Crumbs on the counter, tools in the shop.

Yes, there are still crumbs on my counter. I first confessed here. But how sweet will it be when I sweep them into this vintage crumb tray?

Now on to the real reason I'm posting. Or more like...the real reason I haven't been! It's countdown time! The JunkGirls are crunching to create a wonderful array of goods for JunkFest 2009. We've hunted and gathered and now it's time to take those "treasures" we've found and restore their beauty! Or perhaps give them a funky touch too. :-) But in order to do that we need TOOLS!! Lots and lots of tools. Here are a few of my faves:

This is a gift from Sweet Man-O-Mine. It's a cordless circular saw!

And this little driver will be handy to get into those spots my larger drill won't fit in to. I haven't tried it yet because its...

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE TOOLS????

Here's a better view of the sneak peek I showed you here. So sorry I teased you with partial pictures. heehee

JunkFest reminder...

Rusted Illumination

I happen to be a big fan of candles. I usually have a candle or two burning every day, especially in the winter. Jar candles get my vote for safety reasons, and there are literally hundreds of scents to choose from. This post however, has nothing to do with jar candles! Sometimes we want to set the mood, strike a little ambiance, or simply show off when we have company! I did a little digging in my rusty collection of iron junk, found some favorites and cleaned them up with a little soap and water...and a good coat of protective finish. Felt protectors are in order, since these have sharp edges that can leave scratches. Why, just look at that table....hate to see that get scratched up!!

They might not look so special in the above photo, but when you add candles of the same color and dim the lights....romance here I come! Can I say that here?

Add a rusty looking finial, fleur de lis, or pineapple, and you've got yourself a great table centerpiece.

"Better to light a candle, than to curse the darkness." Chinese proverb

I'm linking up to SNS over at Funky Junk Interiors..

"Dream" in Cream

May there be JOY in your home,

only LOVE in your heart,

&

Lotsa JUNK in your trunk!

I am the lucky winner!

I was thrilled to get my mail and discover I had won the prize giveaway on one of my favorite websites, Patina White! The prize giveaway was a 5 simple rules for happiness bracelet made by Beth...first, here's her adorable packaging... Here's the bracelet...
Love, Love! Please check out her inspiring website at www.patinawhite.com. Beth has great taste in jewelry as well as junk decor. She's one talented lady, and I'm not just sayin' that 'cause I won!

Thanks so much, Beth!

Sneak peek at a thrifty weekend find!

Something gorgeous caught my eye this weekend while out hitting the garage sales. Here's a preview.

There are doors that will open to reveal a sweet surprise at JunkFest 2009!

Attention junkers...I need your opinion!

Hope you all had a nice weekend! While in a thrift store Friday, I ran across this unusual cloche. Well, that's what I'll call it anyway. It is hallowed out on the top...not sure why; perhaps for a candle? Hmmm...no idea. Help me out, if you would, and give me your opinion on the different items I've come up with to glue on for a new top/handle...thanks! This was an old doorknob...
This was found in an alley behind a tire store. (Yeah, I picked it up).
This was a knob off something...

This is off the wheel of a child's wagon...it'll need to be bent into shape a bit if I use this...

This is from a towel bar...

I was also thinking I could use a glass Christmas ornament...or a colored one...see my dilema?! Please help!

Cool Lamp!

Just wanted to share with you a lamp I constructed for my 10 year old daughter's room. I was at an auction sale a while back, where an acquaintance won the bid for a box of interesting items, one of which I had my eye on. When I asked if he could part with this particular piece, he generously gave it to me. (Thanks Justin...if you're reading this!) I knew immediately what I wanted to use it for. I'm guessing it was part of some farm machinery, perhaps an auger cover of some sort.


Because I cannot remember to take "before" pics, you'll just have to envision it a slightly rusted silver color. I spray painted it black. I also found a (new) curvy metal plant hanger that got a fresh coat of black paint as well.

I had previously purchased a hanging lamp kit from Lowe's, so I just had to notch out about an inch of metal on one end of the auger where the light kit clipped perfectly into. (gotta love those dremels!) I found velum paper at a craft store, as well as some star shaped crystals....love the pattern in the paper! I used fishing line to tie the crystals to the bottom end of the auger. With Gorilla super glue, I glued the velum to the inside of the auger, securing it with clothespins until dry.

I still need to make a cord cover with some black fabric or something that coordinates in her nuclear green room, but I love how it turned out...and so does she!

Who knows what you'll find lamps made out of at this year's JunkFest! Don't miss it!!

This junker's journey....(a.k.a. my summer vacation)

Even a junker has to get away every now and then to clear the mind and refresh the creative soul....come along with me on my journey to western North Dakota because, quite frankly, it looks like that's the only place I'm getting to this summer!!
Most locals would agree with me when I say that you have to be a native of North Dakota to really appreciate the wide open spaces, flat lands with very few trees, harsh winters and pesky summer mosquitoes! If you're heading to North Dakota, then Medora- located in the heart of the Badlands, is a must-see. The Badlands are the exception to the above statement. There are gorgeous rocky buttes (our version of mountains), lush greenery, wildlife (no bears or rattlers) and there's even a river that runs through it!

Even though the pace is relaxed and laid back, there's plenty to do and see. But be warned, the horses are fast....

And they have a tendency to switch directions on you without warning!

This one below is more my speed!

And this bronc rider seems to be suspended in time....?

You'll find shopping...

...and top-notch food and drinks...

But for me, it's all about the flowers...(well, okay it's about the food and drinks too, but I do enjoy the flowers!)

Especially the junkified flowers...

For those extended stays, you can even get your laundry done...but you may have to allow extra time...

Western North Dakota....it's not the edge of the earth....but close to it!!