Junk 101

Could this really be my one hundred and first post? Where has the time gone? I am not like many of you who come up with something witty or relevant to say just about every day. I still struggle with blog content. I don't want to waste your time, as I know how precious every minute of every day is. This week, for the first time, I found myself feeling blog guilt. Anyone know the feeling? The paint is drying...slowly...on my project for next week and I don't know what to write about.

I looked up from the computer screen and noticed the vintage teapot that holds my spare change on my desk and decided to take a pic. Lame, huh? Then I got to thinking...I wonder what junk container you keep your loose coins in? Am I crazy for being curious?

Thanks for hanging in there with me for what has been an incredible journey into the blog world. I have enjoyed visiting your blogs and getting to know a little bit about many of you. I cherish your enthusiastic comments and no longer feel like a blog rookie.

Talked to Matthew this afternoon and he is loving reading all your ideas for the ugliest light fixture in the world contest. I actually do have a great project for you next week. (Hints are on my Facebook page.) The paint is drying...really. I am wearing quite a bit of it and it is green!
Peace,
Ki

Junk on the Brain!

I reread my Ugliest Light Fixture in the World Contest post this morning and realized I must of had too much to junk the day before. I guess I was thinking it was May, but I was a week behind in my April calendar, and I haven't a clue how I came up with the dates. My post made absolutely no sense...just like I am making right now!

That didn't stop any of you from posting your amazing ideas! I have corrected my original post and we will go with that. You have 1 more week to share your junk worthy thoughts, so keep brainstorming. Thank you for being so kind and not calling me a flake...in front of the entire blog community. I must have junk on the brain!
Peace,
Ki

Ugliest Light Fixture in the World Contest

I spotted these remarkably ugly light fixtures in the dumpster today. My dad, the man that never throws anything away, was tossing them. He said he couldn't imagine anyone in their right mind would want them...not even for free. I guess he just doesn't understand us junkers!

I gingerly pulled them out from under the bags of smelly waste and am delighted to announce Ugliest Light Fixture in the World Contest.


Here's the scoop. Simply share your ideas to repurpose/redesign any or all of the fixtures. I will transform one of the fixtures using the winning idea. You can comment as many times as you like before Monday May 4 2009 9 PM Central time. This is a brainstorming contest...so no idea is a bad idea!


I will re-craft and photograph the winning idea the following week and post the winner along with a final photo on Monday May 11 2009.


I have asked style guru Matthew Mead to help me pick the winning design. Entries will be judged on creativity, style, originality, and do ability. If there are duplicate ideas, I will go with the first comment unless the latter includes a different twist.

What will you win? A gift certificate to Junk Revolution's online store for $100. Wow! And I do all the work. On your mark, get set, think junk!

Don't forget Mother's Day is May 10th...give the gift that keeps on junking! Junk Revolution Gift Certificates now available!
Peace,
Ki

Shakin' in my Boots.

I admit, I was a little rattled yesterday morning when mother nature threw a temper tantrum. We experienced fantastic lightening, strong winds, and periodic heavy rains all evening, but by 7 AM the stormy weather seemed to be clearing out. I slopped through my morning farm chores under a pleasant light drizzle.

My sister and I were standing in her open barn as the weather made an immediate and dramatic change. Violent winds, booming thunder, and torrential rain came out of no where. We were stuck. Under a roof, but exposed to the elements. Rivers of water went rushing by us, my horse was frantic and rearing to escape over the stall door, and water soaked us to the bone. (I was wondering where one goes in Florida when a tornado hits...no basements.) My adrenalin was rushing and my heart pounded.


An hour later we walked the property to check out the damage. The animals seemed to have settled down quickly and were taking advantage of the tasty downed limbs and trees.


Luckily Sara and Princess didn't get caught under this tree next to their hay feeder. I suspect they heard the cracking tree trunk and ditched.


Boards blew off the fence posts they were nailed to, a 60" round glass top lifted off my folks outdoor table and floated to the concrete patio without breaking, and we lost our electricity for most of the day.


We have lots of clean-up ahead of us, but I am thankful no one was hurt. The newspaper today reported a tornado touchdown, just down the street.


The animals seemed to take it in stride...(Notice in the photo there is a fenced area that once housed a large tree. We found the tree intact 2 pastures over.)

The sun is shining and it is a beautiful day today!
Peace,
Ki

Cookie Cutter Night Light Junk Project.

There is nothing cookie cutter about this night light...that's because it's a biscuit cutter! A few years back, I created a cheese grater night light for our book, Decorating JunkMarket Style, and have wanted to do a sequel ever since.


The trick was to find the right night light paraphernalia. I kept my eyes open when shopping craft stores for the clip that goes on the the base to hold your shade. No such luck. I finally went on an Internet mission and found that National Artcraft had exactly what I was looking for. Hurray! I ordered a boxful as they came in multiples. For days I pondered over what fun junk to use for the shades.


All it took was a trip to Cracker House Antiques in Ocala, Florida. A light bulb went off! Cookie and biscuit cutters!


The groovy biscuit cutter needed a simple modification. I snipped a space for the night light to fit inside.


I super glued the clip to the inside of the cutter.


Voila!


I removed the handles on the cookie cutters with a tin snip and pliers. A light tug and they came off really easy.


I positioned and glued the clips on the back of the cutters.


There are so many fun shapes and sizes t0 choose from. Star light, star bright...


Not quite sure what animal this resembles...some sort of farm animal, I think.


I still have a box full of lights and clips so I suspect you will see more night light ideas in the upcoming months.

Junk Revolution's Online Store is now selling architectural salvage. We posted corbels salvaged from a Nebraska farmhouse yesterday...there will be lots more cool junk added each week!

I was interviewed this morning by Sara from Midwest Living Magazine about Junk Bonanza 2009 coming up in September. It is scheduled to be in the July/August issue. Yeah! Hope you are all planning on coming to the Bonanza...It is going to be incredible!!
Peace,
Ki

You are the Best!

1 custard cup + 1 vintage flower frog + 1 flower + 1 note & add water. You are the best! Thank you for continuing to visit my blog and for supporting the Junk Revolution.
Peace,
Ki

Calling All Junkers!

Emma at Midwest Living Magazine called me today to get the scoop on some of my favorite Midwest antique towns or trails for an upcoming issue. I explained to her that Junk Revolution members are the best when it comes to antiquing and junking tips and I'd ask you about your fav spots and why you love them.

Must be in the Midwest and be the kind of place you would love to go with your girlfriends or antiquing partner. The more shops in the area the better. They are planning on including Walnut Iowa, so if you want to tell us why you like Walnut...go for it.

Of course they have a tight deadline so rattle on! Oh, and they may mention your name! I also added it as a topic on Junk Revolution Community message board so you could comment here or over there.
Peace,
Ki