at Marburger Farm is Tobacco Road Primitives owned by Marie Webb… her quirky Texas style is perfect for the ranch homes that are prevalent in that part of Texas, but it is also a refreshing twist on all things Western no matter where you hang your hat.

Marie’s business partner, Ron Edwards, is a former sign writer for motion pictures and television. His flawless work, exclusive to Tobacco Road Primitives, results in beautiful signs that can be custom designed for you or your business…

Soooo, how wonderful is this shadow box??  It was gone before you could say boo.  But I bet if you had the ingredients that you could have one whipped up for ya’…

I couldn’t resist this sign!!  I tried and tried but eventually I conceded and Ron painted one just for me & the Cactus Creek Store… it could be yours, just swing in & see us.  Take it home today!!

** Click HERE for more from Marburger!!**

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I can’t believe that it’s been two whole weeks since were at Marburger Farm in Round Top, Texas for Antique Week… time has been flying since we returned but I still have so many pictures to post from our trip so let’s begin with the Marburger Farm Antique Show.

Every season that I’ve attended Round Top Antique Week I have made it through Marburger, but I’ve never been there for the frenzy when the cow bell rings and the ribbon is cut, first thing Tuesday morning. It was a sight to see… all of those people lined up and ready to get the best of the best!!

The emphasis on an industrial look has not subsided as you can see from the images below. Found objects like old fan cages and nail bins become art on walls, tabe top accessories and funky lamps. {I would love this red nail bin in the middle of my kitchen island!!}

Parkhouse Antiques {BELOW} had a great space… always love the mix of distressed white, rusty iron and organic elements like antlers and feathers ~ very distinct to our generation of design.

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 This was a stellar booth {ABOVE & LEFT}, full of Rustic & Western treasures. I would love to know if anyone bought this footed flatware… strange, heh?? I believe that this booth belonged to Mary Jackson out of Colorado.  Great collection!!

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More pics after the break below…

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For the past couple of years whenever I am visiting with people about Round Top Antique Week {or reading about it on the blogs} everyone mentions Leftovers in Brenham, Texas and that it is not to be missed.  Brenham is only a hop, skip and a jump from Round Top ~ maybe 20 minutes.  How and why could I have possibly not made this trip??  Never, ever again will I go to Texas without stopping into this fantastic store. 

Here’s the scoop… Leftovers was opened in 1996 by owners Ed Fulkerson and Michael Breddin.  The two men shop around the world and bring back to Texas an extensive assortment of old & new, eclectic, polished, other worldly merchandise and ideas.  ** My friend Jan had a great little interview with the guys right HERE.

What had me mesmerized was the size & scale of the store which is housed in a simple metal barn. The interior is hardly simple, instead it boasts soaring ceilings, a state of the art kitchen that my coharts have mentioned no less than a thousand times since our visit, and it it even has a stone fireplace that would put most Colorado cabins to shame.

But what really left my mouth hanging open was the merchandising. It was stunning ~ I don’t know how else to describe it.  These images will certainly be the ones that I review over and over in the next few months for BIG inspiration and ideas.

Thanks, Leftovers, for your visual beauty, and also for your kind service.  I can hardly wait to visit again very soon!!  xo,fancy

TONS more pics for your viewing pleasure… Read MORE after the break BELOW.

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About a month or so ago The Junk Gypsy Company announced their newest BIG-O project deluxe… to turn a vintage 1953 Flying Cloud Airstream into a rockin’, road worthy saloon on wheels for Super Star, Country Star, Ms. Miranda Lambert as she sets off on her new tour, Roadside Bars & Pink Guitars!!

Along the way the Junk Gypsy crew launched a new blog {right HERE}chronicling the Airstream Adventures; pulled off a killer set up at the flea market in Warrenton {pics HERE}; and also managed to throw the party of the year ~ the legendary Junk Gypsy PROM {Facebook PICS HERE}. Phew ~ I don’t know how they do it all but I’m guessing it’s all those buttermilk biscuits, Texas-sized ding dongs, and java runs!! {look how gorgeous these girls are ~ I don’t think they’re really eating the ding dongs…}

So when I showed up in Warrenton last week I was excited to see Miranda Lambert’s new AIRSTREAM up close and personal and I’m even happier to be sharing the pics right here!! enjoy….

Each of the BARSTOOLS {ABOVE} have a different word on them… the girls couldn’t decide if they should say”Thelma & Louise”, or “Me & Bobbie McGee”… so after a phone call to Mama Lambert it was determined that one says “Lover” and the other says “Fighter”.  Why?? Cause when you’re drinkin’ you’re either a LOVER or a FIGHTER. Yes, Ma’am.

A challenge was sconces because everything was 12 volts, so they used marine lights and this old car light that Matt White from Excess found in a car lot in New York.

THERE IS SOOO
MUCH MORE TO SEE…
Read MORE after the break below.

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