Anthropologie - Feeding My Creative Spirit through Osmosis?

 These sweet creations are from Anthropologie in la Cantera, San Antonio, Texas. I visit them every chance I get! I wish I could afford them.

 I went crazy for this huge paper ostrich! My daughters and I love shopping at Anthropologie. Sometimes I have to ask them not to talk to me for a while so that I can just wander and look at all of the displays and digest it all.The creativity here truly does feed my soul. I love it. I am hoping I have absorbed some of it as I get ready to set up at the Comfort Antique Show this weekend.

 A closer view of another paper big bird - isn't she just wonderful!!

Comfort, Texas is a precious little town in the midst of the Texas hill country. It is about 20 minutes from Fredericksburg and about 40 minutes from San Antonio. I love setting up at this show for lots of reasons.  The show is an old fashioned antique show set up at the park in this quintessential small town. The local people support the show and promote shopping in their town as well as at the show. They prepare food and desserts to sell and usually provide lunch or dinner for all of the dealers setting up on Friday. This year we have all been invited to dinner in town at the after we finish set up.

Hope everyone who lives in the area will come buy the show this weekend. It is known for being a great country show full of true antiques -  early furniture, pottery, transferware, textiles, folk art......... the list goes on. Come see for yourself - you will be sure to have a great time and my even find a treasure to take home!

Beadboard UpCountry - More Great Design in Texas

When my daughter and I decided to make a quick road trip east (as in east of us in Texas, not east as in"east coast" - darn!) to visit a cousin we hadn't seen in a while, I knew I had to check out the charming Beadboard Up Country in Brenham, Texas.




I had heard about the shop before, first from Joni of Cote de Texas, and then from Annie of The Bunny Bungalow. We were only going to be in town on Sunday and when I called to ask if the shop might be open that day, I was pleasantly surprised and pleased to hear "Well, we are not usually open on Sundays, but we are going to give it a try tomorrow". Yippee! Music to my ears - obviously, it was meant to be that I visit this great shop.

View upon entering Beadboard UpCountry

Upon entering we were greeted by the shop's owner, the cute and friendly, Maryanne Flaherty. She was most engaging, and after telling her that I was the one who had called the day before and had wanted to visit her shop for a long time, I confessed that I am a blogger. Yes, I told her, I realized that she had been featured on several blogs already, but I would love to feature her on MY blog, too!

Great side or dining chair with wonderful bedding and bath goods in the background - love the legs and the linen on this chair

Agreeable and enthusiastic, she began to show me some things that were new in the shop since the last blog post. She clearly loves her work and her passion is contagious. I found myself wanting to shoot photos for my post, but at the same time, just wander aimlessly through the store, taking in every display, every texture, every color...........lots and lots of details.

antique armoire with glass doors and beautiful detail

Sometimes when I walk into a great shop or a good art gallery or antique show, I instinctively just stop at the entry and try to absorb the overall feeling, getting my bearings and deciding which way to go first. My anticipation is great and I don't want to miss a thing. I have been asked by various friends and family "What ARE you doing"? when they almost bump into me as I have stopped and blocked the door, mesmerized by the display ahead. So, I think I was a bit distracted as I visited with Maryanne , trying to take in all she had to share with me, looking at all of the beautiful things, and assuring my daughter that I would be "just a few more minutes". Sorry, I digress...........

So, I was not able to photograph every single thing I loved at Beadboard UpCountry - there were too many - but some of my favorites are here.



This particular piece, a wonderful blue painted chest, has quite an unusual story. Maryanne showed me two small metal plaques on the inside of the top drawer.One says John Widdicomb
Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan. The company was the first American company to produce Louis XV designs in America and started the wave of French Provincial popularity in this country. The company is now operating as a division of Stickley.



The second plaque indicates that the chest was manufactured for Jac Lessman, a prominent hotel developer. Mr. Lessman planned the renovation of several large Manhattan hotels in the 1960s, including the Hampshire House, the St. Moritz, the Biltmore, the Lincoln,and the St. Regis. Besides having an interesting story, the chest is a beautiful blue and has a ton of charm. Can't you just see it in a penthouse suite at a luxury hotel? (or better yet, in my bedroom beside the bed)


Another favorite of mine in the shop is the pottery designed by Maureen Welton from Vancouver. The pieces I loved in particular were this wide vase shown above - I am crazy about the shape and the texture - and the large vase shown below.

The designs are based on the textures found on the beaches of the Pacific Northwest. Maryanne loves that one of these vases or bowls can be perfect in a minimal, contemporary setting, or placed against a heavy stone wall in a rustic ranch house. Being a person who craves texture and color, I absolutely love these pieces.

Beadboard UpCountry carries wonderful table ware and silver, as well as linens for the table and the bedroom. The Belgian linen line, Libeco Lagae, is one of the finest in the world. The quality is excellent and the linen comes in varying weights and a variety of sophisticated colors. Maryanne also carries cut yardage and will ship it to you. You can also find Peacock Alley linens here and soon, Papillon Linens.


I am a sucker for a box pleat and fine detail, so this club chair is just perfect as far as I can see! Custom slipcovers are available here, too, in a wonderful assortment of fabrics.

another great chest of drawers

........and yes, another perfect chair, this time with a full, full skirt - so pretty!

As if I wasn't already wanting everything in sight, Maryanne carries a wonderful line of jewelry called Obsidion Jewelry. Each piece is crafted with great stones and the prices are amazingly reasonable. I expected a much higher price tag on the pieces I looked at. She displays some pieces cleverly in a glass cake stand, which, of course, fits the lovely setting of the entire store.

Last but certainly not least, I love this amazing chest that would fit beautifully in a bedroom or an entry, or.............


in a study if you need a desk! Isn't it fabulous how it opens up to function as a secretary. It's a far cry from my kitchen desk, I can say that for sure. The top is onyx and is absolutely gorgeous.

Thank you , Maryanne, for such a warm welcome to your shop. I love visiting stores where the owner if present and engaged and friendly. Shops like Beadboard UpCountry are distinctly more special than your average home furnishing store.

Also, I would be remiss if I did not mention Mayanne's husband, Peter, whom she referred to several times. It is clear this couple loves what they do. When I asked her how they settled in Brenham, Texas, she said "Peter just tells people 'this is where the bus broke down'. Well, I am so glad the bus broke down where it did! It is certainly Brenham's gain!

Texas Hill Country Antique Shows

The Comfort, Texas (population: about 3,000) Spring antique show was this past weekend. I am an antique dealer and set up at this show as well as two others managed by the same show promoters.

As much as I love the Round Top show and have participated in it, these shows are one weekend only and I get to sleep in my own bed at the end of each day - there is a lot to be said for those factors when you still have kids at home!

The Comfort show is the quintessential country antique show, drawing visitors from surrounding areas and some people, spontaneously, right off the highway as they are passing through.

The dealers come from all over Texas, and some from Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Oklahoma and New Mexico. The show is held in the spring, usually in May, and again, at the end of October. This show, as well as one in Boerne and one in Fredericksburg, are managed by Lori and Tommy Titsworth, of Texas Presentations.

Like all good shows, you see a variety of goods, some truly antique and some vintage at best, but often curious, or quaint or pretty, nevertheless. You know what they say - "One man's trash is another man's treasure."

In the past these particular shows specialized in true early American furniture, folk art, textiles, baskets, tole ware , glass and wooden ware. Over the years the merchandise has broadened and a lot of very nice old imported items have been thrown in the mix.

Realize that these are country shows in several ways - they are primarily dealers who love country antiques, and the shows are held in small towns at fair grounds and park pavilions. Rain, wind, florescent lighting, and not so pretty industrial fans are just part of the deal. So are breakfast tacos, barbecue, peach cobbler and lots of nice people, too, so it all evens out!

There are some exquisite things to be found.............

and clever and colorful things, too.

country bins and old firkins.............

folk art puppets, and vintage clothing and hats.

Wonderful old quilts and hooked rugs..........

painted furniture from Hungary..........

great old basket bottles............

tramp art and transferware..............

......wonderful textiles - pillows, rugs, European grain sacks (seen all over the design world made into pillows, used for upholstery, etc.)............and beautifully painted European chests.......

and even some great patriotic memorabilia.

Check out the shows the next time you are in the Texas Hill Country. The next Comfort show is October 17 and 18, and the Fredericksburg Fall show is November 14 and 15. The Boerne show will be in the spring of 2010. (I can't even believe I am saying "2010"- wasn't it just 2000?) All three shows are within an hour of San Antonio and Austin, so when you tire of the hectic city pace, come on over for an old fashioned country antique show - you will love it.

Texas Artist Jon Flaming

Although Fredericksburg, Texas is relatively small - population about 10,000 - we have some pretty impressive cultural events around town. Art and music are very popular here. From an adult or children's choir performance, to piano recitals, to honky tonkin' with Waylon and Willie and the boys in Luckenbach, there is seldom a weekend without an event of some sort celebrating the arts. The local art galleries have started a first Friday of the month "Art Walk", staying open late and encouraging tourists as well as locals to visit the galleries all along Main Street.

Farm House, Late Night 2008

Several years ago I attended the Cherry Springs Festival , benefiting the incredibly talented singing group, Canto, at the home of local philanthropists Diane and Harlan Stai. The Stais own a gorgeous historical estate, "Mansfeldt" just a few miles outside of town. They are very generous with their home and host many events there.

Old Church Near Stephenville, Texas 2007

A very special group of artists, represented by the David Dike Gallery in Dallas, displayed their work for the weekend. A cocktail reception was held on the Friday evening of the event and it was there that I had the pleasure of meeting Dallas graphic designer and artist Jon Flaming.

Feed Store, West Texas

2007

Jon is a multi disciplined illustrator and graphic designer. His website is wonderful and shows great examples of his work, including advertising for Neiman Marcus, Blockbuster Video, Pepsi, and Dell, to name just a few.

Indian 2007

Of course, it was his fine art that captured my heart. I am a big fan of some of the Texas artists of the early to mid century, and while Jon admires and respects these same artists, he definitely has his own style.

Texas Farmer 2007

Jon captures the spirit of small towns in Texas as well as the culture and personality of the people. His figurative paintings remind me of another favorite Texas artist, David Bates, but Jon has his own definitive style.

Final Resting Place 2007

His bold strokes and use of rich color draw me to his work. His subtle comment on life and culture are found in the painting as well as the title. Love the title of this one - "Final Resting Place".

..........and this one, "When Will the Rain Come". 2008

Ranch House with Red Screen Door 2007

This is the painting I came home with that night. It reminds me of the little red farmhouse we lived in when we moved to Fredericksburg in 1995. Unfortunately, we did not have a river running through our property, but the hills, the cactus, the cow, and yes, the red screen door......he captures the feel beautifully.

I have since had the opportunity to see Jon's work at the 2008 festival and to meet his cute wife, Kathy. She is equally as engaging and interesting as Jon and I hope to see them again this spring.

Koffee Kup, Hico, Texas 2006

On the drive back from Dallas last fall, I stopped in at a favorite shop in Hico, Texas. Blue Star Trading has done an incredible renovation on a old building in downtown Hico. They have an array of home furnishings, clothing, books and gifts and a small, but spectacular collection of art. It is always a delightful distraction and nice break from the five hour drive.

Antique Store, Hico, Texas
2006

To my surprise and pleasure, I stumbled across a couple of paintings that Jon had done a few years ago, before I was aware of his work. The one above is indeed, a little antique shop in Hico. This IS what the buildings look like and they all have that wonderful feel of old Texas small towns.

The one above it captures the spirit of the Koffee Kup diner in Hico where many, many folks stop to eat, or at least have a piece of pie, while driving through, only to wait for a table while the locals finish up their Sunday after church dinner. I later told Jon I love how the waitress's hair looks like the meringue on the pies !

Jon is as gracious and generous as he is talented. Not long after I met him, I was on the art acquisition committee for a fundraiser for my daughter's school and called him to ask for a small donation for our event. He gladly donated the above painting and it was all I could do not to bid on it myself and bring it home with me!

Jon will be participating in a group show this spring at Williams Reaves Fine Art in Houston. The show will preview the weekend of May 15-16, with an artist reception on May 22-23, and a gallery talk on the weekend of May 29-30. For specific times and directions, contact the gallery at 713-521-7500 or check the website.

To see more of Jon's work or for more information about him, visit David Dike gallery or Jon's website here. Enjoy!

Getting Personal..........Master Bedroom

Walking back through the kitchen , dining room and great room,at the far other end of the house, we come to our master bedroom. It is a wonderful, light filled space that has French doors opening to the backyard. It may be my favorite room of the house. I so enjoyed reading about master bedrooms from Patricia Gray (http://www.patriciagrayinc.blogspot.com/ and wish I were more of an "intentional decorator", with one of those seriously pulled together bedrooms.

However, I am an emotional shopper and decorator. I buy what I love and then just throw it all together. Some days I am confident that this style of decorating is right for me, and other times I feel like I am so random it is scary! Some examples are: the rug is from an auction in Maine a few summers ago, the lamps are from Toby West in Highlands,North Carolina (love NC!!) , the cottage , "folky" chest is from a shop in Comfort, Texas where I was in a group shop once upon a time and fell in love with it before the dealer could even get it into her space, the tramp art frames are part of a collection accumulated over many years, and the red leather chairs are from Pottery Barn.........etc etc etc.......the list goes on! Oh well............I keep trying to be more focused in my decorating, but I am not sure it is "me"!

The master bath is a mix of travertine tile and a yummy, apricot color marble that I love. Of course I have to "funk it up" a bit with leopard towels from Pottery Barn, and my collection of shells from many much loved beach trips to Port Aransas and South Padre Island!!