Western Art, Western Decor ~ Welcome to BuffaloTraderOnline.com!

The art of Quilting has been in existence since before the first settlers landed on American soil. And since new fabric was expensive and difficult to obtain, quilts were made from pieces of worn clothing and other varying scraps. This is how the familiar patchwork quilt evolved.

Quilting Bees or clubs still exist today. But when they first became popular, the gatherings allowed women to share stories, recipes and remain connected with other women within their community. Historically, quilting was also the chosen form of expression for women regarding political views. Since women were unable to vote and generally had no voice within the political hierarchy, some would quilt their opinions using pattern names and suggested imagery. Quilting was also an expression of grieving. Women would use scraps of clothing from fallen Civil War heroes. This form of expression can be seen today as quilts have been created to support the AIDS movement and the attacks of 9/11.

Buffalo Trader Online has a beautiful selection of these timeless classics. The Tea Stained Star Quilt offers a beautiful splash of western design to any décor. The Fall Colors Star Harvest Quilt would be an amazing focal piece on your guestroom bed or hung on a wall. Cuddle-up with one of these amazing pieces of functional art!

Dining is not only about eating, it is also an opportunity to slow down and enjoy friends and family! Meals are a socially necessary event allowing loved ones to reconnect their very busy lives. Nothing is more appealing than a beautifully set table complete with good food, good drink and good company!

Buffalo Trader features some magnificent down-home dinnerware that would be a fun addition to any dish collection. The Lodge Pinecone Stoneware is perfect alone or perhaps mixed in with a more traditional stoneware setting in solid whites and greens. Consider using these dishes for a more festive arrangement around the holidays. They would be so country cozy placed on a great red tablecloth with a fun centerpiece featuring a few fresh pinecones, some greenery and white candles!

Here's a hearty down-home slow cooked dish that's easy and delicious. You'll spend less time in the kitchen and more time around your festive table with family and friends.

Bison Pot Roast

3-4 lbs Bison roaster (Chuck, Round or Rump)

2 C. of your favorite red wine (heavy Merlot or a Cabernet Sauvignon will do best)

4 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce

3-4 cloves chopped garlic

Fresh chopped Sage to taste

Brown the meat in 1 Tbsp vegetable oil (approximately 3-4 minutes on each side) and place in slow cooker. Top with remaining ingredients and cover. Cook on high for 4-5 hours or until fork tender. Serve with mashed potatoes and a dark green such as wilted spinach.

It was January, 1848, James Polk was president and the territory known as Alta California, belonged to the country of Mexico. This era is defined in history as the Gold Rush. What is known in present day as San Francisco, boomed from approximately 1,000 full-time residents to over 25,000 with hopes of panning their way to a fortune along the Rio de los Americanos (or America River). Most developing towns began with saloons, gaming houses and brothels, all of which added to the profitability of mining gold. And although through good fortune and hard work, some businessmen reaped great rewards in retail, shipping, entertainment, many hopefuls, however, did not.