Let's Go Buffalo!
Commonly and inaccurately called 'buffalo,' the American Bison is a member of the bovine family. Once symbolic of the Great Plains, these formidable beasts are vegetarians, grazing mostly on plains grasses, shrubs, herbs and twigs. Standing up to 6.5 feet tall and weighing up to a ton, bison are still relatively quick and agile. They can run at speeds up to 40 miles per hour!
Bison were critical to the survival of the Indian societies during the 19th century. Over 50 million were killed for their lean meat and thick fur, which is so well insulated that snow can settle on its back without melting. The bison population has rebounded and today over 200,000 live on preserves and ranches where they are raised for their delicious meat. It has been indicated that bison may one day replace the cow industry.
Denny Karchner pays tribute to this noble mammal in his piece titled Honoring the Dead - A Paint Study of Life and Death. Karchner brilliantly captures the somber pride of a bison returning to the bones of a 'fallen' relative to pay respects. This oil depicts the essence of the reverence we share with our fellow beings...
Stunningly Splendid
The Italians are known for a variety of amazing cultural donations in the realms of culinary, music and most notably, fine art. Artists like Giotto, Donatello and da Vinci all hailed from the great city of Florence, Italy as did our beloved Michelangelo. In the autumn of 1504, Florentines were witness to what is known today as one of the greatest masterpieces of the Renaissance. Michelangelo's David finally reached its destination at the Piazza della Signoria after some four days of carefully attentive transporting from the artist's studio.
The 17-foot depiction of King David of the Old Testament was sculpted entirely of a solid piece of marble. Although spectacular, solid marble was a more costly option for artists. Fortunately, for Florentine artists, one of the most well known alabaster quarries lay accessible to their city. True alabaster is a soft, fine-grained form of gypsum that is easily carved. Ranging in colors from whites to pinks, alabaster is slightly translucent and can be made as hard as marble when subjected to intense heat. This was also used to make vases and lamp bases as well as statues and decorative interiors. Because of the fine quality of the alabaster mined in this region, Italian alabaster is also known as ‘Florentine marble.'
Buffalo Trader Online is proud to offer some beautifully crafted pieces inspired by Florentine alabaster. Meaning "bright" in Italian, the Splendore collection by Arte Italica features handmade glass pieces trimmed in extraordinary pewter beading. Enjoy the Arte Italica Splendore Pewter Bead Rimmed Round Platter as a stunning service piece or relish in the simplicity of the Arte Italica Splendore Glass & Pewter Mugs. For those who prefer to observe fine Italian craftsmanship on a more daily basis, BTO also offers the entire Splendore collection for bath!
Oh Fudge!
Who can resist the temptation of a sweet, creamy, chocolate delight such as fudge? It has become somewhat common to see this concoction being made as its spread out on long marble surfaces and beaten to the place where its decadence tickles buds of taste and delights the senses of all ages and walks of life! Fudge, fudge, FUDGE!
The key to delicious, smooth fudge is controlling the sugar solution crystallization process. The success of the final texture of this crystalline candy is imperative. Getting the crystals to form at just the right time via temperature moderation is necessary for the end result of creamy, smooth morsels of decadence.
So, it's up there with homemade ice cream and southern fried kettle cakes, but where did fudge originate? Thought to be a "fudged" batch of caramels, this delicious treat, as we know it today is thought to be an American invention. According to the written archives of Emelyn Battersby Hatridge, fudge was sold for 40 cents a pound at a local grocery store in Baltimore in 1886. It was later documented in 1888 that 30 lbs of fudge was made for the Vasser College Senior Auction. Because of its success, Smith and Wellesley Schools developed their own fudge variations for school fundraisers.
But you don't have to travel to Baltimore to enjoy some of the best fudge! Buffalo Trader Online offers an amazing variety of Pennsylvanian Dutch flavors from Fudge Factory. Ranging from Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge to Special Dark Chocolate Walnut Fudge, it is available in quantities of 1/2 to 1 pound and is made of the simplest, all natural ingredients. With this many flavors and quantity options offered by Buffalo Trader Online, this fudge is perfect for gifts, to have handy as an easy desert when entertaining or for your personal indulgence... ENJOY!
A Customer's Restoration Project Includes Buffalo Trader Online
This story comes from a customer in Juno Beach, FL. Brian was so pleased with the outcome of his refurbished desk, he sent us pictures showing the Faux Deer Antler Drawer or Cabinet Pulls in use that he purchased from Buffalo Trader Online:
Here are a couple of pics.
This desk was found on the side of the road.
It had five layers of paint.
It is solid mahogany with dove tail drawers.
What a great find!!!!
Thanks,
Brian
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After |
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Powwow... WOW!
There's a new oil in Buffalo Trader town. Proud - Jay Eagle is Artist, Denny Karchner's latest addition to the oil family. The subject, Jay Eagle is a winning Powwow dancer an example of which can be seen in this video:
Although styles vary between regions, the Powwow (Anglicized for the Algonquian term, pauau), can be traced back roughly 400 years to a Pawnee Religious ceremony practiced in the early 19th century and later adopted by the Omaha. The exact origination of the Powwow is vague as traditional Indian dance was deemed illegal by the Bureau of Indian Affairs in the 1890's. It is documented that tribal medicine men and spiritual leaders performed Powwow in religious ceremonies, as well as elite warrior societies known as Grass Dancers.
The original painting is currently available! Or varying sizes of this beautifully historic piece in print can be purchased exclusively at Buffalo Trader Online. Enjoy!
Kickin' it Old School...
So what's the deal with cowboy boots? Why do men and women alike seek these well-crafted icons? Because, they're as classic as the LBD (or little black dress to those who don't speak "text-speak"), the navy suit and the pearl necklace. According to our old friend Webster, 'classic' is defined as; "serving as a standard of excellence; historically memorable and characterized by simple tailored lines in fashion year after year." To be sure, the cowboy boot can be incredibly elaborate in design or just simply because of an exotic material used such as ostrich or stingray. But here's how it all started...
Thanks to old school Hollywood stars such as Gene Autry and Roy Rogers, these utilitarian shoes dating back to the era of Genghis Kahn took on a very glamorous update in the 1950's. Legend has it that Mr. Kahn wore very distinctive boots with a wooden heel. The English riding boot came into existence in the 17th - 18th century. The recent riding boot was actually named after Arthur Wellesley, the First Duke of Wellington after his victory over Napoleon at Waterloo. The Wellington boot, as it was coined, was constructed in a four-piece format much like the modern cowboy 'kicks.'
Today's cowboy boots are as individual as those who wear them. Expect to pay anywhere from $100 - $600 for a good quality mass-produced boot. But custom boots can run as much as $50,000 plus! The well-known like George W. have also contributed to the cowboy boot's timelessness. And like a good pair of blue jeans, boots just get better with time. To pay homage to the cowboy boot, Buffalo Trader Online offers tremendous gifts such as the Blue Horse Cowboy Boot Toothpick Holder, Genuine Turquoise & Silver Cowboy Boot Toe Tips, and matching Genuine Turquoise & Silver Cowboy Boot Heel Guards. These western-themed functionals make wonderful host/hostess gifts or a very masculine idea for that special cowboy in your life!
Ring In The New Year
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and old lang syne?
For old lang syne, my dear
for old lang syne.
We'll take a cup of kindness yet,
for old lang syne!
Here's to ringing in another new year! It's the international symbol allowing all of us to have a fresh start. Resolutions will be made surrounding fitness regimes and kicking addictions. But a favorite resolution is one of committing to spend more quality time with family and friends. What better way than to invite them to your home for an evening to "take a cup of kindness yet?"
Entertaining doesn't have to be complicated. Any gathering can appear as if you've spent copious amounts of time and energy in preparation provided you have the correct tools. Buffalo Trader Online is proud to offer the stunning Arte Italica Animale Glass Ice Bucket! This handmade pewter and glass ice bucket not only epitomizes the quality of Italian artisans, but also offers a beautiful functionality dressing up your favorite bottle of sparkling water or chilled wine.
Your guests will also feel as if you've rolled out the red carpet for them as they enjoy their beverage from the impressive Arte Italica Animale Liqueur Glasses. Served with a simple ecru cocktail napkin, these glass and Italian pewter dynamos are sure to be the topic of conversation!
