When we were young “antiquing” was for grandmas shopping for Hummels or grandpas looking for rare coins.  All of that has changed as “antiquing” is now about a shopping experience that ends with a one-of-a-kind treasure, and a new generation is finding a passion for the thrill of hunting for vintage textiles, worn out pottery and peely-paint furniture. 

“Antiquing” is now referred to as “Junking” and a Sunday Drive is a chance to be a “Road Warrior” - even if it’s just for an afternoon.  You can call this new generation ”antiquers” or ”hunters” but most of them will refer to themselves as devoted “Junk Gypsies”.

What a thrill it was to meet the girls who are leading this new generation of junkers – the original Junk Gypsies who held court at Warrenton’s Zapp Hall Antique Show.  As expected their space was beautiful and lighthearted.  Every turn thru the creative display of vintage goodies and cowboy garb was a new adventure. 

If you haven’t had your calling for the freedom to shop your way then here’s your chance when you visit the Junk Gypsy’s website – Gypsyville.com.  Whether you are in need of some cowboy-retro tees & jewels or if you are hunting for your homestead, these girls serve up the Rustic*Western*Vintage mantra with a big old Texas grin…

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You can’t be in Warrenton, Texas, at lunch time, during Antique Week, without having lunch at Zapp Hall!!  In addition to their Round Top location, Royer’s Round Top Cafe (a Texas institution) serves up their famous dishes and pie at Zapp Hall during Antique Week.  The meal was absolutely d’licious – Chunky Chicken Salad washed down with some Pecan Pie & Shiner Bock…  man, do I like Texas!!

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Singleton Antique Imports, a self described “Collection of Country Style Hungarian Antiek Farmhouse Furniture and Accessories” showed at Warrenton with a beautiful display of vintage goodies that offered up the Rustic vibe we LOVE.  A few months ago I wrote about Rustic & Mexican Benches - while they aren’t from the South, Singleton’s offers the ideal bench for the same Bright*Shabby*Rustic style that makes a room pop.

The selection offered by Singletons was vibrant and unique – these polka-dotted pitchers also tugged at my heart – they are perfect for filling up with daisies this spring. (HINT: Use these as a centerpiece at your summer picnics!!)  In addition to showing at Warrenton, Singletons will be in Brimfield, Mass this spring, summer, and fall… Road Trip!!

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John & Rhonda Garrett, owners of the Crooked Spoke, were another spunky duo selling Rustic Furniture in Warrenton.  Connie (my partner in crime, mother-in-law, and business partner) wasn’t leaving town without one of these stools and I left Crooked Spoke with a bundle of vintage cattle brands…

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Next stop: Warrenton, Texas.  Warrenton is just a couple miles south of Round Top and the home of Zapp Hall (more on that later!!).  It is here that there are fields and fields of dealers set up to sell their vintage goods – literally as far as the eye could see…  way more than our afternoon hunt would allow for.  But, there were definitely some Rustic*Western*Vintage goodies we couldn’t resist.

The first booth to really catch my eye in Warrenton was the Rustic Art Gallery owned by Patrick Watson.  His beautiful furniture (the beds are to die for!!) can be custom ordered, as well as his mantels and porch posts.  Love it!!  Click on “Read More” to see a few more pics… 

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We spent most of Day 1 shopping at Marburger Farm - it was the perfect way to start our trip to Round Top Antique Week.  The phenomenal selection and cheerful energy brought by the dealers got our creative juices flowing.  All of the tents were bustling which gave us faith that enterprise is still alive and well, at least in this ’little slice of heaven’. 

That afternoon we made a pit stop at Round Top’s Town Square – we eyed Royer’s Cafe and promised ourselves to dine there next year (we had filled up on buckets of ice tea and funnel cake at Marburger) – and I bought some cute jeans at a great little store called Butter Beans.  Then it was back to our hotel for some sleep.  We needed it becasue Day 2 was a big one…

We started the morning by taking some pics of the bluebonnets.  As a Texas girl these pretty flowers hold a special place in my heart bringing back so many memories of spring in Texas.  Even living here in the Midwest I think of the bluebonnets often whenever I’m jamming to Robert Earl Keen’s No. 2 Live Dinner on the ipod.  “When the Bluebonnets Bloom” and “I’m Comin’ Home”…  Love it!!

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The booth that won my personal *BEST IN TEXAS Award* at Marburger Farm was Tobacco Road Primitives 
(the website is under construction), owned by Marie Webb. 

In addition to the funky metal objects d’art (lamps, ornaments & candle holders that were very rough and very cool) – Marie also offers signs “made to order”.  Like the gorgeous ‘Texas State of Mind’ sign pictured below, many of Marie’s signs have that cowboy vibe we LOVE but they can be served up however you like – HINT: these are a great idea for you retailers who need some fabulous new signage!!  Ron Edwards, a former sign writer for motion pictures and television, paints the signs exlusively for Tobacco Road Primitives. 

In addition to her faithful presence at Marburger Farm, Marie takes Tobacco Road Primitives on the road every month to Atlanta’s Lakewood 400 Antiques Market (Road Trip!!), or you can email Marie HERE for more information.

What a pleasure to meet the artist team Brad and Sundie Ruppert of Vintage Sculpture!!  One of my favorite decorating clients has a piece of theirs and it is her pride and joy.  Now that I have met the artist and witnessed the heart and soul of the collection, I have even more appreciation for the piece. 

Both original and clever, Vintage Sculpture’s approach to the laugh*dance*love prose that has conceived a new generation of gypsies is in full swing in this vibrant collection.  Sue Whitney, co-author of Junk Beautiful, crowned Vintage Sculpture ”Best in Show – Recycling” at Marburger Farm.  For me Vintage Sculpture typifies the Rustic * Western * Vintage vibe that we LOVE.  Check it all out at VintageSculpture.com    .

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Jan Orr-Harter, owner of Hot Tamale Antiques, brought one of my favorite collections of vintage goodies to Marburger Farm.  Every time I walked through the vivid assembly of vintage art, hooked rugs, colorful textiles and classic cowboy collectibles I was surprised by the clever assortment.  Jan offers her Hot Tamale Antiques in shows across the USA and also in her store in Aledo, Texas (15 minutes West of Ft. Worth - call for Directions & Hours).  Definitely worthy of a Road Trip!!  Till then check out Jan’s collection at HotTamaleAntiques.com.
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Here in the Midwest there is a special place in our hearts for the Tin Man and his search for a heart in the movie The Wizard of Oz.  All the while his tender ways proved he had a heart full of love and compassion.  While at Marburger Farm I purchased my own tin hearts from Queenie Tin & Mirror Company  to give as gifts to my girls who have babies on the way…  Stock up today on these perfect gifts at QueenieTin.com.