Quilt Drunk?

The paparazzi took this photo of David and Amy Butler and myself in the lobby of the Four Seasons Hotel in downtown Houston over the weekend. I can't remember if we were drunk or just tried after the Quilt Market. Or it may of been that it's the first shot they were able to get of me without a beat-up cowboy hat on. More details to come! Nice t-shirt Amy.

What's Playing on My ipod?

Steve Earle; Washington Square Serenade

Quilts: Alabama Style

I was never a huge quilt fan until I discovered Alabama Chanin. The vintage, almost completely tattered materials and the multi-colored patches/red rose appliques that Natalie "Alabama" Chanin uses are very Urban Prairie. Each one of her quilts are one-of-a-kind and instant collector items. I love the faded colors and the randomness of the designs.



Another favorite - Fabric Mums. A project from Natalie's upcoming book, "Alabama Stitch", these flowers are made from 100% recycled cotton jersey with rusted wire stems. I think they look great in this large grouping.

Urban Prairie Tees SOLD OUT!

The Urban Prairie tee "Alt-Country Style+Design" is SOLD OUT! Look for a new limited edition tee coming soon.

Found Typography

Anyone who knows me knows my obsession with found objects AND typography. The folks over at UPPERCASE have combined them both beautifully in a notepad. The Eclectro Pad, handmade with found plastic signboard letters, vintage decorative and advertisting cover accents and print-job offcuts - these are a must for a collector like myself. A steal at $5 each. Get one at: shop.uppercasegallery.ca

One of my favorite photographers has a set of new snaps of one of my favorite towns. Visit: flickr.com/photos/allisonvsmith.
Photos: Allison V. Smith

Urban Prairie Named in Amy Butler's "Midwest Modern"

A great big shout out of love to Amy Butler and her just released new book "Midwest Modern". Amy listed URBAN PRAIRIE in the source section of her book as "Alternative Country Style" under the heading: Great Style Blogs. I count Amy and her husband David as wonderful friends who not only get but live the Urban Prairie lifestyle. Cheers to a beautiful book. "Midwest Modern" is available at all fine retail outlets. For a SIGNED copy, visit amy at amybutlerdesign.com.

"REFUELED" Soundtrack

Chris Brown's "REFUELED", a short film documenting the Warrenton, Texas antique show will feature the music of Centro-Matic.

"It's unforgettable in a Neil Young or Jeff Tweedy kind of way… It's a hootenanny of sweetly weathered proportions, free-wheeling clap-alongs and perfectly boozy balladry - not to mention ass kicking pop songs about rotary wheels and shotgun shells. Love You Just the Same is what a trucker cap would sound like if it could sing. Oh, and play violin." -- Magnet

Sprawling, Raucous Antiques Orgy

It was a whirlwind trip to the opening of the Fall .07 Warrenton Antique Show. It was mixed with business & pleasure. The business end was filming footage for my documentary short "REFUELED". We shot for three days, which included footage of the sights, sounds, people and great finds of the show. More on this and a release in the coming months.


The pleasure side was getting to visit old friend, make new ones and search for found objects to add to my collections. I finally got to meet Cheryl Schulke from Stash Studios and spend some time with Theresa Cano of Garden Antiques. Both ladies have been huge supporters of myself and Urban Prairie this past year. I love and appreciate them both a great deal.


I found great cracked doll heads to include in my ever growing collection. They seem to be everywhere this year. Came away with six gray 3-legged stools for our long white farm table. And of course the opening night of CLUTTER was great as always. New owner Staci Schwantz put a slightly different twist on displays, but held true to the orginal vision of founder D'Ette Cole.


All in all the true object for myself is the people and friendships. The show is like summer camp for collectors. Folks who have a passion for found objects, great cultural relics, wonderful oddities and sharing. Each trip to Warrenton refuels me and my creative battery.

Read All About It!

For Urban Prairie press, odd banter or even Chris Brown guest blog spots, visit URBAN PRAIRIE/CHRIS BROWN PRESS at urbanprairiepress.blogspot.com OR click the link in the sidebar on the right of this page. Check in often for frequent updates.