Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Art, Artist Roberta Schilling - Riot of Color


 I went a little crazy today when I walked into Home, At Last! The first thing my eyes landed on was this amazing and stunning arrangement of color and texture and shapes and forms and GOODNESS!


 I am a complete and total sucker for something hand made, colorful, whimsical, textural, with a Mexican feel.....well, I don't even know quite how to explain it, but I know it when I see it, and it blows me away!


I  fumbled for my phone and snapped dead center, then closer, then to the right, then to the left.....all the while mumbling about wanting to take this fabulous thing home with me..................if only, if only...it wasn't quite so expensive. 

 There are flowers of hand blown glass, hand carved little odds and ends, and lots and lots of found objects, all mixed together to form one giant floral arrangement in a flat base painted as a terra cotta urn. 

The artist is Roberta Schilling 

You can visit her website by clicking on her name. 
I have to say, though, quite honestly, nothing on the website does it for me like this big, fabulous assemblage of color and energy, found right here in my lil' ol' town of Fredericksburg, Texas.

Come see it for yourself!


Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Design - Move Me Right In

 


I was just perusing my latest email from House Beautiful and love the home of stylist Peter Frank!

His home SO appeals to my aesthetic. I just love it!


I remember loving this room a while back - maybe in one of my House Beautiful magazines, but for some reason today it just resonates with me even more so.


House Beautiful refers to it as a "mad mix of antiques and modern furniture...." and tells the reader to check out " his quirky decorating style".

Oh they speak my language!

To see more of Peter Frank's work, go here.

Saturday, September 10, 2011

Antiques - The Real Deal






I had the pleasure of lunching with a group of women the other day in this classic hill country home.

Not just any group, mind you, but a very special gathering of  friends with a common interest.

We are an extension of "Belles" of a larger group of antique collectors from all over Texas and Oklahoma called the Bellringers.

This group is impressive and I am honored to be a part of it. 

The women are knowledgeable, and generous with that knowledge,  as well as kind and very generous of heart.


Our lunch was at the home of our friend, Phyllis, who always prepares the most delicious meal, served in the prettiest and most gracious way.


 The Bellringers have been featured in Country Living Magazine here and several of the members are true experts in their fields.

This group shares an interest in, a passion for, and great expertise in, early American antiques.

Let me be clear - EARLY means 17th and 18th century, or earlier. AMERICAN refers to, obviously, American antiques, typically from New England, and ANTIQUES means true antiques, well over 100 years old. 





I am sort of the odd duck in the group, in that my taste runs all over the place.....but you knew that already, didn't you?!


 I am a little Mexican, a little contemporary art, a little early American......throw in some quilts, vintage signs......you know, my house is a crazy, mixed up salad!






 Sometimes I long to be focused, especially after I am with this group.
 Bellringer houses are focused and very fine.......



Although I mix it up a lot in my house, I love seeing homes of seasoned collectors who have edited their collections and showcase some of the best of the best in their homes.
I am crazy about the collection of game boards Phyllis has gathered.

 
These days we see lots and lots of items that are called antiques. 


When I reference things on my blog or at shows, I call them vintage unless I am sure they are 100 years old or more, but don't hold me to it - I am no expert.....just a constantly learning collector and dealer.

I love learning, though, and being exposed to the finest of antiques, which I always am when I hang with the Bells!





Loved this sweet basket filled with wonderful succulents. It greets visitors at the front door.


Interestingly enough, these friends all have the ability to pull together their antiques in such lovely ways.

Walking through Phylis' home is like walking through a magazine of fine early homes.
Everything is placed beautifully and thoughtfully.

Collections peek from every corner. Yet, her home is wonderfully comfortable and warm, and her antiques are clearly loved and enjoyed.

I could curl up on her sofa in front of that fireplace and stay all day!

This is absolutely one of the prettiest bowls of stone fruit I have ever seen! 

Half fruits are hard to come by, and this apple is superb.



 Hooked rugs, pewter, candlesticks, baskets, portraits and lanterns are just some of the fabulous things Phyllis has in her home.




 I love how Phyllis has designed her kitchen to be a good work space, but still incorporates her antiques and collections .







Talk about good old paint - tons and tons of original paint.
Love it.

Black Windsor chairs look good anywhere.
What classic design!

   


I love all variations of this Spode pattern. I had not seen this particular plate with the bunnies - wish I'd gotten the picture without the glare.




 Of course I am crazy about the blue horizontal boards and the old hooked rug!


 Sweet collection of children's clothing hanging behind the early rope bed.


More great original paint.




 Exquisite little watercolor.


Gorgeous still life.



We gathered on the screened in porch for a while, enjoying the oh so welcome cooler weather!!



Phyllis has some charming touches scattered about on the porch.

 Great idea for gourds.







..........................and more wonderful baskets!


I hope you have enjoyed a peek into a hill country house of excellent taste and quality.

I know I loved getting to be there and thank you, Phyllis, as always, for your warm hospitality,  and for allowing me to prowl around your house snapping photos here and there!

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

I Love Meeting Blogging Friends in Person!

 Handsome. So Texas - so hill country! 
(poor guy)

  I was in Austin this past Sunday and had a few hours to kill before I met my daughter for lunch.
I stopped at the Austin City Wide Garage Sale, a monthly event that is always an adventure.


Part of it truly is like a garage sale - all kinds of STUFF strewn across tables and lots of people literally digging through the junk items, hoping to find a treasure.


 A lot of it is NOT a true garage sale in that many good vintage and antique dealers set up here regularly.

Sure, I've been known to dig through the $6 fur coats (two tables loaded!)..... but my real pleasure is when I come across a kindred spirit who loves old things and likes to display them in lovely and creative ways.


I have been reading Theresa Cano's blog for quite some time.

She writes Garden Antqs Vintage
and has quite a following.

Theresa loves all things old and worn, and sees the beauty in the discarded and forlorn.

She is one of those people who can see the beauty in something old, or can see the usefulness in something discarded. She can help others see these qualities, too, in her lovely displays.

Theresa is an regular dealer at Zapp Hall during the antique weeks of Round Top here in Texas.

She is an experienced dealer who can be found in the the same spot, season after season, at these shows.
Theresa  is well known and loved in the antiquing community!

 Love this huge lightbulb!



This gal kind of captures that Texas woman spirit - feminine in the gown, but spirited in her hat!

Love her.



 Theresa asked if she could take a photo of me.

I really am not photogenic and do not like pictures of myself - especially posed....I do this weird thing with my eyes and mouth, looking sort of tired and pitiful.

She confessed to similar feelings about having her picture taken.

Now I kind of wish I had agreed. 

The fun and significance of meeting Theresa is bigger than my vanity.
Shame on me.

I really wish we had asked her husband to take one of both of us.



Oh wait - he did!


Loved meeting you Theresa!! See you in Warrenton!

xoxo


Monday, September 5, 2011

Hill Country House Etsy Shop - Now Open!


 If you read my blog, you know that I love all kinds of things.

Old, funky things, fine antiques, folk art - both new and old - and contemporary art.

I am an antique dealer and set up at small shows around Texas.

 Gorgeous old chocolate brown Suzani.....




What's a girl to do with great inventory, though, during the off months when not set up at a show? Many dealers have shops as well as doing shows. Many people list items on eBay.

Recently I have become acquainted with a few people who have Etsy shops.

I mulled over the idea for a while and finally decided it would be fun to blend my love of antique and vintage with my blog love, tying the two together when I can.

So, why not open an Etsy shop!

Do visit me sometime to see what I have. I have just listed some things, but have lots more to go.

I will add fresh items weekly. 

Here are a few of the items I have listed now.....
A few antique French confit pots.


 Huntley & Palmers Biscuit tin from early 1900s

 Wonderful old tole tray..............
 Sweet vintage tole bird cage.................



 Tramp art box with great paint....




Fabulous, old blue tole bowl.....one of my favorite things.


At the top of my page you will see  " Etsy Shop".

Click there and come on over!!

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