Uncommon Objects

One of the highlights of the Warrenton/Marburger Farm antique show for me is being just an hour outside of Austin. The state capital of Texas is home to probably my favorite shop of oddities and curious goods, Uncommon Objects. I will shop the fields, tents and out buildings of Warrenton first, then I will make the hop over to Austin for a cup of java at Joe’s Coffee Shop. From there it is over to Uncommon Objects for a hunt of everything from antique cowboy hats and shirts, baskets of doll arms and legs, old medical charts to vintage flash cards and circus signage. It is a “found” collectors heaven. Owner Steve Wiman houses 30 vendors from around the country and Europe. I relish the folks from Texas and Steve’s own space within the store. Steve also sets up shop at Marburger Farms show in the old bingo hall, so I can get a double whammy.

Check out the website at: uncommonobjects.com
Photo: Theresa Cano

One potato, two potato...

Three Potato Four is run by Janet Morales & Stu Eli. They started the shop because of their love of collections. They are collectors, and to them, all products and belongings tell a story. Sometimes that story is about where the object came from, how it was made or who made it. Other times, it's a story about them and how the object reflects who they are, to themselves and to others. They live by stories and they shop for stories.


Janet & Stu always filled their home with things they love and think beautiful stories can be told through the complimentary mix of modern and vintage objects.

Check out their cool, vintage finds at threepotatofourshop.com

Antique Week Preview

WARRENTON, TEXAS - SPRING .07 Photos: D'Ette Cole

Read Chris's guest blog "Warrenton" spot over at stashstudios.com

QUESTION: Why is it sometimes you speak in the third person on your blog? Then at other times it appears you are speaking directly to us? Is there a three headed Urban Prairie monster sneaking online?
Mari Berns, Scott City, Missouri

ANSWER: Thanks for writing Mari. That’s a good way to put it! Although REFUELED is the official Chris Brown blog, I often have help in updating it. There are three people responsible for the content and seeing that it gets online. Myself, my lovely business partner & wife Michelle and our assistant (the Dirt Road Team) all have a hand in keeping the blog current. I create all the photos and graphics, and when my schedule allows, most of the text you read. In the end we all try and create a place for Urban Prairie fans to go daily and find out what I may be up to or creating next. Hope you continue to check in on the Urban Prairie monster.

9/11/07 - Ain't that America

Ear Candy

QUESTION: I read on a blog recently that music is a big influence on your work. What have you been listening to and how does it affect what you create? Jeff Zielinski, Los Angeles, CA.

ANSWER: Jeff, having spent a portion of my life as a touring musician, music indeed plays a huge part in not only my work but my life. Music has a way of seeping into your soul and then is released through the things we do and create in our everyday lives. I’ve been listening to a lot of Alt-Country/Roots/Americana music lately. The dirty, raw, honest music of bands like Son Volt, Wilco and Centro-Matic plays well into my design/style/decorating work.