Havin' fun with Junk (and Life in general)

Playing with my mantle -- AND my new camera!

2011-12-08T20:22:00.003-05:00

I've been discouraged about my photo quality lately, or should I say lack thereof.

And I finally decided it just HAD to be something wrong with my camera.

So...I bought a new one!

WOW! What a difference!

So now I'm EXCITED to take pictures, which is good because I have a new project to show off.

I love my fireplace! But, we built it with a big hole in the top for our t.v.

Okay, I've got to keep it real -- it usually is more this (tv is on most of the time).

Except before, there were not the side pieces, just the hole.

I finally added the foldable doors, so when I want that mess out of sight.....

it looks more like this!

So now I can finally take pictures of my fireplace!

And that means I get to try out a few mantle LOOKS.

I call this first mantle experiment "Christmas at the cabin".

Yeah, I know, it's NOT a cabin, it's my house, but that's THE LOOK I'm going for first.

I started by adding a snow shoe with greenery to each door.

And when the doors are closed, it looks like this.

The nails to hold the snowshoes are strategically placed so I can place them either way.

This stockings are made from old wool plaid hunting pants.

One used the waist band for the top, and the other used the bottom of the leg as the top

(complete with shoe lacing).

I thought it needed a homey touch, so cut a slit in a few pinecones and inserted some old photos.

They are nestled among more greenery (I snipped it from my yard)

and added a few tree sections holding votive candles.

Couldn't resist the poinsettias Walmart had on sale so cheap!

So I placed them in an old fishing creel and minnow bucket.

I wanted something that would reflect the reason for the season while keeping with the cabin theme.

I thought about some kind of garland, but came up with this instead.

It seems to work!

So when the doors are open, it looks like this!

Oh yeah, keeping it real -- if the doors are open, the tv's probably on.

And when I want more of a "photo shoot", it looks like this!

So now I'm off to try a few more "looks" for my fireplace.

Hmmm.... Hollywood glam?...Pink Ballerina Christmas?... Rudolph & friends?....

I'm having fun with my mantle....

and with my new camera.

Midge

I'm linking this to Donna's Saturday Nite Special Linky Party -- Mantels and Stockings @ Funky Junky Interiors

Taking a path less traveled

2011-10-19T18:14:00.002-04:00

Remember last post I mentioned this bike for two inspired me?

Well, it was our surprise wedding gift to my daughter and her new husband -- something they both really wanted.

We parked it at the reception and it was a big hit, including people posing for photos by it.

It got me wondering....

Where do people get non-traditional items for weddings like vintage bikes and fun signs?

Can you rent things like that?

So did I little googling.

And I found that many businesses have popped up in the last year for just that purpose, spurred on by the recent trend of vintage and non-traditional weddings and the need for renting unique pieces.

And I had much more to offer than many of the "vintage rental" businesses I discovered!

Number one common item I noticed -- blue jars!

(I'm now up to about 100)

So I'm adding vintage rental to my services I provide!

As far as I can tell, I'm currently the only one in MI!

So I might even have to do a few road trips, here and there.

(No problem packing, I have 100 suitcases too)

I don't have quite as many china pieces,

but I am working on building up my collection.

Same story for my vintage silverware.

Birdcages seem to be very popular right now.

I have several of those, in a couple different colors,

and a variety of styles.

I even have several bird nests to go with them!

And vintage typewriters are so great for leaving messages for the happy couple, or for displaying photos.

And vintage cameras are universally popular.

Cloches are great for display and for decorating throughout a reception area.

One of many metal boxes/tubs. Just add some ice and you've got a perfect homespun beverage cooler!

Of course, it doesn't get much more cozy than a watering can, especially a collection of them filled with flowers.

(Yup, I've got a "collection" of them)

Imagine how fun it would be to have a "picnic" wedding!!

They're becoming more and more popular.

That's okay, I've got plenty of different baskets to go around!

Of course I've got plenty of basices, too,

like doors, windows, frames, etc.

I think I see a photo op here!

And speaking of photo ops, the rental service will also come in handy for photographers.

I think something like this could be fun (think baby bump!).

And actually there are a lot of others that could benefit from a service like this, event planners, film producers, drama directors.

And I have many more items than are pictured here.

So I guess I'd better get to pedaling

...you never know what's around the corner

...on the bike path less traveled.

Midge

If you're worried I won't be doing repurposing projects anymore -- not a chance!! That is still my first love!! My next post will be SOON and will definitely feature something I've made from junk. :)

Trying to get back in the loop!

2011-10-17T13:54:00.002-04:00

So...Have you been looking for me?...No?....Good.

Cause I've been a bad, absent blogger.

And if by chance you HAVE been looking for me...I apologize.

I got distracted...again.

You see, at the end of this summer,

our daughter Becky got married!

WHICH WAY TO THE WEDDING?

The wedding took place in a beautiful park, on a PERFECT day.

Blue skies, warm temps, no humidity!

Lots of gorgeous flowers, handpicked by some of us ladies at a local commercial flower farm owned by one of Becky's church members

-- " Help yourself". And arranged by another.

Such kindness, and such fun!

Becky and her now-husband, Aaron, live and work in a neighborhood where they're able to assist many of the families and their children.

So, of course, the little girls just HAD to be in the wedding!

Eighteen flower girls with custom made skirts,

and t-shirts that say "I'm a flower girl!"

Groomsmen are ready to go.

Bride side?...READY!

This is it!

Not too many surprises.

Well, maybe just that the groom was barefoot....

Oh, and that instead of exchanging rings, they had tattooed "rings" onto their fingers earlier that week.

And they ended the ceremony with the washing of each other's feet.

Hadn't seen THAT before, but it was kind of cool.

"Did we do it?"..."Yep, we did it!"

YAY!!!

Of course, Mom had to snap a few pics of her snazzy brood!

But I think it's better left to the professionals!

They seem to know what they're doing.

Meanwhile, the guests were heading up for the food and festivities.

I was able to include a few of my creations to the decore.

And SOOO many of Becky's friends had pitched in

to help in SOOO many ways.

Her friend made this cake topper for them! Adorable!

Of course there was a lot of fun, laughter, and KICKBALL!

And dancing!!

It was a great wedding, a lot of fun!

Afterward, the happy couple didn't end up riding off into the sunset happily ever after, but they DID head out for their honeymoom cruise!

And the bike DID inspire ME down a new road

-- which I'll share on my next post.

Midge

P.S. My daughter Becky is quite a remarkable, giving young lady. We were able to watch a tv news feature about her the other day for her role as a mentor. She's one of 5 up for Michigan's Mentor of the Year and will find out next week at a Governor's dinner who the winner is. :) (Just had to brag a little)

World's Smallest Bathroom -- FINISHED!!

2011-08-07T10:53:00.001-04:00

THE DISCLAIMER:

First, let me just say that though I'm BASICALLY done with my bathroom project, there'll still be some tweaking for some time to come. So if you see something not quite right, I'll get to it -- eventually.

Also, I'll probably be changing out the decore at some point too. But since this is a guest bath (and we never have any guests) I thought I'd try something a little fun.

One last thing, taking photos in this small space was very difficult, I hope you can envision things properly.

THE RECAP:

My husband and I bought our house about 12 years ago -- for $100! That's because just the house was for sale, we had to move it. So we moved it, worked on it, moved the family in, worked on it some more, took a pause to catch our breath (even though we weren't done), and never seemed to get back on track.

So for many years, the space looked like this! Actually, that's not true. This is a cleaned up version once I had started my project. The space was unfinished but the studded walls were there, and I did have a washer and dryer and some storage in the laundry area.

Then, a couple months ago, I got motivated to "Get 'er done!" So....

I did some wiring.

And I did some plumbing.

And I did some drywalling. (don't let your vehicle become a stumbling block -- if you cut your pieces in the parking lot they'll fit easily into any min-van!)

And I laid down new flooring. The space had flooring already but I didn't like it. So to not spend a lot and to keep the theme of vintage simplicity, I had a sheet of plywood cut into strips (at Lowe's, so kind), stained, whitewashed, sanded, nailed it down. It might not last forever, but for $12 -- who cares! And so far -- I LOVE IT!

Of course, I also painted, trimmed, installed, blah, blah, blah. But let's get to the good stuff!

THE REVEAL:

This is the right-hand side of the laundry area as you enter the space. Just enough room for some storage and a stacked (even if it's home grown) washer and dryer.

Or from the other direction, viewing it from the bathroom doorway. I made some shelves, including a space to store my upright vacuum.

Above is more shelving.

I was able to attach this rusy, chippy hinge to the wall between the washer and storage areas. When I need to hang dry something, I simply lower the hinge and insert hanger into hole.

Other side of laundry area. Behind the opened door is more shelves for utility storage (light bulbs, gift wrap stuff, gardening stuff, etc.). And on the wall is a little taste of what's to come. "Ready for my closeup!"....

This framed instruction sheet was from the bundle that inspired my bathroom project.

I bought this cool piece earlier this year for a mere $10. I love it!

A 7' tower to house a stretcher in case of a mishap at a factory. The stretcher was still there, too, along with some signs.

So, as you look into the doorway of the bathroom area (it's on a 45 degree angle), you can see the signs.

And I placed the tower in the corner and added a hook to serve as a towel holder.

Cool!

And even higher up I placed the stretcher. Not only is it cool, but now I can store things in the tower.

I placed the stretcher really high to help with head room. The space is really tight, and the stretcher is quite big -- it used up every inch of that back wall!

Now that you've got the theme, let's resume the tour! The bathroom area has a doorway, but no door. It is set on angle, so you can turn to the right or you can turn to the left. This is the right!

The shelf is removable because it tops the bump out area that houses some of my laundry hoses. I'll probably accessorize it later, but for now I enjoy looking at the antique doctor bag mounted on the wall above.

It's not just cool looking....it's functional!!

Moving to the left side of the doorway, I bought this vintage sink at auction for $5 several months ago. This is probably what spurred me to finally finish this space. I was able to find the vintage faucets at a salvage yard for another $5. I might tire of the old fixtures in a couple years, but for now it's fun.

Came across this vintage medicine chest in one of my junk piles and placed it above the sink. It seems to work.

So, like I said, I do have a bit of tweaking and decorating to do yet, but for the most part I'd call it FINISHED!!

Probably the only room that IS all the way finished, but I'm not going to stop now. It kind of motivated me to keep going. Generally, I'm much better at starting than finishing. Proabably true for a lot of people. I'll work on staying focused. And more importantly is staying focused on what's really important:

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." ~~ 2 Timothy 4:7

THAT'S the kind of finishing I hope one day to be remembered for.

Peace.

Midge

I'm linking this up to Donna's Saturday Nite Special Party #93 at Funky Junk Interiorsfunkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com

A Sneak Peek!

2011-07-26T21:10:00.002-04:00

I'm getting very close to being able to reveal my new

"World's Smallest Bathroom"!...YAY!

But in the meantime, I thought I'd give you a sneak peek by showing you part of my laundry room --

I had to work on that, too, since you have to pass through it first!

Who doesn't love a rusty little piece of hardware?? :)

So I attached an old hinge to the wall in the upright position.

This wall separates the washer/dryer from some built-in storage.

(Wall space is limited, so I had to use every area I could!)

Before screwing into the wall, I backed it with washers to give it a truer angle because it's not just cool looking....

it's functional!

A great way to have a spot for hanging a shirt or two to dry in a laundry that doesn't have room for extras!

Midge

World's Smallest Bathroom: Plumbing -- Cold's on the Right!

2011-07-13T13:26:00.006-04:00

My husband likes to quote a plumber who once told him:
"Plumbing's easy. All you need to know is *waste (edited by me!) flows downhill, and cold's on the right."

Well, it isn't quite THAT easy, but it is easier than you'd think.

And water supply lines are much easier than drain lines!

The pipes easiest for the DIYer is this CPVC available at Lowes, Home Depot etc.

Most of the branches up to fixtures use 1/2" pipe like this one, while 3/4' is sometimes used closer to the water source or to accommodate greater water supply needs.

The great thing about this pipe -- it's much more flexible and requires less precision.

And it's much easier to cut (and more fun).

That doo-hickey is a pipe cutter -- just tighten where you want, and spin it around!

Connecting the pipes together is also much easier --

no worrying about sloping and angles.

Water under pressure means it will push forward no matter if you go up, down, or round and round! Choose whatever path you want to go from point A to point B.

You'll find you'll use mostly couplers, elbows, and tees.

But at the store you'll find a variety to suit your project -- and not very expensive!

The adhering together is the same as with the drain line --

first apply purple to surfaces being connected, then apply glue, then push and twist together to get a good fit.

Here's my bathroom project.

Because we had changed our design years before, the laundry pipes were in the bathroom area.

Since that's where my toilet's going, I had a built-in source of water -- literally!

I cut a small hole in the drywall to expose the cold water line (don't worry about the wall, I've got a plan).

Then, and this is very important, I SHUT OFF THE MAIN WATER VALVE!

Then I proceeded to cut the pipe using a very small version of a pipe cutter.

Or you could use this type pipe cutter, you pinch it like a pliers.

Also, I had first placed a rag around the pipe.

Even though the water is no longer under pressure, it will be IN the pipes and will spill out a bit.

So my pipe is cut.

Hey! Where'd my bottom go?.....

Actually it fell into the basement

(see what I mean, supply lines are much more free to do their own thing!).

While I gave it a little push up from below, my husband duct taped it in place to keep it from misbehaving.

NOTE TO SELF: Next time, duct tape FIRST. Then it won't even fall through.

Then I just inserted a tee between the two cut ends.

(Whoa. Looks like someone got a little crazy with the purple stuff.)

Glued a section of pipe into the tee.

And because I wasn't ready to add the valve yet, I added a cap to the open end.

I gave it 30 minutes to dry and turned water back on.

YAY! No evidence of leakage!

For my sink lines I started in the basement at the closest water source.

Okay, you might have busted me -- I didn't cut into these lines yet.

But they're ready to go, and I will -- eventually. For now I just need my supply lines placed.

So I just went over, turned with "elbows", and then, again using elbows, went up through the floor.

In the bathroom I used a special elbow that came with "wings".

That allowed me to attach to wall for a more secure fit.

Because the water was not "live" in these pipes, there was no rush to finish up.

So later, after putting up my drywall, I decided to add the valve.

I needed the plastic adapter, the metal valve, teflon tape, and pliers.

Because the plastic goes into metal, you must first wrap the threaded section with teflon tape.

This provides a kind of buffer between the two.

Then you can screw the two pieces together. Tighten with pliers for a good seal.

Now you can get out the purple and glue again and attach to the pipe.

I even remembered to first slip on the round metal wall flange for a nice finished look.

(Of course there are ones that can go on after -- still)

And that's about it!

Much easier than drain lines!

Don't be afraid to give it a try.

Just remember -- always shut off water before cutting a line, check for leaks before closing in a wall, and .... oh yeah....Cold's on the Right!

Midge

Reflecting on some past projects!

2011-07-09T14:50:00.001-04:00

I'm so happy to be making progress on my tiny bathroom, but in the meantime I haven't been getting many junking projects done. SO....

to join in Funky Junk Donna's Linky Party, this post features some of my past mirror projects! So if it seems like you've seen some of these before...you probably have!

One of my all time favorites --

an old iron wheel thingy I got for $1 at an auction!

Perfect frame for a mirror!

It's since been sold. Think there's any chance I'll find another?

Industrial mirror made from the base of an old wind turbine.

I just love the industrial look!

Game. Set. Match!

Old tennis presses make great mirror frames!

They're easy to do, and you don't need expert glass cutting skills!

Another $1 auction find!

Sure this old architectural piece is a bit beat up and chippy.

But isn't that what makes it so awesome?

This little mirror is made from a "pipe clamp" --

at least that's what the description said.

All I know is it makes a great frame for a rustic, industrial mirror.

Midge

I'm linking this up to Donna's Saturday Nite Special Linky Party #89

World's Smallest Bathroom: The drain game!

2011-07-07T20:08:00.008-04:00

With the electricity in place for my world's smallest bathroom project, next is plumbing. Not only do I need it in place before I drywall -- but it's pretty important for a bathroom!!

Plumbing has two main components, the water coming in, and waste water (and other things!) going out.

This post will cover the latter and briefly explain some basics of drain lines and what I did with mine.

(I realize that most of you aren't in the market for a project like this, or don't think you'd know how, but maybe this will encourage someone to try something they didn't dare before -- it's easier than you think!)

A DIYer can buy drain line made of PVC at their local Lowe's, Home Depot, etc.

The sizes they sell are the main ones used in a drain line system: 3" is required for lines leading off a toilet, 2" is usually for heavier flow waste water (like shower drains, washer), and 1.5" for basic sinks.

I was lucky that my lines would be in the storage room of our basement so I didn't have to worry as much about tucking and "prettiness', but there was already unnecessary goobledy-gook, so I started by removing some extra pipes, to give me a cleaner slate to work from.

To cut off existing lines it's easiest to use a sawzall!

But once the pipe is down, you can cut it (if you dare reuse some of it!) or new pipes with a chop saw -- very easy and leaves a nice clean cut. New pipes are sold in specific lengths, usually 10' (or 8?), 5', and 2'.

Obviously, a straight pipe wouldn't do the trick alone. The drain pipe will need to turn here and there and may need to accommodate incoming lines. That same store will have bins with many different connecting parts to achieve your specific path. Paper planning is not enough! Plan on spending a lot of time in the plumbing aisle playing with the pieces to figure out your angles -- then plan on returning several times!!

And you'll have to play with the pieces at home too! Ideally you connect your fixture drains to the closest pipes -- if you can tag along at the tail end of a line and just add on, even better! But sometimes you have to "cut in" to an existing line. The main thing is: a drain line has to somewhere drain into another existing line, and (this is a biggie) DRAIN LINES MUST EMPTY INTO THE SAME SIZE OR LARGER, BUT NOT VICA VERSA . Ex.: sink can lead into toilet line, but toilet can't go into sink line. YIKES!! AND EVEN MORE IMPORTANT: THE LINE MUST SLOPE DOWNWARD AWAY FROM THE SOURCE!! (Gently sloping is fine, and even preferred ((.25"/1')), but some of the connecting pieces may provide a short drop.) After playing with your pieces, if you think you've got the line how you want it, make sure to mark neighboring pieces so you put it back together exactly the same way.

Your components will need to be permanently connected piece by piece using adhesive made just for these pipes. The two surfaces to be connected are first "painted" with the PURPLE stuff. After a minute or two to dry, the adhesive (I use the all purpose variety, available in plumbing dept.) is applied. This goes on both parts and you need to make sure the contact areas are completely covered.

Don't apply the adhesive until you're ready to go, but once you do, get right to work and push and twist to get a nice, square fit -- and make sure it's lined up where you want! Because the result of this compound is a strong, permanent, melding together of the plastic!

I realize that's a pretty brief overview of the process, but maybe seeing my work will help! I started at the point I hacked off the unnecessary parts. That was a 3" pipe. So (starting from the right in the photo), I addded a piece that connected up to my laundry drain pipe (I had hacked off a hunk of that too). Then I added a section that had a 3" Tee off of it.

This is the view from underneath. This "T" piece started as 3", continued on as a 3" and had a 3" turn off it. You can see it leading up to where the toilet will be. Beyond that is a 3'in, 3"out, with a 1.5" Tee for the sink.

The 3" Tee line connects to this piece that is located in the bathroom. Officially called a "closet flange", it is the piece the toilet will rest on and connect to.

And from the 1.5" Tee, the line continued on and eventully made it's way up to the sink area.

It came up through the floor and juts out to eventually connect to sink drain. This locale needed a vent, so that pipe continuing upwards is for allowing air to escape through the roof (that's a whole nother explanation!)

ANYWAY, I don't know if I still have anyone reading this, but drain lines CAN be done DIY style. It's not really dangerous or hard, but the greatest risk is probably goofing it up and having to do it over -- wasting time and money. It's a little tricky.

HOWEVER, supply lines (water coming in) are much easier and more forgiving. So if you do want to give plumbing a try, that might be a better place to start. (Post on that coming very soon!)

Midge

I'm linking this up to Gail's Catch As Catch Can Linky Party at My Repurposed Life

I'm linking this up to Donna's Saturday Nite Special Linky Party at Funky Junk Interiors

World's Smallest Bathroom: Let there be light!

2011-06-30T17:44:00.005-04:00

After years of being on hiatus from home remodeling, I've picked up my tool belt again and am trying to complete our home -- starting with the tiny space I had carved out at the back of my small laundry room for a powder room. I'm going to share as much of my progress as I can:

So I begin with lighting, not only because it will come in handy as I move forward, but also for the sake of practicality and safety. Because this is what I was starting with:

We had put those wires there so many years ago that I couldn't even remember the thought behind them and whether any were live or not!

So using my handy dandy circuit tester, the red light lighting up when I touched the wires told me each was indeed live. Yowzers! Holy Electric Powers, Batman! ZAAPPP!! With my reluctant, grumbling, computer-missing son -- I mean trusty sidekick -- at the circuit box, the circuits were switched until I found which one was THE one (yup both connections on same circuit). Then with it off, I unconnected the four wires, turned power back on to determine which of the four wires was the "source" of power.

Armed with this new knowledge, I connected the "source" (I call that IN) to the continuation of power (I call that OUT) and found I had an unnecessary piece of wire -- I kept it there for now in case it comes in handy later for threading wire where I wanted.

Because the current program didn't work for my plan, an L-shaped room with an overhead light on each side, using my ceiling box as a template I drew a circle at my desired locations.

The ceiling plaster was too hard for a utility knife (and I can't find my sawzall....waaah) so I first drilled holes around edge of hole and then whacked away with my hammer.

The threading of wiring and figuring out the flow of the power (think RIVER) was the most time consuming part and is difficult to show in photo form -- I did end up creating a new hole for reaching (post on hole repairing coming soon!)

But eventually I got it all set in proper order with one switch to turn on both lights (that's what I had wanted all along but could only do two lights/two switches until my husband offered his clever guidance).

With everything firgured out -- and proof it all worked -- it was time to install everything "for real". This is an OLD ceiling work box, OLD because it's for old, not new, construction. See the three "wings"? Those mean I don't need to climb into the (scary, dark, scary, dirty, scary, cramped) attic, instead I simply put the box up into the ceiling hole and turn the three screws until the wings spread out and hold the box in place.

So everything attached and connected has to be undone (power off, of course) and the wires slid through the openings in the box and pulled slightly downward as box goes upward!

Til you make it all the way up! I wanted a nice, precise fit so I had to gently tap with a hammer to get it in, and then, thank goodness for those wings (not to be confused with any other wings, girlie or otherwise you hear tell of -- no beautiful music in the background here). I had labeled my wires so I'd know what's what.

Now time to reattach everything -- FOR REAL, complete with wire nuts and electrical tape. This is where it gets tricky for me, not the reattaching, taping part, but the shoving it all into the box and making it fit and not come apart part. :)

And of course I need to have THE switch to operate the lights. Too bad after taking this picture I realized that I had done it wrong -- not electrically, but structurally. That switch box is an OLD box too. I think I was supposed to mount it into drywall. Ooops! Oh, well, easy fix later when I have drywall.

And so......LET THERE BE LIGHT!!

YAY!!

Midge

I'm linking this up to Gail's Catch As Catch Can Linky Party at My Repurposed Life

I'm linking this up to Donna's Saturday Nite Special Linky Party at Funky Junk Interiors

Why, YES, my dryer IS upside down!! So glad you noticed.

2011-06-23T19:36:00.002-04:00

Pretty excited about a recent development in my laundry room -- my dryer is upside down!

It started out several years ago right side up, sitting on a shelf I built for it, right above our new front load washer. The washer only lasted a couple years, so for the past 6 years we've been using our temporarily hooked up washer of my parents -- 30+ years old, never a problem.

FAST FORWARD TO A FEW WEEKS AGO:

I decided it was time to deal with this issue. So first we determined that the front loader was a goner, and we would embrace the oldster as our chosen machine.

However....

we couldn't just slide it in the washing machine spot because the shelf wasn't high enough. No problem, I'll just rebuild it higher!

Except...

as it was I was tiptoeing it to reach everything....

Hmmm....

And then it hit me -- what if the machine was upside down?

The dials would be lower, and the barrel would be about the same.

So....

I took out the old shelf, cleaned up the whole area, painted it, added side shelves this time, and put in the machine upside down. Viola!

And although my tiny little laundry room isn't quite completely done yet, making some headway on my halfdone house inspired me to keep going

(we had taken a several year break after severe house burnout)

So...adjacent to my very tiny laundry room will be the world's smallest bathroom!

Just a sneak peek. I'll keep you posted!

(the wall you see on the right is the before shot of the painted laundry room wall)

Midge

It's WHAT ?!?!? Say it isn't so !

2011-06-18T15:48:00.003-04:00

Wow. It's been so long since I've posted, I hope I even remember how! It's not that I've been monumentally busy, just enough going on to keep me a little unfocused. Plus, I'm a bit of a procrastinator (yes, Rachel, I still owe you a package, sorry, it's still on the way). I have been getting some organizing done around my house, and some home improvement projects. Had a son graduate AND get a drivers license. A couple out-of-town (okay, several states away) weddings, which reminds me I need to focus on my daughter's wedding in August. My best friend moved back to town from Kansas (YAY!!) and another friend is opening a business that I've been helping with.

SO, though I've been buying, I haven't been doing a lot of repurposing projects lately. I thought Donna's "What was it?" Junk party would be a great way to get back into the swing of things.

So what is this?....I don't know, but I'm thinking that it came with a box of stuff from an auction, because I don't think I'd buy this.

At least I got my money's worth! It's actually two pieces that were nested together.

At a recent speaking engagement I was showing it off Vanna White style, explaining that I didn't know what it was. Someone from the audience spoke up and said she believed farmers placed them outside their back doors. They were for scraping MANURE off their boots.....EWWW!!

Not sure if that's really what it is. All I know is the spikes are VERY spiky! Keep this one away from the kids!

So I'm using it as a fun way to showcase some vintage photos, similar to a frog.

Now I've got to go, my list of awaiting projects is calling me!

Oh...AND...I've got to go wash my hands (maybe twice!).

Midge

I'm linking up to Donna's Saturday Nite Special "What is it" Junk Party at Funky Junk Interiors

Repurposing -- it's the American way!

2011-04-08T09:30:00.001-04:00

I LOVE Repurposing!!!

How else could you get something like this....

from something like this?....

Repurposing.

It's good for the wallet, good for the planet,

good for the creative spirit....

I'd say it's GOOD FOR AMERICA!

Midge

I'm linking this up to Becky's Under $100 Linky Party at Beyond the Picket Fence

Yes you CAN cut glass in a circle!

2011-04-07T12:01:00.003-04:00

I wish I could do some kind of animation feature on my blog. Because if I could, you'd definitely see a lot of running through fields in slow motion, long knowing glances across a crowded room, and sucking on the end of a spaghetti strand -- because my new gadget is not just a tool, it's TRUE LOVE!!

With my new tool I cut now cut circles of glass and mirrors!

WOO HOO!!

Maybe you picture a glass cutter as something like this.

But mine came in a box like this. It says "Miller Falls Tools....Circular Glass Cutter". I bought it through a nearby online auction service. As soon as I saw the listing, I knew I had to have it! I didn't even know such a thing existed! I had to go up to $16 (big bucks for me!) but I eventually won out.

My pictures didn't turn out the best, but using a scrap piece of glass I'll see if I can demonstrate how I used it -- it had no instructions of course.

Here's the tool. The online pictures made it appear large, but it's quite small. You can cut circles up to 12". The arm is adjustable and marked for getting just the size you want.

I believe the main part is supposed to be a suction cup, but since my piece is quite old and no longer held, I simply held it firm with my hand.

At the end of the arm is the part that holds the blade. Much like a compass, you simply grab hold of that and run it around in a circle.

I am typically not good at cutting glass, but so far this has worked perfectly for me everytime.

If it works correctly you will hear a continuous, slightly irritating scratching noise. Remember, that's good!

And you should see a complete circle scored into the glass (not cut through).

Then, taking the standard glass cutter, ~~whack away~~ tap on the underside of the glass directly on the score marks. It will crack the glass top to bottom -- do this all around the circle.

Now you have a cut circle. But it still won't just pop out, the outer edges need to be removed. For me (the inept glass cutter), it's easiest just to use my dremel with the glass cutting tip to cut little lines from the circle to the edges.

You'll end up with a circle and some glass scraps. So if using a bigger piece of glass, first cut off any section you may want to save for later.

And there's your circle of glass or mirror.

Not perfect, but not bad!

And if you're wondering "But Midge, how did you cut the circles for your latest projects? They seem larger than 12"." Well, yes. I got around that by inserting a different rod into the hole and then duct taped it to the regular arm. Worked just fine.

And I know that what you REALLY want to know is "Where can I get one of these things?" ....Well, I'm sorry to say I don't know. I don't think they're sold in your basic Home Depot or Walmart. You'll probably have to do a little digging on the computer. However, you might try at a stained glass store, some of my reading sounding like some do carry them.

Anyway, I've got to go. So much junk, so little time. And lately, it seems like I'm just going in circles. ;)

Midge

Check it out!

2011-04-04T10:47:00.001-04:00

Over the weekend I stumbled upon a fairly young blog --

Full Circle Creations.

She doesn't have a whole lot of followers.....yet. But it's just a matter of time because she makes a lot of cool stuff, like this....

and this.....

and this...

and a whole lot more -- including lots of benches and signs (this girl knows her way around tools!)

I encourage you to check out her blog...oh, yeah....and be sure to push her follow button!

Check out her blog here.....Full Circle Creations

Midge

Roofing Wind Turbine Project #2

2011-04-02T18:43:00.003-04:00

So I'm happy to present my second project from my roofing wind turbines...

Perhaps you remember my first project from them....

And if you REALLY think back, you'll remember where this all started from....

And how I took them apart....

and how yucky some of the parts were!...

It took a LOT of work and scrubbing (it was from a roof afterall -- tar -- EWWWW)....

And one of the pieces I finally got from that was this...

SOOO, I drilled a few small holes in the rim...

Cut a thick piece of wood the size of the circular area...

And did the same with a mirror (using my handy dandy new circular glass cutting tool, of course -- I LOVE THAT THING)....

Then I put mirror adhesive on the wood to stick the two together...

And after placing it inside the opening, I drilled some screws through the rim holes into the wood to hold everything in place...

And it easily mounted onto the wall by simply nailing through the existing holes (with ROOFING NAILS, of course!)

TA DA! An industrial mirror!...........next!!

Midge

I'm linking this up to Gail's Catch-as-Catch-Can Linky Party at My Repurposed Life

Trying to be Industrious!

2011-03-31T14:29:00.005-04:00

Thanks to my handy dandy glass cutting tool, I'm finally able to complete some projects I've been waiting on for a long time. Like this industrial side table...

I have a few of these, but different sizes. I don't know if they're wheels, pulleys, some kind of molds, or what! But they're rustic, beefy, and very industrial looking.

I've had this guy for quite some time, so he definitely needed a bath, followed by a good rubdown with some oil...

I had always wanted it for a table, but never had a good vision for a base...until...I picked up a swivel office chair for a couple bucks at the Goodwill. And then it hit me..duh...

I not only removed the seat, but also ended up cutting off some of the metal from the chair base -- I didn't want any extra showing through....

And I didn't really like the finish on the metal, so I gave it a coating of black spray paint. Much better....

Then I attached the two together from underneath by drilling some holes in the metal and running some screws.....

TA DA...

And then, using my new love, I mean my new handy dandy glass cutting tool...

I cut and added a round piece of glass. I wanted the table designed so you could see all the parts of the wooden piece....

I ran a bead of silicone around to give a finished edge....

And as my daughter reported to me...

"It turned out super cool!"

I guess I couldn't ask for a better endoresement than that.

Midge

I'm linking this up to Becky's Under $100 Linky Party at Beyond the Picket Fence

And I'm linking this up to Donna's Saturday Nite Special Linky Party at Funky Junk Interiors

Not just a pipe dream!

2011-03-29T15:06:00.002-04:00

So I bought a nifty little tool last week that I just love! I think it's changed my life! It cuts glass into circles! WHOA!! I didn't even know there was such a thing. But....there is, I have one, and I'm having fun!

It enabled me to put to use a piece I bought awhile back at an online auction. Minimum bid is $5.00 (a pretty major investment for a Dutch girl like me), but I liked that it's so industrial, yet had great details, a hint of red, and was round -- I knew instantly what I would do with it. So I bid, and at the end of the day is was still mine. YIPPEE!

It's actually a clamp for piping of some sort. And pretty substantial pipes at that -- can you read that #?....6"....That's a pretty big pipe.

And it's designed to open up and then clamp down -- perfect for what I had in mind!

So I used a cardboard template to make sure to get just the right size I wanted for a circle. Then I went ahead and used my handy dandy new tool to cut a circle from a mirror.

In case later someone might unclamp it, I didn't want it entirely glued, so I set the mirror in the bottom half into some epoxy....

then closed the top half and clamped down the handle....

TA DA!!

I hope I've given you something to reflect on. Junking isn't all just pipe dreaming you know.

Midge

Now you'll know...the "REST" of the story

2011-03-18T21:51:00.005-04:00

After completing this project, I probably could use a good REST.

But first, the rest of the story from last week's "Off with their Heads" post. Remeber this?

Well, it really started out here....

Oh sure, a $5.00 church pew was a pretty good deal. But did you notice anything funny? .....Yep, it HAD NO SEAT! So I decided to cut it in half.

After that, I had to remove one of the back halves from the side piece. That's where my post came in to play showing how to separate the two by drilling off the heads of the screws.

And eventually I did get the one back piece separated from the side.

I used that half of the back as the new seat and reattached the side piece, giving me a "half" pew.

There was gluing to be done, gaps to fill, screws to cover, and then lots of sanding.

After that I gave it a coat of primer.

I painted it black and painted on the word REST. It can be interpreted more than one way, especially good for a church pew I think.

And now you know....the REST of the story!

Actually, there is just one more thing -- CONGRATULATIONS to Rachel from Somewhere in the Middle!! She is the winner of my spring giveaway!!

Midge

I'm linking this up to Gail's "Catch-as-catch-can" Linky party at My Repurposed Life

And I'm linking it up to Donna's "Saturday Nite Special" Linky party at Funky Junk Interiors

I didn't need a push to try this outside-in project!

2011-03-12T19:02:00.005-05:00

This is a fun way to bring a little bit of the outside inside. Not just because this project is for displaying flowers, but because of what they are setting on. Go on...take a look!...Do you see it?

Maybe it will help if I show you how this started out...

I've had it for a couple years and just never got around to hanging it up, but I always had a vision for it...

So I first had to get a little reacquainted with Pythagoras and do a little figuring for placement (think a^ +b^ +c^)! Then I mounted a couple hooks into the ceiling...

But the real secret to this project is the double pot system (shhh....don't tell...I'm still working on the patent). I first attached a clay pot to the seat of the swing....

Then the ACTUAL pot of flowers sets inside of that....

I think it turned out kind of fun!

Oh, I know what you're thinking, you're thinking about UNDERDOGS! But the only underdogs for this one is when I'm taking a bath -- it's hanging over my whirlpool bathtub.

Disclaimer: I hope you didn't examine any of the photos too closely, but if you did, I know what you're thinking -- YIKES! But "There's no need to fear!" (HA -- A cheap Underdog reference). This is the year I get back to working on my house. And my master bath is one of the first rooms on my list. I'll keep you posted.

One more disclaimer: Sorry about the poor quality of the photos. I never realized how bad the lighting was in my tub area -- I obviously am not a bathtub reader!

Midge

I'm linking this up to Donna's Saturday Nite Special "Bringing the Outdoors In" Linky party at FunkyJunkInteriors

My "Spring Giveaway" to celebrate my blog redo ends on March 17! Check it out HERE

"Spring" Giveaway to Celebrate My new Facelift!

2011-03-10T12:26:00.002-05:00

Notice anything different?... Yup, I gave my blog a much needed facelift.

I hope you like it!

I'd really like to show it off...SO...I'm hoping you can help spread the word. And I'd like to thank you in advance by offering a special junky prize for some lucky winner.

Well, it's not THAT special, but it is FUN! And everyone who sees them loves them.

And who couldn't use more candles?

Especially ones made from old bedsprings.

Oh, sure, you could harvest some of your own, but do you think you really will? Huh? Do you?

Anyway, here's the deal:

To be eligible just leave a comment on this post (any topic, I'm not picky) for ONE entry.

Post a link from your blog to let others know about the giveaway for THREE more entries -- let me know in a comment.

NO entry for being a follower. I know that's not the norm, but I don't want anyone to follow me to win a prize. But I'd love for you to follow if you DO enjoy my blog.

The winner will be drawn at random from the entries and receive a set of "spring" candles with your choice of ribbon (typewriter, jute, polka dots, burlap strips). And I might just throw in a few other junk goodies to boot. So....are you feeling lucky?

You'll find out on Thursday, March 17. You have until 3:17 p.m. (EST) to enter. :)

Midge

Tool School Tuesday: "Off With Their Heads!"

2011-03-08T10:48:00.002-05:00

I LOVE REPURPOSING!! Such a creative endeavor. And it comes with its own unique set of successes...and problems. Unfortunately, there's no Junker's manual explaining how to deal with problems when they do arise (hmmm .... note to self). So.... I thought I'd share a recent problem that I went through.

A current project of mine requires me to separate these 2 pieces of wood. Usually they'd likely be glued together which means they may easily come apart, or they may bust apart. However, these pieces had several large screws holding them together. YAY! All I have to do is remove the screws, right? RIGHT?

Well, these screws didn't want to come out. So, instead of becoming upset, insisting I had to get them out, chasing after screwdriver upon screwdriver, squirting boatloads of oozy stuff that would make no difference, did I mention getting upset?, I decided to surrender early on and take a different approach. I didn't need the screws, all I needed was to be able to separate the boards. If they butted together, I could possibly run a sawzall between to cut the screws. But, as you can see in the picture, the one piece was setting inside the other. SOOOO...

If the HEADS of the screws were off, the boards could be separated. They couldn't easily be cut off, but they could be DRILLED off. There are 3 different widths of a screw: the shaft, the top of the head, the bottom of the head. Choose a drill bit slightly wider than the bottom of the head. Don't know how big that is? -- Guess.

Then drill away! You want to have just the shaft remaining in place but the head gone.

Just an extra tip: You may want to keep a hair dryer handy for blowing out the piling up dust. Oh, sure, you could simply blow on it. But do you really want to blow metal dust into your eye?

Ta Da! Success! Okay, I still had to work it a bit and do some tapping, but I could not have done that with the screws as they were. So, what exactly am I working on? I can't tell yet (and if you already can guess...shhh...it'll be our little secret), but I'm on my way.

So, if you encounter a problem, you can probably find a solution. You just have to keep your head about you -- so to speak. :)

Midge

I'd go the extra mile(s) for a fun piece of junk!

2011-03-07T11:49:00.002-05:00

Look what I spied on someone's curb this morning on my trip into town!......

I HAD to have it! Unfortunately, I didn't have my minivan, I was driving my son's car. So.....

this is how I had to transport it home! No rope or bungee cord, no red flag, just one leg caught on the inside of the truck. OH, BOY. So I decided to go for it. I took back roads all the way home. Much longer route, and dirt roads and potholes (which only increased my anxiety of it flying out), but I could go as slow as I wanted, pick it up if need be, and avoid others on the road -- ;).

So I got it home safe and sound. YAY! Here's the view from the back. I think it's a section of bowling alley seating. I love the retroness of it.

However, it is going to need a little love. Not sure if I'll repaint or unpaint, but underneath the end pieces is a salmon pinkish color. I do have a few fun pieces to compliment it. So I think it was worth the extra miles and worry.

So how about you? Are there any items you're willing to take any extra crazy ride for?

Midge

Define bench.....

2011-03-05T08:45:00.005-05:00

When you hear the word "bench", your first question may be "What do you mean by 'bench'?" And for a junker, the next question is probably "And how exactly do I make one?" Here are some ideas...

Junking 101: The headboard bench! Made by cutting the footboard in half (or less) and using as sides by attaching to the headboard forming three sides. A front board completes the frame and the seat can either be slats or one bigger board supported underneath.

A fun variation on the headboard bench, this one had identical foot and headboards. One forms the back and one forms the front with the addition of side boards. Just need a little measuring and cutting to get the right fit.

Headboard, but no foot board? No problem if it's full size or larger. Cut it in half to make a corner bench. Add a third leg in back, a board in front, and you're off and running.

No beds? Well, do you have an old dresser? This friend did. And we carefully removed the top, cut it down to the appropriate height, and reattached the top to create a functional storage bench from a family heirloom.

An old chest will work too! This one got some attention and some casters. The inside is great for storage -- this one has built-in file storage!

Three matching chairs make a great bench! And they don't have to be great chairs (the middle section chair isn't even really all there -- shhhh...don't tell!)

One of my favorite bench I've made -- a gossip bench made from old ladders. Who doesn't love ladders? -- and gossip!!

Looking for something different? It doesn't have to be difficult. This easy and fun summer bench is made from a couple camp stools with waterskis attached to the top!

Now, go be creative...define YOUR bench.

Midge

I'm linking this up to Donna's Saturday Nite Special Linky Party at Funky Junk Interiors

Awful Lamp? or Awesome Lamp? Not sure!

2011-02-28T15:59:00.001-05:00

It'd been awhile, so I made a trip to my local Goodwill warehouse today. I found this AWFUL lamp...

but at .30, it was worth it just for the hardware. More about the lamp in a bit.

This glass came to a grand total of .40 -- not bad.

And this vintage dictionary was .30 -- I can live with that.

Oooo! A Jenga game! 30 cents? -- I'll take it!

Now, I already have a gazillion suitcases. But it's a nice navy blue one, and for a mere .30, I guess I'll have a gazillion and one. BUT....

when I told the cashier there was another one inside, he said "yeah, it's a set". I said yes, "but there's one inside, so it's two", he answered "Yes, but it's a SET. One thing. 30 cents for the set, ma'am." Okay. I guess it's gazillion and TWO suitcases for me.

So, about this lamp. My cashier also told me this was a "large electrical" item -- not .30, but $1.00! Whoa! Hmmm.... Now I had a decision to make. And when I looked at it sans shade, it kind of looked AWESOME -- like a contemporary craft style design. And paired with a contemporary barrel shade ... Hmmm....

So I said it's fine. But now that I've got it home, it kind of seems AWFUL again. Hmmm...

So what do YOU think? Don't hold back. I can take it. I want to know the truth. AWFUL or AWESOME?

Midge

Are you a junk queen?

2011-02-26T09:41:00.002-05:00

A while back, I bought 3 of these turbines...

Here's the closeup. They're actually quite large....

I took them apart...

And one of the parts looked like a crown. Hey, royalty is in right now! So I went with it....

Found these pieces: a random curtain finial from my stash, 4 big washers, and 4 small metal knobbish things (I think from the insides of a piano).....

Attached them with epoxy to make it an official crown...

Added a board I whitewashed white to provide a surface for display....

It could be useful on a buffet table....

On the bar....

As a centerpiece....

Or just use for a fun vignette!...

What a great way to let the world know you're a Queen! -- A JUNK Queen.

So how about you? Are YOU a junk queen?

Midge

I'm linking this up to Donna's SNS Linky Party #70 @ Funky Junk Interiors

What do you get when you cross a cobbler with a farmer?

2011-02-25T09:39:00.002-05:00

THIS....

I'd had the thought that I could use a cobbler shoe form stand to hang something from. I pulled it out at Christmas and set it by the fireplace to possibly hang a wreath.

Well, Christmas has come and gone so I cancelled the wreath idea and began looking around. Found this in one of my piles and liked the looks of it -- I think it's used for planting (if I'm mistaken, please let me know!)

Decided I'd put some kind of plant or flowers in it, so I cut off the rim of a yogurt cup and slipped it right in -- perfect fit!

The real question was "How do I suspend the planter thingy from the cobbler thingy?" Chains, ribbon, burlap strips? Then I came across this rope -- no hooks or tools required, and I like the looks of it!

I stopped at the grocery store and as luck would have it, there was a package of discounted yellow tulips! Okay. Yellow tulips it is!

I still wanted to add a little something, and I also wanted to reinforce the shoe idea. What better to go with tulips than WOODEN shoes! Those are actually tiny -- Dutch baby shoes, if you will. And since I live near Holland MI, a happy reminder that the tulips will be here before too long -- spring IS on the way!

Midge

I'm linking this up to Becky's Under $100 Linky Party at: Beyond the Picket Fence

Do you "heart" pancakes?

2011-02-12T12:57:00.003-05:00

Well, I wouldn't say that I LOVE pancakes (I save my love for junk!) but I do HEART them!

And since my kitchen was relatively clear this fine Saturday morning, today was the day to give my new Christmas griddle the ol' pancake try. AND, since we're just days away from Valentines, it had to be done "heart" style.

I used to do initials for the kids, but today's art of choice would be hearts...

Once the hearts had a little time to cook I just poured more batter on top to form your basic pancake...

Bubbles, bubbles, bubbles...FLIP!

Awwww.....so beautiful.....I think I'm tearing up!

And to make it even more festive I decided to smother them in strawberries...but...OH NO!!....No hearts!

So I threw on another pancake, smeared strawberries around edges, add whipped topping and....YIKES.....not good....

Soooo.....let's try this again...

Yup, straight up heart pancakes seem to do the trick....

We wouldn't be losing THESE hearts (well, at least not for a few minutes)....

Much better!

SOOOO....Do YOU "heart" pancakes?

Midge

I will be linking this up to Donna's Saturday Nite Special Party at

Funky Junk Interiors

Whatever way the wind blows these projects

2011-02-09T12:00:00.006-05:00

First a little disclaimer: If you're into the girlie, frilly, delicate stuff, this post may not be for you. If you're into industrial -- ENJOY!

Though I haven't been doing much blogging lately (oops!), I have been doing a bit of dabbling -- holiday stuff, mom stuff, house stuff, church stuff, etc. But of course I didn't forget my true love -- JUNK!

I snagged these beauties up a while back. All three rooftop wind turbines for $15. A little more than I like to spend (afterall, I'm a scavenger), but when I considered it as $5 each, I could justify it.

And they are quite large, check them out compared to that chair!

Here's one all ready to be operated on! -- Nurse, my screwdriver please!

The 2 top screws hold the "cage" to the turbine. The other screw, along with its partner on the other side held them onto the bottom portion. So, a little elbow grease and some help from WD-40 and.....

the 2 top parts were separated from the 2 bottom parts.

And this is where the real fun begins!

The metal piping came off pretty easily. But the roofing flange was the BIG job! LOTS of scraping! Tar is not easy to remove (and it's yucky!)

SOOO.....what do I have to show for my efforts?

Well, 3 of these (already have projects planned for them) ....

and the close up (I clearly need to rust up some more)...

6 of these (no ideas yet)....

and the close up (some are still intact, some not)....

3 of these beauties (I'm very excited for the project I've got planned for them)....

and a little better view (notice the coffe can for size reference)....

and 3 of these (some fun ideas are floating around my brain!)....

I did say FUN didn't I?

So considering that I'll be making at least a dozen cool projects from this haul, I think the price wasn't too bad. Sorry I wasn't able to show you any finished goods just yet, it was a project just getting them disassembled. But I definitely will be sharing more on this.

Midge

'Twas the week before Christmas.....

2010-12-19T19:36:00.007-05:00

I wanted to have lots of things on my list done by now. I wanted to take pictures. I wanted to particiapte in all the fun blog parties ...... But I should know better. This happens every year....I'm a procrastinator.

So, like all hardcore procrasinators, with everything needing to be done, today I chose to write a poem.

'TWAS THE WEEK BEFORE CHRISTMAS

'Twas the week before Christmas, and all through the house,
A junker was stirring, not so much her spouse.

The stockings were hung by the chimney with flair,
In the hopes that a photo would soon take place there.

The kids had done nothing, not even made beds,
Still, visions of Best Buy cards danced in their heads.

And she still with presents to purchase and wrap,
Had waited so long, there was no time to nap.

When out in the kitchen, arose such a chatter,
"How come there're no cookies on mom's great big platter?"

Away to get started, though not flush with cash,
She had some ideas, and of course a junk stash.

The glow of a holiday home decore show,
Reminded her, she still had quite far to go.

When what to her listening ears should appear,
But, music of jingle bells, joy and reindeer.

With a big cup of eggnog, so foamy and thick,
She started to plan -- she needed to -- quick!

More rapid than eagles, the ideas they came,
And she giggled, and shouted, and called them by name,

Now Angels! Now Santas! Now branches and candles!
On Tables! On counters! On doorknobs and handles!

To the top of the porch! To the top of the wall!
Now decorate! Decorate! Decorate all!

This just might happen, there was no need to cry,
She knew she could do it, she just had to try.

So up from the basement, the stored boxes flew,
With a tub full of lights and some ornaments too.

And then so inspired, she thought of the roof,
"Less is more" she then realized -- "Don't be a goof!"

As she gathered her things and was scrounging around,
A total of three Christmas trees had been found.

They were dressed all in fir, from each top to each root,
And the tallest one did not even stand to six foot!

A bungle of branches, each tree a sad sack,
But Charlie would tell her, she shouldn't turn back.

The lights how they twinkled! The garland how merry!
The ornaments homey (though a little bit scary!).

No presents beneath, not a tag or a bow,
A gentle reminder there's still far to go.

Candy canes, chocolates -- those poor little teeth!
Poinsettias, and cards, and..oh yeah -- the wreath!

She wanted to cook yummy food for each belly,
Ham, potatoes, and fresh rolls with jelly.

She tried to be joyful, a right jolly elf,
Despite always causing these problems herself.

A close of her eyes and a bow of her head,
Soon gave her to know she had nothing to dread.

She spoke rambling words, but whatever would work,
"If I don't fill their stockings, I'll look like a jerk!"

And she said to herself, "Get'er done, I suppose,"
Groceries, shopping -- that's just how it goes.

She sprang to her van, though the belts tend to whistle,
And away the thing flew, through mud, snow and thistle.

She was heard to exclaim as she drove out of sight,
"Maybe THIS is the year that I do Christmas right!"

Midge

I'll try to post what I can as I move forward this week.

Call the Doctor, Call the Nurse, Call the Lady with junk in her purse!

2010-12-08T14:22:00.001-05:00

Okay, you busted me! I don't even carry a purse (I need my hands free for scooping up cool junk)! But I do love junk! And I always want to know when there's some to be had. And lately I've been finding some cool pieces....

Yep. It's a tall, skinny pillar-looking vintage wooden cabinet that houses a rolled up stretcher....

I believe it was used in an industrial setting in case of an emergency. I didn't even know such things existed!
But it must be true, the sign wouldn't lie!.....

And just in case the inevitable happens, don't worry, there's a sign to tell you what to do....

I'm afraid it's another case of me falling in love with something I've bought, so now I've just GOT to keep it. I think by adding some hooks to the side it would make the coolest towel/robe rack for a bathroom. I don't have a bathroom suited for it, so it looks like I'm going to have to build the guest "powder room" I have tucked secretly away. It will be the world's smallest bathroom, but I think I can fit this gem in.

That project may have to wait just a bit....did you know it's Christmas time? Well, I DO know, I've just been a little slow getting things done. I am in process, however, and will be posting on that soon.

Midge

I think I've fallen for another!

2010-12-02T17:24:00.002-05:00

Not just good looking, but practical too!

NO!! Not him! (Though he definitely IS good-looking, and he appears to be quite practical)

THIS.....

I nabbed this at our local online auction. I thought it would go for a lot (it didn't) -- but I GOT it!

It's an old display case from a creamery. Check out the cool advertising on it! (don't ask me to tell you what it says, it's got words like nostrils and teats -- ewwwww).....

These are on the front of the doors to little cubbies on top of the piece (for all those dairy unmentionables)!

And for all the stuff you may want to show off, there's plenty of spots for that....

I'm just crazy about it! So this is one of those items that I've just got to keep for myself. It does need a new paint job and maybe some feet or a platform to rest on, but I can imagine all the dishes and whatnots resting in there. Next year I'm going to remodel my whole kitchen and dining room, and this will be my inspiration piece! -- Yes??....No??...Maybe so??

Midge

P.S. Aren't you proud of me for resisting the urge to use a bunch of lame dairy cliches like "Holy Cow", "Cream of the Crop", "It's like Buttah", ....

It's over!!!

2010-11-26T04:42:00.001-05:00

I Feel.....

Overworked....

Overfed....

And Overflowing....

So then, just as you received Jesus Christ as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

~~ Colossians 2:6,7

1,2,3...17,18,19...84,85,86...(counting my blessings)...223,224,225...

Midge

Still liking angels -- in a BIG way!

2010-11-12T09:27:00.002-05:00

I shared in the past some of my angel projects, so I won't be making this post too lengthy. But I did want to share with you my latest angel creation. Did I mention that it's 9' tall?

I bought the saloon style shutter doors at a garage sale and immediately they sang "angel" to me. So I rounded up a 8' 4x4 from my lumber stash. Next I needed the head -- this one happens to be the backside of a Chinese checkers board. The halo is a rusty barrel ring. And then just for fun and detail I added some miscellaneous doodads.
She's currently leaning on the outside of my house. She's a little scary up close, but looks kind of cool from a distance. I'm hoping someone will want her to attach to a barn, house, tree, etc.
Peace,
Midge

I'm linking this up to Gail's Catch-as-Catch-can Linky Party

I'm still here! And I still like free things!

2010-10-29T15:39:00.003-04:00

Sorry I haven't posted in awhile. I didn't forget that I have a blog! And nothing bad has happened. Sometimes the busyness of life just gets the best of me. I'm working on some changes (good ones!) for my business. Oh, yeah...And my daughter Becky got engaged over the weekend....Oh boy! But I still love junking, and I still love getting free things.

Well, I did get this for free but it didn't look like this! This is the after picture. What a great bench for extra seating. But that's not all....

When you lift the lid, attached are those plastic protectors for holding unpaid bills, calendars, office supplies, etc. And in the main body of the bench....

Metal rods for holding hanging folders! So it's a bench AND a home office. AND it's portable, because I removed the existing legs and added casters.

That was just before I added some paint details and decoupaged the front with old newspapers and dictionary entries with words like file, organize, success, accomplish. You see, I wanted to highlight some of the details of the original blanket chest. It did need a little attention. When I got it....

It looked like this. Well, not a good picture, but it was stained brown, and WAS pretty beat up. My friend (a mom of 7) said it was time for it to go! I tried to encourage her to keep it, but she was determined to get rid of it and told me to take it, or she was dumping it. What could I do?.....

But this. Did I mention that the center circle is chalkboard paint? Peace.

Midge

"Where do you get your junk?"

2010-09-28T12:23:00.002-04:00

Wow, it has been so long since I've posted that everything's changed and I've got to relearn how! Included in my excuses for not posting is that I haven't made anything. And THAT I'll blame on my space issues -- or as the kids would say "it's complicated!". I am working on that.

But in the meantime, when some good junk comes along, you've gotta go for it! And people are always asking me "Where do you get your junk?". SO.....I thought I'd share some things I just got and explain where they came from.

Well, this one I am in LOVE with! It reminds me of a tiny commercial laundry cart. That holds extra meaning as my parents for close to 40 years owned and operated our local dry cleaners. This cutie is 25" x 15", 15" high, with some 1"or 2"casters to be added. I can envision it by the back door filled with shoes, by the fireplace at Christmas with florals or gifts piled high, in a bathroom stacked with fluffy towels, or even as an end table.
     I found it at an area Habitat Restore while prowling for a new water heater (don't ask!). There it sat on a shelf -- marked $1.00. I was beside myself with excitement but had no cash on me. So I travelled to my bank (which happened to be just a mile away) and quickly returned to find it still safe and sound. "Isn't it awesome!" I declared to the cashier.  Her "whatever" expression told me she just didn't get it.

Though these two aren't nearly as incredible of a find, they are very typical of the type of stuff you can find setting by the curb on garbage day. Which means that, yes, they were FREE! They are pretty good size and once cleaned up and painted white would make for the foundations of some great display pieces.

Oh, yeah, I think you're getting hint of what's next....

Is this beautiful or what!?! Now, sometimes to get something like this you DO have to spend a little bit of money. I paid $10.00 for it, but I think that's a pretty good deal -- I've seen them go a lot higher. I bought it through a local online auction. It's like an actual auction, but all the viewing and bidding is done online through the course of a day. If I end up as highest bidder I have a week to pick it up -- and luckily for me the headquarters is fairly close to me.

Of course, I could have just ridden it home as it does still have a license on it, but I'm not sure of the roadworthiness of it -- or me! However, it will look great next spring displayed in a garden area. Now I'll have to be on the lookout for bike baskets.

Peace.

Midge

Hoping to Score Some Points with this one!

2010-08-25T20:54:00.007-04:00

Amy over at Junkologie is hosting a party -- A Junk Potluck Party! Well, actually, she already hosted one last weekend in Oronoco, Minnesota. But some of us just weren't able to RSVP to such an event. And being the gracious hostess that she is, she provided a way for us to particiapte too -- virtually! Not only that, our party doesn't end until Friday. So I thought that I had PLENTY of time, until I realized that I'm leaving in the morning and will be away from a computer for 4 days. So....it's time for me to party!

This is what I'm bringing to the party (again, virtually of course). Since I'm in a bit of a time crunch, I went to my go-to standby procrastinator's potluck dish -- Taco Salad. And did I mention that this is a JUNK potluck? That means that there's not junk food, but the food IS served up junk style. And for me (again taking the quick and easy route as I head out of town) that meant making a little Scrabble board platform to set my taco salad bowl on. Very easy to "construct" (okay, I didn't even attach together, but don't tell the judges that), I found a simple metal thingy and set a Scrabble board on top. It's not only easy, but fun and informative. You can spell out words on the board itself or on the letter stand. So there you have it!
But....beep....beep....beep......back up a second. Did I say "judges"? Why yes I did! You see this virtual potluck is also a contest, with prizes awarded to the top 3 entries. And word on the street is that these are some super cool ones.
So...what do you think? Who doesn't like a good potluck! And junk?....Even better! To participate, all you have to do is link up your blog or JunkMarketStyle post. Visit Junkologie to check it out.
Junk appetit!
Midge

I'm linking this up to Becky's Under $100 linky party.

I kinda LIKE Mondays.

2010-08-23T17:57:00.005-04:00

I so often hear people lamenting how much they "don't like Mondays!" Now, I'm not saying that I'm crazy about Mondays, but there are some things about them that I like. The main one is that around here it's GARBAGE DAY! I'm happy I can set my accumulated trash out to the curb. AND I can check out other people's curbside deposits.
I don't cruise around town every week (I have to get up pretty early to beat out the variety of trucks squealing their brakes), but today I had "that urge". I think I did pretty good....

so this picture isn't the greatest, then again, neither is this dining table. Pretty unimaginative BUT is was free, sturdy, and all the parts were there.

Next up (and hopelessly sideways) is this pile of vintage cabinets doors. 19 in all, and in all variety of sizes.

And finally, as I was returning home on my new and improved "route" I spotted this large white board. A little warped, but I'll be cutting in into pieces for memo boards anyway.

AHHHH. What a great start to another week of junking. And I was feeling so full of myself that I thought it'd be a good day to visit my beloved Goodwill Warehouse. So far, I've spent $0, but this is the time you might want to start guessing my $$ amount if you want to play along.

I'll reveal the total at the end.

The real goal of my trip -- glass and plates. So I grabbed a white plate and 2 vases.

3 Vintage books -- always good to have on hand either straight up or for the pages. 2 Dictionaries (check out the awesome artwork) and 1 hymnal.

5 wooden frames (ignore any artwork, it will be going!) -- good for chalkboards, organizers,etc.

5 miscellaneous metal pieces, including a lidded bundt pan.

2 silver (you know what I mean!) trays -- perfect for chalkboards, 2 small glam purses, and some faux pearl strings.

Misc. pieces with decore potential.

More misc. pieces -- Christmas tree stand, muffin tin (great for organizing hardward), a softball (can never have enough), and a very tiny ball glove (my daughter works with kids who'll love this!).

Thanks for looking.

Peace.

Midge

Oh, yeah. You want to know the grand total for my Goodwill haul?.........$7.00. :)

"Mom always liked you best!"

2010-08-20T23:21:00.006-04:00

I'm going to keep this short and sweet, because quite frankly, this post is going to be a little bit painful. Donna is at it again with her Saturday Night Special linky party. And this weekend, she wants us to choose the favorite of our projects -- AAARRRGGGHHH! You may as well have asked which is the favorite of our children! Who could ever pick a favorite!! Afterall, these projects are like extensions of ourselves and we often fall in love with them and don't want to let them go.
So, truth be told, I have several "favorites" but chose just one to spotlight here. And here it is .......

This iron wheel was waiting for me at a farm auction a few years ago, and I spent the day waiting for it! But when the end of the day came and they started buttoning things up without mentioning it, I got a little nervous and spoke up (I think they thought it was junk -- can you imagine). With no one interested, I got it for $1.00 -- that beautiful, chippy, rusty iron wheel. And I knew from the start that it would make an awesome mirror. Initially I was bummed that there was a flat spot, but lately realized that would make it perfect for setting on a shelf or mantel.

So where is this beauty now? Probably adorning some cottage on Lake Michigan. A feature article in our local paper included a picture of it and I was promptly called by someone wanting to know if it was for sale. Yes -- sniff, sniff -- it is. It was time for that one to head out into the world.

Midge

I'm linking this up to http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/2010/08/sns-44-brings-you-your-most-favorite.html

It's something, anyway.

2010-08-19T09:31:00.006-04:00

Well, I'm still struggling with being a consistent, hardcore blogger. But I did get a project completed and thought that was a good excuse to post. I had to buy a new camera a few months ago and I'm still not too smooth with retrieving photos, etc. SO, here's my one shot of my recently completed project.

It is made from an old headboard that sat around my shop for awhile because there was no footboard and it was quite big and clunky to haul up to my loft. After, seeing a corner bench someone else had made I thought "Well, yeah, it's cool but I'm not going to break up a set. I'd have to wait til I had ONLY a headboard". It took me a while to put that all together. Duh. But glad I eventually did.

In my mind it was WAY cooler. I was trying to go for something "classy" (not my typical route). I had no fabric that seemed to work, so I went to the store and BOUGHT some (ouch that hurt to say -- on many levels). What an ordeal! I was there forever (and I think made some new friends along the way, or should I say met people who will be on the lookout for me in the future!). I finally made a decision I thought I was happy with, but now I'm not so sure.
It just seems a bit boring. Maybe it just needs to grow on me.

Oh, well. Enough of my babbling. There's more junk that needs some love! But this time -- more whimsy!

Midge

Just reread all that. Wow! That really had a whiny tone all the way thru. Sorry about that -- not sure what my deal was. Cheers!

I'm linking this up to Lezlee's linky party over at Prior Lives Party .

A Quickie -- and some diamonds!

2010-08-10T21:30:00.007-04:00

Just a quickie post for now because it's been too long since I've posted. And I've been negligent in my blog visiting and commenting. Sorry -- I'm trying to get back on track.

So where have I been? Well, nowhere special. I've just been preoccupied with my sale I had last weekend. It went pretty well, EXCEPT (and here's where the diamonds enter the scene) --

I started the day with the shattering of a giant (3'x7') pane of glass, all over my head and all over the parking lot (don't worry, it was tempered). Sometime after, someone pulled up and shouted out their window "So what are you going to make out of THAT?!" At which we first laughed, and then we both looked at each other with that "you're right!" kinda look. Afterall, it really did look like a pile of sparkling diamonds lying there in the parking lot, and who wouldn't want a junk project made from diamonds?

So the diamonds, I mean thousands of pieces of glass, have been saved and are waiting for their next life. I've got some ideas.....but I'd certainly welcome more.
Midge

Monday was Ladies' Day!

2010-07-23T10:46:00.010-04:00

Monday was Ladies' Day at Michigan's Fowlerville Fair. It's a small town fair about 1.5 hours from my house. I was invited to be a part of it and boy, am I glad. They put on a great Ladies' Day!
The day's hostess was Cindy, the local Homemaker of the Year who was in charge of announcing the new homemaking queen and handing over the crown (don't worry about Cindy, now she's on to her next gig as Michigan Homemaker of the Year. Who knew?).
There were a lot of people there.....

They probably hoped to enjoy that and some door prizes and the free lunch! Or...

maybe they came with the kids to see this guy.....

Or maybe they just wanted to see some of the animals....

But I hope some of them were anxious to see my presentation....

This is where it went down (of course there were a FEW more people at the time, I still haven't mastered the art of snapping photos and talking at the same time). Just a nice setting for events like that.....

I talked about things like this....

And this.....

And shared secrets about things like this....

They "oooh"ed about stuff like this....

And they "ahhhh"ed over things like this....

And nodded their heads over things like this.....

And giggled over things like this....

And they "hmmm"ed over things like this....

And of course, no presentation would be complete without my "Don't be afraid of tools" demonstration.

Overall, I'd say the audience wasn't just great....attentive....engaging....and fun....I'd say they were a bunch of.....

So have you been to any fairs yet this summer?

Midge

How's It Hanging?

2010-07-20T13:57:00.016-04:00

This "Tool School" Tuesday post it inspired by Elaine over at Love2Junk. She left a comment on one of my posts about the best way to attach a door headboard. I got to thinking about how challenging it can be sometimes to hang projects -- especially the big, heavy ones. So, Elaine, I'm not sure if this will help for your particular piece, but I thought I'd share a few different ways in which I've attached/hung some past projects.

#1. Well, I do have to say that my favorite of all methods is whenever possible to screw directly through the front of the piece right into a stud in the wall. This is quick, easy, and very secure. Unfortunately, you will leave marks in your piece, but sometimes I don't mind or it can/will be hidden.

#2. If I don't want to mess with the front, my next thought is usually key holes placed on the back of the piece. They will give you a very secure hold using nails in the wall. There is a special Dremel attachment for making them, but my local store did not carry it so I have a similar program.
I first drill a hole maybe 1.5-2" from top of piece. The drill bit should be slightly bigger than the Dremel bit (keep reading!).

The depth depends on your item, you just don't want it too shallow -- 1/4" is probably okay.

This is the Dremel bit (sorry for the lousy photos, closeup shots never seem to turn out for me -- even with my new camera! What? I didn't tell you about my new camera? We'll talk later.)
It's a round disc looking thing with zig-zag edging all around -- like a tiny little saw blade. You will need a drill bit slighly larger than the stem.

You need to create a canal of sorts. Probably a better tool for this, but I just drill a few holes close together, drill through the "walls", and run the bit back and forth a few times.

Not the most professional looking, but it does the trick. This "canal" should be about the same depth as the hole and should be on the top side of hole.

Now, using that Dremel (I think that bit I described earlier is in the engraving category), place in bottom of hole, turn it on, and travel up the canal. Run it back and forth a few times to create a nice underground slot. The idea is that a NAIL head fits into the hole and slides into the slot.

#3. Another one of my favorite methods of hanging, especially with something quite heavy.

I used it for hanging this (which is heavier than it looks!).

Sorry no photo for the first step, but you need a board that is almost as wide across as your item. The board should be shallow -- like 3/4". The width doesn't matter as much, but should be at least 4" -- so a 1x6 or 1x 8 is great for this. Cut this board in half long way (2 long pieces when done), using a table saw on a 45 degree angle.

One of the halves will be mounted on the top part of the item and the other on the wall. You want to mount it to the wall with screws into studs.

The placement might be a little tricky, so plan on some measuring and figuring. And you want to make sure that the cut is on the top, with the shorter side touching the wall.

The board you attached to your piece should have the cut edge down, with the shorter side touching the piece. The pieces will then "nest" together.

You just place the item's board into the wall board and it holds amazingly well. Just get it on the board and you can slide it where you need it (of course, you don't want the wall board to show!).

#4. Here's something I've, done once or twice.

I had this piano shelf that I certainly couldn't and wouldn't go through the front. And there was not a back area to use. But.....

There was a cavity area in the back.

So I attached to the wall a board approximately the size of that gap. Then I just slipped the piece onto it.

To secure it, I screwed down through the top (which I didn't mind as much) into that piece of wall-mounted lumber.

#5. One last method.

This 4' x 4' window is super, super heavy! And I hope you can see in the photo, is resting on two big nails/screws. The top is secured with some rope we attached and secured from above. I'm not saying to do things EXACTLY like that, but similarly...

A very heavy piece should be supported from underneath, simple L brackets can usually do the trick.

You can simply mount bracket to wall, place piece on top, and secure with screw through holes.

If you don't care for that to show, simply decide where you want it to go and first attach one arm to wall, stem upward, then place item on it, then secure with screws from below. Use this same technique to secure from the sides or from the top, too, if needed. If you plan carefully you can place brackets so they will barely show, but they give a very secure hold.

I hope these ideas were helpful and clear enough to understand. I basically just wanted to give an overview of a few ideas that have worked for ME (as opposed to them being the best). There are probably a lot more out there, (but mine, of course, required they be done "on the cheap".)

So....did we ever answer the question...How IS it hanging?

Midge

Kicked to the Curb?!! Really?!?!?!

2010-07-18T18:45:00.018-04:00

Last weekend as I was driving home from the store, I saw something that you KNOW caught my eye!!!!

Since I had already passed it, it took my mind a few moments to process it. "Oh, I've got to go back and check that out."

Boy, am I glad I did! This is what I saw on the circle back.

It definitely was some sort of cabinet. A little out of date, but we junkers just call that VINTAGE.

This front section was with it. A little worse for wear, but it was still there!

It had this big lid on it. Hmmm..... I wonder what's inside?

Well, it does lift up. Is that what I think it is????

Yup!! An old "phonograph"!!! CAN YOU BELIEVE IT??? Someone had tossed out an old phonograph!

I'm not sure what I'm going to do with it, but my wheels are spinning! I'm thinking some kind of cool "beverage" cabinet for starters.

But I could even restore it if I wanted, the owner even included all the necessary parts.

So why did they throw it out? Did they think the cost of repairing it would be too great? Or was it just too much bother? Maybe they just wanted a newer model, or were tired of it, or maybe they no longer had a place for it? ...............They may have kicked it to the curb, but I'm glad they did. I scooped it up and am excited to have it!

Sadly, too many people feel like they've been "kicked to the curb" and are hurting from broken relationships. Is the cost of repair just too great? Is it too much bother? Or maybe people are searching for something new, or have tired of the people in their lives, or no longer have room for them..... So sad...... They seem to not even realize what they already have.

People can let us down, but God never will. He is always there for us, and we never have to worry that he might "kick us to the curb"....

The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. -- Deuteronomy 31:8

Midge

Keeping It Real -- Again

2010-07-07T12:20:00.007-04:00

It's Wednesday -- again. So I guess it's time for me to keep it real -- again.

First of all -- My Devotions.
Well, I've still been doing my devotions pretty much each morning. My version of devotions at this time is some prayer time and some reading straight from the Bible. Currently my approach is some old testament and some new. I started with I Samuel and am at the end of II Samuel, and I started at Acts and am near the end of Romans.

The Family Biggest Loser Challenge
Well, I have to say that I wasn't as good this week. Nothing terribly terrible, but just not being as diligent as I should be. I'd like to blame it on the holiday or the heat, but I'm keeping it real, so I just got lazy. But my plan is a big picture one, so I just have to carry on and refocus. I did get a new, but used bike (a Fuji). I took it out for a 10' ride before hitting the dirt -- there's work to be done! My husband bought an elliptical machine, to add to his treadmill and my daughter seems to like that.

My Business
Same ol', same ol'. Love to make things, not quite sure how that translates into a money-making venture. But I'm certainly still working on that and will keep you posted. I do have 2 or 3 speaking engagements at local fairs in July. They're fun.

A New Revelation for you!
Okay here's where I'm Really going to keep it real. Here's a picture of my living room.

Hmmm. Nice I guess, but not much there to look at, is there? But sadly, that's about all that I even dare show you from my house. You see, people often say to me "Oh, your house must be so cool" or something to that affect. But the reality is, my house is in bad shape and I can't even share it with you.

One reason is that I am a bit of a slob and a bit disorganized, which doesn't help with the house I started with.....

You see (I'll TRY to be brief), our first house was an old 4-square we bought a couple of years after we were married. Cute yellow, picket fence but it needed a lot of work and I spent most of those 4 years working on it -- I learned A LOT!

House #2 is when the real fun began. We relocated and hoped to build a house, so we bought some land. Meanwhile, a house came along that needed to be moved! We could have it for $1.00. Well, my husband loves a bargain and I love a challenge and repurposing so we had it moved. We spent several years revamping it as we lived in it (with 4 young kids, a dog, and a cat). We weren't quite done when our current house came along.

We got a call there was another house that needed to be moved, oh yeah, and they needed to know by tomorrow. WHAT??!!! So we scrambled around, actually found a lot and decided to go for it (as an investment, of course). Some friends were planning to buy it so we renovated with them in mind. They ended up doing something else instead. Suddenly the family said, "Hey, why don't we move to that one!" I was outvoted. We moved to the country, and our house "in the city" we rented out (a whole nother story for another post). That was ten years ago.

So again our family lived in the house as we renovated. I'm talking major destruction, major projects. Moving stairs, most walls relocated, two bathrooms have been renovated twice, the kitchen twice, on and on. A lot of work, but no room totally done. Functioning, but a lot of detail work unfinished, and no real decorating. And we were tired -- and burned out. And we stopped. And never got back to it.

And of course, I now get my fixin' fix from junking. But I want a nice house like ones I see on the blogs.

SOOOOOO. I've been psyching myself up. I want to rededicate myself to finishing once and for all -- the right way -- this house. It's going to be a long, maybe painful process, but I'm going for it. I'm starting first with the smaller rooms. It could be my master bathroom....

Or maybe my VERY tiny laundry room....

Or my mud room.....

I'm hoping by keeping it real with you and sharing the progress with you (and hopefully showing some tricks along the way) it will keep me going and accountable.

Phew. There. So now you know.

Midge

(don't tell anyone but that was a little bit emotionally draining for me, I'm heading to the mall for solace and air conditioning -- oh yeah, we don't have AC here)

Is it the Fourth of July ? Or Monday?

2010-07-05T11:39:00.005-04:00

Not quite sure if Saturday, yesterday, or today is considered the Fourth of July, but it certainly is a day worth honoring :

"I am well aware of the toil and blood and treasure it will cost us to maintain this declaration, and support and defend these states. Yet through all the gloom I see the rays of ravishing light and glory. I can see that the end is worth all the means. This is our day of deliverance." ~~ John Adams

But I know that it IS Monday. And as part of my new blog post planning, Monday is the day I spotlight other bloggers. As I was lamenting all this blogging "stuff", look at the comment I got from Sue:
"I too have trouble with blogging lately, and my junking projects are at a standstill. I browse everyone's blogs for inspiration, but I am having a junkers block for sure!"

So I thought that she would be my first Monday feature because it sounded like she could use a boost from some bloggy friends. Besides, for her it is definitely Monday. She is not even celebrating July 4, but not because she's unpatriotic (I'm sure she loves her country!). But because Sue lives down under -- you know, IN AUSTRALIA, the land of dingos, home of kookaburras!

Hi Sue! What time is it there? Are you sunbathing, or snowskiing? Which way is your toilet water swirling? IS there shrimp on the barbie? Does your boomerang come back? (I'll bet you didn't know I was so knowledgeable about your outback country did you.) And, oh yeah, DO YOU like blooming onions?

photo source: unknown

Check out this photo that was on one of her blog posts. I'm sure many of you can relate. There are always many tasks that seem to be clamoring for our attention. I know I SO can relate. Sometimes each one seems so important, while at the same time all seem like they can wait. Which way to turn? Or Should I just turn and run?AWWW!!

And this is the banner for her blog, Junk-It Junction. I am one of her followers and hope you will be soon, too. You see, Sue is a JUNKER! We have a lot in common. It can be very challenging, tiring, rewarding, frustrating, thrilling, discouraging, and just plain fun tackling this somewhat new "industry" of junking. Sue has a studio that she works out of making some of her creations and housing her collections and hosting sales. She also has E-bay shop and she also has a website store. So I'm not exactly sure what could help Sue the most right now, but maybe a good dose of inspiration or encouragement might be just what she needs to get out of her junk funk! Stop on by if you get a chance.

http://junkitjunction.blogspot.com/

G'day, Mate!

Midge

I think I'll park this project for awhile!

2010-07-03T22:24:00.010-04:00

This project has been "in process" for some time now. I'm super excited to be finished. Mostly because I was kind of stalling with it and it was in my way -- physically and mentally. I think I'm pleased with it, but it was a little more challenging than I would have thought. It probably wouldn't be suitable for the "company only" type living room (do people even have those anymore?). But in a casual setting, this is a fun piece -- especially because of what it's made from.
So what IS it made from ? Well, I can't tell you right off the bat, but I can give you a few clues.

Check out this handle. It comes from a part of the original piece.

And the hinges I used ? ... You guessed it, from the original piece too.

Ooo, and the feet too. Big clue. Getting warmer?

There you go. All you have to do is read that hardware and you'll have your answer. ....What?

You can't read it? Hmmm.

Well, if you COULD read it, it would say "Hartford City Overhead Door Corporation". Yup, this was from our old garage door we removed.

I mean, THAT DOOR WAS SCARY! You can see I was so shaking I couldn't even take a good photo of it. My husband SOOOOOO wanted to throw it out. He said there was nothing I could do with it and it was unsalvagable. Ha! (He shouldn't have said that).

So after a year or so in the yard, and my husband getting that look in his eye (you know the one!) when we were having a bon fire, I PROMISED I would do something with it and got right to work shortly after. First I cleaned it up -- A LOT! Then some paint.

I had just enough salvagable sections to do the sides and still have some for shelves (even using glass from the door. The original door panels were particle board and nasty, so I used the best I could find for the back piece. The rest I removed and replaced with chicken wire.

It's still a little rough around the edges, but it is fun and one of those projects I just had to try.

And it makes a nice little piece for a few fun treasures or whatever. I tried first with a few auto type things, but I'm still playing with the display of it.

VROOM, VROOM

Midge

I'm linking this up to:

Donna's Saturday Night Special #37 @ Funky Junk Interiors

Melissa's Creative High Party #6 @ Those Northern Skies

Keeping it Real!

2010-06-30T10:53:00.004-04:00

A few weeks back in a post, I lamented about my frustrations in not being a "good" bloggger and posting on a regular basis. I haven't progressed much since then, but I am happy to report that I have been doing my devotions every morning (which is much more important than blogging, afterall).

But I did think about how I might be a more consistent blogger and thought that if each day of the week was roughly set aside for a certain topic it might help. So I thought about different things I like on other blogs and I went from there and compiled my schedule -- and there it sat.
So today I decided to be just a day late and do my Tuesday Tool School post. I took a bunch of pictures and NONE of them turned out decent! So, of course, I took that as a sign (I'm a big believer in signs) and decided to do my Wednesday post (since it is Wednesday).

I was stalling on the Wednesday post because I have designated my Wednesday's topic as "Keeping it Real". I'm much more comfortable talking about tools and projects than about myself and my life. However, I so appreciate bloggers who are able and willing to share themselves with their readers -- the good and the bad (of themselves, not readers!). So on Wednesdays I will try to share a little more of myself. Here goes...

Well, I already covered my daily devotion progress -- check.
But something I haven't mentioned is that another area of my life that needed work was my weight/health. My profile picture must have just been a lucky one for me, because it really doesn't give away that I AM OVERWEIGHT -- A LOT! (There....I said it...and I guess that wasn't so bad.) I didn't think it was the appropriate time to deal with it because I already have enough going on in my life and I didn't want to take on "another projct". But we had an interesting development around our dinner table 3 weeks ago. All 6 of us are overweight and don't eat the healthiest and were discussing it. Then my daughter Becky (22) said "Hey, why don't we all hold our own family Biggest Loser". So that is what is happening in my family's life right now. Everyone is doing the method that works best for them. And we are to encourage each other. We would like to collectively lose 250 pounds by the end of the year! (I TOLD you we are all heavy). And as an extra incentive we are working on plans for a family vacation if we make our goal. So, how is it going? Well some are doing good, some are struggling, some are rebelling. But my plan is to go steadily and in common sense method -- less food, better food, and more exercise. So far I'm doing okay. And I've probably lost about 5#, so I'm about on track, I just have to stay serious about it.

Anyway, I did have another topic to share but it will definitely be wordy and I've already shared enough for now, so I will save that for next Wednesday. But here's a little hint: I love to re-use things... well... even my house is recycled!

So...the topic I have designated for Thursday is projects. So look for a project post tomorrow. And Friday is all about Junk Fun (I just don't know what that means yet, but I'm working on it -- please share if you have an inspiration).

Peace out.
Midge

Come and knock off my doors..I've been waiting for you

2010-06-26T08:36:00.012-04:00

I LOVE OLD DOORS! So you can imagine my glee when Donna @ Funky Junk Interiors announced that her next Saturday Night Special link up would feature projects from old doors. I thought I would raid my pile of old dirty mangled doors and get busy creating door magic. That didn't happen. But.... I would like to share some projects that I have made in the past, and also why doors are so great!

So. Why do I love doors? Well, basically an old door is a big slab of wood. Very easy to work with. Very easy to find...cheap, or better yet free. They often have a lot of character and history (and sometimes cool doorknobs included). And.... the possibilities are endless.....

There actually are many different designs for doors, so that's usually my starting point otherwise I would get overwhelmed with ideas (either that, or my head my just explode!).

And I'm only talking about solid wood doors -- not screen doors or garage doors. Garage doors come in narrower panels, giving a whole other set of possibilities. But if narrow is what you're after, start with a door that has a center stile down the entire door and cut it in half. Then you could make something like this....

You just screw (and glue) the two halves together at a right angle, add some shelves and you have a great corner shelf unit. You can trim it out however much to like, making it from very fancy to very rustic. I love when the door is dirty and chippy, I know once I start sanding I'm going to find some interesting colors underneath .....

This is not from the same shelf above. But the colors were surprisingly similar -- must have been the popular colors of the day.

You wouldn't want to make something like that with a door that has glass. But if it's all glass, you could use it for displaying photos. OR, I like to make something like this.....

I used the legs from an old kitchen table, added rails for support, and added a big piece of glass for the top surface. A big piece of glass like that can be quite expensive so I took the junker's way -- I took apart an old sliding glass door and first cut the door to fit the glass (actually there're 2 pieces of glass inside).

If a door has/had glass just in the top portion of the door, I like to make one of these....

Cut a piece of mirror to fit the opening, add a seat and some hooks, and you have an awesome hall tree!

Using that same type of door, or any type of door really, you can do the same idea and stand up the door and add a table of sorts to the front. That's how I made one of my favorite projects...

This potting bench was a lot of fun! I loved the pale yellow paint on the door so I went with that. The front part I made from lumber but finished it to match the door.

Of course, a fun piece like that needs some fun doodads. So I cut a hole in the top and dropped in an enamel pan, added a rake shelf/hooks, a faucet head knob, and a vintage sprinkler hook.

Probably my biggest door project was this....

It was one of my first projects as a junker, and I wanted something BIG! So....I made a couch.

Many different door styles would work for a project like this as you can see. Again, I kept with the original finishes because I just loved the look.

I even added a little heat register detail on the side for holding magazines.

Okay, I admit the couch was a bit much. But a more practical projects would be....

A chair made out of a door is not too difficult. And it adds a lot of charm.

Now, if you have a 5-panel door (5 crossways sections), they make great headboards. This was another of my early projects -- so early, I didn't know I was supposed to take pictures! They also are great verically with shelves added or horizontally on a wall for displaying photos.

So I keep grabbing doors whenever possible -- on the curb, delivered to me, Craigslist, cheap auctions, or even Habitat. I only wish I could keep up! I continue to see cool ideas and am keeping a list of future projects -- kitchen island, room divider, arbor, desk, maybe even an armoire! AND the scraps from the projects make even more fun things! AARRGGHH. I wish I worked faster.

Okay, I've got to go -- I've babbled on long enough. Sorry. I just get a little excited on the subject of doors. It's definitely one of my favorite junk treasures.

Peace out!

Midge

I'm linking this up to http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/2010/06/sns-36-brings-you-old-doors.html

Love All!

2010-06-19T17:34:00.006-04:00

Okay, I admit that I'm not really sure what that title means, but I DO know that it's a tennis term so it seemed fitting for this recent project of mine. And while I wouldn't quite say that I LOVE them, I do think that they turned out pretty fun and would look great in a cottage type style decor.

I had some random pieces of broken mirror that I wanted to use up so I went hunting around for something different to put them in. When I saw a few vintage tennis racquet presses, I figured that would do the trick. And I found a -- SURPRISE -- the wing nets are designed to be unremovable. So first I had to use my dremel to cut off the little springs between the frames (if I had left them in place I wouldn't have been able to get the frames close enough to each other).

I cut the mirror to fit, added a little mirror adhesive to the back, slipped it in, and screwed down the wingnuts nice and tight. I simply hung from a nail on the wall (I'll probably devise a better hanging method later). You'll have to turn your head a bit sideways, not sure why I can't spin photo. But you'll see that because the jutting out screws provide such a great place for hanging things, I decided to add some chalkboard tags.

Of course, some great words (of affirmation) for these would be: star, champ, winner, love, player, etc. For this trio of mirrors I went with the obvious -- GAME... SET ... MATCH!

Midge

I'm linking up to --

http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2010/06/under-100-linky-party_17.html

http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/2010/06/sns-35-brings-you-old-gates-gitter-done.html

"As The Blades Turn"..-- No Soap Opera, But creating some Drama

2010-05-31T12:52:00.006-04:00

So I'm still working on improving my workshop for display mode. No wonder it was so bad before! It takes a LOT of time, effort, and experimentation (all of which I didn't bring before). But now I'm trying giving it my best shot and trying to put into practice some of the strategies I've detected out in blogland.

One of the things I've noticed -- CREATE DRAMA!

Okay, so maybe this isn't Jerseylicious, The Hills, or teenage girl dramatic, but here in West Michigan we have a thing for Dutch "stuff". Besides, who doesn't love things that move. So I decided that these windmill blades would look great mounted on a wall in my shop.

They actually, I realized later, are for the windmill body that is sitting in my side yard waiting to be refurbished. That's a big job anyway and may never happen, so up they went. In my stash I found a lazy susan that had a base with 4 legs. I simply screwed the metal plates onto the wall and then attached the blades to the 4 legs.

Now being the good Dutch girl that I am, just looking good was not enough. I had to put it to use and get some value out of it. So I pulled out some photos and clothespin.

Sure enough it worked. And each blade can hold a lot of photos. And, of course, give it a spin and you have a whole other collection of photos to view.

It is for sale, but I don't anticipate it selling real soon. But it certainly is fun and I think it will generate a lot of interest. So I will put it to use in the meanwhile and use it for displaying my customer's project photos. And it doesn't have to hold photos, it could also hold business cards, kid's artwork, messages, and even a reminder or two to go scrub the streets, make some pea soup, or starch your Dutch caps.

So tune in tomorrow when we'll discover...........???.....

OH, THE DRAMA

Midge

Brought to you today by the Ladder....

2010-05-22T00:12:00.003-04:00

I love projects with ladders. They are very easy to work with, you can get them free or very cheaply, and the possibilities are endless! Stepladders can make instant shelves and side tables -- and you probably already have some hiding in your garage. But my personal favorite is the rung ladder. You know they are sturdy because they're designed to hold big heavy guys. But sometimes, a rung will break. Those silly men tend to throw them out at this point. And that's when the junker's fun begins.

This is probably my favorite of my ladder projects --
I call it a gossip bench, but I've also heard them referred to as courting benches or make-up benches (for feuding couples). I used 5 ladder sections, with three of them the same heights and facing the same directions. Then I just placed a couple wood planks across the rungs. The other 2 sections are for the 2 back pieces. By placing these on opposite sides it forms two seats that face opposite directions. Just screw it all together and finish however you wish.

Here's another nifty ladder project --

I saw something in Pottery Barn that had the same feel so I put one together with finished shelves I had on hand and 2 long ladder sections. The underside of each shelf has a hole drilled near each corner. Then I put a corresponding short dowel in the rung. I just slide the shelf onto the pegs to hold them in place, but it can easily be dismantled for moving.

Here's what it looks like when it's all dooded up!

This next project is hamming it up for the camera --

It literally is! Because this ladder arbor was used at our church's Spring Tea as the setting for posed photos. Normally it is a bit more dressed down for relaxing outside.

So you can see there are many fun possibilities for rung ladders. I'd like to try a desk or sofa type table next. And even after the projects are down, any leftovers can be put to good use.

Small sections can be mounted flat on a wall horizontally. They make great "frames" for photos, or simple set some shallow objects, or even hang stockings at Christmas time.

Now go have some junk fun with ladders,

Midge

I am linking this up to Donna's Saturday Nite Special at Funky Junk Interiors