My weekend with the pros….

Making friends in the field

I had the privilege of meeting Brian and Meloney Russell of The Seed Box Antiques last March at Coles’s Antique Show in Warrneton. I really can’t say enough good things about this couple. In my opinion, they take merchandising to another level. I was impressed with the buying frenzy that took place when they unpacked their trailer for the show at 7am on a Monday morning. If you went to Warrenton in March, you definitely saw their load of body parts. On top of all that, I discovered that they are genuinely nice people with generous hearts. Oh… and they brought their adorable grand daughter Ivy to the show. Ivy stole everyone’s heart and had everyone at Cole’s wrapped around her finger (including me).

Fast friends, I was excited to have veterans to talk shop with. They invited me to have dinner with them and introduced me to more of the “pros” in the industry. One night at dinner Brian asked me if I’d be interested in helping them a couple days at the Dallas Market. I’m not sure how to convey my excitement. My reply without hesitation was…

Are you kidding? I’d work for FREE! 🙂

The Seed Box at Urban Market

I was really excited when I learned that Brian and Meloney were setting up at the Urban Market in Houston. I hadn’t been to this market yet, but had heard that it was the premier show in Houston. I volunteered to help for that one too!

While they take their work serious, we had some serious laughs hanging out all weekend. I even got to go “junking” with them on Saturday. EEKS!

Their displays are so inspiring…

I love Meloney’s display of her cuff bracelets “SKINS”…. each a one-of-a-kind design using the skins of baseballs.

Willow Nest

Brian and Meloney introduced me to their dear friends, Ludmil and Linda Marcov of the Willow Nest. They had a gorgeous display at Marburger Farms! The Willow Nest is a lovely mix of French country and unique treasures that Ludmil designs and meticulously hand crafts himself.

I was delighted to help the lovely Linda on Sunday.

Linda’s displays take you to the French countryside! I was inspired by her as well. It really was a privilege to help out… I learned so much!

I wish I had taken some good pictures of Ludmil’s bird houses. Check out their website! They are amazing!!!!

J Hill Designs

Several months ago a sweet couple stopped to talk with me while I was set up at Canton Trade Days. I had a really nice chat with Billy and Judy Hill without realizing that I had met another “pro” couple. Their J Hill Designs display at Marburger Farms in March was fabulous! I was excited to see them at Urban Market. They are another couple that is genuinely nice and exceedingly talented!

Just beautiful…

New Friends

While at Urban Market I met some new friends and had dinner with these creative folks on Saturday night.

Susie Skinner and Hector Vasquez of Fundustrial, along with their friend Mindy were so much fun!!! I was in my element talking BIG IDEAS with Hector the Collector and enjoyed getting to know Mindy and Susie better. If you are a regular at Warrenton…. You know these three talented pros!!!! I went home with a few new pieces from their shop…. EXCITED!

Check out some of their displays….

I went home with a vintage mail sorter just like the one on the left!

New friends, Don and Kathy Gross of austinWOODHENGE are artisans that create handmade and hand painted items. I love their paper boy bags!!!! I am the proud owner of one of their creations!!!!

My prized new bag!

Totally inspired!

Urban Market is definitely the premier market in Houston and a must see. Mark your calendars for the upcoming market October 27 & 28. You really don’t want to miss a chance to see so much talent in one location!

Come early… there was a line both Saturday & Sunday

Flown The Coop plans

Spending the weekend with the pros will have a lasting influence on Flown The Coop! This week I’ll be hard at work on my final display in “the field” at Canton Trade Days. Frankly, I was tempted to pare down my display in preparation for my space in Chippendale Eastlake Antiques. No chance of that… I am inspired to rock it!

Hope to see you in a couple weeks at my home in the field! May 30 – June 3 (Click on the map for an enlarged image)