YAPPING CAT STUDIO

The Art of Display

What is it about a well displayed shop that seems to set ones heart aflutter?  Is it the possibility that once a purchased item goes home with you, your home too could look as good?  Or is it just the in a well displayed store, one can see exactly that perfect something, that they did not even know they were looking for?

Whatever the reason, a well displayed store, for a displayaholic like me, is a joy beyond joy.  Such is the case with Bloom and Bee Swanky in Waco.  I've visited this shop many times, and each time, I'm never been disappointed.

From simply elegant...

to a sense of whimsy.

Sunday Funnies as Haute Couture.

With cross word floral accent! 

Zinc table tops were a dream.

In what looked to be a small french cafe.  Certainly made one feel as if they were in another country.

I fell in love with this whole bedroom setup!

From the colors to the shutters at an angle, truly fab.

Yummy sham! 

Lamp shade forms as spool containers.  Clever!

Beautiful from top...

...to bottom.

So, if you happen to be passing through Waco, send Hubby and kids over to the Dr. Pepper museum, while you take a stroll through another world, that is the beautiful Bloom and Bee Swanky!

-c

PS...then pop two blocks over to Olive Branch Bakery and Cafe and have a cup cake that is as big as your head!  :)

PSS to Susan and Phyllis Ann...I'm sorry I did not call you, it was a short, quick trip with a friend.  Forgive me?

Bloom And Bee Swanky

If you live in the DFW area, its well worth a little trip South to see the fabulous shop known as Bloom and Bee Swanky.   I've been a huge BABS fan from way back, so I'm excited to pass this info on. 

Waco offers lots of fun things to do, so make a day of it.  Sironia has a great tea room for lunch, (their chicken salad is some of the best!) as well as fun shopping too!  The Shops at River Square, now known as Spice Village,  is also great for shopping fun, as well as just a block or two away from Bloom and Bee Swanky. 

Crop, Paper, Scissors  and a few antique shops downtown will round out your afternoon, for a day spent in Waco.  Thirsty?  Check out the Dr. Pepper Museum right next to Bloom and Bee Swanky as well. 

Have fun in Waco!

-c

Rollin at Round Top

It was a quick trip to Round Top and back.  But enough of a trip to enjoy some great company, good food and some fresh, fantastic Fall weather.  And to find inspiration here and there.  Here are a few photo's. 

French Vanilla.  Don't ya love it?

We ambled around Zapp Hall yesterday.  This booth was called French Vanilla and Peg has such a great eye for putting together the wonderful neutral look that is so popular right now.  She was truly awe inspiring.

Just loved the way that she put things together.

Loved this great hutch and all the things she had in it.  Cept that little baby head right there.  Those things just creep me out.

Loved this!  Don't know what it is, but I loved it.

Great burlap and white pillows.  Loved the decorative details.

This just felt so fresh and fun to me! 

Can't remember whose spot this was.   But it just felt like Fall.  And so did the day.  A great cool breeze and temps in the 70's, a perfect day to be out doors looking at junk.  And speaking of Junk.

Junk Gypsy's.

The eptiomy of what I like to call, "The Texas Girl" look.  Big jewelry, funky and fun.  And you gotta love a tee that reads, "Save the Planet, its the only one that has Cornbread".

I just love the Bohemian feel at Junk Gypsy's.  So cool. 

They always have a great mix of decor and clothing. 

Clutter.  If ya say it in Texan, that would be "cluuder", Brookly, "cluttah".  But I digress.

Sustanance and shopping!

LOVED this plate!

And their wall of framed postcards.

And this great display.  Like Cracker Jack prizes for Art Girls.

Great framed art, plates, fabric. 

And irony.  A Haggar Clothing sign next to a naked mani.  Cool. 

These burlap lamp shades - industrial coolness!

I have to say, one of the best parts of my short trip was getting to meet Beth and Karla at Theresa's blogger party.  And I got to meet Sandy and her sweet daughter.  And even got to catch up with my Paper Cowgirls Lisa and Jodie.  And I got to re-met the Other Tee.  Caught a glimpse of Cat Daddy but he was making the rounds with the women's.  I wish that I had had longer to stay.  It was so much fun.  And I can't believe that I did not get any photo's, but I'm sure there will be some on other blogs that I can steal.

**Edited to add, thanks Karla!  I love it!  Cept I'm looking a little wind blown there.  You two look great!

Now, let me name drop a little.  It was rumored that Cody Foster was running around somewhere.  And I spied Peacock Park creator Gina. But I actually got to meet....wait for it...Rachel Ashwell.  Yes.  I'm so glad I did not trip or slobber on her.  She's so wonderfully British and way cool. 

Look!  Her peeps gave me her card!  Too cool.  She was staying at the same B & B Ranch that my boss and I were staying in. She ranked right up there with getting to meet Beth and Karla!  And I bought Carolyn's book, ate a fab din at Royers, bought a shirt and shopped at Leftover's.  Whew! 

All in all, it was a great trip.  Short, but sweet.  And that is sometimes one of the best things in life, short and sweet!

 

-c

Visually Seeking

Let me start off by saying, I'm NOT an "impulse" kinda girl. 

As much as I like to think that I fly by the seat of my baggy pants (and sometimes I do), I'm not really a do-something-on-impulse kinda gal.  Its just not me. 

 

But yesterday I did.

And it was FUN! 

Prior plans for my Tuesday fell through. 

So, on a total whim (and with a little nudge by a friend), I kidnapped Ang and we FLEW to McKinney (OK, that's an overstatement!  We got a little lost, and hit construction work and holy crap I think it took us two hours to get there).  From Mansfield, for the love of Pete.

Finally DID get there and met Lis at Antique Company Mall and made the most of the handful of hours left in the day.  Lis has already pre-shopped.  But there were still great things left.  LOL.   

At Antique Company Mall we saw Carolyn (who was one of our great dealers at the June, Paper Cowgirl Vendor Show.  And Nancy.  And she showed us all the great booths (as well as her own wonderful spot) that she had highlighted in this post.   Saw Theresa's new booth (although I head most of the "good stuff" was gone), it was still adorable! 

And food!  Made a mad dash for a late lunch at Patina Green!  The shop is wonderful!  And Chef Robert made me the most delish salad (to fit my current diet needs) that truly, felt like I was cheating.  You cannot beat fresh out of the garden toms and squash.  But lemme tell ya, the bread and scones were looking pretty dang amazing too!  I can't wait to take Sweet Hub there.

A quick dash over to Smitten filled our velvet ribbon needs, as well as a great chat with Karen!  As she rung up my total bill, I had to comment that being a "visual girl" was really hard on the pocket book.  And she agreed.  And added that yes, and then you have to keep adding new visual elements all the time.  LOL.  And its so true!  But her shop is a GREAT source for that.  We did not leave empty handed. 

There was also a discussion about toe hair.  Shaving versus other forms of dealing with.  I'll spare you the details. As well as other silly topics.  And then, too soon, it was 5:30.  And time to race back home.

But those few hours, done on a whim... it was just what I needed.  Visual stimulation and the laughter and friendship of great buds. And wonderful food!  And being silly.  Sometimes silly is just what you need. 

I could learn to like being a little impulsive!

-c

Ice? Only in Tea please!

Today we are bracing for colder weather to move in.  The skies are dark and cloudy and it is thundering, as a huge line of storms move our way.  That's not so bad.  'Cept it is supposed to turn to ice later tonight.  Possibly.  I like ice.  In my tea.  But NOT to drive on.  Specially Texans.  We don't get that you can't do 70 mph on it.  And I'm not really in the mood to have a car smoosh at this point and time.  But as usual, I digress.

 

Yesterday was NOT icy, or as chilly.  And Sweet Hub and I took a little field trip to McKinney.  Was so much fun to get to meet Cindy for lunch (we met at Spoons, best bacon sandwich I've had in ages!) and putz around the town.

These images are all from Carolyn's booth at the Antique Company Mall.   Lots of great shopping and cute booths there.  Carolyn's booth is filled to the brim with lots of great funky, junk at awesome prices.

Lots of lovely, beckoning spots here and there to dig through.  She really has some beautiful display work and she told us that her hubby does it all!  How cool is that?

He is very good.  Lots of layers and nooks and crannies that draw your eyes in.  LOVE that wonderful, floral door stop.

Carolyn has a great mix of vintage and paper goods that inspire one to run home and create.  Which I did.  I'm going to try and convince her to be a vendor at Paper Cowgirl (Carolyn!  Hint! Hint!  :D ). 

Ella Elaine is there as well.  But I stupidly forgot to ask her if I could take any pics.  Her booth up front was done in taupe with the sweetest touches of Robin's Egg blue.  Perfect for Spring.  I was in heaven, I tell ya.

And Cindy's booth is a confection colored spot of vintageie goodness too!  Loved these sweet hangers.  My gran used to sit and do those all the time.

Sweet little stamped muslin bags tied with strips of fabric. 

It was very much like her, happy and bright and cheerful!

Loved this typewriter.  So awesome.

We were disappointed that Smitten was closed.  But that just gives me an excuse to head back up that way another time soon. 

Always fun to get together with bloggie friends.  Ang and her delightful daughter came to see me on Tuesday and hang out in my town.  And that is something I rarely get to do...shop in my own town.  LOL.  And always great to hang with other bloggies. 

Well, here's hoping there will be no ice tonight 'cept in my Diet Coke or Tea.  Hope it is toasty warm where you are.  I'm off to turn on the Christmas Lights and make a pot of veggie soup.

Pain + Craft = Not for me!

I have tried to quilt.  It is a skill that, frankly, I'm just to weenie to pursue.  Painful finger pricks and bloody fabric is not really my idea of a great time.  So.  I just admire from afar.  And I do, very much admire.  The thought, time and effort put into a quilt just amazes me.

And admire some I did.  A few weekends ago, when Sweet Hub and I drove over to Crockett, Texas.  A beautiful, East Texas town that was kicking off the Christmas Holidays with an old-fashioned day of food, crafts, and music.  One of the events was a Quilt Show and there were some beauties.  Take a peep.

I'm such a sucker for this.  I think its the mix of all the different patterns that pull me in. This was my fave.  And it was vintage.  What's not to love?

Isn't it pretty?

I thought this was interesting as well.  Same type of mix of patterns, but with a more modern look.

Again, another pattern mix.  Are we seeing a pattern in what it is that I like?  But, seriously, it had me at the ruffled edge. 

 

Sweet!

Just loved the details here.  But, if I were the one stitching, by the third square, I would be crying, rocking back and forth and begging for Bag Balm.  

Uhm, red and white?  What's not to love.  I wondered briefly if I could run fast enough to get this out the door and to the car before they caught me.  OK.  I'm kidding.  Maybe. 

YO!  YO!  Ha!  Get it?

Awwww, how does one not love Yo-Yo's?  Come on...they are too stinkin cute!  Bout wold'nt your toes get cold?

I guessed this was the modern version of the Sweet Sue?

 

But this was the Big Daddy of em all and the one they were auctioning off.  It was really, really pretty.  And machine done.  Hey, I could do that.  If I knew how to SEW.  

But all kidding aside.  I do admire quilts.  My Gran quilted and I'm fortunate enough to have one of her quilts.  Its beautiful and a wonderful reminder of her sweet spirit and talented hands.

Well, thanks for taking a peep with me.  I hope you enjoyed the quilts as much as I did.  I think it is always fun to be inspired by new color combo's and patterns. 

And we got to eat giant Sausage on a stick that day too!  What can I say.  It was a win-win. 

Happy Tuesday!

PS.  Thanks for the Etsy love yesterday.  I just added some more new things tonight.  Some Christmas and some just vintage in general. 

Flea-ing @ Camp Round Top

Camp Round Top.  As my boss likes to call it.  And its sorta like camp, in fun way. 

For those that don't know, "Round Top" refers to not only the name of the small town that this Antique-slash-Flea Fest is held in, but the event itself.  Round Top is a Texas-sized show that is truly, well, big.  And fun.  One can find anything from fine, European antiques, to monogrammed Burlap pillows (for a mere $650.00) to hand-made goods and jewelry and clothing.  It is a junker's dream and it happens twice a year, every Fall and every Spring.

I was fortunate to get to tag along with my boss, CB as she shopped for the shop.  We had our eyes peeled for cool things and fantastic finds.  So much eye candy and tons of inspiration.  And one of the best parts, finding fellow (or rather gal) bloggers. 

The first one I spied with my little eye...why it was Deb and Cat Daddy! at Talking White Trash.  What an awesomely, beautiful booth they had. 

Deb puts together a great vignette.  And of course, I loved the touches of Fall with bittersweet and white pumpkins.   You are a true artist Deb! 

Great pile of old silverware.

Just loved the way this all looked together.  The weather beaten door, art, fabric and that great branch of bittersweet.  Did I mention artist?

CB loved this old scale.  It was truly a cool find and I think it actually worked.

And while the outdoor temps felt like anything BUT Fall (can you say, "sweat fest"), it was fun to pretend.  And we did have some cooler temps roll through for a short time on Tuesday morning, after the rain storm.

Finally got to see what Zapp Hall was all about.  Have I mentioned fun?  Even more fun was FINALLY getting to meet Theresa.  I think we've only been trying to meet for about two years now.  LOL.  Her booth was just amazing.  Agan, an artist.  In the photo above, I just loved the suit case full of wonderful finds.

Sweet, little, shabby child-sized chair.

Loved the "tumbling" look of the set of tables. 

And thought about carrying all of these little guys home.  Garden finds are a favorite of mine.  And I stupidly did not take any pics of people, probably cause we were all melting in the heat.  And does anyone really want to see that? 

After hearing so much about the shop called Leftovers, from the other gals that I work with, I finally got to see it for myself.  Wonderful.  The lay-outs and displays and merchandise are very pretty and nicely detailed.

The thing that tugged at my heart most was this kitchen.  The bead board, cabinets and counter top are what I would like to have in my own home.  But I especially admired the artwork on the wall.  It is a rusty wire, under which are tucked all sorts of tempting little goodies and whimsies.

Here are some close-ups.  Old plates, books, photo's...

...even a couple of small, ironstone creamers hangs from the wire. 

Of course, I especially loved the waded up paper and the wee nest. 

And I also loved this great wall treatment.  Painted, glazed and stamped. 

But the trip was not complete without a visit to Royers.  And as always, it's well, fun and loud.  The host (Bud) is snarky (but sweet at heart with a great smile) and the food is fabulous.  Two words - Cilantro Ranch Dressing.  Ok, that's three words.  And steak that melts in your mouth.  Awesome.

Great atmosphere.  But pooh, no one danced on the tables.  Well, on the floor, but no tables.

This is the ceiling.

And often times, you will get "community" seating.  There were our dining companions for the evening.  And they were fun.  Because they were British.  OK, the two on the left are British, the one on the right is American.  But he's from New England, so there ya go.  LOL.  All were shop owners, looking for goods, except Daniel (center) who I think was along for the wild ride.  Chauffer I think he said.  :D

Conversation intially centered on shop talk, of course.  But soon bits of speak on topics that ranged from Harry Potter to "Bubbles and Squeak" (which is an English dish which consists of leftover Pot Roast and Cabbage) soon made their way into the convo.  They were delightful gentlemen (of course, they were British) and we very much enjoyed their company and conversation (and cool accents) for the evening. 

Except for, did I mention the downpour?  Yes, this was our dinner attire as we made the dash out to Royer's.  Tres Chic. 

We stayed at the most lovely location.  The Outpost at Cedar Creek is Texas charm from one end to the other.  Lenore was a great hostess (and such a cutie), delightful accommodations and fantastic food, had me wishing I could stay longer.  Not once did my hiney hit the hammock, but it sure did want too.  I will for sure go back and drag Sweet Hubs along next time.  And hey, now only 999 places left to visit before I die.  Sounds like a plan to me. 

Lovely club room.

The little Casi-ta we stayed in.

It was a grand adventure and with so much inspiration and eye candy, British talk and great food.  My creativity is on overload and I'm ready to git to work.  So I'll git to it!

Happy Wednesday!

Pretty Art, Talented Artist, Sweet Hubby!

No, not me!  Silly!  Oh, how I wish that it was my name that was attached to this lovely piece of art work and the title above!  But alas, that title belongs to my friend Lesley.  Lesley, is Texas born, but sadly no longer Texas based, artist.  Her in work is based in mixed-media as well as fabric.  She sent us (Tina and I) a piece to use as a give-away in the June PC.  Sadly, I did not get pics, but let me tell you, it was amazing.  A completely, stitched and sewn fabric book that had all of us gals just itchin to hold it.  It was so lovely.  Blast Renee'...er uhm I mean, lucky Renee' was the winner on that one. 

But here is the good part!  You can take a class from the wonderful Miss Lesley herself!  Yep.  KC Willis Studio Retreats is having a "visiting artists class" and Lesley is one of the teachers.  She will be doing a Relics class and it looks so wonderful.  For more dates and info head here!  The classes are February 4-6, 2010.  But from the looks of the samples, I am willing to bet it will fill up fast!

Also, as an aside, "Mr. Lesley" as Lesley's hubby is known, has a cooking blog!  So be sure to take a peep at Mr Lesley Cooks. as well.  He's funny and he cooks!  Lesley is a lucky gal indeed!

Here's one more little peep, I hope she won't mind me showing ya, LOVE this!

 

Is this not the prettiest?  As I said, she is oh-so-talented.  So, check out her blog, and this site for more class info!  You won't be disappointed.  As I said, if only I lived closer!  I would be there with bells on!  :D

Happy Monday!

Red, she said. And I was hooked.

Several years ago, when I first found out about blogs, there were a handful that I consistently went to for my creative "fix".  And one, that I stumbled across, that would become one of my faves (and still is) is Melissa Mccob Hubbell   I found everything about her blog delightful.  Even the name intrigued me.  The Garden of Pink Shadows. I loved the sound of it, romantic and beautiful.  Perhaps a quiet place to slip into at twilight, while sipping a glass of wine or a cup of tea.  You know, just a place to relax and take in the beauty.  And that's exactly what her blog is. 

 

She was one of the first Etsy shops that I ever ordered from.  And I still love to order from her.  You know me, I had to have this. It had me at the "red".  Lookit that cute little twine and that wee labels.  Yeah, can you say, "hooked'. 

 

Even the back of the package is adorable!  She sealed it shut with a letter.  Just too stinkin cute I tell ya.  I'm so into little details like that. 

 

This Schoolgirl Paper Packet was a must have.  Ever since purchasing this, 

well, I've just been in that "new crayons, new shoes, back-to-school" mode.  The only thing left to do is pick up one of the Fall clothes magazines and wait for the cooler weather to make it's way here.  Oh please, do hurry! 

 

I'm thinkin some sort of tag for the new supply tin is in order and that these goodies just might be the ticket for making that tag.

Well, I'm off to create.  And I hope you get to do the same today.  And do check out Melissa's blog.

I hope that you, like I was, will be delighted. 

Happy Wednesday.

No White Rabbit here!

Or brown for that matter.  Have you seen these? (click on pics to make larger).

I just thought this was so fun.  Especially as anal...I mean, er, color challenged as I am, well, now I can totally coordinate my Easter basket in all one color.  No more brown chocolate bunny.  He's vibrant orange.  With Whopper's to match.  And Cotton Candy.  How cool is that? 

There was orange, green, pink, blue and yellow.  I thought it was was just too much fun.  I found it all at Wally no less. 

Kinda reminds me of when they used to dye the little chicks down at the M.E.Moses.  Now, if that is not telling my age...I don't know what is.  LOL.  Easter fun for sure.  Once I get the baskets finished, I'll show ya.  Some things may have to be "cello bagged".  LOL.  Did I mention anal? 

Happy Thursday.