Hill Country House

Lazy Christmas Afternoon Eye Candy

noreply@blogger.com (Hill Country House Girl) — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 05:33:00 +0000

I took these images from my Pinterest boards, which means they came from someone else, and from someone else before that , and someone else before that, and so on.

Thank goodness we share.....but the downside to so much sharing these days is that the initial creative source so often does not get due credit.

So, to those of you who initially posted these on Pinterest, thank you......

To the designers of these spaces, and to the homeowners, thank you!!

They make my heart sing!!

Let me know who you are and I will shout your praises from the tree tops!!

To all of you who took these splendid colorful photographs, let me know and I will also shout your praises from the tree tops!

To all of you who continue to visit and read my blog, in spite of my inconsistency in posting, my random subject matter in the areas of art, design and antiques.....................or whatever moves me at that moment, thank you!!

I really am flattered that you take the time to read Hill Country House.

I am crazy for the colors, the composition of texture, of form, and scale, and light in these rooms.
They are delicious to me!

This, from the girl who also loves contemporary, modern architecture.

I know, I know....go figure!!

I love the simplicity of this space....

and the busyness of this space....

A Jeffrey Bilhuber designed room, I am sure, but from where, I am not sure.

I grab them and save them whenever I run across them (the images, not the rooms...I wish).

I know this is a room designed by Peter Dunham. I have loved these chairs for many years. Maybe one day I will get to have some!

I think this image, too, came from my Peter Dunham collection of photos.
Love his comfortable mix of style and color.

Thanks for stopping by, and I wish you all a happy and healthy 2012!!

Design - Holiday Blogging Block

noreply@blogger.com (Hill Country House Girl) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 03:42:00 +0000

I think this happened to me last year about this time.

Between wanting to be with family, wanting to decorate the house, or not, addressing Christmas cards, cooking, figuring out gifts for teachers, friends and family, and on and on .....well, blogging just does not come up on the priority list.

My friend, Jan's, wonderful house last Christmas.

I guess if the spirit moved me, if the creative juices flowed, I would make the time, but it just isn't happening.

. My friend, Barbara's, faux bois bowl of ornaments - to die for, right?

Blogger's block.

Have you had it? Do you have it?

So, for all of you incredibly nice people who choose to read my blog, I thank you so much, and ask you to be patient with me.

One day I will be creative and thoughtful and inspired to post again.

Until then, have a wonderful holiday season and a very Merry Christmas!

All photos mine from Christmas 2010 with the exception of the ones noted.

Design - Thanksgiving Fantasies

noreply@blogger.com (Hill Country House Girl) — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 17:31:00 +0000

For me, Thanksgiving week is about being thankful for many, many things, and for being with those I love.

I am a homebody at heart, and while I love my own home, I am a professed design junkie.

Sooooo, I would happily celebrate Thanksgiving in any of these spaces with my family, curling up by a fire, dining on turkey and dressing, and giving thanks for all of our blessings.

These images are all saved in my favorites files, and I am sorry to say I do not save sources. You will recognize some designers and homes from magazines, but I sincerely apologize for not being able to credit every source and photographer. If you would like to be credited, please let me know and I will happily do so.

Now, on to my favorites!

Kinfolk - My New Love

noreply@blogger.com (Hill Country House Girl) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 18:20:00 +0000

Those who know me know that my most favorite social event is a small, unpretentious dinner party - sitting around the dinner table over a tasty meal with good friends, or new friends, and talking.....and eating....and drinking wine or tea or whatever pleases you.....and more talking, sharing stories and joys and sorrows and lots of laughter.

Then comes more coffee and dessert, and more good conversation with more laughter thrown in - good stories and sharing, and more wine or de-caf at that point.

All of this is soooo much more fun and meaningful to me than a large social gathering of many small conversations and loud music.

I have just discovered the journal/blog and on line magazine Kinfolk and am totally enamored.

In their own words,

"Kinfolk is a collaborative effort to encourage a more natural approach to entertaining. It's the marriage of our appreciation for art and our love for spending time with family and friends."

Three things I love a lot - art, family and friends.

The people in our lives are what makes life rich and full. I have shared a photo from an annual Christmas party we used to have.

We don't have this particular party any more as traditions have changed, but still love gathering small groups of friends around the table for dinner and conversation.

I try to practice what I preach, which is that it's not about being a gourmet cook, but about the sharing of one's home and time.

Take out Chinese or pizza is just as good as the finest meal.

Sometimes I forget and get insecure about my inability to juggle food prep, decorate, and be a gracious hostess all at once.

Then I remind myself what I truly believe:

Loving and sharing with the people in our lives is what it's all about.

Kinfolk has great photos and articles about good food and waaaaay more adventure than it in my life.

Here I am on one such adventure, though......

Source

That's my husband in the red union suit and I am just to his right in the black nightie - (mmm..hmmmm....maybe in my next life)

Seriously, it is a cool blog

and I have to quote them again because I couldn't say it any better if I tried:

Kinfolk is a growing community of artists with a shared interest in small gatherings. We recognize that there is something about a table shared by friends, not just a wedding or once-a-year holiday extravaganza, that anchors our relationships and energizes us. We have come together to create Kinfolk as our collaborative way of advocating the natural approach to entertaining that we love.

Every element of Kinfolk – the features, photography, and general aesthetics – are consistent with the way we feel entertaining should be: simple, uncomplicated, and less contrived. Kinfolk is the marriage of our appreciation for art and design and our love for spending time with family and friends.

Love this image from Kinfolk Journal.

Kinfolk - check it out .

Design - Minimalist?

noreply@blogger.com (Hill Country House Girl) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 04:57:00 +0000

Source

Designer Carolina Irving's living room......

Source

My living room..............

Hmmmm.......who says I'm not a minimalist?

Maybe it's all relative.

Design - Bathrooms I Could Live In

noreply@blogger.com (Hill Country House Girl) — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 22:16:00 +0000

These images are from my personal files and I have no credit information.

If any of these are yours and you would like credit, kindly email me and I will do so. Thank you.

Design - A Beautiful and Gracious Dallas Home

noreply@blogger.com (Hill Country House Girl) — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 22:48:00 +0000

I had the privilege and the pleasure of staying with my dear childhood friend , Darla, when I went back to Dallas for our high school reunion several weeks ago.

Darla and her husband live in an older neighborhood in the city, in an old English Tudor cottage that exudes charm from every corner.

After looking at drought ridden hill country fields of brown or dead grass for weeks on end this summer, it was a treat to see the lush shade of old trees and green lawns.

Darla's home is not overly decorated, but filled with exquisite antiques, art and lovely furnishings that she and her husband have collected over the years.

They both have incredibly good taste, and everything just fits, reflecting exactly who they are.

(yes, my favorite style of decorating)

This large light fixture in the living room is stunning. I asked if it was original to the house, and no, it is not.
They chose it for the house.
Didn't I tell you they have fabulous taste?

The library, just off of the main living room, makes me want to curl up right now with a glass of wine and a good read.....or a good friend for a quiet visit.

We share an interest in art, so my weekend was enriched by all of the great pieces here. This one in particular, by Darren Vigil Gray, is a favorite of mine.

Can you spot the others in the house by this magnificent New Mexico artist?

Looking into the dining room from the living room.......

Wonderful, cozy kitchen filled with Mackenzie Childs pottery of all sorts.............

Oh yes, that is another fabulous fixture that the homeowners chose for themselves.

Wonderful backsplash that is not only fun and whimsical, it works beautifully with the MacKensie Childs pottery.

The patio and pool can be seen from the kitchen and was a wonderful spot to visit with our morning coffee.

Love the outdoor fireplace.....and the basket and flowers in it! It will be a great spot for a fire in a month or so. Remember, this is Texas.

I had the complete and total delight of staying in this cozy cocoon while I was there.

Talk about a nice place to rest my weary head and body!

I slept like I haven't slept in months.

Gorgeous guest bath and powder room.

More beautiful art in the hallway to MY room!

Upstairs there is another full sitting room, less formal than downstairs and very comfortable.

A mix of folk art, traditional art, fine antique furnishings, big comfy upholstered pieces and more MacKensie - Childs makes this room a pleasure to be in .

My eyes were darting here and there, spotting one wonderful thing after another!

Lovely bar with over the top FUN chairs!

Another childhood friend of ours stayed in this charming guest room.

The dressing table was custom painted years ago by a very talented folk artist from Romania.

What a piece of art in itself.

Good lighting, plush bedding, a beautiful view from the window - we really wanted to stay a lot longer than the weekend!

The master bedroom is also upstairs and opens on to the fabulous sitting room and bar.

Who needs to go downstairs?

Okay, well maybe to cook ( I said maybe) and visit the pool now and then.

What a delight it was staying here.

To be quite frank, I think I could move right in.

Thank you for your hospitality, Darla,

(and that oh so patient and accommodating husband of yours!) and for letting me share your beautiful and warm Dallas home.

Pedro Friedeberg and the Comfort, Texas Fall Antique Show, 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Hill Country House Girl) — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 14:34:00 +0000

Confession: Sometimes after a show I am actually happy that a few of my favorite things did not sell.

I guess that is because my motto in antiquing for resale is

"Do not buy anything I wouldn't want to own myself".

Of course it is pleasing and quite satisfying when someone buys something I have chosen.

(After all, I am in the business to sell!)

But, sometimes when I can bring a favorite into my home.............well..... let's just say I am not always disappointed.

I was able to bring these giant orbs back into my house and I'm kinda liking them mixed in with my other entry hall favorites.

Found in Maine, they are covered in old braided rugs and scraps from old hooked rugs.

They have a folk art quality, and yet I loved them sitting in my wonderful contemporary hand chairs at the show!

The chairs, however, did not get to come home with me.

As strange and wonderful as my Pedro Friedeberg knock offs are, I was happy to sell them to my friends Robert and Molly.

I was very tempted to keep them, and my daughter had a fit over them and really did not want me to take them to the show.

Alas, it is these eye catching finds that make a booth special at a show and now I will just have to hunt for more strange and wonderful things!

Pedro Friedeberg is a Mexican designer whose iconic hand chair can be seen in many fashionable homes.

All chair images via Apartment Therapy.

Click here for more great pics of these chairs!

Gorgeous photo of the real dea l!

Speaking of eye catching antiques, this fabulous, LARGE rocking ~~horse~~ donkey was in Robert and Molly's booth.

Isn't he the most charming fellow?

He came from Missouri and will be a sweet addition to someone's folk art collection!!

(If you are interested let me know and I can put you in touch with Robert and Molly.)

If I had the perfect spot for him, he would have come to my house!!!

Other dealers had great things at the show - here is a sampling of all things wonderful, from country primitives to formal American and classic English antiques.

I can always count on my friend, Sandy, to have an abundance of great old painted items, many of them charming old baskets.

She also had these amazing architectural pieces and wonderful old horse with crusty white paint.

Love it!

If baskets, country primitives and great country furniture are your thing, you can always find a treasure in Nancy's booth.

Barbara Irwin had lots of fabulous baskets, her own folk art paintings, and some great country furniture.

My neighbors at the show, Tammy and Don of The Cheeky Mare, had gorgeous antiques from England and France. They do a beautiful job of mixing high and low.

Great cupola and champagne hop from France.

Gorgeous pillows and an assortment of really good treasure atop a wonderful painted drop leaf table .

Beautiful and fine art and folk art in the booth of my friend, Anita.

Gloria and Jim had the best selection of religious artifacts, but this shepherd and sheep were my favorites.
So dear.

Gracie always has the best primitives and painted furniture.

Of course, Ann Sams never disappoints with her selection of tole trays, textiles and assorted gorgeous antiques.

Another shot of Anita's booth with wonderful and fine furniture and a charming hooked rug, mounted as art, as it should be.

Hope you enjoyed a peek at the show.

Have a wonderful week, and as always, thanks for reading Hill Country House!!

Art - On My Radar Right Now

noreply@blogger.com (Hill Country House Girl) — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 16:12:00 +0000

Several of my favorite artists have either current shows or shows coming up in the near future.
If you read my blog you will be familiar with them, each of whom I continue to follow and be intrigued by their amazing talent.

Fatima Ronquillo's new work debuted last night in Austin, Texas at the

Wally Workman Gallery.

"Dog with Master's Eye II"

(I have not seen Fatima do dogs before - isn't he fabulous!?)

The show is entitled "Devotion" and is a collection of works depicting different characters wearing "Lover's Eyes" in one form or another.

I wrote about Lover's eye's here.

This show is especially unique in that Fatima has expanded her already incredible talent by using water color and acrylics to create some larger pieces.

While she does paint on large canvases occasionally, she is known for her jewel like small, oil paintings, each with a sense of old master and folk art at the same time.

Her work is incredibly detailed and even though small, her paintings take days to complete.

The combination of folkiness and curiosity/quirkiness draw me to her work, making me smile, wonder, ponder, and sometimes cry.

I love old, traditional folk art.

Antique portraits are highly collected and appreciated, but have never called out "Take me home!" to me personally.

While I enjoy looking at and studying fine art, what I love and want to live with and look at every day is a little quirkiness or humor, beauty, deeper meaning............ Fatima covers it all!

This sweet piece is called "The Dreamer" and is 40" X 30" - quite large for Fatima.

If you visit her website she will show you exactly the process she went through to paint this treasure. Such talent continues to blow me away!

Elegant, with a tear drop coming from this lover's eye, this piece is striking. It is called

"The Nostalgist" and is 20" X 16".

Finally, my favorite of her new work, and one that will be coming to my house to live, is called :

"The Runaways"

40" X 30"

I absolutely adore it!!!

Fatima shows at several other galleries in the United States.

Check her website for more information.

Fellow Texan, Jon Flaming, is gearing up for a show at David Dike Gallery in Dallas.

Jon is a longtime favorite of mine, both as a friend and an artist.

"The Saloon"

His new series of paintings are based on Friday night television westerns he watched while growing up during the sixties and seventies.

In a statement regarding this upcoming show, David Dike says:

This show will contain works indicative of Flaming’s signature style. Many of the paintings mark a turning point in his approach that can be seen through his representation of figures and composition. The self-taught artist’s neo-regionalist style has both a folk art and Texas Regionalist look inspired by some of the Dallas Nine artists. Traditionally, the images and sentiment captured in Flaming’s work reminds the viewer the of the spirit of a time past; an era when small town Texas was occupied by salt-of-the earth folk who were content with hard work and the simple pleasures of stability and Grace. In his work you will often find signs of this life and work whether it’s renderings of a pick-up truck circa late 1950, farm tools leaning on an old farmhouse, a cherished cowboy hat, vacant motel or a cross.

"High Noon"

Don't you just know there is about to be a duel in the above painting.

Meet me at high noon!

In this show one will see works in Jon's signature style, as the paintings above, but also a new style that is emerging from my talented friend.

The new style is still bold in color and composition, but with shorter brush strokes, distinctive lines, and forms, creating an abstract effect as seen below.

"The Hideout"

"Abandoned Movie Set - The Mission"

Again, David dike says it better than I :

Not only is the technique vibrant, new and unlike any other, but the inspiration for Western Movie is just that; vibrant – the TV westerns in their time could transport a young mind to gallantly save the town, the girl or just be cool in a cowboy hat with a lit cigarette.

Fortunately, I will be in Dallas for the opening on October 27 and am really looking forward to actually seeing Jon's new work.

Last but never least, is another talented favorite of mine,

America Martin.

America also shows at Wally Workman Gallery in Austin and at Carver Hill in Rockland, Maine.

(Aren't I the lucky girl to get to visit both galleries!?)

America had a grand show in Rockland earlier this summer at Carver Hill, and the gallery just had another show this weekend featuring America and artist Diane Schelble.

America Martin-rock-paper-scissors-72x78

(Carver Hill Gallery)

Painting from America's website

Also from America's website

America's command of color and line fascinate me.

As much as I can't even imagine having the talent to paint in such a detailed style as Fatima Ronquillo, I am equally amazed at the ease at which America captures the spirit of the human form and personality in what appear to be so few strokes.

This is a new piece at Wally Workman - oh how I love it.

"Siren in a Sea Cave"

Finally, another new piece at Wally Workman,

"Joy II"

I love following these artists and hope you have enjoyed this update.

What you think? What kind of art speaks to you? Do you buy art you just love, or do you tend to buy art to fit a space or a certain decor?

I love talking about art, so let me hear from you!

As always, thank you so much for reading Hill Country House, and happy Sunday!!

V and M Online Design Magazine.....and ME!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Hill Country House Girl) — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 16:40:00 +0000

I have written on several occasions about my stone book collection.

I was most flattered a few months ago when I was notified that the online design site, V and M, or Vintage and Modern, wanted to feature an article on my collection.

Co-Counder Bill Indursky, and I exchanged a few emails and then I waited for a writer to contact me. I had the pleasure of talking with free lance writer, Valerie Gladstone, who penned the article.

Valerie did a superb job of writing about a subject that I know little about!

The mystery and curiosity of stone books are one aspect I love about them, but try telling someone interviewing you that you "just luuuuvvvvv them ... and they are so pretty....and they are so cool"!!

(Really eloquent and articulate, don't cha know!?)

Ummm....didn't do too much for my perceived intelligence quotient!

Anyway, I am thrilled and hope you will be too!

Check out the article HERE, and if you have not done so already, subscribe to V and M as it is always full of inspiring information and GREAT antique and vintage items for sale.

Antiques in Maine 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Hill Country House Girl) — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 02:38:00 +0000

On my recent trip to Maine I got to visit the Cornish Trading Company in Cornish, Maine.

I have seen ads for the group shop for years, and was excited to visit.

I was not disappointed!

Room after room was chock full of good old furniture, architectural pieces, old wicker, old iron,

paintings, and tons of interesting small items.

My friend and I commented more than once that we wished we had brought a truck to fill to bring back to Texas.

Oh what a sale we could have had!!

Prices were good and fair.....

and the shop keepers could not have been more friendly and helpful.

I look forward to another visit one day, and highly recommend Cornish Trading Company to anyone looking for a variety of good, authentic antiques - something hard to come by theses days!

Maine

noreply@blogger.com (Hill Country House Girl) — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 22:38:00 +0000

Have I mentioned I LOVE Maine?

No time for many words today, but.......maybe you will see why I love Maine.

Oh, did I say that already?

I love Maine.

Art, Artist Roberta Schilling - Riot of Color

noreply@blogger.com (Hill Country House Girl) — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 10:00:00 +0000

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!

Design - Move Me Right In

noreply@blogger.com (Hill Country House Girl) — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 15:42:00 +0000

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.

Antiques - The Real Deal

noreply@blogger.com (Hill Country House Girl) — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 23:51:00 +0000

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!

I Love Meeting Blogging Friends in Person!

noreply@blogger.com (Hill Country House Girl) — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 10:00:00 +0000

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

Hill Country House Etsy Shop - Now Open!

noreply@blogger.com (Hill Country House Girl) — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 20:15:00 +0000

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!!

Antiques and Raoul Textiles in California

noreply@blogger.com (Hill Country House Girl) — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 15:38:00 +0000

While I was in California I got to wander through a lovely group shop in Summerland, just south of Santa Barbara, called the Summerland Antique Collective.

I knew it was going to be a good shop the instant I stepped inside.

Chock full of a great variety of vintage and antique furnishings , this is the source for a decorating project one may have, or just for browsing....whichever, this is a great spot to explore.

Isn't this set of low lockers unusual and cool?

Loved this French statuary.....

See what I mean? Something for everyone!

I know....gorgeous, right?

Love the mirror leaning against the old shutters, and the standing lanterns are very handsome!

Of course, being the crazy lover of so TOO many things, I love the airplanes, too - formal, informal, folky, bring it on!

Maybe my most favorite thing, for whatever reason, were the two vintage red and yellow life preservers.
They just pop on either side of the green box. Oh, and the bamboo mirrors on either side were great looking too.

Whatever your fancy, I'll bet you could feed it here at the Summerland Antique Collective.

Next stop was quick dash into the retail shop of Raoul Textiles.

Loved the entire store on State Street in Santa Barbara as soon as I walked in!

Racks and racks of gorgeous fabrics.

One of my favorites.............

Wonderful basket of my weakness - pillows!

Charming.

The best was a basket of cut yardage and I scored some beauties!

I am thinking of covering these old office chairs.

Here is my treasure - what do you think? The chairs are upholstered front and back.

Maybe one fabric on one side and the other on the back? The photos do not seem to do justice to the rich colors in the fabrics.

I also thought about painting the wood on the chairs a creamy white......what do you think?

It was an impulsive purchase but one I think I will be very happy with!
Sorry for the wrinkles.

Thoughts? Ideas?

As always, thank you for reading Hill Country House!!

Antiques at Just Folk - Just Fabulous

noreply@blogger.com (Hill Country House Girl) — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 01:10:00 +0000

I am not sure when I first learned of Just Folk, but their website has long been a favorite of mine. Sometimes when I begin to feel my folk art is strange or not as valuable as whatever the latest trend is in antiques or decorating, all I have to do is visit this charming venue to remember the love I have for and the value of, simply charming, extraordinary art created by artists of all walks of life.

So, recently while planning a trip to visit some colleges out west, I thought to visit this favored website and find out just where in California it is. Imagine my excitement to realize it would literally be right down the road from where we would be!!

And, as good fortune would have it, we had a day in between college visits.

I don't have to tell you what we did with our time!

The building was custom designed for the Just Folk gallery. You can read the whole story here.

The rest of my adventure will unfold here.

I don't think I need to say much. You will see that this is a very special place filled with folk art TREASURE of all sorts.

Enjoy the photos and leave me a comment if you have a question, or better yet, go visit

JUST FOLK !

One of my favorites - Miss Orange Lips.

This is the inside of the elevator used to go to the second floor.

Imagine decorating the elevator!!

How clever is that?

If you take the stairs rather than the elevator, this big fella is waiting to greet you at the top!

Mr. Flat Top - isn't he the best!!??

Have you ever in your life seen such a fun way to designate the restrooms!! The sliding doors themselves are to die for!

I LOVE this guy with his little tin bowler and his funny, primitive legs. Looks like he is just about to dance!

I took several photos of the space in general. It is perfect for showcasing this amazing collection of American folk art, Traditional antiques and very special outsider art.

And maybe my favorite guy of the whole day......

Hope you enjoyed the photos as much as I enjoyed taking them.

Thanks for reading Hill Country House!

Design - in the Texas Hill Country!

noreply@blogger.com (Hill Country House Girl) — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 13:31:00 +0000

I know, I know...... I just wrote a long post about changing my focus and not writing about Fredericksburg or the hill country as much any more.

Then....just yesterday, this fabulous, fresh new linen designer popped up on my radar (well, actually my side bar where the blog for red is featured among my favorites) .

Meet Theresa Heard.

Lovely and talented Theresa Heard.

Theresa is not actually a new designer. She has tons of design experience from years at the Homestead and now at red.

However, she has recently created her OWN designs in linens and they are featured exclusively at red.

Her line is called Idlewild, and it is delightful.

Colorful, whimsical, and tons of fun to blend - either with other linen designs, or just all together!

If I have said it once, I have said it a million times, I am a color girl.

I love the look of all white and cream - it's dreamy, calming, and ethereal......

BUT what turns me on, makes me smile, sets my heart aflutter, is great color and pattern.

I have long been a fan of John Robshaw and was thrilled when red began carrying his linens.

His pieces look fabulous mixed with Theresa's.

Her pieces look fabulous on their own.

Let me just say here, folks, John Robshaw better look out.

Here comes Theresa Heard.

New Look, New Plan, Still Me

noreply@blogger.com (Hill Country House Girl) — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 15:11:00 +0000

When I started my blog on a whim, literally at midnight one night, I thought I would write about all things design in the Texas Hill Country.
The name of my blog came to me in reference to my house and many in my area. There is a classic hill country style of architecture originated by the Germans who settled in this area, that is prominent in our town and surrounding towns.

Many of the houses here are restored historical homes, or newly built homes replicating the old German architecture.
In my first posts in 2007, I took you on a tour of my home, a classic hill country house, here.

Standing seam metal roofs and big, wide porches are common to the style.

I took you on a visit to my friend, Barbara's house here

and to see my friend, Alice's house here.

Both have distinctive hill country styles.

Fredericksburg is a charm filled town with tons of cute shops, fine restaurants, and just about any kind of accommodations you could ever imagine.

You can stay at your standard motel or at the most fabulous bed and breakfast you could ever dream of.

Here I introduced you to my friend, Carolyn's, bed and breakfast, Abby's, which was being featured in Mary Engelbreit's magazine at the time.

Carolyn also manages and buys for red in Fredericksburg, one of several very cool home furnishing and design hot spots here.

Over the past four years, I have had the opportunities to travel.

I have visited great art museums and galleries, design shops and quaint inns. I have met fascinating and creative people. I enjoy setting up at my hill country shows, but

I love going to great antique shows!

I really, really enjoy seeing how other set up their booths. I love the creative forces behind styling and display.

For so long I have not known who I am as a blogger - my posts are random and sporadic. Sometimes they are about the hill country, very often, not.

Yes, I write it for fun and there are no set hours.

Cerrtainly the only pay is self satisfaction, AND the wonderful people I have met and the education they have given me.

Still, my desire to define who I am in this blogging world is very much present.
I realized long ago by my inclination to post about all sorts of things that I did not want to limit my blog to the Texas hill country, as much as I love it!

So, with some help from the ever so gracious Shari, at Little Blue Deer, I have reorganized my blog and sport a hew header!
All of my old posts are still here, but when I write specifically about art, or antiques, or some aspect of design, those posts will be referenced as so in my categories at the top of the page.

I will also be titling my posts in reference to the artist, the gallery, the designer, etc. so they are more clearly defined and found.

Not all that different for you, dear reader, but still, a better definition of what my blog is about and what you can expect to find here.

For example, I would like to tell you A LOT about artist , America Martin, whose work I adore .

Or the story of these shoes, created by artist Brian White, called Tsunami Shoes.

Or architects I love, like:

Craig Kinney of Kinney Franke Architects

Rather than random posts about this and that, I hope to become focused on information based posts about those areas of art, antiques and design that speak to me.

I hope they speak to you, too!

Thank you so much for reading Hill Country House, and thank you especially for taking the time to leave your comments!

Satisfied

noreply@blogger.com (Hill Country House Girl) — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 02:37:00 +0000

After a very busy week of moving my daughter in to her first house out of college, I stayed home today to get my own house back in order.

I gave my daughter a sofa and some classic club chairs.

We switched rugs around so that she could take one from home.

Of course, these changes meant moving furniture off of rugs and rearranging the furniture in new ways.
The changes required clearing tables and stacking things on the dining table, along with the piles of magazines and books, already there, that we had been pouring over these last few weeks looking for design ideas.

Although a general sense of fatigue has set in from the last few weeks, my mind was ready to put my house back together this morning, in a different way.

You know that feeling of inspiration, when ordering and arranging things becomes like making art - add some texture here, add some color there, edit..... take something away, add that little something for balance, find all things in one color range, find colors that compliment, tall and short, pairs versus three, what works together, what relates, what doesn't......and on and on.

I couldn't quite get there 100% today - some days I have more creative energy than others.

Sometimes I just sit down and browse through design books or blogs hoping to get inspired.

Sometimes the vision comes from within......sometimes not.

It was a good day, though, and I am ready to tackle my blog again tomorrow (or the next day) and fill you in on some changes.

I laid the mirror on my coffee table and arranged a few things on top of it.

I found the mirror in Brunswick, Maine. The pieces on the frame are cut pieces of chocolate brown leather layered and attached to the edges.
Perhaps Victorian.

I think it is fabulous, strange, and I love it.

A group of pottery found in various places, mostly red in Fredericksburg, and Digs in Nashville.

I am a pottery freak.

Thanks for stopping by.

Good night.

New Blog Look - Big Plans.....Hang Tight

noreply@blogger.com (Hill Country House Girl) — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 13:41:00 +0000

I am helping my daughter move to Austin this week to start her new adventure after college!

Source

Life is pretty chaotic and busy around our house, so please don't forget Hill Country House!

I have great plans for my new blog design, blog re-organization, new Etsy shop (still so new and barely up and running yet....)

and..... I have been a TERRIBLE blog friend to so many that I typically read daily and stay in touch with....

So PLEASE ....hang tight and I will be back!!

Evoke Contemporary Santa Fe, Artist Louisa MacElwain

noreply@blogger.com (Hill Country House Girl) — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 17:25:00 +0000

I am in the process of editing some old posts and labels while reorganizing my blog and working on a new look with Shari of Little Blue Deer, who, by the way, is so talented!

Anyway, I came across this post that I never completed - much to my dismay - so I decided to hit "Publish" and share what little I wrote. Evoke Contemporary is Santa Fe is one of my most favorite galleries, ever, anywhere, and I urge you to visit the site for a real treat!

Evoke Contemporary is an outstanding gallery in Santa Fe.

Kathrine Erickson is the owner and she is charming,very knowledgeable and just plain fun to hang out with and talk art.

I hate to start this post with an apology, but here it is.

I am so sorry that all I have is a few cell phone photos of my last visit with her at her wonderful gallery.

(I will snag some from her website to make up for my poor photos!)

So, the photo is Kathrine with Bruce.

Kathrine has a handsome and equally sharp partner, Elan.....but alas, Bruce captured my heart and jumped into the picture!

The gallery is a stunning space with room for the variety of art featured on any given day. One of my favorites are the paintings of Louisa MacElwain.
Her painterly style with vivid color and heavy brush strokes appeals to me on many levels.

My sweet husband - who also loves art - waits patiently for me when I obsess over things.....like certain artists and works!

Check out the website for a look at a lovely gallery with an amazing collection of art from paintings to drawings to sculpture and more.

Damn Hot, Mommy

noreply@blogger.com (Hill Country House Girl) — Sat, 23 Jul 2011 15:00:00 +0000

One day, many years ago, the little princess in the blue dress (with chocolate pudding on her face) arrived home after morning soccer practice.

I greeted her with
"Hey Sweet Pea, how was soccer practice today?"

To which this little toot replied..........

"It was DAMN hot, Mommy".

At that point my assistant, you know, the mothering ten year old, (pink dress, top picture) gave me a sideways glance and whispered "Did you HEAR what she said?!!"

Ever the diligent mother, I asked the precious little foul mouthed one.....

"Excuse me, what did you say?"

I said "It was DAMN hot, Mommy".

The conversation continued....

"Oh honey, we don't say DAMN......

We say "It was hot as fire" or "It was hot as blazes" or even "It was REALLY, REALLY hot"

(raising my voice to sound silly and emphasize REALLY)

Silence.

Finally, with a look of resignation, like... You . just. do. not. get it.....

"But Mommy, it WAS damn hot. "

Period.

And so it was, and it still is.......

DAMN HOT.

Enjoy.

All photos from my personal dream files. If I have used one without crediting you, please leave a comment for me and I will do so. Thanks!