Texas Trash and Treasures

Watermelon Boy

2011-11-10T14:01:00.011-06:00

Owning and operating your own business is a never -ending circle of challenge and responsibility! Overwhelming would be an understatement. That must be why Richard and I do alot of silly stuff!! To stay SANE!! To offset the "big people stuff" we are required to do, day in, day out!!

On a recent working vacation, we picked up a watermelon before leaving Texas, along with other goodies for the roadtrip, intending to eat it along the way. Let's just say it slid under some bags and disappeared. Out of sight, out of mind. Forgotton! It wasn't until we began to pack for the return that we noticed "watermelon Boy" on the floorboard in the backseat, where he had been hiding for almost a week!

We laughed and could not believe we still had this Texas watermelon! So we decided to bring him back home to Texas with us!! And how extra silly would it be to take his photo along the way!?

And so we did just that, laughing hysterically as we would stop, unload the melon, as onlookers would frown, we just laughed and snapped the camera!! Then we would view the pic we had just taken and laugh some more!!

Our return trip home took us a different route because we had to pick up some tin in Kentucky, so here is Watermelon Boy in Illinois...

Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Back in Texas again!!

In the end, Watermelon Boy rolled off the kitchen counter and busted, right in time for our dessert!! Proof that it doesn't take much for Richard and I to have a great time!!

Junkin'

2011-02-19T10:31:00.008-06:00

Houston Texas, The Heights, a funky historical district, a must see, must go, and we DID!! Being the "certified scavengers" that we are, Richard and I slammed on the brakes when we noticed a most unusual junky place tucked betweem two rather classy boutiques, one of which had one of our peace signs hanging in the window!!Now I have been junkin for 25 years, and I have NEVER seen anything like this place!! I could not even speak!

Junk, GOOD JUNK, stacked 5-7 feet deep, in a open air brick space that has been there for 45 years!! You can only imagine! Most was overpriced for this scavenger, however........

we did manage to find 10 "trophies", an Addy Award (advertising) presented to a few Houstonians about 30 years ago.

Atleast that is what the owner, Joe White, told me!! If you are ever in the Heights, I would stop if I were you!! We are still talking about it.

26.2

2011-02-04T12:43:00.004-06:00

5:45 am, Sunday January 30. The man came to run it in less than 5 hours, that was his goal. 6:30 or so, waiting for the sun to come up! I am sitting on the curb, but the man came to run!!

I left the marathon man so he could join the madness, and walked around, still waiting for it to get light!! A few minutes later, they all ran under this sign!!

The next time I spotted him, was at mile 25!! I started ringing "the bell" as he left formation and ran toward me to plant a kiss on my cheek!!

A few minutes later, he crossed the finish line, 4:32, a time he was real pleased with!! Got the metal, got the shirt, and as he said,"got the girl", ME!!

YAY!!

Wonderland in Carmine

2011-02-03T09:55:00.004-06:00

Seriously, I have never dabbled with drugs, but one may suspect so when they look at my work! Nothing is as it should be, instead, surprising, silly, unncommon, and full of wonder. Yes, there is a Wonderland here in Carmine. Kinda like Alice in Wonderland!! Wonderland in Carmine, where butterflies are navy blue with neon veins............. and all the birds are blue, with "happiness" inscribed on their wings.............

and fish seen swimming in the ponds have scales made from smashed tin cans..........

Could this really be true? I WONDER!! In the Carmine wonderland, all bikes have wheels with big puffy bows and roses on them...........

and last but not least, every home has a big colorful heart hanging in a prominate place, that says, SO HAPPY TOGETHER!! Now that's my idea of a wonderful wonderland, and it really exists here in Carmine!!

the perfect day

2011-01-05T15:52:00.003-06:00

Richard and I just ended a "perfect day" here in Carmine. With temps around 65, 0 humidity and sunshine, things started to really come together behind the scenes here. People have been knocking on the front door to the store, even though there is a CLOSED sign, i guess they are curious as to what is inside this funky turquoise building!! Only 100 feet away from a locked door, here we are working like hebrew slaves in the back yard, unnoticed! We are having fun creating and piling up fun unnecessary stuff for you!! To all you who invest in RUST, thanks!

ADIOS HOLIDAYS!

2011-01-02T16:41:00.004-06:00

Adios to the Holidays! We survived a wonderful and successful time here at the store. We are grateful, thankful and excited about the coming year! But what to DO with the VOID between now and spring!!?? How should I decorate the store?? I thought, considered and contemplated! I just was not sure!! So I decided to play it safe! LA VIDA LOCA!! WELCOME 2011!

Spring and Summer designs

2010-12-09T15:55:00.002-06:00

Holiday production ended weeks ago, so what's next?...can you believe that Monday morning we began working on our spring and summer designs?? Due to popular demand, many shapes will be returning, however we have lots of new ideas on the drawing board. So this is how our "research and development" goes....I might draw out a prototype and say to Richard "do you like this"? He shakes his head NO and I say "let's go with it then". We laugh and begin to make 100 of them!! It sure helps to keep one's sense of humor through all the ups and downs of this thing and it doesn't hurt to be proud of being TRASHY!!

2010-12-09T15:53:00.002-06:00

winners!!!

2010-11-27T16:19:00.003-06:00

The Mayers from Brenham are the latest winnners of $50 free merchandise!!

worn out wonderful wagons

2010-11-27T12:12:00.001-06:00

watch the waywe transform these wonderful worn out wagons!!!!!!!!!!!!

glo-molds

2010-11-27T11:12:00.002-06:00

This year we incorporated a lot what some call "glo-molds" into our holiday wreaths. This was a particularly fun wreath and will have a new home when it gets auctioned off soon in Round Top to benefit the Historical Society. Thanks Elizabeth for letting us participate.

Leon Collins

2010-11-18T17:08:00.002-06:00

Today I met Leon Collins, a folk artist, a character, a nice man. The most fascinating thing about Leon is that he creates art with his 20 year old daughter! He does some pieces, she does some pieces and some are a collaborative effort. I came back to the store with 14 pieces.

2010-11-13T15:15:00.000-06:00

2010-11-13T15:06:00.001-06:00

it will be here before you know it

HEY, i apologize!!

2010-11-13T14:38:00.004-06:00

To my thousands, possibly millions of followers and fans, I can only apologize for being a slacker when it comes to blogging! Have I lost my touch, or am I losing my mind??!! The approaching holidays are having a strange effect on me.

International Quilt Show

2010-11-11T15:40:00.003-06:00

Texas Trash at the Quilt Show, hmmm sounds like a oxymoron, however you spell that, just didn't seem like the two would go together. Well it turns out that quilters love anything handmade and appreciate whimsical and "different" stuff!! So to sum it up, we loved the people and the show AND alot of trash went to new homes and gardens. A perfect weekend.

Rosenberg trash seekers

2010-10-27T18:00:00.004-05:00

The Peddler show in Rosenberg this past weekend was a fun and profitable time, thanks to all the trash seekers!! Thank you from the turquois building on 290!!

Get your Holiday on!

2010-10-19T07:47:00.000-05:00

here is a preview of our soon to be released Photo Notecards!

Photography by Deb Taylor.
Art by Linda & Richard Hamilton, Deb's Trashy friends and neighbors!

Fall Fun

2010-10-16T10:39:00.003-05:00

watching the gentle wind knock the leaves off the branches has given us our latest idea. we are having fun this fall.

run run Rudolph

2010-10-14T16:17:00.003-05:00

For years we have been wanting to create a reindeer. Well we finally took the time to do just that!! Made 100, and they all "ran off". That means they SOLD. So here comes another 100. Run run Rudolph!!

THANK YOU!!

2010-10-09T14:54:00.008-05:00

Thank you to all my trashy followers who came out to buy trash from us in Warrenton. see you in 6 months.

FALL

2010-10-07T17:35:00.002-05:00

it's the most wonderful time of the year

FACES

2010-09-25T06:59:00.004-05:00

If you don't like fun and junk, you might want to come to Warrenton just to look at the people who like fun and junk. I love to look at the faces, and thru the hustle and bustle, I managed to capture a few.

its all about Warrenton

2010-09-23T21:04:00.003-05:00

Wheels in Warrenton!

2010-09-23T11:12:00.002-05:00

follow me to Warrenton

2010-09-22T07:42:00.002-05:00

SUN IS UP..........TIMES AT HAND...THERE's a STIR ACROSS THE LAND..AND SO BEGINS ANOTHER DAY AT WARRENTON. FOLLOW ME THERE....it a tiny texas town...go to the website and read about it!! gotta go shoppers await!!!!

bud the pieman

2010-09-19T15:55:00.003-05:00

Royers, the cafe, was nominated by their patrons; one of 20 finalists and now all they need is our vote. Have you voted yet?? VOTE at http://tinyurl.com/26a3ywg

a blessing

2010-09-18T17:10:00.003-05:00

today was a slow day at the store, but hey, sometimes it is better to give than receive!! this sweet family won $25 in merchandise and said it was such "a blessing". could it be, just maybe, that it's not all about ME!!!

PHOTO CONTEST

2010-09-17T12:18:00.003-05:00

PHOTO CONTEST - Shoot, Submit, Win!! First-ever "While at Warrenton" photo contest. Cool prizes for cool pictures... people, places, architecture, food, events, whatever you find at Warrenton. Family-oriented - anyone can enter.

Texas Trash and Treasure

2010-09-11T12:44:00.000-05:00

Love lives in Carmine, Texas

2010-09-11T07:05:00.003-05:00

CLICK HERE to watch a video one of our customers made on his recent visit to our store in Carmine, Texas...he is now our new best friend!!! ~Thanks Ratler~

Junkin' in North Carolina

2010-09-09T08:00:00.000-05:00

Richard and I can't go anywhere without spotting a junkin' opportunity. Even at McDonalds one morning, we chased down a pickup full of furniture and bought it all. yes, he was headed for the dump!! We have a lot of fun, laugh a lot, and believe we really do share one brain!

my friend Deb

2010-09-04T16:34:00.003-05:00

Photographer, friend and neighbor, Deb Taylor, is helping me create notecards featuring my art. This is a very fun joint venture, and for those of you who know Deb's work, you know to expect the best!! stay tuned.............

WOMAN SEEN ON hwy290 PULLING HER HAIR OUT

2010-09-04T14:14:00.002-05:00

I know this is just a test, but today I feel like running down hwy 290, shouting, crying, and pulling my hair out!! Wouldn't you think Labor Day weekend would equal a busy time at TEXAS TRASH AND TREASURES??!! Not so...........HELP i need customers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"FINDS"

2010-09-02T12:43:00.003-05:00

lots of new artwork here at the trashy store on 290...come see!!

North Carolina triathlon

2010-08-31T20:47:00.008-05:00

North Carolina!

we came, we saw, we played, we bought...come see

2010-08-30T20:17:00.010-05:00

there is so much to show you, alittle at a time will be better..stay tuned

current conditions, low tonite 59, high tomorrow 81

2010-08-25T20:16:00.003-05:00

the making of a FOLK FEST

2010-08-23T08:40:00.017-05:00

Folk Fest has come and gone. We had a great show.........here's some reasons why....

inside Folk Fest

2010-08-23T08:15:00.016-05:00

Folk Fest in Atlanta was a huge success for Texas
Trash and Treasures. These shots will not do it justice, but journey with me through the last 3 days of folky fun!!

just a tiny tiny peek at FOLK FEST

2010-08-21T20:07:00.006-05:00

just a tiny peek at FOLK FEST............stayed tuned for more....

worldly signs and wonders

2010-08-18T17:05:00.024-05:00

with one fun day to kill until set up for the Folk Fest, Richard and i did Atlanta.

T for Texas T for Tennessee

2010-08-14T12:35:00.002-05:00

Richard and I are closing the store from Aug.15 till Sept 1. We are headed for the

Folk Fest in Atlanta, where we will sell our goods, and then on to the beloved state of

TENNESSEE!! Good ole Rocky Top..........there we intend to pick up some TIN like you see on this great Tennessee barn, do some junkin' and a lot of reminiscing. A lot ! Last stop will be Lake Lure in North Carolina where Richard will do a triathlon. We will be back and ready to open on Thursday, SePt. 2. At that time we will be unveiling fall and some Christmas!!! Looking forward to seeing or hearing from you all , until then I will keep blogging!!

cool blues

2010-08-12T13:16:00.011-05:00

hopein' to cool things down alitttle, i did a blue thing.........cooool blues.

mystery man

2010-08-09T21:01:00.004-05:00

all i can do is apologize for cutting off the head of the guy who made our week here at the store!! Mr Hill purchased "The Herd" and "Blue Cow" for his lovely wife for her birthday. Thank you so much!!

fun, funky, folky, rusty, dusty, unnecessary stuff!!

2010-08-08T15:34:00.004-05:00

cow country

2010-08-07T10:51:00.003-05:00

Carmine is cow country. On any given day I witness 30 or more stock trailers crammed full of cows, going by the store. I don't know what the cowboys actually DO with the cows. Do they just take them on a joy ride, maybe move them from one pasture to another, or maybe they "trade" cows. Anyway, a couple of cows ended up here..............

new trashy treasures

2010-08-05T10:32:00.010-05:00

hey trashy followers, we have some new trash to share with you.

castles and ice cream

2010-08-03T07:44:00.006-05:00

there are grand castles and there are "grandboys". ice cream is sweet but these boys are sweeter. our latest field trip to the castle in Belleville and the creamery in Brenham.

2010-08-01T13:47:00.002-05:00

WOW!! August in Texas.....a challenging time of the year to be in top production mode preparing for the holidays, but we are! While some vacation, laying on the sun soaked beach, you know who you are, here at Texas Trash and Treasures we are hard at it !! Just doesn't seem fair....you know who you are.........does it !!??

2010-07-29T18:40:00.003-05:00

out of 300 jackfaces, i chose to paint 25 pink! my loving husband LOVES them, a surprise to me. sometimes when i do something weird like this he says "well, we will be keeping those awhile." of course, we never KEEP anything, someone with a weirder sense of humor than ours picks all that stuff up and boy am i glad, because the more i think about it.............PINK PUMPKINS????

2010-07-27T18:16:00.001-05:00

aren't you glad these don't just come in orange??!!!

Waco Tri

2010-07-27T07:19:00.004-05:00

He swam, biked and ran in Waco, and all in one hour twenty-four minutes!!

Finished10 out 17 overall in his age bracket just minutes behind the others. Not bad since he just started training for triathlons recently. Go Richard, you rock!!!

"The Wheel"

2010-07-24T11:23:00.007-05:00

We have fun here at Texas Trash and Treasures!! Everyone who purchases from us gets to spin our "wheel". There are 6 places to win free merchandise, and believe me, we give away alot of stuff! It's our way of saying thanks, while practicing giving, not just receiving. It is so much fun just to spin the wheel, and when someone wins, the house goes wild!! Come join in the fun we are having in Carmine!!

Freak out-Flip out meltdown

2010-07-22T12:01:00.004-05:00

Chained to the table, my jokester husband pulled this stunt on me , a payback for my meltdown. The other day he had gone to run errands, post office, etc., and was gone a little too long, or so I thought. You see, Richard is the nicest man in town and always takes time to chat with people, and chat and chat! He is easy going and laid back. I am the opposite, unfortunately I hit the ground running and never get as much accomplished as I think I should. I hide from people cause I don't think I have time to talk , and the daily production goals I set are often unattainable. (God is still working on me people.) So anyway eventually up strolls Richard, smiling, Richard is ALWAYS smiling, and at that moment he witnessed my freak out-flip out meltdown. "Why have you been gone so long?" I said. "How are we ever going to get this all done??!!" and on and on....Right before I burst into tears, I looked up and noticed he had chained his foot to his work table. Instead, I died laughing. But Richard never looked up, his head to the grind, he said to me, "I am not allowed to go anywhere until I finish my work, and I won't be eating lunch either today". Thank God he has a sense of humor. And NO, we didn't complete all the work, it will never all be done, isn't that great...........the more people buy, the more we create!!

2010-07-17T12:29:00.000-05:00

Little People

2010-07-17T12:09:00.003-05:00

One of the perks of our recent move back to Texas, is the "little people". Recently Richard and I took our grandboys, Lofty and Lawson to the downtown Austin Sheraton for a slumber party. We had a great time, ate greasy overpriced hamburgers in the hotel dining room while the boys watched Nascar, shopped in the hotel giftshop like we were tourists, played I-SPY from our 16th floor room, and swam until we were waterlogged. The next morning we dined at the buffet and laughed at the boys as they marveled at the piles of bacon and eggs etc. And lastly, we sugared them up real good right before the hand off back to their parents. Gosh if I'd known grandkids were so much fun, maybe I would have had them first!! Love the little people.

2010-07-17T11:43:00.004-05:00

wild women

2010-07-15T16:29:00.002-05:00

thank you great wild women (customers).

Tin for fall and christmas designs

2010-07-14T07:04:00.002-05:00

The tin arrived !! This mess of metal will be turned into pumpkins, wreaths, christmas trees, stars, hearts,reindeer and who knows what else. Stayed tuned.........and all in the next 5 weeks!!

Fickle Pickle

2010-07-10T15:24:00.003-05:00

My name is Linda and I am a Fickle Pickle. I'll prove it. The other night I went to bed in tears because the store was so slow and today we were so busy I couldn't eat lunch, finish the floor, or even dash to the bathroom. And guess what I did... I started to complain. Linda the Fickle Pickle. Yes, I actually started griping because I couldn't step away from taking people's money. Go figure. Human nature is a funny thing, and pickles are sour. Linda, Linda, the Fickle Pickle. How I wish I was a sweet popsicle!!!

2010-07-08T12:00:00.001-05:00

"LOVE ROOM"

2010-07-08T11:19:00.010-05:00

This morning as I opened the store, I spotted a note shoved under the door. A customer left me some money for a "Love room" sign she took from the front porch while we were closed. I like to take people by suprise with my work, hence for a couple years I have been making signs that say love room. My idea is that one would hang it in their home, in a special place, perhaps in the nursery where you rock the love of your life to sleep........or it could be in the kitchen or in an eating area where the family and love ones gather.........or maybe you have a secret place of prayer, a closet or corner where you go and the sign could be hung there as a gentle reminder of God's never ending, never changing love for you, no matter how we act or fail Him..........or imagine how pleased your mate would be to enter the bedroom and see the "love room" sign hanging.......... I love to watch people's reaction when they spot the sign in the store or in our booth at a show. Some frown, shake their head and put it down quickly, like it might rub off on them or something..ha ha! Some carry the sign around for awhile, I imagine they are trying to figure out if they really have a love room. And then there are those who approach check out, some boldly, some slowly and sheepishly, almost embarrassed!! I always have my standard line as I place it in a bag, probing, "great sign HuH??!! I love the responses I get, too numerous to list, but my favorite by far has to be from a young woman who shared with me that the sign was an anniversary gift for her parents who had been married going on 30 years. I asked her where she thought they might hang it (none of my business ofcourse) and she replied, "well actually they need one for EVERY room because they love each other so much. WOW!! Wouldn't it be great if every child thought that of their parents. No matter where one hangs their "love room" sign, I believe every home needs one. Food for thought.

2010-07-06T07:09:00.000-05:00

reflecting on freedom

2010-07-06T07:05:00.002-05:00

INDEPENDENCE DAY

2010-07-04T14:09:00.001-05:00

a winning TEAM

2010-07-03T16:51:00.004-05:00

Alot of winning games have been played in Dallas,

(go Cowboys!) Texas Trash and Treasures recently went

to Dallas. Let me show you the TEAM we are putting together here in Carmine, the TEAM that made it possible

for Richard and I to "do Dallas."

Of course the cheerleaders,my oldest daughter, Laura and
my friend Deb

Laura

Deb

Now meet Kayla, Mary and Cody, the TEAM without whom Texas Trash and Treasures would not have played in Dallas.

Kayla

Mary

Cody

...and of course the most important component of any

winning team is the fans!!!

THANK YOU DALLAS!!

Happy Anniversary

2010-07-02T15:44:00.001-05:00

Richard and Linda

Two young people without a thing
Say some vows and spread their wings
Settle down with just what they need
Livin on love

She dont care 'bout whats in style
She just likes the way he smiles
It takes more than marble and tile
Livin on love

Two old people without a thing
Children gone but still they sing
Side by side in that front porch swing
Livin on love

He can't see anymore
And she can barely sweep the floor
Hand in hand they'll walk through that door
Just livin on love

we did dallas

2010-06-30T08:40:00.002-05:00

DMC was fantastic.....lots of details coming soon!!

On the road, AGAIN! :)

2010-06-23T07:37:00.002-05:00

play day

2010-06-22T06:42:00.005-05:00

I am not sure why any human would want to do this, so I went to see for myself...

Here is what I observed. Must be a man thing. Richard's most recent triathlon!

HELLO IS ANYBODY OUT THERE!!???????

2010-06-18T21:19:00.003-05:00

You know what is a really sad thing for a blogger???...............to blog and not know if anyone is even reading the blog!!!!!!!!!!!!! That's how I feel today , I'm sad... (maybe the heat has gotton to me) someone please COMMENT!! Gosh I am hot...........

gotta make the wigits

2010-06-17T06:48:00.002-05:00

yes we are actually taking fall and christmas to dallas market..............

baby doll fairies

2010-06-13T13:55:00.005-05:00

One of the more unusual and somewhat controversial items Richard and I create are the "baby doll fairies." Some customers are freaked out by them, some say they are creepy. But that's not our intention. We look at it as if we are bringing new life to the forsaken, forgotton and abandoned. Re-working the dolls into "folk art" hopefully will extend their life and bring endless conversation and enjoyment to their new parents!

Dallas Market

2010-06-10T13:00:00.004-05:00

Last week Richard and I decided to sell our "Trash" at the upcoming Dallas Market cash and carry. That would leave us about 17 days to produce what we believe would be enough product. It is a risky goal, almost impossible really, to attempt to prepare for one of the country's major markets. But we are not rookies and we took it on. Facing record breaking temperatures most days and unbelievable rains, (paint doesn't dry in the rain) we trudge on....day after day.....like hewbrew slaves....with sweaty brows, short tempers, (especially me) and high hopes as we question ourselves hourly..................CAN WE DO THIS!!!?????

road warrior

2010-06-06T12:35:00.002-05:00

I love MEN! I mean in general I admire and respect most MEN. I love how they are wired to do what women can't or won't do. OK, I realize that is a controversial statement considering the times we live in, but hey it's my blog!! I love my husband, Richard, especially because he is, like most men, a warrior. He goes into his battles to win! That's what men do! This particular battle occurred on the side of the road coming home from our Oklahoma show. I think he actually got excited when we blew out a wheel bearing on our trailor. Ofcourse he had all the parts to fix it and so he jumped out , telling me , his fair maiden, to sit in the truck with the air conditioner running. THAT's WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT!! I certainly wasn't equipped to fight this battle! What do I know about re-packing a wheel bearing!!?? So I watched him in my rear view mirrow, smiling, admiring him at battle. He attacked the tire with a vengence, and just as he began to grow a tad weary, another MAN pulled up, didn't even ASK if he needed help, just got on the ground beside Richard and dug in. It was wild!! Two warriors. A few hours later, we were flying down the highway again, my warrior at the wheel, no doubt proud of himself for slaying the dragon. I LOVE MEN, well I mean I love MY man.

behind the scenes

2010-06-03T13:01:00.008-05:00

Oklahoma was fun, and alot of work to get set for the thousands of people we saw. Here's a peek at what we do...........the beginning, right up to opening day.

2010-06-03T12:34:00.003-05:00

thank you!!

2010-06-03T12:23:00.009-05:00

Thank you Oklahoma City!! We really enjoyed meeting so many of you nice,cool people!! And we loved bringing your money back to Texas! Thanks to each and every one of you.

Oklahoma loves Texas Trash

2010-06-03T12:15:00.003-05:00

On the Road Again!

2010-05-27T09:23:00.005-05:00

Hey gang! It's Laura, oldest daughter of Richard and Linda... coming to 'ya from Carmine!! Lawson and I are running the store today, Thursday.

Folks are on the road again... headed to Oklahoma City, vicinity of "The Paseo Arts Festival 2010." To all our loyal customers over the years in OK - go see Richard and Linda and ALL THE NEW STUFF they have.

For those of you here in Texas, let's sell out this store before they get back!

Unique Teacher Gifts

Funky Folk Art

Things you have NEVER seen before...

OPEN ALL WEEKEND

THURS, FRI, SAT 10-6pm, SUN 12-6pm, MON 10-6pm

ranch owner

2010-05-25T16:28:00.003-05:00

a local ranch owner recently became a new satisfied customer!! Actually he almost carried off the entire store! Thanks to all our great customers!

Great and Crazy Customers

2010-05-21T14:13:00.011-05:00

Like we've discussed - there's the storefront, behind it our 400 sq.ft. living quarters, behind it our outdoor workshop. Last Monday the store was closed, as usual, and we were "hard at it creating." Around the corner pops a little head. She says, "Excuse me, are you open today?" I almost said, "Well yes, we are as a matter of fact that's why the sign says CLOSED." But, I put on my Jesus face, smiled and told her we were closed Mon, Tues and Wed.

One thing led to another and right before she hit her knees to beg ............... I caved, opened the door and turned on all 64 lights. It paid off for both of us. She gave me money and I gave her lots of smiles, a few laughs and lots of art.

Thank you great and crazy customers!!

Gypsy family comes to town!!

2010-05-20T16:07:00.008-05:00

A new band of gypsies rolled into town the other day. (not sure exactly where they set up camp but we could feel the wind change). While they hardly need any publicity from us, we are so excited about welcoming the JUNK GYPSY family . These photos are tobacco barn tin airstreams commissioned by the junk gypsy clan. These original pieces are fun and current and are for sale on their website @ gypsyville.com.

GoD BLeSS buttermilk BiSCUitS..and the hands that make ‘em.

2010-05-19T10:42:00.001-05:00

GoD BLeSS buttermilk BiSCUitS..and the hands that make them.

rough day at the office

2010-05-18T18:31:00.002-05:00

Billboard in Giddings

2010-05-18T09:33:00.001-05:00

Hey fans! If you see our new billboard in Giddings (headed our way) LET US KNOW!

Dixie Bird

2010-05-16T15:57:00.002-05:00

meet Dixie Bird. Dixie Bird lives in Carmine, Tx., with Richard and Linda Hamilton at TEXAS TRASH AND TREASURES. But you can adopt her for $69.00 Richard and Linda will mail her to you at no charge for shipping if you call them and ask for her!! She has 49 brothers and sisters but there is only one Dixie Bird.

to be honest

2010-05-15T19:24:00.002-05:00

today i am sorry i started blogging. i knew it was a committment, and while one doesn't have to update daily, i was having fun doing so. i felt it kept my blog fresh. TO BE HONEST, you don't need to know these things, but it's all part of our rollercoaster ride. TO BE HONEST, this week has been extremely slow sales wise. we are really good at making great stuff, just not so good at sitting behind the counter waiting for someone to buy it!! so who wants to blog when they are down? i just can't figure it all out. i don't understand alot but this i know, Jesus loves me this i do know, for my bible tells me so...........

2010-05-14T14:03:00.000-05:00

paying customers

2010-05-14T13:52:00.002-05:00

paying customers make our world go round. sounds weird, but it's reality here at TEXAS TRASH AND TREASURES. these gals were so much fun. they got to spin our "wheel" for free merchandise and sure hooped it up!! thanks ladies!

2010-05-13T13:10:00.000-05:00

the bakery

2010-05-13T13:01:00.003-05:00

like fresh baked bread cooling on the racks at the bakery, our freshly painted tin flowers are put out to dry in the hot texas sun.

The Billboard

2010-05-11T16:18:00.006-05:00

THE BILLBOARD

We are one of maybe ten shops on a very short stretch of hwy 290 between Houston and Austin. Most are fine antiques and good junk. Being funky and folky, I don't fit in very well.

In an attempt to "pull in our customer," we have leased a billboard 9 miles before our shop to educate the potential shopper on what to expect. It will state plainly that we are a fun, funky, folk art store.

That way the next time a sweet old gentleman walks in, makes a beeline towards me behind the counter, passing by all my great wonderful creations, (without even glancing at them), and asks, "Do you have any ANTIQUE TIRE TOOLS?"... I can scream at him saying, "DIDN'T YOU READ THE BILLBOARD?" Or maybe I'll say, "DOES IT LOOK LIKE I HAVE ANY ANTIQUE TIRE TOOLS IN HERE SIR? THIS IS ART BUDDY. A - R - T !!!" And I'll glare at him as I spell it out.
Or perhaps I'll smile and say, "No I don't sir, but if you'll buy some of my stuff, I'll tell you who does." Sure hope the billboard works, don't you!?!

bird of a different color

2010-05-10T19:58:00.007-05:00

Welcome the new birds on the block! I'm in there somewhere, see me??

Today I completed 50 of these adorable creatures, our latest new design. Each one will be signed by me and I'm going to give everyone of them their own name.

Gosh they are special... don't you think?!

2010-05-09T19:20:00.000-05:00

content and comfortable

2010-05-09T14:06:00.006-05:00

residing in 400 sq. feet in the back of our store has it's benefits. this morning i cleaned the bathroom, brewed coffee and made the bed without taking a single step! some who know the situation think we are nuts and talk about us behind our back. i suppose we could go and get a big house mortgage if we wanted to. for now we are very content and comfortable brushing up against one another alot. it's just part of our adventure and we are amazed at how much we don't have need of.

on the road again

2010-05-08T15:01:00.002-05:00

another pickup load of TEXAS TRASH AND TREASURES left our store in carmine at 5am, headed to a little parking lot show in austin on south congress, a cool place! we'll see if anyone in austin on congress appreciates texas trash from the turquois building on 290 in carmine!!.

Rocky Top

2010-05-07T11:45:00.005-05:00

Hey that's not fair! No one warned me this was gonna be "I miss Tennessee day". It just snuck up on me kinda like a holiday I had forgotton. I never saw it coming. Maybe it was because I picked out a mother's day card for babysitter/adopted grandmother who helped us raise our two youngest girls. One of the most wonderful women on the planet, Ms. Pat, was the hardest to leave. How fortunate we were to have spent ten years there. It seems like yesterday we loaded up the truck and moved to Tennessee. There were others. Pooner our mechanic who became a dear friend, Francis my neighbor, brother Bruce our pastor, Rory the tin man and his wife Mary, and so many others. Maybe it snuck up on me cause I spoke with old friends in Nashville. They said they missed us, I said likewise, fighting back (happy) tears. Or maybe it's because Richard and I have been discussing where we will take our grandkids this summer. We've decided on San Marcos, New Braunfels and the blue hole in Tennessee. Just kidding Laura. No matter what the reason, today was indeed, "I miss Tennessee day". And now we begin the next leg of our adventure. But rocky top you'll always be home sweet home to me, good ole rocky top........

2010-05-06T15:37:00.002-05:00