It sounds like a business model that is too good to be true, but really Stray Dog Designs is all of that and more!!  Having been featured in national publications over and over again, Stray Dog Designs has earned its reputation as QUALITY company with exceptional products. 

With creativity oozing from the pages of their website, I hardly know where to start on fun furniture and accessories that will fit perfectly into your Rustic * Western * Vintage abode…   Ferdinand the Bull seems as good a start as any!!

Ferdinand the Bull, along the rest of the PAPIER-MACHE MENAGERIE, is hand made by
artisans in Haiti. Besides being perfect for a farm house, Ferdinand is also available in 14 colors!!  While the white bull{LEFT} would be a unique addition to your white peely-paint bedroom, the chartreuse bull {BELOW} will really make a statement!!

Another papier-mache item available in many colors is the Funky Faux Bois Mirror {BELOW}.  The perfect size for a guest bath or entry hall, Stray Dog Designs has several other MIRRORS that would also add a creative spark to your space.

I have had an affection for small tables for years - the perfect ones are light-weight, easy to move & store, and have a transitional use as a stool.  That would make the STOOLS from Stray Dog Designs PERFECT - the Aloe Design {BELOW} is my favorite - even better in cactus green {or any of the other 14 colors}!!

Let’s move on to the eclectic LIGHTING offered by Stray Dog Designs.  Like all of their products, the lights are designed by company co-founder, Jane Gray.  Quirky designs, like the lamps {BELOW}, usually start with an idea and simple drawing by Jane - the artists of Mexico and Haiti, supported by the sustainable jobs they have with Stray Dog Designs, then bring the drawings to life.

Chocolate Birdie Sconce * Helena Floor Lamp
Branches Table Lamp

I want to be sure to mention Stray Dog Design’s CASE GOODS.  They offer several pieces of furniture, all of them hand crafted using ponderosa pine.  The English Dresser {BELOW} is similiar to the dressers I have in my boys’ bunk bed room.  I paired two dressers like this one {mine are antiqued red} with log bunk beds.  They are big, strong dressers that will grow with my little ones, just like these - and sitting next to the log bed makes them really POP!!  This dresser, along with the other furniture from Stray Dog Designs, can also be ordered in other colors… too fun!!

This ‘Retro Roundup’ Blanket looks snuggly and warm - without all of the pink and purple - perfect for this baby girl!!  There is also a burpy set, round up bib, and moses basket for anyone else looking for a baby gift!!

I’m so happy for you guys…  xoxo

I would love to have a private collection of images from my favorite photographer, but our strict, ‘family-of-5′ budget won’t allow for such indulgences.  The next best source of images with a Rustic * Western * Vintage vibe is from books and magazines {and calendars!!}.  Here are just a few of the many sources that will provide you with a plentiful supply of images for switching out whenever you choose…

COWBOYS

COWGIRLS

NATIVE AMERICANS

RUSTIC

CLASSICS

Combining images like those found in the books and calendars above, along with family photos, postcards, horse show ribbons, and concert tickets, creates an interesting focal point for any room in your home. 

{unknown source}

For great frames you can always go to Pottery Barn, Target, or your local hobby store.  Have fun with it and enjoy changing the pics out every now and then to keep it from getting old!!

{unknown source}

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In June, Jane described a Bed & Breakfast on Prince Edward Island as“Asian Farmhouse”.  The description intrigued me and has been rolling through my head ever since.  With the whole world focusing on China the past weeks, as we have enjoyed the Olympics, I’m even more curious about how Asian design affects the Rustic home. 

{Photo from unknown source}

I know little about Asian design other than their building methods are deeply rooted in nature and spirituality.  Even this core philosophy is indicative of the similiarities between Rustic and Asian decor.  The classic Rustic home is also an extension of nature, and also deeply connected to the origin of the home and it’s inhabitants.  A perfect example is the log house which is often built by home owners longing to touch base with their pioneer roots, and the spirit of early explorers. 

{Photo from August/September 1995 Log Home Living}

Like Asia, our culture’s realization of ”living green”, conserving, and having more efficient lifestyles is reflected in our architecture and home design.  Evident in the Asian tradition of having a seamless conection with nature, Western*Rustic homes are also being designed to connect effortlessly with their surroundings.

{Photo from unknown source}

My summer reading has included ‘The New Asian Home’, a book from Kendra Langeteig that features beautiful homes, all with an Asian influence.  In her book Kendra puts forth that “immaterial elements of light and shadow are as important to Japanese design as its material elements.”  This statement struck me fully as I considered the importance of natural light in rustic homes, where often the building site, windows and seating arrangements are all based on the natural light along with the view outside.  A beautiful example is in the image {BELOW} from architect Tommy Hein.

The Asian influence on rustic homes is certainly revealed in the current trend of Asian aesthetics, often showing up in small bites that make a big impact on a space, thus creating the Asian Farmhouse.

EXTRA:  For a lovely story about an American family enjoying their Japanese Farmhouse at the foot of Mount Fuji check out the August 2008 Architectural Digest.  Here’s a sneak peek:

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Last week I posted a Back to School Guide for kiddos.  This week, over at WOW, I decided to offer a few ideas for the BIG kids that are headed to school.  Click HERE to see what I found {like the awesome shoes above!!}.

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I am excited to share Sweeney’s Emporium with you today!!  A collector and dealer for over 40 years, Fred Sweeney is passionate about his trade, and his customers.  Here is a sneak peek at what you may find at Sweeney’s Emporium…

This vintage pin {LEFT}, picturing an Indian Brave, was designed for the Omaha Stockyards.  I would love to use it as a bright addition pinned to a cowhide pillow.  That is just the kind of detail on a sofa or guest bed that sets an interior apart and makes it fabulous!!

Hey BUFFALO, NY!!  This vintage wooden sign {ABOVE} is too perfect for words…  I can just picture it in a kitchen on the next cover of Country Living!!

Thought to be an original photo with a color added
process {ABOVE}, this vintage image of an indian family {it’s marked Copyright 1899} is certainly one to be treasured.  The image’s mat measures 11″ x 14″ making it perfect for hanging on your television armoire!!  Right or wrong, the doors on our TV armoire are always open so I decided to hang pictures on them… why not??  Here’s the idea:

Vintage Cowgirl Gauntlets like those {ABOVE} show off nicely in a Shadow Box Coffee Table.  Line the Shadow Box Coffee Table with a brown and white cowhide - then add the Cowgirl Gauntlets paired with vintage cowgirl photos.  Love it!!

In a previous lifetime I spent 10 lovely days touring Paris. During that trip I visited Euro Disney Disney Land Resort Paris where I attended the Buffalo Bill Wild West Dinner Show.  It was all Euro-Glam but nevertheless touching to see the spirit of the Wild West being re-created half a world away.  Since then I have longed for a genuine momento from Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show.  This 1899 Buffalo Bill Program would be a good start in a collection {ah-hem, Hubby!!} .

I ordered the pillow {ABOVE} for a client’s cowboy room and it just arrived - GORGEOUS!!  They print different images right onto the softest leather… very high quality and exactly what I expected.  Thanks, Eric!!

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First things first, it’s pronounced ān-tēks.  The clever store name is a twist on the exact thing that makes Antèks a stand-out in the world of rustic furniture - they include ANTIQUES in their product mix.  Also included in the product mix: rustic & lodge furniture * western accessories * southwestern textiles * distinctive lighting * one-of-a-kind upholstery * and true American spirit. 

It all started twenty years ago as a small store on Lovers Lane, in Dallas, Texas, that specialized in a unique mix of furniture and home accessories.  A pioneer in the specialty niche of Rustic Home decor, Antèks has weathered its share of growing pains, all the while maintaining a unique and sophisticated mix of merchandise that sets it apart from competitors. Now under the proprietorship of Jason Lenox, Antèks continues to move forward with the same pioneer spirit in their two store locations - one at their original, but now expanded, location in Dallas - and another in Houston.

When I asked Lenox how the Rustic * Western * Vintage market has changed in the last 15 years, it was the sophistication of their clientele that he immediately acknowledged.  Antèks offers a broad selection of high-end furniture and upholstery for home owners seeking the romance of the American West, and Lenox makes sure that he leaves no stone unturned when buying for the stores.  Attending every major market {Atlanta is his favorite!!}, plus a regular roster of “off-the-beaten-path” antique markets, customers can rest assured that when shopping at Antèks they are being offered the best of what is available, both in style and value.

What’s ahead for Fall ‘08??  According to Lenox, it’s fabric.  With more detail than ever before, furniture manufacturers are producing worldly textile options that are sure to delight customers.   Another store location??  Maybe - hopefully we’ll be the first to know!!

Walking into an Antèks store captures your senses in the most simple ways - the smell of pine and leather, the sound of bluesy Country & Western tunes, the vision of rough wood and rustic colors, finally you’ll reach out to the textures that complete the transformation, and turn your shopping excursion into a shopping experience. 

So - if you are in Houston or Dallas don’t miss this fabulous store.  And in between your trips to Texas be sure to visit Antek’s online store where they offer a delectable taste of the unique accessories and lighting that make the store so rich!!

“Back to School” marks a new beginning ~ a fresh start that signifies the beginning of new routines, new friends and new STUFF.
My oldest is starting “pre-K” this year {uh-oh, this mommy just got teary eyed and we’re not even going to kindergarten yet!!}.  Anyway, even Wyatt was excited about the new STUFF and insisted on a brand new messenger bag. 
{I know, I’m in trouble…}

Here are some fun ideas for your little buckaroos as you prepare for Back to School this weekend.

COWBOY BACKPACK

Let’s start with the basics, this Cowboy Backpack from Rainy Day Kids is not only DARLING, it’s  also made out of heavy duty vinyl that is wipeable.  Perfect for holding books & pencils, AND it’s kool-aid resistant…  Perfect!!  {there is also a Western Lunch Box that is too cute!!}

WESTERN MESSENGER BAG

For the bigger kiddos we have the Yucca Messenger Bag from Cry Baby Ranch.  According to Wyatt all of the big kids use a messenger bag… that’s a good thing because I think I may order this one for me!!

COWBOYS & INDIANS NOTEBOOK SET

Filling up the school bags is easy to do…  I can hardly believe how long the School Supply lists are!!  You can make it a little more fun with this Cowboys & Indians Notebook Set from Barn Dandy’s.  The set includes a 3-ring binder, essay book and tin pencil box.  I may order this one for me, too…

COWBOY UMBRELLA & RAIN BOOTS

It won’t be long before the kids are waiting in the rain & snow for the bus to come.  These super-cute Rain Boots and Umbrella from Western Chief are sure to keep the rainy day blues away. 
{NOTE: There’s a backpack to match HERE!!}

ELEMENTARY LOVENOTE SET

These note cards are my absolute favorite find for “Back to School”!!  Who couldn’t pass up the Elementary Lovenote Set available from the Curiosity Shoppe??  Each card is screen-printed by hand and is made with 100% recycled paper.  I know that Valentine’s Day seems eons away but I can tell you now that I’ll be bringing these out again for Heart Day!!  Love ‘em…

COWBOY TV TRAY

Fast forward through the first day of school - my favorite part of any day is SNACKS.  After-school snacks are even better!!  I can so vividly remember watching cartoons and eating Cheese Nips every afternoon when I got home from school.  I look forward to creating after-school memories for my boys… this Retro Cowboy TV Tray and Dukes of Hazzard re-runs should do the trick!!

COWBOY DESK

After snacks it’s time for homework…  Rope some creativity with this colorful Cowboy Desk.  Need more furniture to create a Cowboy Bedroom or Play Room??  Children & Kids Furniture has it all…  Click HERE to see the Bookcase, Toy Box, Chest of Drawers, BUNK BED, and even a Crib!! Too cute.

 
COWBOY LAMP

The perfect lamp for late night studying!!  Available from Enchanted Lantern, this Cowboy Lamp is just one of many wonderful images available…   You’re going to love this new source for decorating Western!!



BOOK

All about the adventures of young Wallace Bleff, How I Spent My Summer Vacation (Dragonfly Books) is a Wild West fantasy that makes a great back to school read for your little cowpokes!!

Since my introduction at WOW I have been working hard to find Western goods for an End of Summer Soiree.  Click HERE to see what I found!!