Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Antique Season 2011 is Upon Us!!

A reader asked me to notify her of the antique shows coming up in the spring in Texas.

 I will be happy to do so, and to go beyond that and list some others around the country that are in the near future. 

Let me know in a comment if you want to add any to the list! All are welcome since we are all over the country as bloggers and antique lovers, right?

As I mentioned here this past weekend was the American Antique Show in NYC. As a follow up I would like to mention some fun facts I learned today here.

Photo Source

According to Nancy Gibson, of VandM.com's Design in TellLeatherwood Antiques had quite the turnout in their booth with Martha Stewart, Bunny Williams, and John Roselli all in the booth at the same time!

Leatherwood specializes in early children's pottery.

This little historical treasure was in the booth of Just Folk, from California.
 

If you didn't visit their website when I posted before, you really should.
 It is so well done and such fun!
According to Nancy, the hooked rug was purchased by a client of Mary Douglas Drysdale, an amazing designer who incorporates Americana into many of her designs.
This would be such a great show to attend......it is on my bucket list!


Speaking of Americana, the big Heart of Country Show is coming up in Nashville in February.

It is one of the prettiest shows I have ever seen. It is held at the Opryland Hotel and begins February 17, with Thursday evening's preview party,  and runs through Saturday, February 19.


I would be remiss if I didn't tell you about two other shows going on in Nashville during the same few days.
 
The Tailgate Antique Show
  is held at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds and is also a fabulous show.
I went last year and saw some stunningly beautiful booths full of really, really good antiques.




February 17-19, 2011
Thursday-Saturday

Show Hours
Thursday early bird:
8 a.m. to noon
$40 early bird admission includes both Tailgate and Music Valley plus readmission all three days.
General Admission
Thursday- noon to 5 p.m.
Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
$12 per day includes both shows


Yet another great show in Nashville is the Music Valley Show.



Click here for the scoop on both shows at the fairgrounds.

It runs in conjunction with the Tailgate show, also at the fairgrounds.
These shows used to be held at different hotels in the Opryland area and I remember trudging through snow and rain, across roads and highways to visit all the different hotel rooms where dealers set up. It was an adventure and fun, but the new set up is much easier on many levels.

The new venue at the fairgrounds makes for two unique, big, incredible shows, offering many more creature comforts!


February 17-19, 2011
Thursday-Saturday

Show Hours
Thursday early bird:
8 a.m. to noon
$40 early bird admission includes both Tailgate and Music Valley plus readmission all three days.
General Admission
Thursday- noon to 5 p.m.
Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
$14 per day includes both shows
CONFUSED? Don't be. Just show up at the fairgrounds during the times mentioned and you will see two beautiful antique shows all in one area.


Another beautiful show is the
 Nashville Antiques and Garden Show, held a little bit earlier in February, from the preview party on Thursday, February 10 through Sunday, February 13.

There will be several guest lecturers, one of whom is Charlotte Moss! Check out the show website for details.



Now, on to a Texas show that is smaller than the above, but a very good show.

It is the Boerne Antique Show, held at the park in Boerne, Texas. Boerne is just outside of San Antonio in the beautiful Texas Hill Country. This year the show will be the weekend of February 26 - 27.

This was my booth last year. It is a little picked over in this photo as it was a very busy morning. This show brings antique lovers from all around the area and is one of the most popular of the Texas smaller shows.

Of course, folks are gearing up all over Texas for the Round Top show and all that encompasses!

During the last few weeks of March dealers begin setting up all along Highway 237 outside of Round Top. Lots and lots of dealers set up around and in Warrenton, Texas.There are so many different shows going on up and down this highway that I could never mention them all. For different dates and locations go to
The Show Daily.


I will mention some of them, and if I miss you and you want to be featured, let me know!



The Zapp Hall show is a fun show. Zapp Hall is on Hwy. 237 between Warrenton and Round Top. There are dealers inside as well as all around the outside of Zapp Hall.

There is good food to be had and lots of spirited activity, music, and great dealers.

This show runs from Friday, March 25 through Saturday April 2.

Zapp Hall is a real place and is chock full of great antiques during the season.


Cole's Antique Show, also on the road from Warrenton to Round Top, runs from March 24 through Saturday, April 2, and is full of over 200 dealers. It is also in an air conditioned building with real bathrooms. If you have ever been to these shows you know why these are worth mentioning!

Another show down the road a piece is Ex-Cess, where dealers like Ed and Michael from Leftovers in Brenham, Texas have set up in the past.
There are other high end dealers in this show and it is definitely worth a stop.



A popular stop as you get further down the road towards Round Top is
Clutter.

Known for great antiques, fabulous displays and good food, this is a must stop. Even if you don't buy, the displays and tons of merchandise is all eye candy!


No list of antique shows would be complete without mentioning the FAMOUS

Marburger Farm Antique Show!

The show will be from Tuesday, March 29 through Saturday, April 2 this spring.

Getting bigger and better every year, the Marburger Show has something for everyone. From the finest of European antiques, to the quirkiest of folk art, to the finest of early country antiques, you have to see it to believe it!



The show is well managed and has lots of spots to rest your feet and enjoy a delicious sandwich or snack, or a glass of wine or margarita at the end of a long, full day.
I can't tell you how much fun this show is. Lots of bloggers will be writing about it in the weeks to come.

Here are just a few of my favorites from years past...............





Last, (for this list, but not for the season)

but never least by any means, is the show that started it all years ago.

The Round Top Antique Show

43rd ANNUAL SPRING ANTIQUES FAIR
Mar. 30, 31, Apr. 1, 2, 2011
Big Red Barn & Tent, Continental Tent
Carmine Dance Hall
Big Red Barn location open
9am to 8pm on Wednesday and
9am to 5pm Thursday through Friday
and 9am to 4pm on Saturday
Carmine Dance Hall open 9am to 5pm all days
Admission $10 Good for all days at all locations.

There you have it - the details.

Now for some photos from past shows.....





All photos from the Round Top show website


This is a show of quality dealers, good food, indoor restrooms and air conditioning.
 Like I said before, if you are a seasoned "Round Topper" you know why I mention some of these details!
If this will be your first trip, it won't take you long to figure out it is usually hot in Texas,
 Spring or Fall,

and port-a-potties get old, really old, fast!


NOW, lest you think I am finished......not so fast!

After you have so much fun at the above mentioned shows, you might find that when you go home you feel a little let down, a little withdrawal, shall we say, from antiquing.

Food doesn't taste as good, your kids and pets aren't as cute, you just can't get excited about anything......
Wait, you are not depressed. You just need another ANTIQUE FIX!


Well, hang on for just a few more weeks, and then make your way to

COMFORT, TEXAS 

for the best little country antique show around!

Comfort Park
403 Hwy 27, Comfort Texas
Only 1 hour from San Antonio on IH-10 West

Saturday - April 30, 2011 - 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday - May 1, 2011 - 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. 




Come see me at the Boerne show and the Comfort show, and meanwhile, enjoy the plethora of  spring shows!
Chin up - the fun will begin soon.

Happy hunting!

Friday, January 21, 2011

MORE on Ruby's Incredible Button Suit!

RUN, DON'T walk, right now, to my friend Dixie Redmond's blog


where she has done the homework on

Ruby's Incredible Button Suit




Dixie was the first to comment on my post about the American Antiques Show and let me know that she had posted about the button suit and linked back to me. I was THRILLED to read her post and especially to see the photo of Ruby and her husband, Jake, modeling the suit..... Ruby sitting close by, smiling quietly, but proudly.

Dixie also linked to a wonderful blog site, Accidental Mysteries, which I can't wait to get back to.

I love that Ruby is being honored, as she should be. What talent.

Thursday, January 20, 2011

The American Antiques Show NYC

                                                      

         Oh how I wish I could be at the opening preview tonight for the American Antiques Show in NYC!

The show benefits the The American Folk Art Museum, one of my favorite places in all of NYC. 

 I have to share with you just a few of the dealers who will be set up at the show.

I have chosen a few treasures from some of their websites. 

 These are not necessarily what they will have a the show - I should make that clear.

I have just visited their websites to torture myself since I can't go to the show.

 First up, a BUTTON SUIT......have you ever in your wildest dreams thought of such a thing?

Well, apparently Ruby Ann Kittner from Iowa did, and she created it sometime in the 1930s.

WOW.


                                          
 
                                                                       Harvey Antiques
I found this wonderful oddity at Harvey Antiques. 
Pay a visit for more fabulous and unusual folk art unless, of course, you are going to the show. Lucky.


        The fabulous tramp art hanging shelf and the amazingly clever assemblage of wood, wheels and a fan (created by Paul Hart) in the form of a goose come from Just Folk, an amazing shop in California.

I really, really want to visit there one of these days!
                        
     The Just Folk website is really well done and fun with great music to browse by!                          
                                    

                        These precious creatures were a store window display in the 1930s.
 Oh.My.Gosh. Have  you ever seen anything so funny and charming!?  


                   Leatherwood specializes in 19th century children's pottery and has a grand collection of    little mugs and plates with different names on them. Most charming!


                                                                              
                              If you need any sort of textile, a fabulous quilt, a hooked rug, or a quirky piece of folk art  I am sure that  Stella Rubin will have quite the booth at the show! 

         Her website is phenomenal and I wanted to include more photos than I could!                                   


                               Gorgeous Streak of Lightening quilt circa 1870 from Stella Rubin.

                                 Folk art guitar from assembled parts, also from Stella Rubin.



                       


                                                                                                                  
     
                                                            American Primitive Gallery   

                   "GOOGLY EYED CAT This old cat toy was well worn and loved.It's tail is longer than its  feet, the google eyes can still follow your movements, yet its squeeze meower is silent. Painted oilcloth (with bow tie) red cloth edging and now an AP metal base". 

(from the American Primitive Gallery website) 
What a sweet black cat!


While I can't really choose a favorite among the dealers I have mentioned (and there are a lot more - visit the website for the show) I have to say that the website of Jeff Bridgeman is very interesting, educational and fun to peruse. His antiques are of a really high quality and in many cases he explains why they are valued as they are and what to look for in similar examples. Here are a few of my favorites, but do visit here is you want to see and learn more.


                   RED AND BLACK, MAINE BLANKET CHEST WITH BRUSH-WORK PAINT DECORATION IN WHIMSICAL LINEAR PATTERNS, DATED 1856:

Paint decorated Maine blanket box with a beautiful and unusual form, on a bracket base, retaining its first surface red background and black brush-work designs. The various geometric patterns on the front and sides are punctuated by the two consecutive square medallions on the top. Dated “1856” on the back. Pine construction. Outstanding early condition.

                                         (Text quoted from Jeff Bridgeman Antiques.)

                    TWO-DOOR PAINTED QUEBEC CUPBOARD / SERVER IN ROBIN’S EGG BLUE WITH RED TRIM, 1810-30:

This little Quebec two-door cupboard / server has the nicest combination of Robin’s egg blue and red paint that any collector could wish for on a piece of country furniture. This has been present since the mid-late 19th century and is over an original surface that may have originally been blue as well, but which oxidized and faded to light green, as very early blue often does on rural, North American furniture.

Made between 1810 and 1830, it’s simple and sturdy form has recessed paneled doors with great chamfering on the reverse and is nicely molded on the top and bottom. The top surface is scrubbed and has a very pleasant, honey-colored patina.
                                                  (Text quoted from Jeff Bridgeman Antiques)

While my taste runs towards the casual and folky, there will certainly be some more formal and exquisite antiques at this show. The website of Charles and Rebekah Clark is chock full of fine and beautiful antiques like these sconces.

John Keith Russell has wonderful American antique furnishings and I particularly love this clock from New Hampshire



                                                       and this darling wagon seat, c. 1810.

                  So there you have it - a little sample of a big show in New York this weekend!
Oh, and by the way, some of our favorite designers are on the Interior Designers' Committee for the show - people like Mario Buatta, Miles Redd, and Vincente Wolf. On the Virginia Committee of Honor are Bunny Williams, John Roselli, and Charlotte Ross. Mmmmm...hhmmmmmm - just thought I'd drop a few names!!

Wonder if there any any cheap flights to NYC tomorrow?

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Thoughtful Bloggers, Lila and Jeanette

                         I have been remiss in thanking two bloggers who have passed along the
Stylish Blogger Award to me.


                                                                                   
Sweet Lila from Pretty Prowler  first commented on my last post and then passed along this thoughtful gesture.
                                                                                 
Check out her blog and her goals for the new year. I especially liked this one

- "De-clutter".

Oh man could I use a few tips in that department!



She featured some great images on her post and I really like this laundry room.....but wait, I don't recognize it! Where is the cat litter, the pile of shoes, the dog leash collection, the cat food, the dog bed, the more than we would ever need pile of jackets and rain gear?

Need I go on?

Oh, if only my laundry room wasn't also the back door and mud room entry!



Then, I got another kind comment and the Stylish Blogger Award from fellow hill country blogger, Jeanette, from JVW Home who lives and works in Austin, Texas.

Thank you to both of you for thinking of me!

Now, the way this thing works is I am supposed to tell you 7 things about myself, and pass the award on to ten other bloggers, notifying each of them via email.

I have to qualify something first, though.

I think supporting and complimenting one another in the blog world is great fun, interesting and helps us all  know more bloggers of like minds and interests. However, sometimes it is just enough for someone to get to their computer and post on their blog in the midst of a busy life. That being said, I want to add NO PRESSURE to anyone that I pass this award on to.

If you don't have time to carry it on, no worries. Just wanted to make that clear.

Okay, Seven Things About Me....................

Here is some of the big stuff of who I am.
 You already know I love interior design, art, and funky stuff.

1. I am a Christian and have a strong faith in God. I have daily conversations with Him and rely on prayer and faith tremendously.

2. I was widowed suddenly 21 years ago after being married for two years to an incredible man named Mike. I realized then that I really had no control over a lot of what was to be in my life. My daughter was 11 months old at the time and I did not know what in the world was going to happen to us.




3. My current husband dropped straight down from heaven, is also a Mike, and we married one year after I was widowed. He adopted my daughter and we had a daughter together. We will be married 20 years in March, and I still realize that we never know what life holds for us.

4. I still feel like I am about 26 years old (far from it!)  and embarrass my children regularly.



7. My family and my friends mean the world to me and I love nothing better than dinner around the table with good food, good wine and laughing and talking with them.



Oh P.S. it doesn't even have to be GOOD food or wine.

  A pizza and a  halfway decent bottle of wine is fine by
me!

The people around the table are the important thing.

7. I am absolutely crazy about art, architecture, and antiques.
Always have been.
I am an antique dealer and set up at Texas shows 4 or 5 times a year.

 I buy what I love and have been know to crawl on the floor under a table picking out pottery that SPOKE to me - yes,  whatever it is, it has to speak to me first and then it can come home with me or go on to a show with me.

8. I know, I was supposed to do only seven, but isn't this the best shot from a cell phone you have ever seen?

This is Buddy,  king of our household and my little sweetheart.


Now on to ten of my favorite bloggers :

Love Where You Live

For the Love of a House

Veranda Interiors

Fiona and Twig

Garden Antiques Vintage

Silver Moon Studio

Talk Sweet Talk Blog

Anything Goes Here

Beadboard Upcountry

My Favorite French Antiques


These are a variety of great reads and great people. I love discovering new blogs that I resonate with. In today's world you can find a blog about most anything. Hope you find a new one here that you enjoy!






Thursday, January 6, 2011

Good Design in the Hill Country - Fern Santini, Mell Lawrence


Examples of the work of Austin, Texas designer, Fern Santini, have long been in my inspiration files.


I have found that my attraction to certain houses or rooms in different magazines over the years has a definite pattern - usually not conscious -  of being drawn to the work of the same designers and architects, over and over again.
 This is certainly the case with Fern Santini.

I look back over my tear pages from various magazines over time, and there are a handful of architects and interior designers that continue to surface.
                                           
While perusing her current website for her design company, Abode, I read this quote and it speaks volumes to me.........  exactly what I believe the basis of good design should be:

"We draw on art and architecture for inspiration, but understanding how a client lives – and understanding how a client wants to live – is the basis for our work."

AND

"Respect for tradition and history are crucial elements in our philosophy, but we also believe that rules are meant to be broken."

 The diversity of Fern's work can be seen on her website, reflecting, I think, the differences in her clients' tastes and lifestyles.
This urban townhouse in Austin is a great backdrop for the owner's collection of large paintings.


I was drawn immediately to this room by the huge magnolia painting by Texas artist, David Bates. Magnolias are one of his favorite subjects and this one is spectacular! I also love how it hangs over the sofa,
 strong and bold, and lovely.



What a great tub, and look how the sconces almost echo the shape.
 Really pretty form, I think.



Simple and handsome, the eye is drawn to the painting above the bed.
Very nice.


The sculptural staircase maximizes storage and has bookshelves lining the wall all the way up.Notice the open niche for the piece of pottery.

                                                                         
                                        All Photos of Austin townhouse from FernSantini.com       

Love the size of this kitchen. It looks like there is ample workspace with cabinetry that is attractive and classic, with clean lines. I love kitchens that blend in with the rest of the house, and of course, as everything else is in this house, the kitchen design is subtle and chic, setting off yet another large painting.

Another Austin favorite is architect, Mell Lawrence. It's no secret that I love Texas contemporary design, and am a bit obsessed with a certain number of architects whose styles are similar, but each also distinctly their own.

                                                                           

                 Fern Santini was the designer for the interior of this beautiful hill country home, designed by Mell Lawrence.

Don't you just love it when those great minds and eyes collaborate?



                                    
                                            Classic long porch lined with rocking chairs..........


                                                                                      



         




Love the indoor/outdoor connection.



                                                                                


                                                                                 
The design of the house incorporates natural light in every room.


             All  Photos of Mell Lawrence house  
         

There are so many features of this bathroom that I just love!  I am crazy about the hanging lights here, and the double trough sink is so great looking. I love the walls of horizontal boards, the wall mounted faucets, and the big soaking tub. Oh, and the natural light, always love that.
Move me right in.

     I am feeling the urge to write more about my love for Texas modern architecture, so stay tuned!





                                                                                  



                                                                                  


                                                                                        



Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Virgins, Saints and Angels, and a Great Giveaway!

                                         
This morning I was doing a little blog browsing.
  I stumbled upon a wonderful giveaway at 
Photo snagged from Veranda Interiors


The gift offered is a key chain designed by Virgins, Saints and Angels, one of my favorite jewelry designers. 

 The key chain so generously offered by Melissa at Veranda Interiors is the San Benito Medal, an ancient symbol of peace. This medal is often worn by those seeking faith, hope and protection.




Love this cross with the gold and turquoise chain. Beautiful design, don't you think?

Sometimes I have to be hit in the head to be motivated to post about something. Often I am inspired by posts that others have written. I guess they strike a nerve or something in me and I want to put my two cents in on whatever the topic might be.

So, I was inspired to show you more of these wonderful designs, as they have been a favorite of mine for quite some time ..... aaaand, maybe a little vicarious pleasure is in it for me, since I can't actually OWN them all!


I love this cuff and would wear it in a heartbeat!

Designs by Virgins, Saints and Angels a have a sort of Gothic and a Mexican feel to them. Religious icons found throughout Mexico inspire the designs. Many of them symbolize beauty, power, or protection.
The jewelry is hand crafted in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.
 This belt buckle is stunning and I wouldn't mind wearing the earrings below any day!






What I love about the designs is the range of how dressy or casual they might be. Some might prefer a more Spanish, religious or ethnic look, and some more glitz and glamour!


Each piece stands on it's own and could be worn with jeans of the dressiest of dresses.



Isn't this bracelet elegant?


I chose a San Benito necklace for my brother to give his wife for Christmas (yes, I am an elf once in a while) and it came in one of these fabulous boxes. 

Hers is silver and so the box is silver. I love  both the gold and the silver.

To see more, go here or here or here.

Have fun, and do visit Melissa and enter her giveaway!!


All images from SWAG in Northpark Center in Dallas.

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