When I asked Sundie Ruppert the “Best kept secret about Round Top Antique Week??” she said, “tent g, THE ARTISANS TENT, at Marburger Farm.”  She’s right, of course… 7 vendors take up Marburger Farm’s TENT G.  Here are 3 of them…

 
VINTAGE SCULPTURE

Offering uncommon art made with common objects, the husband-wife team that makes up Vintage Sculpture has carved out a distinctive niche in the world of ‘found art’.  Seen in art galleries, retail stores, and well~appointed homes across the USA, Vintage Sculpture has created a recognizable look that sets it apart from other artists. Much of what Brad and Sundie present has a Western vibe that mixes well in far-out ranches and urban lofts alike.

{CLICK on pics below for larger images}

 
FOUND IMAGES

For those of us whose design aesthetic centers on Wild West SOUL * Vintage CHARM * and a Wanderlust SPIRIT,  Found Images is a perfect source for outfitting a room to inspire!!  Known for their vintage images and bold colors, Found Images produces a long line of merchandise for both retail, and wholesale accounts.  If you are interested in buying Found Images online go HERE. 

{CLICK on pics below for larger images}

 
AROUND THE BEND

Organic Materials * Bright Paints * and Natural Forms meld to create a unique brand of rustic furniture from Around the Bend.  Hand made in Ohio, Rick and Denise Pratt {another husband-wife team} use native willow saplings to free-form their“contemporary twig furnishings”.  Now in cahoots with their 3 children, the Pratt family continues to explore un-chartered territory in design, color and style of twig furniture.  Take some time to browse through the “furniture” section HERE for a full look at the broad range of rustic designs, many with modern style and influence. 

{CLICK on pics below for larger images}

** Click HERE for more about Round Top **

{SUBSCRIBE} HERE to have the CactusCreekDaily.com BLOG
delivered straight to your E-Mailbox!!

Technorati Tags: around the bend, found art, found images, Marburger Farm, Round Top Antique Week, Twig Furniture, Vintage Sculpture

Open any home decor magazine on news stands today and you will find an intriguing juxtaposition of materials.  Peely-paint tables mixed with linen upholstery * iron architectural salvage used as art * cowhides covering modern chairs.  I have a strong affection for this look, especially the “Urban Farmhouse” style of mixing corrugated metal * antiqued paint * neutral colors * and a pop of grass-green velvet.

This is why I am dying to get to Houston to check out Found ~ for the home.  A new store that celebrates the idea of mixing things up & taking nothing too seriously.  On the Found website, co-owner, Aaron Rambo says “We simply collect items that speak to us, regardless of provenance. It’s about living with authenticity.”  I LOVE it!!  Once again I see the pages of magazines unfolding{that seemed to happen a lot at Marburger this year… so much talent!!}. 

Aaron and Ruth, the business partners and founders of Found, started off as a designer-client team.  They quickly became friends who appreciated one another’s aesthetic and knew that bringing their tastes & talents to life in a retail store would satisfy long-held dreams.

Opening Found last year, this was the store’s premiere Marburger Farm show.  The sampling that Aaron and Ruth brought to Marburger Farm for Round Top Antique Week was intriguing and indicative of the unique mix for which Found is becoming known.

For more info, directions, etc visit the Found website HERE.  NOTE: Be sure to take time & look at the PRESS section of the website which has pictures of Aaron’s sensational Houston loft!!

** Click HERE for more stores you will LOVE!! **

** Click HERE for more about Round Top **

{SUBSCRIBE} HERE to have the CactusCreekDaily.com BLOG
delivered straight to your E-Mailbox!!

Technorati Tags: Found, Marburger Farm, Round Top Antique Week

Another favorite at Marburger Farm is Lisa McQueen, aka “Queenie”.  Not only is she a midwest beauty, Queenie is a ball of fun.  She also works her tail off!!  The result is an offering of stellar mirrors, hooks, and wall decor that fit perfectly with the “Rustic~Glam” style that so many of us LOVE.

The Bucket and Washtub mirrors {ABOVE} are made from vintage zinc buckets and washtubs.  These mirrors are a perfect fit if you are furnishing a nursery or little girl’s room.

Queenie’s vintage mirrors and hooks are an outstanding addition to any bathroom, but especially your guest bathroom!!  It is easy and fun to go overboard in the guest room & bathroom.{My 1/2 bath is decked out with a vintage-style mirror and oversized crystal chandelier ~ the Hubby hates it, but I think it’s fabulous!!}

My favorite treasure from Queenie this Fall 08 was the vintage-framed mirror {ABOVE}.  Taken from an antique carousel and fitted with brand new mirrors, these green and red beauties are divine!!  I would love to see one above a red vanity in a guest room, or maybe three of them lined up in my boys’ bathroom…  Love it!!

Setting out every month for Scott’s Antique Market, twice yearly for Marburger Farm, and also Brimfield, Queenie can be found up and down the highways as she travels from her Indiana home.  You can also find her fab goods on her website HERE.  Can’t wait to see what treasures she hauls to Texas in the Spring…
Till then, Happy trails Queenie!!

** For more Rustic * Western * Vintage LIGHTS & MIRRORS Click HERE **

** For more about Round Top click HERE**

{SUBSCRIBE} HERE to have the CactusCreekDaily.com BLOG
delivered straight to your E-Mailbox!!

Technorati Tags: Marburger Farm, Round Top Antique Week

Even though we live in the Midwest, there is no question that the design aesthetic of our home comes from my native roots of Texas.  Perhaps that is why I felt so comfortable {and why I wanted every single thing} at the Tobacco Road Primitives’ space in Marburger Farm. {Their website is under construction.}

Specializing in creating one-of-a-kind furniture and home accessories, Tobacco Road Primitives’ owner, Marie Webb, consolidates her design sensibilities, and appreciation for vintage furniture, with the talents of her friends and family, creating a style that can easily be described as “Texas Ranch House” .

Marie’s mom {who is over 80 years old} sews all of the cushions for Tobacco Road Primitives~ like those for the sofa above, which I am LOVING… It is perfect for my sun porch!!

Marie’s friend, 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.  NOTE: Ron can paint anything!!  Bookmark this page NOW so that you can find it when you are looking for someone to paint a sign for your ranch * your business * or as a gift.

The rugged metal designs are unlike any I’ve seen before.  Cut out bowls, the Armadillo lamp {LOTS of whimsical lamps are available!!}, and Western-inspired ornaments are light-hearted designs that make great gifts and accents to your favorite rooms.

You can find Marie and Tobacco Road Primitives every Fall and Spring at the Marburger Farm Antique Show during Round Top Antique Week.  You can also track her down at Scott’s Antique Market in Atlanta.  OR – you can email Marie HERE.

** Click HERE for Tobacco Road pics from Spring 08 **

** For more about Round Top click HERE **

{SUBSCRIBE} HERE to have the CactusCreekDaily.com BLOG
delivered straight to your E-Mailbox!!

Technorati Tags: Marburger Farm, Round Top Antique Week, Texas sign

Every Spring and Fall Terri Squyres brings a load of goodies to Round Top Antique Week and her space at Marburger Farm.  She doesn’t have a store, or a website, and that suits her lifestyle just fine ~ she just enjoys the joy of the hunt and the fun of sharing it all with the shoppers at Marburger Farm.

Last Spring 08 Terry showed off some darling footstools with unique combinations of luxury fabrics and rugged horns.  This year she had more ideas I LOVED!!

The Vintage Mounted Horns {ABOVE} feature bright pops of red & green leather.  Terri suggested that this is a perfect alternative to your Christmas Wreath…  Love it!!  What a great welcome to a Christmas hoedown!!

Another clever idea is the chandelier {ABOVE}.  I have often seen old bird cage stands at flea markets and wondered what on earth could be done with them??  Here is the perfect way to show off a vintage chandelier {the pierced hedge-apples in place of candelabra lights is fabulous!!} ~ or how about creating a LAMP with a small chandelier and old bird cage.  Very creative, Terri!!  Thanks for the inspiration…

** Click HERE for Terri’s pics from Spring 08 **

** For more about Round Top click HERE **

{SUBSCRIBE} HERE to have the CactusCreekDaily.com BLOG
delivered straight to your E-Mailbox!!

Technorati Tags: Marburger Farm, Round Top Antique Week

Here is a quickie about these Indian Blanket lamp shades, pillows & stockings that we found at Marburger Farm when we attended Round Top Antique Week last week…

They are hand-crafted with Indian and Pendleton blankets, and available by special order.  The quality was excellent and I thought they would be perfect for a bunk room!!  The gentleman who makes them is “tech-free”, but I have his number.  Just send me a note HERE and I can forward you his digits…

** For Western * Rustic * Vintage LAMPS click HERE **

** For more about Round Top click HERE **

{SUBSCRIBE} HERE to have the CactusCreekDaily.com BLOG
delivered straight to your E-Mailbox!!

Technorati Tags: Marburger Farm, pendleton blanket, Round Top Antique Week

Last year at Marburger Farm we came across Jan Orr-Harter, owner of Hot Tamale Antiques.  In the Spring 08 Jan’s space was filled with a rainbow-bright palette of textiles, furniture and vivid accessories.  I love to see a look transform which is exactly what Hot Tamale Antiques unfolded with this Fall’s installment at Marburger Farm.

Citing the trend towards subdued colors, Jan brought a selection of folk art and Americana decor that compliments the “Urban Farmhouse” style that is so in vogue.  A range of foggy colors that balance perfectly with the burlap, steel and canvas textures that are taking over the pages of Country decor ~ THESE are the pieces that make a room feel special, and a home feel lived in. 

Jan, the proprietor of Hot Tamale Antiques, travels across the country to discover the treasures you will LOVE, and bring them to her 1800s log cabin where she offers two open houses a year.  To learn more about Jan and her contribution to Americana design, visit her website HERE.

* Click HERE for Hot Tamale Antiques pics from Spring 08 *

** For more about Round Top click HERE **

{SUBSCRIBE} HERE to have the CactusCreekDaily.com BLOG
delivered straight to your E-Mailbox!!

Technorati Tags: Americana, folk art, Hot Tamale Antiques, Marburger Farm, Round Top Antique Week

This week has been all about the Round Top Antique Week that begins next week in Round Top, Texas.  On Monday, in Part I, we talked about Round Top, Then & Now.  Yesterday, Part II, was all about Marburger Farm, a “must see” Round Top shopping venue with character and class.  Today we bring you more from Marburger Farm and some of the vendors that fuel my fire for Rustic * Western * Vintage STYLE!!

These are the QUESTIONS we posed to some of the vendors we met on our Spring ‘08 trip to Round Top.  Here is what a few of the folks who are, themselves, the cream of the crop, had to say about their comprades…

VINTAGE SCULPTURE {ABOVE}
Brad & Sundie Ruppert, the husband and wife team from Vintage Sculpture, typify the “Art of Found Objects”.  Their space, located in Tent G at Marburger Farm, is a fun and vibrant space where you will want to hang out for a while visiting and definitely take home a treasure!!  Here is what Sundie had to say:

1. what is the one thing no one should miss when visiting round top?
SUNDIE: dinner at royer’s cafe… order the steak!!!

HOT TAMALE ANTIQUES {ABOVE}
Jan Orr-Harter, proprietor of Texas based Hot Tamale Antiques, is located in Tent A at Marburger Farm.  Jan offers an exceptional selection of brightly colored textiles, vintage art, and Wild West accessories.  The campy feel is comforting and a perfect fitfor your lake house, cowpoke room, or a sun porch decorated to bring you cheer all year round!!  Here are Jan’s tips for attending Round Top:

1. what is the one thing no one should miss when visiting round top?
JAN: No one should miss opening day at Marburger Farm Antiques Show—Tuesday, Sept. 30 at 10 am for $25 early buying or $10 at 2 pm, admission good all week. Tip: come early for breakfast so you won’t get stuck in the line of vehicles at 9:30 am.

THE SHOP ANTIQUES {ABOVE}
The SHOP Antiques, which happened to be featured in this month’s Country Home Magazine {Congrats!!} is owned by Mandie Murphree, and specializes in vintage relics from Carnivals, Amusement Parks and the Circus. How’s that for a good time??  Mandie’s space is located in Tent A at Marburger Farm. Here is Mandie’s 2 cents:

1. what is the one thing no one should miss when visiting round top?
MANDIE: Marburger Farm Antique Show Sept 30 – Oct 4

2. who is your favorite vendor at round top {in addition to you!!}??
MANDIE: Dan’s Antiques at The Bar W Field (By the Creek next to the 3rd Bridge) Great Stuff!!!!!

QUEENIE TIN {LEFT}

 
We’ll see you there, Queenie!! Thanks so much to all of you for taking the time to answer my questions… See you next week ~ Happy Trails!! Fancy

** Check back tomorrow for two more Round Top institutions: **
Big Red Barn and Cole’s Antique Show.

** For more about Round Top Click HERE  **

{SUBSCRIBE} HERE to have the CactusCreekDaily.com BLOG
delivered straight to your E-Mailbox so that you don’t miss a thing!!

Technorati Tags: Marburger Farm, Round Top

Yesterday, in PART I of our Round Top GUIDE, it was all about the tiny town of Round Top, Texas and how it became an international destination for Antique collectors and dealers alike.  Be sure to go through Round Top’s town square to enjoy the shops, restaurants & spirits when you head to Round Top Antique Week!!  Next stop on your Texas Road Trip: Marburger Farm.

Marburger Farm

If you only have one full day to spend at Round Top Antique Week then Marburger Farm is THE place to be.  Located halfway between Warrenton and Round Top {click HERE for a map}, Marburger Farm is a journey through Parisian flea markets, Western Art exhibits and Country Quilt Bees.  Your creativity will be fueled * your collections will tip with new weight * and your passion for all things vintage will swell larger than ever before!!

Spread through a dozen historical buildings, and 9 large tents, the Marburger Farm Antique Show features over 350 dealers from North America, Europe, Asia & beyond. 

The dealers are enthusiastic and thoughtful, working hard to bring unique items that are sure to delight you.  Not only do the merchants bring QUALITY, they also bring QUANTITY ~ a few of them even fill a semi for their biannual trip to Marburger!!

A favorite for the preeminent Country Living Magazine, Marburger Farm has a long history with the Round Top Antique Week.  First started by Mr. John Sauls in the 1990’s, Marburger quickly grew a reputation as the premiere venue for quality and diversity.  Now owned by Margaret Marsh, Rick McConn and Ashley Ferguson, and their extended family, Marburger Farm’s future is rooted firmly in the traditions of the past ~ while moving steadily with the trends of the future.

This Fall ‘08, Marburger Farm will open Tuesday morning, September 30th, for Early Shopping.  For many, the $25 ticket to attend Early Shopping from 10am till 2pm, is a no-brainer.  Shoppers can even arrive as early as 8 in the morning to park, enjoy breakfast next to Lake Marburger, and wait for the yellow tape to come down at the gate, marking the starting gun of Early Buying.  It’s true that the best of the best is offered, and sold, on Tuesday morning to the die-hard designers * pickers * and shoppers as they fire up the economy in South East Texas.  If you can’t make it Tuesday morning then no worries, a $10 ticket will get you through the gates to Marburger beginning at 2pm on Tuesday and lasting through Sunday, October 5th.  {you only have to buy the $10 ticket once as it is good for all 5 days of the show}

As for CactusCreekDaily.com, we are most excited to attend the 30th Anniversary Party for Country Living Magazine on Thursday, Oct. 2nd, 2008!!  This is a special year for the folks at Country Living, and Marburger Farm is proud to share the commemoration with a party from 11am – 1pm on Thursday, Oct. 2.  In addition to a big cake, and a 30% discount on select items throughout the show, there will also be a meet & greet and book signing with Country Living’sEditor-in-Chief, Nancy Soriano. 

Also coming up this Fall ‘08, a book signingby Marburger Farm vendor Robin Brown will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 30th.  Robin is the founder of Magnolia Pearl, a one-of-a-kind brand specializing in layered designs of “velvet and lace”, breezy, romantic clothing and big bags that are the newest fashion rage.

Marburger Farm is not only the place to be for buying matchless home decor, it is also a place to be seen {and to see} the society folks of Houston & Austin as they work their high heel western boots and short denim skirts, sassy cowgirl clothing they would never wear to PTA meetings, but they MAKE IT WORK at Marburger!!  As a Texas girl myself I love to see a gal who can make Gucci sandals & a cowgirl hat, Shiner Bock in one hand, and a shopping basket in the other, all make sense in a Texas cow pasture!! 

Our Spring ‘08 trip to Marburger led us to several dealers that were particularly intriguing to our Rustic * Western * Vintage style.  I’ve asked them what their faves are and TOMORROW’s POST will be all about their fellow vendors that they insist you CANNOT MISS!!

** Click HERE For more about Marburger Farm **

** For more about Round Top Click HERE  **

{SUBSCRIBE} HERE to have the CactusCreekDaily.com BLOG
delivered straight to your E-Mailbox so that you don’t miss a thing!!

Technorati Tags: Marburger Farm, Round Top

I can hardly believe that Round Top Antique Week is just a couple of months from now!!  I am so excited to head to Texas and be engulfed in all things lovely for a few days.  Last Friday I received an email from Rick at Marburger Farm - just one of the many shopping venues in Round Top.  {SECRET: Marburger Farm is my favorite!!}

The merchants, who specialize in everything from Italian carvings ~ to vintage linens ~ to distressed artifacts ~ are working hard to gather their one-of-a-kind selection of antiquities.  This year will be extra amazing when Marburger Farm hosts the 30th Anniversary Party for Country Living Magazine.  This is an even that is not to be missed!!

{Be sure to follow along when Cactus Creek heads to Round Top by Subscribing to our Newsletter}

AND – to read more about Marburger Farm click “Read More” below and learn about this unique shopping experience that even Newsweek describes as “One of the country’s best venues…”

(more…)

Technorati Tags: Marburger Farm, Round Top