Round Top – More Fun Than Taxes!

The Gilded Peddler

I sat at my desk yesterday and this a.m. being attacked by killer piles of paper, files unfiled & scraps of phone numbers with no name attached. Yep, I’m happy now! NOT
But, this afternoon my biz partner, Becca, and I escaped once more to Round Top Antiques Show to enjoy the fresh air, the cool antiques, and the great vendors. I came home refreshed, invigorated with ideas and ready to take on that paperwork.
So, for those of you sitting at your desk fighting the paperwork monsters, enjoy another picture or two of some fun…and note the new red table. You’ll be seeing our new friend as we unveil our holiday display. It is so cool I just can’t stand it!!

Our new acquisition!

All The World….A Store

The Gilded Peddler - Warrenton

I love Round Top Antique Show for a bunch of reasons. Who wouldn’t? It is a designer/decorator/antique lover/shopper/merchandiser…paradise! I started in Warrenton, which gets less press than Round Top but is chalk full of little treasures. Then made my way to Round Top, Carmine, La Bahia and all points beyond. The well-known ones Marburger Farms, The Big Red Barn, etc. all start this Wednesday. Thank goodness they weren’t open or I’d be there still!
No, I didn’t pick up much in the way of product, but I picked up a ton of ideas for the store. That is what I like about this show, the ideas, the creativity that so many folks smarter than I am exude, leaves me awestruck. I do come home humbled, but infused with ideas to make our store even more fun and creative tomorrow.
Some of the vendors I loved the best include: The Gilded Peddler with their “naked” lampshades, chandeliers and mounted Auodad. The bedding at The Sweet Pea Collection were wonderful and charming — think they might make a great addition to our store – what do you think??

The Sweet Pea Collection & My Dear Hubby!

Going out to an event like this that covers acres and acres, literally towns, is so exhilarating. It’s good for all of us to get out of our box and see the world around us, see some new directions, new thoughts. All the world is a stage and we are mere players — or retailers in it!

The Year of the Cow

Moo to You

Just got in these very interesting farm animal plaques and love the color. Decided to put them out to celebrate fall and the County Fairs that are occurring all over the country. The County Fair and the State Fair – THE symbols of fall if you ask me. Since the State Fair of Texas begins shortly, and I can’t be there for funnel cakes and fried cheese, I put these up as my salute to the season.
At about 8″ square they are really fun for a kitchen or breakfast room area. What I found at market is lots of farm animals. This is the year of the farm animal I will proclaim! Next spring we’ll turn it over to bunnies and butterflies, but I’m saying right now, COWS ARE IN!

Barnyard On Display

Hungry? Come On By…Squirrels Will Leave a Taste For Ya!!

San Saba River Pecan Co.

One day we hear from the “spokes-squirrels” and the next…we show our delicious new San Saba River Pecan goodies. Coincidence? I think not. The squirrels have taken over and we are promoting all things they like. Well, let me tell you, this San Saba stuff is great on ice cream, over cream cheese and best of all, their San Saba Pecan pie in a bottle…oh my goodness…that is all we can say. No wonder squirrels like nuts. They must be running home and using these delicious products!
So, for those traveling along I-10 tomorrow, en route to Austin for the UT Game, heading to the Round Top Antiques events, or just cruising around…come on down to Columbus…we’ll be taste testing our San Saba River Co PEACH PECAN AMARETTO TOPPING on Texas’ own Blue Bell Ice Cream.
For those of you far, far away in a land where San Saba doesn’t hang around at your corner store, call us, we’ll take pity on you and send you some. You will have to pay the squirrels $9.95 a jar (it’s a ransom thing) but we’ll sneak the jars out under cover of the big brown mobile box (aka: UPS) and you too can enjoy a bit of the tasty fun!

Yum!!

A Note From A … Um….Our Spokes-Animal

Nuts to You!!

So, since she has nothing to say tonight about her silly store, I get to step in and promote — squirrels. We have been called “rats with good PR”, “germs with furry tales,” & worst of all….”mighty tasty!” UGH! Well, I”m here to say it is time to respect and love us…We ARE fall. We gather all those nuts and acorns to make fall look like, well, fall. Now I see she has decided we are worthy of being part of the whole home decor scene. YEAH! If you didn’t see the wonderful display she put featuring the delightful squirrel, please do so. It is time to put away those little birdies, those butterflies, those silly bunnies…and bring out the squirrels. Yes, we ARE fall and fall is here…it’s squirrel-time everybody!

Yep - the Year of the Squirrel has Arrived

A Window — to the World of Retail

Frankenstein Makes his Debut - But Sings For His Supper

As a retailer there is so much to think about…am I buying enough? Am I buying the right merchandise? Is the store set up to entice customers to want what you have brought them? But, an important element is getting those customers in the store to begin with…like making a window that is fun and exciting…and inviting.
I remember as a child seeing pictures of the store windows along 5th Avenue in New York; I remember walking through Joske’s Dept. Store on the way to Santa Land and being totally absorbed in those displays. Today I take my little window to the world and make my meager attempt to create a window worthy of at least an honorable mention in the Windows of the World Event!

Ta-Da!!

Now, we introduce our Halloween window as we entice folks to join us for our 2nd Annual Witches’ Tea…hope everyone comes and enjoys. Hope the window helped get them there.

Art @ The Silver Barn

Westernware Indian Photo Plates $19.95 @

We pride ourselves in providing unique and special items for our customers. When we brought in a collection of pieces from Westernware last year we knew we had something very special. Each piece, whether a piece of china or a beautiful pillow, incorporates a photograph from famed western photographer, L.A. Huffman. He is sited as one of the most important photographers of the west. From 1879 until his death, he captured the American cowboy, the cattle drive, buffalo herds, and most importantly, the Native American culture. Renowned Western artists, Charlie Russell & Frederic Remington painted from Huffman’s photographs.
We are so excited to unveil these great appetizer plates that are so beautiful they are worthy of taking a place on the cocktail table as a conversation piece…even without the appetizers! Enjoy these works of art.

Why Put Photos Only on the Walls?

Beautiful

When these beautiful bottles arrived, we just knew it was something we’d have to post. Nothing more needs to be said. The cut of the glass, the color, the style, all add up to a really beautiful display in any room of your home!

2 Weeks to Par-tee Time!

He-He-He

All the little witches, goblins, black cats and bats are getting ready for the 2nd Annual Witches’ Tea at the store. It’s funny, when you start pulling all the pieces together it is as if you are seeing it all for the first time. What fun.
Our little bats are ready – ready – ready to go. They are already moving to their spots and waiting for the big party day!

And, they are off!!

Murval For Fall Coming Soon!

It's Paris or Bust!!

So, this is the best the folks at Silver Barn could do – let me talk about Murval. Yes, it is wonderful, it’s from Paris, how could it be anything less than spectacular? The travel pieces, the weekend bags, the handbags were hot, hot, hot last spring at the store. The bags coming in next month are amazing, a travel bag on wheels in a patent-leather leopard pattern, great handbags, more great makeup & jewelry cases,
Why am I upset? I do not see one, ONE cat carrier, cat travel accessory tote for mice, catnip, etc. How am I supposed to get around stylishly without my own Murval piece? These people. So, instead, I sit here by the gift bag they picked up in Vegas at MAGIC, pretending my toys and treats are inside and I’m ready for a road trip — to Paris!