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round top

by amy williams

the greatest show

the junkin' trail

Round Top, Texas is a tiny town with a population of 90, that hosts about 100,000 visitors during the two week biannual show. Since we had so much fun at the fall show, here's a look at a 'day in the life' of our trip to Round Top.

We kept our goals in mind! We wanted to source vintage and handmade products for the shop, while meeting fellow entrepreneurs, creatives, makers and artists. Also, we like to look for inspiration from displays and unique finds. And lastly, we shop for one-of-a-kind pieces for clients and our own homes. As a bonus, we really get to connect and have fun with our team.

round top, texas is a tiny town with a population of 90, that hosts about 100,000 visitors during the two week biannual show.

meet the team

First, there's Susie, the dreamer and doer behind everything, from owner of the home décor shop, "From: Susie" to interior designer and founder of the 626 Foundation, a non-profit design firm. In the Spring of 2021, Susie began publishing her own magazine, named "HomeMade" as part of her seasonal Décor Box. Most recently, she and her newly married husband Rob, became podcasters.

Then, there's me, Amy Williams, Susie's bestie, content creator for Susie and for my personal blog, CuterTudor.com. Reagan Hain is the assistant interior designer, operations manager and Susie's doppelganger. Next on the team is Lauren Sigala, the social media gal, Pinterest guru, mood board designer and answer to when you 'Like to Know It.' Lastly, there is Cortney Dani, an amazing photographer who makes sure that Susie never posts a bad photo of herself. Like ever.

the spring + fall shows are the main shows in round top. winter + summer shows are a more abbreviated version for first-timers.

finders keepers

starting off

Our first stop of the day is at 'The Arbors' where you can find a variety of high-end boutiques, clothing, fine art, imported décor and one of Susie's favorites, the Bloody Mary. We look for makers and artists that we can add to the shop. Last year, this is where we met artist, Mary Gregory, who is featured in our summer collection.

While our goal is to search for handmade and vintage finds for the shop, we did a little personal shopping, too. For instance, we met fellow entrepreneur Madison, 23-year-old owner of "Happy Heart Clothing". We loved her creative spirit and found some cute accessories for our own girls. Support the Makers is not just a slogan on a t-shirt... we truly love to support makers, artists and small businesses.

Susie searches for unique pieces that she loves and believes that her customers will love, too. Furthermore, when she purchases multiples of one product for the shop, know that each one is still hand-picked. She rummages through stack of baskets, buckets of bowls, and rows of grecian planters to rescue items and give them a new life. Sometimes, she is looking for a perfect combination of imperfections. Other times, it may be individual character, but quality is always on the forefront.

Shopping for vintage and handmade finds isn't as easy as it looks... questions arise with each item. For example, how will we get it home, how well will it ship to customers and is the price right for me to profit yet customers to buy? Does this vendor offer wholesale, and will customers find it as beautiful or interesting as I do? Is this item timeless or is it too trendy? Do we already have similar items in the shop? Lots of questions that get answered by sales reports, calculators, measuring tapes, or just a gut feeling. However, often times, these questions are simply answered with prayer as we run back to purchase them, hoping they are still there. That's living on a prayer! search + rescue

teamwork makes the dreamwork

It is a truly rewarding experience to have the team together. Not only do we share a vision for the shop, but it is helpful to have others to bounce ideas around and receive respected feedback from one another. For example, here's what it sounds like when we are searching for products.

Susie probably said something like, "Hey, look at these round mini boards! What can we do with these?" After pausing, she follows up with, "They could be ornaments." The wheels immediately begin to turn and Amy chimes in with "Or personalized gift tags or mini charcuterie boards." Lauren adds, "A candle holder or coasters." Then, Amy describes how they could be used on a tablescape at each place setting.

round one slightly in front of the rectangular board. Then, Amy responds "That is the cutest juxtaposition, Susie." And describes how it looks like layered cutting boards often styled on a kitchen stove backsplash. She follows up with, "That would be so cute on a tiered tray in the kitchen."

So, Susie bought as many as we could all carry in our arms.

Unless, you have been to the Round Top Antique Show, it can be hard to imagine how many different "shows" are set up. There are so many fields of tents and clusters of buildings spread out for miles from south of Warrenton, to north of Round Top in Texas. In addition, the surrounding small towns will have their own antique shops and pop-ups open. I've even seen garage sales plopped smack in a farmer's pasture. Literally, the thrill is in the hunt. 59

By midday, we were full of inspiration, but starving. There are quite a few amazing food trucks spread out between the venues. However, we heard good things about The Garden Co. at Round Top, so decided to enjoy lunch on the plant-filled patio. The cafe is located in an old farmhouse surrounded by other small shops.

Before long, we were back at it! More goodies to be found including the gorgeous mustard-dipped pottery. The lighting in the building was so beautiful that we had a styling/photography session right there.

When we returned for the evening at the Wander Inn, Amie and Jolie Sikes, Junk Gypsies, hosted a get together for guests. There, we met travel bloggers, leather craftsmen, fellow shop owner "Farmhouse Frocks" and other Round Top venue owners. They served us beer, wine and the most amazing charcuterie board with 4" tall chocolate-covered, cream-filled Ding Dongs. Plus, the cutest sugar honey bees and honeycomb over Brie cheese. It was fun connecting with new and old friends, alike, and ending the night around the campfire.

The next morning was filled with more shopping, more fun and more Bloody Marys. How else could I get Susie to climb on the back of "Lion King" without getting caught?!

| from: susie cable knit throw |

Bedford Cottage, New Hampshire, USA

Formerly known as Kennebunk Weavers, Bedford has been manufacturing decorative throws since 1982. They love what they do, and it shows in the depth and variety of the products they offer. Design, quality, and development have proven to be the cornerstones of their business.

Bedford Cottage throws are designed and manufactured in Manchester, New Hampshire. The father and son venture of Edward and Richard Sherman has resulted in beautiful novelty yarns woven into the high quality offerings of the textile line.

This is second throw that Susie has designed with Bedford Cottage. The neutral throw gives a contemporary twist to the traditional fisherman cable and the pattern is gracefully proportioned to catch the eye in any room. Knit on American soil, 100% acrylic, machine washable.

50” x 60”

Retail $108