a round up from MARBURGER FARM Antique Show!!

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 >>>

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Technorati Tags: antique shows, Marburger Farm Antique Show, Round Top, Round Top Antique Week, vintage decor

WARNING: THESE IMAGES ARE NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART, PETA MEMBERS, OR PEOPLE WHO WANT TO SEND ME NASTY EMAILS. I DID NOT KILL OR STUFF THESE CREATURES, I MERELY PHOTOGRAPHED THEM FOR THE PURPOSE OF FINDING OUT IF THEY CREEP PEOPLE OUT, OR IF PEOPLE ARE INTRIGUED ENOUGH TO GET THEIR OWN DEAD CRITTERS.

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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Technorati Tags: Round Top Antique Week, skull chandelier, taxidermy, Vintage, vintage taxidermy

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

** Click HERE for more from MARBURGER FARM **

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Technorati Tags: judy hill designs, Marburger Farm Antique Show, Round Top Antique Week, shabby chic, soft industrial

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

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

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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 >>>

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Sure hope to run into these girls again during Round Top Antique Week!!!

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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More BEST OF CCD as we count down the last few days before heading to Texas… this post is from Spring 2009 after I was first introduced to Richard and Janet Schmidt… their joyful spirits and attitudes ooze out of their beautiful jewelry… even if you can’t make it to Texas {be sure to visit the Schmidt’s this fall at Marburger Farm!!} you have a great opportunity to get to know their work on their website right HERE. 

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

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

A couple of years ago I got the best gift ever, from the best restaurant ever… Royer’s Round Top Cafe ~ here is another BEST OF CCD & another must not miss place if you are headed to Round Top Antique Week!!!

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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More from years gone by at Round Top Antique Week… this from what I believe is the biggest and best of all the show that take place during Antique Week ~ MARBURGER FARM.  This Fall’s Show will start on Tuesday, September 27 thru Saturday, October 1. 
{more info about this Fall’s show HERE}

I always love the time spent at Marburger Farm Antique Show during Round Top Antique Week… 40 lovely acres of Texas country covered with a dozen tents, and a dozen buildings, all full of the finest antique dealers from around the world. We saw everything you can imagine, from crystal chandeliers worth tens of thousands, to repurposed bath tubs, to quirky art… and everything in between.

There was even a star sighting when Tori Spelling & her husband Dean who were in town to shop for their new store in Sherman Oaks, California called InvenTORI which will carry antiques, gifts & more.

In the booth above they had taken an old bath tub, cut it down, and made it into a chaise lounge… I actually walked by it, and another one they had which was white, several times before I realized that it was a bathtub. They had also taken these old framed photos and drawn on them ~ notice “JAY” written on the picture above the bed… great ideas!!!

{more pics including the other tub/chaise on our Facebook Page HERE}

Picture above is from The Shop Antiques which specializes in CARNIVAL, AMUSEMENT PARK & CIRCUS items.

I LOVE this bed displayed with hay bales, there is another one that is AFTER THE BREAK Below >>>>>>>>>>>> I’m going to have to borrow this idea one day…

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Technorati Tags: Marburger Farm Antique Show, Round Top Antique Week, Round Top Texas, texas antique show

MORE rewinds from years gone by… this morning I posted a lil’ ode to prom and this has been another popular post {originally posted in Sept 2009} about WHAT TO WEAR!!!!!!!!

The last few weeks we’ve been counting down to Round Top Antique Week which is just days away from getting started.

Today we heard from Lindsey, a member of the Junk Gypsy Company, a group of women who are critical characters in the Round Top story… You see, in addition to the piles of antiques, flea market frenzy and plethora of food an drink there is also a legendary PARTY during Round Top Antique Week, held by the ladies themselves, the JUNK GYPSY JUNK-O-RAMA prom.

Junk Gypsy Dimestore Cowgirl Hat * Tall Tops & Tutus TEE * Vintage Petticoat

Every spring and fall during Round Top Antique Week in the tiny town of Warrenton, Texas, there is a little shin dig called the JUNK GYPSY JUNK-O-RAMA prom. For anteekers, junkers and lovers of all things Junk Gypsy, prom is like a royal ball… everyone gets all gussied up, spit~shines their boots & gathers for a night of rip roaring fun. If you’ve not been before then GO, even if you only go once it’ll be an event you won’t soon forget… adults dressed up in all of their finery, sipping on champagne & brewskies, dancing, laughing and getting giddy, all in a cow pasture surrounded by miles of heirlooms and antiquities.

Dirty Dancing Dress * Junk Gypsy Petticoat Dress * Melon Tulle 1950’s Strapless Prom Dress

One SERIOUS question arises when discussing prom, What exactly does one wear?? SERIOUS in the way that you prepared for your own high school prom… Do you remember how important it was to get just the right dress, have your hair done just so and by golly, the boy had better bring me a pretty corsage!! As adults we’re not usually so fussy but still, JUNK GYPSY JUNK-O-RAMA prom is your opportunity, as a grown up, to be anyone you want to be for one spectacular night.

Russet & Lace Bell Bottom Jeans * Junk Gypsy Cowgirl Hippie Necklace * Prairie Jeweler Native Cuff

My gal pal Michele, aka the Prairie Jeweler, and I have spent many late nights sending one another pictures & ideas to create an album of what~to~wear IDEAS, most of which I’ve posted here, along with pictures from JUNK GYPSY JUNK-O-RAMA prom of years past.

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Technorati Tags: gypsy clothes, Junk Gypsies, Junk gypsy Prom, Round Top, Round Top Antique Week