Junk News

Contest over. I am so excited about your submissions for Junk Lady. I know it will be hard to narrow it down to just one. I am sorry it is over as I checked the comments regularly to brighten my day! Check back for the winner on Wednesday Sept. 10th.

I am now in countdown mode...just 2 weeks till the Bonanza. I am feeling a little stressed but have a hardworking, enthusiastic, and talented posse to help me pull off the best junk round-up in the Midwest. I have asked vendors to send photos of some of the antiques, artwork, and junk they will be bringing to the Bonanza and will give you a tempting taste next week.

"Wish I may, wish I might, find the junk I wish tonight."

A good friend of mine, Kristin Camp, made the decision a few years ago to give up her hand painted clothing business to devote her energies to mom hood. Her brand, Campers, was sold in stores across the U.S. including Nordstom. Now that she is settling in with her new job as chief mom of 2, she has designed a line of greeting cards for us junkers. She will launch her card line as well as sign and sell her 2009 calendar at the Bonanza. (She has delightfully struggled with the days just don't seem long enough to little messy fingers in her paints.) For those that can't make it to the event she will have them available online shortly. It has been a blast adding my junk input during the development process. My favorite card is "Friends don't let friends junk alone". (Not shown) Here are some photos of her original art before it is adapted to cards.

I think she is changing this one to read "Junk Muffin".

"True confessions of a junk addict."

This is one of my favs!

I recieved this award from Grinnin Gramma Sher a while back and am grateful for the recognition! Grinnin Gramma Sher

I am supposed to pass this on to one person and it's been a hard decision with so many creative ladies out there, but I chose to send it on to The Red Shed Girls

Have a great weekend!

Peace,

Ki

Irene's Junk.

Irene has great junk. Irene has a lot of great junk. You are about to get just a taste of her spectacular hand selected collection. Everything Irene owns and displays has passed the I gotta love it before it's brought through the front door test.

No Margo, a butler ball is not a dance for butlers and maids. Yes Joy, it's purpose was to eliminate the butler disturbing dinner guests by having to turn around. It obviously works since I was unable to photograph a close up without getting my image in the ball. (Notice my reflection above.)


I was told the caster/dolly thingies were to move pianos...however, I wouldn't bet my life on it.

It's all in the presentation! Old watch parts never looked so good.

I wish I could have photographed the entire display ladder. It is at least 10 feet tall and is attached to the wall in Irene's vaulted living room. I apologize for not mentioning Scott, Irene's husband. (He lives there too.)

Some junk is repurposed, some redesigned, and some just sits their and looks cool.

The elevator plate tells us there were 8 floors in it's original building. It hangs over the doorway to the master bath.

This pillow was made from terry cloth bath towels that belonged to Irene's grandmother.

Irene removed the red vinyl seat fabric and replaced it with a glamorous seafoam and cocoa animal print.

1,2,3 pianos adorn the stone fireplace wall. The one on the right is heavy...I know.

Almost any kind of junk can be repurposed as a pedestal.

One of my favorite Irene projects! The frame originally housed a mirror...but was too heavy to hang. How long did it take you to save up all those corks Irene? (It's a good idea to make friends with a bartender, better yet, a sommelier.)

The foyer table...2 books, a bronze colored lamp base filled with marbles housed in a giant bird cage. Wow!

Nice legs!

Smokin' Joe.

I forgot to ask Irene what these are...as I recall they have something to do with beer? I'll get back to you on that one!

An old auger was used to display this incredible wall hanging.

An old auger with ice box hinges and a welder.

Vintage replaces ugly.

Recognize this redesign?

Junk. Every where you look.

Irene collects sand. I know that sounds odd, but what better way to remember the beaches you have walked. Certainly beats memories of sunburns.

Out of all my projects over the years, I would include this one in my top 10 favorites. It has been a popular with readers as well!

Okay, now that was just a taste! Irene is truly an original Junkmaster!

Good night Irene!

Ki

Irene's Junk

Irene has the best junk! I was visiting her a few weeks ago and realized how her incredible collection of junk has continued to grow and how beautifully she has incorporated it into her home. Irene is an original Junk Master. You'll find her photo in the What's next? Part 2 History of JunkMarket. She wasn't up for a photo today, as she was in the midst of blow drying her hair!

Coming up: Irene's junk. I couldn't stand not posting something tonight. I was so jazzed after photographing her treasures this afternoon!

This photo is of her dining room buffet. A tray of old watch faces, vintage silver urn, butler balls resting on piano movers. Do you know what a butler ball is? I didn't.

Stay tuned!
Ki

Contest. Name that Junker!

I have been working on new Tshirt designs for my soon to launch Junk Revolution online store. This little lady was designed by Teiran Haskin, friend, graphic designer, and fellow junker. Originally I planned on calling her Misunderstood Junker. I then changed my mind and named her Junk Lady. A few days later I thought of Junk on the brain. I am now totally confused and undecided. It finally dawned on me to just ask you!

I am planning on printing her name within the design, so it can't be very long. Please let me know who you think she looks like. Tieran and I will vote on your suggestions and announce the winner right here on Sept 10 2008.

Deadline for your entry is Wednesday August 27 2008 at 11:59 PM Central. We will have the Tshirts printed in time to sell them at the Junk Bonanza. I think they will be a cool green...haven't decided that yet either.

What do you win? Four Tshirts for you and your junking friends, right off the press! (You pick the sizes, of course.)

I can't wait to hear your ideas...I must have junk on my brain.

Ki

Oronoco Flea Market

Saturday August 16 2008. The sky was Bimini blue, the sun was the perfect shade of warm,and a light breeze kept the beads of sweat from forming on my forehead. I paused briefly and realized how lucky I was to be in this spot at this moment.

I know you'll understand after viewing my junking photos from Oronoco Gold Rush Days!


My husband, Kerry, and I escorted Iris and Sam, Country Home contest winners from Nevada, to breakfast at the Oronoco fire station followed by a preview of some of my favorite vendor booths at Oronoco. (Kerry is taking the photo.)


I had never seen a wicker thermos caddy.


Bet you'd like to dig through this pile of junk!


I could have spent a whole day just looking at textiles!




When I asked the vendor if he had any VFW, American Legion, Elks Club or Shriner's glasses, he said he leaves those at home because they never sell. (I guess I'm just a little ahead of the trend.)




Know any Kellys? I do!


This was one big camera! Quite the conversation piece.


I know this could be the perfect gift for somebody. Karaoke anyone?


I have always loved these backseat thermos holders. Now I just need a Woody station wagon.


I bought this whole box of bottles for $10. I have an idea for a project....


Do you know who Tony was?


Even the broken pieces are beautiful!


Why don't they make drink/glass holders anymore?




This hand made model home included the newspaper article about the man that built it in the 50's. It has 4,500 hand carved shingles.


My shopping was a bit horsey as I am into the Junk Corral mode with the Bonanza coming up!


Including this little gal, Sandy. I purchased her sight unseen from Richard over the phone and picked her up at Oronoco. I was not disappointed! (I've always wanted a coin operated horse named Sandy...she will be for sale at the Junk Bonanza.) If you are ever near Spooner Wisconsin, visit Poor Richards Antiques. I guarantee you will be impressed by his incredible inventory that includes some of the most unique pieces you will ever run across!


Loading was interesting...Sandy weighs around 300 pounds.




These doggie postcards will be heading to the Bonanza as well!




I had to have it! Prize French bull from the early 1900's.




I was tempted by the gold sparkly keys, but I know when I'm pushing the envelop.




I wasn't looking for furniture, but I did buy one piece...


An old Post Office window from Indianapolis.


How could I resist? Perfect for a craft room/ office.


What does this mean? My husband and I have a totally different idea.


Who had the patience to make all those little boxes without going nuts?!






I love old beaters. Wouldn't it make a great light fixture!!




We were invited over to the Pharkel sisters home away from home at the Oronoco campgrounds. They will be vendors at the Junk Bonanza. You may catch them unwinding in their infamous red and white bus of fun!


Great stuff from Bonanza vendors, Larry and Val.


This is a first for me...salesman samples?

Once again Oronoco Gold Rush Days did not disappoint. It is one of the best flea markets in the Country! If you've never been be sure to check it out in August of 2009! http://www.goldrushmn.com/


A quick stop to use a real flush toilet, wash hands and grab a cold bottle of water. Kerry and I never thought about how we would unload 300 pound Sandy all by ourselves. Needless to say, Sandy is still riding in the bed of my truck. It is kinda fun to see people's reaction when I pass them on the freeway! I am prouder than a teenager with a new car!

Take care,
Ki