Have you ever had one of those days that is just great from top to bottom??  Today was one of those days & I am most grateful for it… I spent the morning shopping & eating fried food with a darling friend in Kansas City’s West Bottoms.  Every First Friday weekend there are several old warehouses that are opened up and stocked full of antiques, vintage finds & a few hand made goods.  We shopped till we dropped and barely got through half of it.

I was able to get a couple of new vendors for the Weston MO Antique Show April 27 & 28 {you’re coming for that, right??}.  Including crazy-fantastic Melinda Dennis who has an amazing eye and jewerly you’ll drool over.

I saw lots of people I know & love… it’s a good thing to be amongst people who are a part of your tribe.  They have that same DNA that you have that draws you to the beauty of old things.

As the the afternoon moved on good news kept falling all over me and I am feeling grateful to the good Lord above for continuing to carry me through this crazy chapter of life.  THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU JESUS.  Hope y’all have a great weekend!!  Monita will be at the shop while I take the boys on a little road trip.  be safe & keep the faith, xofancy

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1st Fridays in the West Bottoms

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Last Spring 11 was my first year to help organize Weston’s annual Spring Antique Show… inspired by women like Serena from Farm Chicks, Ki from Junk Bonanza, and of course my favorite Texas show, Marburger Farm, we’re a long way away from making Country Living’s Top Ten, but this is the 30th year of the show and it has deep roots.  I am so excited to be working on it again and thinking of new ways to stretch and grow the event.

This is, of course, an invitation to attend.  Our little town of Weston has loads to offer… a Main Street full of shops, eight B&Bs, a historic hotel, phenonomenal restaurants, a pub 5 stories underground, 3 local wineries… plus we’re only 15 minutes from the Kansas City airport.  There is no reason for you not to take a road trip, plane trip, bus or train.  Just get your booty here April 27 & 28 to check out our sweet little town + the ANTIQUE SHOW!!

IF YOU ARE A JUNKER & WANT TO SELL YOUR GOODS!!!!  Click HERE for an app… it’s super inexpensive to set up and we always have a great turn out with lotsa’ buyers.

My last temptation is the offer of Cactus Creek’s 3rd Annual Tamale Party… this year we are encouraging tamale attire {whatever the heck that means}… we’ll have fresh tamales, local beer & wine, live music & loads of fun.  Please join us. we’d be so happy to have you!!  xoxo, fancy

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10.10.11 Round Top, TX— Marburger Farm has done it again. The twice yearly mega-show in Round Top, Texas has overcome hurricanes, wars, recessions and more. This Sept. 27–Oct. 1, the prospects included all of those, plus the tail end of the driest, hottest Texas summer in decades. But the not-so-little show that could pulled off a winner again.

After two hot days, about noon on Thursday, a clap of thunder sounded. “In our tent,” said Patrick Kenny of upstate NY’s South Porch Antiques, “with each clap of thunder, people clapped back. When the rain started to pour, they cheered and yehawed, as only Texans can yehaw. At Brimfield, we cried over rain. At Marburger Farm, they were cheering in the aisles.”

As the rain continued, someone turned up the volume on “Amazing Grace” and shoppers found that the 10 football field size tents and 12 historic buildings on Marburger’s 43 acre site provided perfect cover for shopping over 350 exhibitors from 38 states and several nations. Kenny sold gilded frames, a pair of nine-foot tall glass doors from an 1890 Pennsylvania building and a three foot wide mirrored ballroom ceiling disc from a 1920s Catskill resort. Like many antiques sold at Marburger Farm, that piece will travel further west to a Seattle shop.

MORE AFTER THE BREAK >>>

West coast wholesale buyers dominated the opening days. ”In spite of the heat early on, the designers and store buyers were here,” said Julie Harris of Kansas City, MO. “The first two days were strong selling days for me.” Harris sold, antique trunks and silver sporting trophies, many of them going west.

Most exhibitors reported good to utterly outstanding sales, with many setting career records. “Our closing day on Saturday, was the highest we’ve ever had,” said Rhonda Holden of 2 Girl’s Stuff from Dallas. Holden sold six rugs, Spanish Colonial iron and antique bottles topped with industrial gauges for use as bookends and sculpture.

Another Texas dealer, Ray Veazey of San Antonio, had shoppers fighting over a French canopy bed and huge metal leaves from a 1980s Neiman Marcus display by Emilia Castillo. “Of the 29 Marburger shows that we have done,” said Veazey, “this was our top 3rd in gross sales. The shoppers who come to Marburger Farm are real troopers. I’m really thankful that they came.”

Studio F’s Kara Fogertey of St. Louis MO and Mike Whittemore of Punta Gorda, FL had their best show ever. They sold eight mirrors, eight pieces of upholstered furniture, an 18th c. carved English bookcase and every zinc-topped table they brought. “We save stuff for six months just for Marburger,” said Whittemore. “and then we price things right for the market. Instead of getting that extra 10-20%, we do it in volume at Marburger Farm.”

Danny Martin of L’Antiquario Antique Tiles from Miami Beach, FL reflected, “In spite of everything, it was one of the best shows we’ve ever had anywhere—really up there.” Martin sold a large trumeau fireplace surround with faux marbling, a French leather tri-fold door to be used as a headboard and thousands of reclaimed antique floor tiles from European buildings. Colleen Martin reported that “Some people were into architecturals because they are renovating and others because the building market is coming back. We have about 30 homes to follow up with antique tiles because of this show. Marburger Farm did not disappoint.”

First-time Marburger exhibitor John Tuttle of Atlanta’s ReWorks summed it up: “Everything I had ever heard about Marburger Farm was true. There is more great merchandise and more talent at Marburger Farm than at any show I have ever seen.” Tuttle brought talent in tow by creating 150 lamps from re-purposed antiques such as old boot forms, hubcaps, musical instruments and architectural fragments. “Just one store buyer bought 18, another bought 14, all going to NM, AZ, CA and other western states.”

“Marburger Farm has evolved into a national and international crossroads for antiques and for talent,” says show co-owner Rick McConn. “We had our highest international and national attendance. One shopper kept texting photos of merchandise at the show to a niece in Hope, AR. A text returned: ‘Where is the nearest airport?’ With a private plane and a local airport, she was here shopping that very afternoon. And she fit it all into the plane, except for two carved eagles that had to be shipped. Hope springs eternal.”

Co-owner Ashley Ferguson believes that one reason this show was so compelling for shoppers was the introduction of a special contract requiring all merchandise to be antique, vintage pre-1989 or re-purposed from antique pieces. “You don’t have to paw through piles of reproductions at Marburger Farm,” says Ferguson. “We had the show vetted by an appraiser from the “Antiques Roadshow” and he pronounced us ‘a clean show.’ Marburger dealers search all over the world for the antique, vintage and re-purposed pieces that bring authenticity into a home—and that makes a difference.”

The show also made a difference by hosting a benefit booth for the Houston affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, as well as for the Brookwood Community, a Texas non-profit group that empowers adults with special needs. Additionally, a portion of the show’s ticket proceeds benefited Susan G. Komen-Houston to help in the fight against breast cancer.

A similar survivor spirit is one reason that Marburger Farm thrives: Texas shoppers are resilient. Exhibitor Beverly Williams of Warren, TX sold a French cupboard to a woman from Bastrop, TX, scene of recent fires that destroyed over 400 homes. “With her,” reports Williams, “were two other women from Bastrop, all next-door neighbors and all had lost their homes in the fire. Here they were at Marburger Farm, shopping to rebuild and to replace antiques that had been handed down in their families. They bought all over the show and I sent them all home with gifts from my booth. It touched my heart to see their spirit.”

In that spirit, the Marburger Farm Antique Show invites you, wherever you live, to the April 3-7, 2012 show, deep in the heart of Texas— where the bluebonnets are pretty darn resilient too.

The Spring Marburger Farm Antique Show opens Tuesday April 3 for Early Buying Admission from 10 am until 2 pm. Regular admission begins at 2 pm until 5 pm that day. Admission is good all week and parking is free. Shopping continues on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 9 am until 5 pm and on Saturday, April 7, from 9 am until 4 pm. For maps, photos, the show blog and information on tickets, groups, the Marburger Café, on-site shipping and special events, see www.roundtop-marburger.com

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Round Top Antique Week

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When I was in Texas I tried very hard to notice any new trends arising… I asked several dealers but usually it was the same answer: industrial, tattered, maybe a shift towards 70’s & 80’s styles {Lordy, that’s vintage now isn’t it??}.  But one dealer in particular {actually he is the owner of one of the most popular antique/vintage stores in the country} said TAXIDERMY.

I was just wondering what y’all thought??  I do love that show Oddities that is currently on the Discovery Channel; it is set in a New York retail store that specializes in the buying and selling of strange and extraordinary science artifacts.  And the trend for biological and educational charts has been around for a bit… maybe these are what are causing people to be interested in TAXIDERMY.  Or maybe it’s a regional trend?? 

I kind of like the critters but that might be odd, huh??  what are your thoughts & opinions??

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Round Top Antique Week

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Hard to believe we’ve already been back from Texas for a week… I think I’m finally getting caught up and back into the groove of things.  As always I have returned and feel like I didn’t see all the people I wanted to visit with, didn’t take nearly enough pictures, and could have stayed at least another week.

Thankfully I did get some time to visit with Judy Hill from Judy Hill Designs at Marburger Farm.  She is one of my favorite people to visit with because she is always so humble and sweet and honest.  Judy’s spin on “soft industrial” is always spot on and her merchandising is over the top.  I have included a few pictures of this Fall’s space for you to swoon over… past years are HERE.

I’ve probably shared this story a bazillion times but here goes again… one of the reasons I enjoy Judy so much is from a conversation we had on the phone a year or two ago.  This may or may not have been how the conversation went, but this is how I remember it… I asked her if she had any personal collections and she said, {insert her tiny texas voice} “No.. and if I ever have then I don’t remember them.”  then she said, “I love to buy beautiful things and sell beautiful things. I don’t like to collect beautiful things.”  It was like someone had given me wings… I was freed from collecting and I was free to buy and sell all things, because after all, they are just things.

Thanks Judy for all the inspiration & never ending ideas… xofancy

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My absolute favorite, must see vendor when I go to Texas for Round Top Antique Week is always 2 Girls Stuff at Marburger Farm… they didn’t make it last spring so I was so happy to see them last week and I’m dying to share the ideas that they brought to the show!!

They don’t have a website, they don’t do other shows… they are just two girls with “real” jobs who love to pick and show up every Spring and Fall.  This year they showed up as usual with their quirky, western, Navajo, industrial style that I just can’t get enough of.

Cactus + Antlers + old Iron Container… love

I have been collecting & selling gauges like this for a while without a real certainty of what to do with them.  I have seen them on stands and attempted to translate the idea but have yet to find someone who could do it for me.  I’m not sure how to do this either but it’s freakin’ fantastic…

This guy was SOLD within the first couple of hours of opening the booth. I’m not surprised… 

When I grow up I want my store to look just like this!!!  Thanks for the inspiration 2 girls… xofancy

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Marburger Farm Antique Show

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Technorati Tags: Industrial Decor, Marburger Farm Antique Show, Navajo Decor, repurpose jars, western decor

Today I had the great opportunity to attend a luncheon at Rachel Ashwell’s new store and B&B, The Prairie by Rachel Ashwell.  BIG thanks to Kelly Copeland from The Hidden List for hosting the lunch which was catered by the ALWAYS delicious Royer’s Round Top Cafe {Shrimp BLT & Chocolate Chip Pie was to die for}.  After lunch we got to visit with Rachel Ashwell and have a personal tour of her store and Bed & Breakfast.

Rachel purchased the property about a year ago and has transformed it into a Shabby Chic mecca with Texas charm and vintage style that is trademark Shabby Chic ~ white cottons, florals and distressed textures.

We had lunch here, in the Ranger’s Lounge & Common Area. Did I mention that we had Royer’s Round Top Cafe for lunch?? Holey sugar high & happy happy palette dance…

Even the bathroom is pretty as a picture… I loved the juxtaposition of feminine wallpaper, rustic metal & masculine barn wood.

sooooo much more after the BREAK >>>

After lunch we headed over to the new store which is located in a building that was taken from a local farmstead & put on the property.  It’s a lovely little store that features Shabby Chic’s line of fabrics, furniture, lighting & accessories.  The most charming part of the store is that it is in the company of other Shabby Chic stores which are located in New York, Los Angeles & London ~ fine company for a little town of 90!!

From the store we headed over to see the newly updated B&B… these images are from the main house named Liliput Lodge.  There are several other small private places for guests to spend time…

 Thanks again to Kelly, Bud & Rachel ~ and all of the lovely women I met ~ for a wonderful afternoon!!  xo+fancy

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On our very last day in Texas we were taking one last spin through the fields in Warrenton and I came across these girls… Wendy and Ciindy from
Ms. Wendy’s Antiques in Senoia, Georgia. I just loved their style and merchandise!! I really wanted to take home those BIG BROWN leather chairs but there was no way I could fit them in the truck and I couldn’t find them a ride home… next time I’m taking a very big trailer!!!

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Last fall during Round Top Antique Week I was introduced to Richard and Janet Schmidt ~ a married duo whose talents, creativity, and keen eye create endless STYLE. During Round Top Antique Week they set up an unassuming display for their jewelry on Round Top’s town square. It’s not until you enter their little white tent that you realize you have stumbled upon something really special… jewelry that is created with SPIRIT and SUBSTANCE, and is sure to be the next big rage.

This spring I had a chance to peek into Richard and Janet’s permanent showroom, Schmidt’s, which is in the town square of La Grange, Texas {just 20 minutes south of Round Top, and halfway between Houston and Austin}. As suspected, I was not disappointed… Art, jewelry, photography and pottery are just the beginning of the journey through Schmidt’s.

Richard’s distinct jewelry designs set the tone for the space which has been a family owned business since 1977 {Richard and Janet have owned it together for 9 years}. In addition to their own designs, Richard related that “other artists they show are Dave Newman, Brad and Sundie Ruppert, Clayton McDermott, Rustic Attitude, and Tara Gasparian. They also have a great selection of diamond and colored stone jewelry, santos, oaxacan pottery, wrought iron and wooden crosses, beads and many other great tchotchkes.”

I also asked Richard about how he got started designing jewelry, “I first made jewelry about 30 years ago while in college. It wasn’t until 1995 when Janet and I decided we wanted to raise our children in the small town I grew up in that I decided to do jewelry design full time. I am mostly self taught with lots of trial and some error. This is truly my passion and I am blessed that I get to do this every day.” Richard’s passion is evident in his detailed and INPSPIRED designs.

“Schmidt’s is a small town store and gallery with great merchandise, Texas hospitality, and a warm atmosphere…” The Schmidt’s work hard “to find unusual and one of a kind pieces that will fit even the most discriminating budget.” This is definitely a place that you must stop if you are traveling between Houston and Austin ~ or go for the day, it’s a great drive… ROAD TRIP!!

Click HERE for more pictures of the Schmidt’s Jewelry

** Click HERE for the Schmidt’s **
COUNTDOWN to Round Top

** Click HERE for our Western Jewelry GUIDE **

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Rustic * Western * Vintage FASHION

Technorati Tags: Marburger Farm Antique Show, richard schmidt, Richard Schmidt Jewelry, Round Top Antique Week, western jewelry

p.s. you must have reservations if you want to eat at Royer’s in the next couple of weeks ~ reservations are now being accepted {but they are already 75% full}!!!  just call 979-249-3611 to get hooked up ~ the cafe will be back open & taking reservations Tuesday at 4pm!!!

Today I came home to perhaps the greatest gift I could receive… a Pecan Pie from TEXAS. My very, very favorite at Royer’s Round Top Cafe!! Thanks, BUD!!!!! Big love, Fancy

Every time we visit Round Top our trip begins with a feast at Royer’s Round Top Cafe on Monday night… it’s the perfect way to prepare our tastebuds for a week of indulgence. One of the best parts of a visit to Royer’s is sitting on the front porch waiting for dinner. Bud Royer {an owner at the Cafe} always sits outside with his clipboard in one hand, glasses perched on his nose, hands covered in turquoise while he welcomes each guest.

Like the sign says, it’s the only porch “Where People Rush to Wait”. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!!

During Round Top week, stationed just outside of Royer’s Round Top Cafe, is a cheerful tent occupied by Texas artist Melissa Brownlow. Her bright art catches your eye immediately and makes you think of HAPPY times.

Perfect for the beach house, lake house, ski house, bar basement or as a big, happy “gooood morning” in your breakfast nook ~ Melissa’s junk~turned~art is a must have for Round Top shoppers.

Learn more about Melissa HERE.

Order your own pie HERE.
sorry, I’m not sharing mine.

** Click HERE for Bud Royer’s Countdown to Round Top **

** Click HERE for more ARTISTS **
you will LOVE

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