Bella Rustica Antique Show Franklin, TN

Last weekend I had the blessing of visiting the Bella Rustica Antique Show in Franklin, TN.  This was the first year for the show, which was held at beautiful Tap Root Farm.  Upon entering and driving up their long tree-lined driveway facing their gorgeous 2-story historic farm house, one entered the first tent of booths set up on the east side of the front lawn.  At first I thought that the booths in the tent were the entire show, but soon found out there were booths in both barns and tents behind. 

My first stop was to meet Nancy of Sassy Trash where I bought my first item, one of her lovely metal and pearl crosses that I now have hanging in my office window.  For some reason my picture of Nancy's booth did not turn out, but be sure to visit her blog and get the whole rundown. Her interesting and creative metal work is a study in itself.  Nancy is not only talented, but just a friendly and personable as she is in her blog.  I was so glad to finally meet her.  We will both be exhibiting at Country Living Fair in Atlanta, Oct. 21-23.  Her booth was great; my favorite of the show.  

Entering the first tent was a delight.  Nancy's booth was right across from Magnolia Pearl, with her enjoyable array of vintage boots, linen pantaloons, doiley vests, and asseccories.  I visited her booth twice.

Donna Grainger of Bessie Mae's had wonderful antiques and gorgeous linen covered chairs she had apholstered.  She is a very talented lady and so very nice to visit with.

I adored the vintage truck and trailer.  He was just setting up, so I didn't see what he had.

The barn has a big feed bin filled with hay and flowers and decor, and a menu for the barbecue cooking behind the barn. 

An artist worked on one of her paintings as we entered the barn.

Carter's Creek Station Antiques & Grainery had some really great antiques and smalls.  I found a wonderful ivory crocheted spread and some ivory linen I needed to cover a stool.  These ladies had a combined booth, but their shop is in Franklin area.  I can't wait to visit it. 

I really enjoyed the numerous landscape designs set up around the show.

The girls at Carter's Creek were so friendly and accommodating. 

My friend Martha from Sonora, Ky met me at the show.  She found a really nice  vintage mail bag with great lettering (no pun inteneded)  from Carter's Creek

Martha has a great eye for the unique, and found several nice items.

Martha's friend, Sandy came with her; I was pleased to meet her and get to know her a bit at the show.

An old

sugar cane sack had Cuba stamped in the back.  Most of the younger generation could never relate to all of our sugar coming from Cuba years ago. 

This lovely lady is Colleen Meffe, who does beautiful calligraphy.  She will do custom sayings and commission orders.   Colleen is also from the Franklin area.

Peggy @vessels.us had a very nice booth with great vintage items.  Every stall of the barn was filled, and Peggy's was no exception.  We were kindred spirits and had a great conversation before I had to leave to catch up with my friends. 

The all-girls band that was playing while I was there, was just fantastic.  Like Nancy said in her blog, they so added to at atmosphere of the festival.  They were great musicians and had wonderful music.

Orchard pond had such an eye-catching fall display to draw you into their both. 

It was so nice to see original artwork at the show.  As an artist myself, it is always a pleasure to me, to have the opportunity to view other work. 

I do hope Bella Rustica returns next year.  I would love to exhibit there, and can only give good kudos to the organizers of the show.