My Journey

I am taking a break from my blog for a bit; need to tend to life's details. Along with finishing up Flea Market Style Magazine this month, I am packing up and moving to the bunkhouse on my folk's horse farm in Ocala, Florida.

I will be splitting my time between Minnesota and Florida as I am working on an exciting new Minneapolis based project along with the Junk Bonanza, of course.

You can catch me hanging out on the Junk Revolution Community message boards and I will continue to talk junk on the Flea Market Style Magazine site. Don't forget to check out the Junk Revolution Online Store for your holiday gift giving!

I will be sure to post any earth shattering news as it happens. I plan on getting a blog face lift during my sabbatical, since I haven't done a thing to pretty up my blogspot since I started posting over a year ago. Any ideas?

I am nervous, anxious, but excited to start my new journey. Wish me luck!
Peace,
Ki

Holiday Spirit

Lori Miller, proprietor of the Round Barn Potting Co has been up nights getting ready for the holidays. I can't wait to see the treasures filling her fabulous shop along with fresh and creative entertaining and decorating ideas. She is talented beyond words when it comes to merchandising and display!


She sent me a tease last night to be sure I wouldn't miss her event this weekend! If you haven't been to Lori's shop you need to clear some time on your calendar! A surprising mix of new and vintage objects showcased in elaborate and beautiful settings. You will leave feeling inspired and probably with a bag or two filled with goodies for entertaining, decorating or gift giving.


The details:

Round Barn Potting Co

Andover MN

2009 Christmas Premiere

Saturday Nov 7 10-5

Sunday Nov 8 11-4

(Don't worry, if you cant' make it this weekend, Lori is open year round!)

Trust me, no matter where you live, it is worth the trip! Hope I run into you at the Barn! And Lori, get some sleep!

Peace,

Ki

Party Time.

Yep, it was a grand Happy Trails blog party! It is hard to believe it has been over a month since the Junk Bonanza. I have been sorting, packing, paying bills, and blogging...you know the drill.


If you missed the party, you will see it was all about saying cheese!


Heather and Amy say cheese.


Kari and Heather say cheese.


A beautiful day to meet folks, visit, and win prizes!




Matthew helped me thank bloggers for coming and introduce our guests.


Jo , me and Nancy saying cheese.


Serena requesting cheese.




Christine brought something better than cheese.


Say home-made cookies!




Looking for cheese from behind the camera lens.


Yep, it's Amy!


Nebraska says cheese!


Twice!


Heather, Nancy, and Jo are saying cheese, but are thinking, where did the cookies go?


Skip the cheese and say ice cream, please!

Thanks everyone for coming! If I missed your names or blogs, don't be shy...be sure to comment. (Wish I had a photo of everyone that attended. Where is Margo and Linda?)

A big thank you to all that shared their Junk Bonanza photos with the world! It was a ton of fun and I look forward to next year's party! We are in the midst of planning 2010 and can't wait to share with you the exciting news I am forced to keep under my hat for just a while longer....

Be sure to check out Flea Market Style Blog for a behind the scenes peek at junking in Texas by Margo Arrick!
Peace,
Ki

Halloween Junk Projects

I am not sure what is wrong with me. I have never gotten terribly excited about Halloween. I know I am in the minority as surveys confirm Halloween is the 2ND largest holiday in the USA and growing in popularity every year! With that said, two of my favorite stories for Country Home Magazine were Halloween projects...go figure!

You may remember some of my projects from 2006 & 2008 Country Home.


Grain scoops and pumpkins on display in my rustic shelf made to fit the handles.


My take on Matthew Mead's pumpkinman.


Gardeners burlap, ric rac and license plate letters attached with wire.


A shot of black spray paint, pipe cleaners, and upholstery tack eyes turn vintage Jello molds into scary little critters.


Junk Pumpkins were a smashing success! I got letters and emails from readers all over the country. Families, elementary school classes, and girlfriends, all creating one of a kind junk pumpkins and having a whole lot of fun!

Check out the BH&G website...Seems my Junk-o'-Lanterns continue to live on their website!


Now Matthew Mead ,on the other hand, loves Halloween! You must pick up his new magazine or book. The projects are simple, quick, and not too scary!

It is snowing like crazy in Minnesota today...hope the pumpkins don't freeze!
Peace,
Ki

Junk Bonanza. The Junk.

Junk Bonanza exhibitors have the best junk! Every year I am blown away by their incredible collections, amazing assortments, spectacular display, and down-to-earth prices. This year was no exception.

I have a million photos and can't post them all, but will put together a slide show for the Junk Bonanza site when I have more time to sit at the computer. (Based on my schedule these days, not sure when that will be...) Be sure to check out all the great Bonanza photos and stories on the blogs listed in my sidebar.

Here is just a peak at some of the coolest junk from Junk Bonanza 2009!


Anything zinc, galvanized or industrial was hot!!!


Inspiration thing-a-ma-jigs from silverware.


Love the 5 lb weights.


Multiples in every booth..having a large group over for dinner?








Exhibitors know how to welcome fall.




Did I say multiples in every booth?




Bright and funky.






Sparkly and beautiful.








Happy customer.


Did I mention multiples in every booth?




This year's Bonanza included artisans who recycle and recreate wonderful objects.




Happy customer.

The shopping cart and liner was purchased in my Junk Revolution store at the Bonanza. We will be selling the cart liners, made from recycled coffee bags and trimmed with vintage fabrics, in our online store mid October!

If you are drooling...don't apologize. It happens to the best of us!

Be sure to check out Junk Revolution's Good Junk Seal of Approval Winner, Alli of birddog press! Gotta go work on a few projects for our new magazine, Flea Market Style....first round of stories went to the publisher yesterday....Yikes, I'd better get rockin'!

Oh, and be sure to mark your calendars for Junk Bonanza 2010 Sept. 16-18!
Peace,
Ki

Junk Bonanza. The People.

Junk Bonanza has the best junk in the Midwest, but what makes the Bonanza second to none is our extraordinary staff and phenomenal vendors. I am humbled by their energy, passion and brilliance!


I want to thank everyone that participated in Junk Bonanza! You rock!

Next up good junk and a great blog party!

Peace,

Ki

Junk Bonanza 2009. Opening Morning.

Thursday morning September 17th 2009. Junk Revolution's 4th Annual Junk Bonanza opened in it's new home, Canterbury Park, Shakopee Minnesota.


Marshall's Farm Market of Eden Prairie MN welcomed Junk Bonanza customers with locally grown produce and plants along with delicious homemade honey, pesto, salsa, jams, breads and more.


Early Bird shoppers (many from out-of-state) were in line by 7:30 AM and buzzing with excitement! They would be the first customers to lay their eyes and hands on some the most incredible antiques and good junk in the Midwest.


Emily and crew handed out Good Junk Bags to the first 200 customers that ordered their EB tickets online.






For an added treat, we passed out freshly baked mini donuts to customers waiting patiently for Canterbury's gates to open.




Despite the long lines, my son Tyson, Irene, and Bonanza's efficient staff were able to get folks inside quickly and without a hitch.


John and I managed to sneak a few mini donuts that morning...unfortunately the white sticky sugar on our fingers and lips gave us away.






Visitors were immersed in an indescribable sea of creativity, beauty, excitement, and energy the minute they came through the Junk Bonanza gates. Bonanza's 110 talented, knowledgeable, and passionate exhibitors proved once again, nobody does it better!


Good thing folks had all those donuts for extra shopping fuel!

A special thanks to Heather Bullard for spectacular photos...my camera hibernated in my bag the entire event. (If I fail to mention names or businesses, please comment, as I want to be sure everyone is credited!)

If you made it to the Bonanza, thank you for coming. If not, hope to see you next year!

Be sure to check out the links in my sidebar for some great Junk Bonanza stories and photos. Next up...Bonanza exhibitors and some cool junk!
Stay tuned!
Peace,
Ki