Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Happy New Year 2009




Happy New Year to all, this has been a wonderful year,

full of friends, adventures, and lots of junk.
I hope you enjoy this little slide show of my very busy junking year. Hope you have a wonderful 2009.

I did have this set to music, but it got real annoying. Just imagine music going with it for now.


Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Life just gets in the way


I'm going to post a really easy project today, as I just have not had any time to actually get out in the workshop and do anything. It's probably going to be that way for a few months, but I've got lots of simple projects to share with you down the line.Today I had to get my oil changed, tires rotated, yada, yada, yada. But on a good note, I'm feeling better. So here's your quick project. Remember those Pew Candelabras I used at Christmas

Well I've removed them from the planters, and hung one on the wall. It is just sitting in this frame.

It's a nice little change in my frame collage


A reader, Lori, sent me a picture of one of those french bottle trees, done up with christmas lights and bottles. It's really pretty. thanks Lori for the great idea.


Isn't that pretty, Now I need to find some bottles

Sunday, December 28, 2008

My Version

Remember this piece that I saw at Judy Hill's sale?

And do you remember these rings I found?

Well here's my version


Not an exact copy but good enough for me. I used bed springs, with sheet music cones inserted. The bed springs are a bit small in diameter and want to fall through, so I anchored them with wire to keep them in place. I have a few other ideas of things to use inside the rings, but I'll start with this.Tthe wood was from an old window frame that I rescued from my Mom's house.
If you'll look at my profile pic, I'm actually loading these pieces into the truck. Then I hung it from a couple of old decorative hinges and there you have it. I told my mom I'd make something fun from that old window frame.

On another note, I'm a bit under the weather. Don't exactly know why, but I feel yuck, but not so yucky that I can't go to work or flip through magazines, and dog ear ideas. Hopefully this will pass and I'll be at full force by the weekend. After all it is First Monday weekend, and Canton is calling.

Saturday, December 27, 2008

Some Wise Words



I received some wonderful and insightful comments to my post below, about purging stuff. One comment in particular really touched me. It was from Anita, and she wrote "it's enough for me to know they exist in the world, I don't have to HAVE THEM" What wonderful words, they have been ringing in my ear since I read them. I think I'm going to adopt this philosophy for awhile. I don't have to have it, I can just be happy that it exists somewhere, and someone has done something wonderful with it. Thanks Anita for the inspiration.

On another note. I received a wonderful book, and I just have to tell you about it.

I've already thumbed through it several times. Found some new projects for things I already have, and I have had fun, moving my stuff around. It also has very easy to read text with lots of decorating advise. This gal really understands us. If you are looking for a fun new book to inspire you, pick this one up, you can get it at a good price from Amazon, by clicking the link above.

Friday, December 26, 2008

A good day, and a great husband

Several months ago, about the middle of September I was at an antique store with my DH and saw this wonderful old wooden toy horse. It was marked way more than I like to pay for stuff, so I just oogled it and then tried to forget about it. Well.....Christmas morning there was a strange shaped object under the tree.

I'll let the pics tell the story from here.



I was very surprised. I had gone back to that store several times, and I saw that it was gone, but never in my wildest dreams thought that my DH had bought it. I love old primitives like this, and it will get a place of honor in my home.
Thanks Roger, you're the greatest.

We had a great Christmas, spent Christmas Eve with extended family and Christmas day amongst ourselves. The meal came out good, which is always iffy when I'm the cook. Lots of leftovers, and DH helped clean up while I took a nap. I think I'll keep him ;) Later we went for a movie, but it was very crowded, and we decided to try it another time. The kids got what they wanted as usual, and then they were off to do fun things with their friends. So things are quiet right now. I always love this time of Christmas day, because It's all done (well except the putting away) and there is no deadline for that.
Hope you had a nice peaceful holiday too.

Thursday, December 25, 2008


And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold,I bring you good tidings, of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.


And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.



Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Time to Purge


Every year about this time, I get overwhelmed by stuff. I don't know if it's because all the Christmas decorations, make it all look cluttered or what. But I seem to go through a purging phase. It's too early to take the Christmas down, but I'm already thinking ahead. I'm ready to get rid of all of it, well not ALL of it. But I went through my house with a basket, and loaded it up with "stuff" that I feel I can "pass on". I love the idea of Boxing Day that they have up in Canada, and I feel that I will probably be participating in this tradition, but it will be "Boxing Month" at my house.

I'm so ready to take Christmas down, and get things back to "Normal" and figure out what items I'm done with, and over with. Edit my over-done house, and get ready for a whole new batch of fun junk in the coming year. Do any of you go through this around this time? Not sure what it is but seems like a perfect time to clear out the clutter. Of course my DH will look around, and not know what I've removed. It will still look cluttered to him.

One of the things I'm gonna sell off, is my over the top collection of Longaberger baskets.

See I went through a phase a few years ago, had a wonderful LB party and got lots of free, and reduced price baskets. Then of course I bought a bunch off of ebay... yadda, yadda, yadda. Let's just say, I'm over it. Time to send them to new homes. But I'm still keeping lots.

Then there are the "why did I buy that" things. Little trinkets that gave me a very temporary sense of "object happiness". I'm old enough to know that things do not buy happiness, but I'm also very susceptible to impulse purchases. Time for these things to give happiness to someone else.


Then there are the things, that I kept, used and displayed for years. I mean years, maybe even 13 years in some cases, like my Game Board. I moved it from my old house to my new one.

It hung for years in both places, but I think I'm over it. I'm not sure really, but I think I am. It will go in "storage" for awhile, while I decide if I'm truly over it. I'm fortunate to have a barn and a huge attic for such items.

A friend and I were recently talking about Junk Feng Shui. Perhaps one or 2 statement pieces in a room, can be quite striking. No need to take it over the top... Right ;) Well maybe just one more item.

Never fear, I already have a couple of new projects in the queue for the new year.

I'll be out of touch for a couple of day, Celebrating with family. I hope you all have a great and blessed Christmas.
Margo

Monday, December 22, 2008

A great big thank you


Recently I've been getting lots of private emails that have touched my heart. I thought I'd share these with you. I am so glad when my web site can inspire and entertain. Thanks for all your kind words:


I love everything about your web site! I just spent over an hour looking at all the "goodies" you have made! Keep up the great work and thanks for sharing with others!
Sincerely, Cindy ...Lancaster County, PA

I thought that note holder by Sonja was so cute. So I have an extra clear glass medium size salt shaker.What i plan on doing is putting a few pearl beads in it and using a small fork for the note holder.If I can get a picture of it when done,I'll send it. Your site is wonderful and i am so glad I found it.I love to make stuff outta junque lol.I hope you have a very Merry Christmas,and a Happy New Year. Cheers, Linda

Hello
I love your store and blog. My name is Marie and I'm a recycled soul. I love all old vintage, shabby salvaged redesigned what evers. I have been working on opening a store for a few years...

Hi Margo;
I have to say that "just finding your site has been an inspiration" to me in general!! You have such a creative mind and awesome finished products that it brought out the "old me" that decorated and created in ways that made me feel warm, special and comfortable to be living here. I think for a time that getting in a groove of what "looked right or was the norm" felt safe and predictable but I had a desire to let my imagination free and some of your projects allowed me the space to be "me" again!!!!! I don't like to be the robotic, everyday, like everyone else person....I dare to be different and now I am back to the part of my self that displays objects that make me......unique and individual!! Not what is to be expected!! Thank you!! Gina

I just wanted to let you know I spent hours on your site enjoying all the creative things you made, I so enjoyed every moment that I was there and noticed many items that I have on hand and have save because of there uniqueness. One thing I made tonight was the stir up with ornament, I have saved it for years, just because LOL and now it is a beautiful Christmas decoration. Thanks so much>>>>>> You are very gifted!Happy Holidays!Deb

Hello-
I just wanted to send you an email to let you know that I recently came across your site/blog while I was looking for ideas on what to do with an old window frame. I LOVED all the ideas on your site! I go to the local auction every week and I always come home with finds that were abaondoned for the trash. Everything from furniture to old toys to slavaged historic home pieces. . .I am going to be a regular at your site now to find ideas for all my odd finds.

just wanted to drop you a note and let you know how much I enjoy your website. It is one of the first things I do in the morning right along with my coffee.I love the things you acquire and what you make with them. I also love junk. My husband and I are remoldeling an old farm house and I have been doing a lot of things like you have on you website. My daughter even brought me a frame with a screen in it and said "mom I saw this and thought you could make something out of it. I found it in a dumpster ." And she was right. I have big plans for it.I am in line for a liver transplant so doing things like you have on your website is my therapy. lol lol .I also have access to a lot of tools and know how to use them even if my husband thinks im crazy.I love them.Keep the cool ideas coming. Heidi from PA

Thanks to everyone for all the nice notes, they mean a lot to me.
Christmas blessings to you all.
Margo

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Thrifty Junky Wrappings

First let me say that I am not known for my gift wrapping skills. I'm sure there are some really creative gals out there, who would run circles around my wrappings. But I try.
I decided to set Saturday aside for wrapping . So I gathered up all my supplies

And got to work making the biggest mess.
See that bolt of twine, I'll be using lots of that.

The only new thing I bought was the paper, for $3 last night at Kohl's. Everything else is stuff I had on hand. As you can see I'm not really using my cute gift-wrapping station that I set up. I do better on the floor.

See this bag

Not too useful for gifts, but if you cover that logo with an old Christmas Card, it's perfect.


Here's a similar idea, but this bag had hand writing on it.
Those candle clips work great to seal up these bags from peeking eyes.

See this pile of crinkley confetti. It came in a gift box of nuts that we received.

I tied a clump of it together as a bow substitute

I didn't use ribbon this year, I used twine instead. I picked up this huge bolt of twine at a GS earlier this year. I use it for everything.

This Gift is wrapped up in some old music, twine.

I clipped some evergreen branches from the yard

And tucked them in underneath the twine

On the top gift, I added an old ornament that we no longer use, as decoration. And the name tag is one of those mini chalkboard slates that I make.
I made most of my name tags from regular scrapbooking paper or torn craft paper. I used my candle clips for gifts within our family, as I want to keep them.
It was really a lot of fun to use stuff I had on hand. total wrapping expense $3.
All through this month, I've been posting "green" Christmas tips on my web page. Most have had to do with wrapping gifts. I tried to use these tips as I wrapped my own gifts. Hope you enjoy these ideas, and can use them at your house. After all "Green" is the color of money too, and we could all use a little more of that.
Have a great one.
Margo



Friday, December 19, 2008

More Vintage Christmas Finds



I went to an Estate Sale today and picked up 2 boxes of old Christmas stuff that I've added to my Store, Check it out.

There were lots of red felt reindeers in the box, but only one that was in tact. 4" tall.

There were several strands of glass beads in silver, pink and blue.

Above are old plastic covers for lights, really makes them glow.

Remember the old red felted fruit, some of these even have felted leaves.
I'm going to be collecting vintage Christmas all year, and adding it to my store. Can't wait to ssee what I find in June, July & August.
Have a great weekend.
Margo

Remember the "over done" house on my last post


Turns out they've made the local news.


This story may just change the way you look at these "tacky" decorations. Like I said, gives us something to talk about, something to see, and after this...something to think about.
Click the URL below for the video.
http://cbs11tv.com/local/baby.jesus.stolen.2.879533.html

NORTH RICHLAND HILLS (CBS 11 News) ― Every year a North Richland Hills family decorates their yard to celebrate Christmas. But thieves have been making off with their décor and have even taken the reason for the season.

The Herreras have lived in their home since 1996, and they say they've been the target of thieves nearly every Christmas. This year is no exception.

"It's starting to get old after this long... it's starting to get old. It makes not want to do it no more," said David Herrera. "Friday is when they stole her sea-saw. Then Saturday is when I bought the surveillance equipment."

The investment paid off. Thieves returned on Monday, but this time they were caught on tape.

The video shows them pulling up just after 9 p.m. in a sedan with the front passenger wheel missing a hub cap. The passenger got out and stole two lawn decorations. The person struggled to get them in the car, and then they speed off.

But the thieves were not done. The same car returned an hour later after the lights were turned off. One stole the Christmas Tree near the stop sign. The other headed straight for the manger scene and stole the baby Jesus.

"I collect nativity scenes," said Gloria Herrera. "I do it for my family."

Gloria was very upset and was ready to take everything down when a lady driving by stopped at her house.

"Her little boy is two or three-years-old, and he said he wants to come by my house every day like he did last year," said Gloria. "We do this every year, and he thinks this is Santa's house."


Wednesday, December 17, 2008

More Christmas Fun



I found a great tip from Joy's blog. She said that you can bleach out the newer bottle brush trees, from the dollar store, and make them look old. I tried it and it worked like a charm. I loved this idea so much that I made it my quick project this week and I'm gonna talk about it here. Here's the winter scene I made with my bleached trees.

I found a vintage box of snow flakes and it just finished out the scene.


I've also added lots of stuff to my store. Including a new Vintage Christmas section. There are only a few items in that section right now, but it will be full by next Christmas.

OK, here is what I did with the bottle tree. I can see lots of uses for this, but for now It's being used for stockings.


I also wanted to share this yard I recently saw. I will refrain from comment, except to say that Variety is the spice of life. This is NOT MY Yard.


May we all enjoy the season this much.
Have a good one-Margo

Monday, December 15, 2008

Some Fun Finds

A little note about Calendars. If you want one by Christmas, you need to order soon, as it takes about a week for them to arrive. Information on ordering is on my side bar to the right.

Now back to Junk!!!!
Last week I drove to Val's house to pick up my new bottle dryer (I will show your later this week), and was able to do a little shopping in a nearby town where I found these treasures.

An old chippy door, a great old red pulley, and a horse muzzle
And I found this great garden piece, that I'm using in my bathroom.


I picked up these white rings at a different spot, and have an idea for them.

And look at this architectural piece. It's not old, but I think it's great.

And today I picked up these dish towels at Pier 1

I liked the letter graphics, but couldn't see all the towels. When I got them home, and opened up the package, I was so happy to see the one that says Margaux. You see, that is one of the spellings of my name Margo. It's a more sophisticated spelling, but so fun to see on this little towel.
Later this week, I'll show you what I'm doing with my bottle dryer rack, at least for now.
Margo

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