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.

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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. 

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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. 

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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!!

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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 **

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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 **

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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 **

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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 **

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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 *

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When I was working on the Round Top *don’t miss* GUIDE a couple of weeks ago, gearing up for our trip to Round Top Antique Week, I said that Marburger Farm is the ONE venue to attend if you only have one day to shop.  After our time at Marburger Farm last week I stand by those words!!

The generous family who runs Marburger offers all of the amenities that create the feeling you’re living out the pages of a magazine…

First there is an enormous selection of vendors ~ over 350 in fact.  Spread out in a “village of restored Texas buildings” and football-field size tents, each vendor offers something completely unique.  These are folks who make a living by collecting, trading and selling the treasures that we use to fill our homes, and create an atmosphere for our families that is enriched with vintage charm.

It is more than the wide range of finds available to the shoppers at Marburger Farm, the excellent service and upbeat energy of the vendors helps to make your experience a happy one!!  Despite the economic meltdown and hot sun, these vendors’ cheerful demeanor was contagious and made for a FUN shopping experience.

A highlight at Marburger Farm this Fall 08 was 30th Birthday celebration of Country Living Magazine.  A favorite magazine for many, Country Living celebrates a simple life brimming over with the things you LOVE.  I had the honor of meeting Country Living’s editor, Nancy Soriano, who was very open and gracious.  Pinch me, please…

Despite all of the STUFF, much of our trip to Round Top Antique Week seemed to center on FOOD.  This was definitely the case at Marburger Farm where they offer the “fair food” that seems almost legal on a day out with the girls {think BBQ, fried ‘Chicken on a Stick’ and mounds of fried ‘Texas Taters’!!}, along with  quiche, fresh salads, and sandwiches.  Plus delicious raspberry tea, pie and an Espresso Bar.  Pure Heaven…

High-end porta-potties {A/C & soap!!}, easy parking, and wi-fi stations are additional services available at Marburger Farm. 

Marburger Farm really does offer a COMPLETE shopping experience that brings the pages of Country Living to life ~ and that is why I say it is in the one place you should not miss at Round Top Antique Week!!

For more pics click on READ MORE below.  I’ll also be posting many more stories & images from Marburger Farm today & tomorrow… don’t miss a thing!!

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An entrepreneurial spirit lights people up from the inside out.  That was so very true for Katherine, a gal I met last week at Round Top Antique Week.  Her bright space was located in the Sommerfeld Field in Warrenton.  Her story {a VERY condensed version} goes like this…

An artist at heart, Katherine started Corpirate “as an answer to the 9~5 corporate world looming on the horizon”.  Aren’t you loving this girl already??  Passionate about producing one-of-a-kind art that combines the passion of Latin America, the spirit of the Wild West, and the zeal of Rock & Roll, Katherine’s art is an expression of the things she loves.

The Fall 08 Round Top Antique Week was Katherine’s first show.  Completely exhilerating and utterly terrifying, I know.  But her product was exceptional ~ I especially LOVED the boots {ABOVE} that are hand made and available by special order.  In fact, Corpirate can enhance most mediums with their distinctive designs, including limited edition tees, guitar cases, “pre-loved” furniture, and pressed tin art. 

Corpirate also has a line of guitar-shaped art {ABOVE} inspired by Katherine’s “favorite musicians of the “Outlaw Country” movement“, including Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard and of course, Willie.  {look for tees with the guitar designs coming soon!!} LOVE it!!

I look forward to watching Corpirate’s story unfold…  Katherine, I wish you great adventures, great love & great success!!

** For more about Round Top click HERE **

Much more about Round Top is coming up this week!!
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On a hot summer day in the mid-90s, driving through the back roads of Texas, heading back to my little apartment in College Station, TX, I had an epiphany.  I can remember driving down the road in my old Dodge Omni, sun beating down on my shoulders, hand out the window catching the wind, as Martina McBride’s ‘Independence Day’ blared on the radio. I had been driving around all day, finding fields of wild flowers and stopping at every antique store I could find.  I was free, and I was happy, and I was never again going to compromise this bliss. I was also a poor student at Texas A&M University, wondering where on earth I was headed…  Life’s ‘black top’ has led me to a sweet spot in life where I have finally met some soul sisters who have driven the same roads, to the same spot in Texas, with the same joy in their hearts ~ the Junk Gypsies.

I know that so many of you also know that spirit of freedom, the joy of junk, and the celebration of whatever is around the bend.  That is why we are all so drawn the Junk Gypsies ~ they represent who we are down deep inside.  Whether you live in a downtown loft, spend you nights at PTA meetings & soccer games, or work 9 to 5 in a cube ~ your heart is longing for the open road & your own star on the map.  The Junk Gypsies allow us to dream of all that we can be.  That is their mantra… “A junk gypsy lives for the Wild Blue Yonder and all the wonders it holds in store.” 

But enough about you & me {wink, wink}…  what did the Junk Gypsy crew bring to Round Top Antique Week this Fall 08? 

As you drive North on 237, heading into Warrenton, TX {one of the four tiny towns that make up Round Top Antique Week}, you will see the guideposts pointing you to the Junk Gypsy tent {Pics ABOVE}.  For one week, every Spring and every Fall, the Junk Gypsies set up shop at that spot in Warrenton, offering vintage wares * hip tees * fly boots * and enough spunky spirit to fuel your soul for another six months.

Can’t make it to Warrenton & Round Top Antique Week??  No problem!!  The Gypsies have a solid website that will inspire, elate, and provide all of the “rebel-rousing” goods & notions you are looking for… 

There is another way to catch the spirit of the Junk Gypsies ~ last month the girls {mainly Ashlyn} set up the Road Rambler Cafe where you can connect to other Junk Gypsies around the world.  Check it out HERE!!

You HAVE to check back to the CactusCreekDaily.com BLOG this Friday when I post pics from the famed Junk Gypsy PROM…  I promise, it was a “Buck Wild” event that you won’t believe!! 

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Click on READ MORE for more pics…

** Click HERE for Junk-O-Rama PROM Pics!! **

** Click HERE for Junk Gypsy pics from Spring 08 **

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