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

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

It's all a Learning Experience!

First a warning -- this post has the potential to be a rambler! I've got a lot on my mind (and on my plate) so it could happen, and I apologize in advance if it does. But I'm going to try really hard to keep things simple and concise -- smaller, but more frequent posts all this week.

MY SHOP --

It has to carry out 5 functions:

1. House my raw materials a.k.a. Junk (which I have TREMENDOUS amounts of)

2. Function as my workshop

3. Function as a workshop for public and private classes

4. Store my finished items

5. Provide a place for holding sales events

That's a lot of function to pull out of a 1000 sq. ft. space. Fortunately I also have a nearby 500 sq. ft. mini-storage for junk overflow, and I constructed a loft in my unit that's probably about 500 more sq. ft. (it is solidly built to hold lots of junk, but no humans except me allowed there).

SO....space has been a huge issue for me from day 1 (the issue is huge, definitely not the space).

I've tried various combinations to make it all work, but I still haven't hit the right formula.

My latest "revelation" was last fall -- since my priority was classes and workshops, I tucked away my products wherever I could and converted totally to workshop/classroom mode. "If you build it, they will come" kind of thinking. Well, it's an inspirational saying, but......

At holiday time I knew I HAD to have a sale, .... but how? Fortunately, my landlord was kind enough to let me use the vacant unit next door -- just through the holidays. "No problem" I thought to myself "I'll do so well during the holidays that I'll be able to afford to keep that space". Hmmm. Again, good thought....but not reality.

So now it's spring. My landlord wants my stuff out so he can rent it to legitmate customers, I've been doing speaking engagements and people keep saying "I want to see your shop and all your stuff", and I just want a space where I can create and help others create.

SO....BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD!

And this is what I came up with.....

1. Raw materials will remain in the loft area, mini-storage, and "storage rooms" (another post)

2. I have set up a makeshift workshop area on my deck at home, not the ideal, but I'll make it work (more about that in another post)

3. This one troubles me as I'd still like this to be my main focus, but for now classes will have to be off-site and/or outside

4. & 5. So, I am now making my space a temporary permanent showroom. I'll probably do this until the fall, then I'll have to come up with something better (create my products on my deck during a Michigan winter?.....I don't think so!) Of course, my terminally optimistic self says "Oh, by then you'll be rolling and you could rent next door if it's still available". We'll see.

SOOOOO....My temporary permanent showroom. I have learned that the occasional sale plan is really not well suited to me so it is probably best that I have more of a permanent setup. But that doesn't change the fact that I have a LOT of stuff and also that I'm not good at all at display. And basically, I just don't get it! Do you group by rooms, or style, or color, or WHAT ? WHERE DO YOU EVEN BEGIN?!!!!

Well I began by visiting and studying blogland. And I think I've learned some things...

1. I overthink and plan too much -- real artists use a lot of "feel"

2. LAYERS -- this is a big one! It makes your products look more interesting and also conserves space (previously I was all about the entire product being visible -- but a little mystery is more fun)

3. Create drama! -- Big, Bold, Unusual

4. Whenever you can, go up - especially useful in my case since I have 15' ceilings.

So in honor of #3 & 4, dramatically UP I went .... (see photo above --it's supposed to be placed here, but... computers! oh well)

That corner is what I call the "contemporary/leather" corner. Several other areas are done or nearly done and I'll share soon. Anyway, I think I'm making pretty good progress on my new showroom. It's been a lot of work, and there's still a lot to do, but I plan on being open this Saturday and probably most Saturdays through the fall. But... somehow, plans have a way of changing. I'll keep you posted.

And speaking of plans, check out the bottom of this page. Another thing that is on my mind is that I really want to post more. I'd love to be one of those bloggers who posts everyday or at least every other day. But I find it very difficult to keep up, and then I feel bad about not keeping up. And then I step back and say "What does it matter? Who am I trying to keep up with anyway?" And I realize that I should be more concerned about whether I spent time with my Lord and Savior today than whether I posted. I'm not saying I don't want to post, (I REALLY do) I'm just saying I want to make my devotional time as important. So the Bible verse at the bottom of this page is my built-in accountability program (I'm not very structured or self-disciplined with my time). Each day after doing my devotions, I will change the verse to something from my Bible reading (hopefully each morning). So feel free to check up on that and yell at me if I need it. This area of my life has always been a struggle for me -- today I'm at three days in a row (WOO HOO!). And just to make myself more accountable, I won't post something until I have done my devotions that day. We'll see how it goes.

So sorry, I think I've stepped into the ramble zone. Anyway, I feel a little more up to date and I'll try to be around more.

Peace Out!

Midge

p.s. The suitcase tower was quite an accomplishment and scary ordeal. I am only 5' tall and the ceilings 15' (oh yeah, and I have a fear of heights!). It took 7 or 8 attempts (I was trying not to cry) and I kept thinking, "If I die in a suitcase avalanche will anyone find me?" And yes, the first person in said "Oh, I'll take the top 4 suitcases." Whereas, we both laughed heartily. Then, she said, "No, I'm serious. But I'll come back for them." Gulp.

Just Finished Longest Post EVER! -- Ignore it, just thinking out loud

My previous post, completed just a few minutes ago, was probably more for my benefit than yours. It was super long, so don't feel like you have to read it. In a nutshell:

I'M TRANSFORMING MY SHOP INTO THE ULTIMATE JUNKING WORKSHOP AND CLASSROOM!

I've got some ideas already -- junk signage, tables and tools (of course), lots of usable junk on hand, clean, organized, fun, and INSPIRATIONAL. But I need details!

I would LOVE to hear from all of you on ideas you would LOVE to see in the ultimate dream workspace. (Just a hint: I'm lacking the organizational gene, so creative, out-of-the-suitcase thinking in that department would be especially helpful). Think Crazy, think BIG, think JUNKY!

Thanks for any thougths you can send my way,
Midge

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

Well, first of all I want to apologize upfront for any part of this post that comes off as "whiny". It could happen. Not that I'm typically a whiner, but I have been frustrated with certain aspects of what I'm doing and I'm taking this opportunity to vent. Maybe it will be therapeutic for me. Here's the deal. I have a shop that I rent that's about 1000 sq. Not too bad. On top of that I built an "L" shaped loft area that 's probably 500 more. Ooo, even better. Additionally, I have an over flow ministorage of about 500 sq. ft. This is the part where many of you might be saying "Lucky. You should quit your whining."

But like most junkers, I have a lot of "stuff". I mean a LOT of stuff. And in this junker's opinion, ALL of it necessary. This is especially true since it not just for my projects, but for my customers as I want the focus to be on holding junking classes and parties. Mainly, my space has to perform 5 basic functions:

1. store my raw materials (need well over 1000 s.f. for this)

2. function as a workshop for making my projects (500-1000 s.f. would be nice)

3. function as a workshop for classes and parties (preferably separate, but I'm willing to share)

4. store my finished products (at least 500-1000 s.f.)

5. sales venue for my finished goods ( at least 1000 s.f.)

WAIT! That doesn't add up!

No it doesn't. So I'm constantly juggling my space. When my "sales space" is not in sale mode, it becomes "finished storage" space and looks like this:

A lot of work loading in and out, and it's also hard on my finished products. But if it's what I have to do, I'll do it.

And my sales floor converts back to workshop/classroom mode. But I still have miscellaneous piles of "stuff" sitting around with no where to go: But I deal with it. And I'm not even going to show you the piles sitting outside my back door that my kind-hearted landlord has overlooked so far.


So I found that I was building and "creating" in less than dream surroundings in order to make those dreams a reality.

I could still get some things done!


But I knew eventually I'd have to address the space issues. And when I couldn't even get to some of the things I needed anymore, I had to figure some things out. Maybe my cup runneth over, but this was ridiculous:

I knew I HAD to have access to my lumber, so I did make one decision a month ago.

One small display "room" would become a permanent, bigger, organized lumber room. I can't function without that so I compromised sales space for materials storage space.

I'm working on that right now. (Well, no, not LITERALLY right now, RIGHT now I'm typing this post, of course!)

So that only solved the lumber problem. But I still had the 5 functions problem. It was getting even worse. Sales events were becoming not good and or not a good use of my time, I couldn't get things or make the things I wanted, classes are non-existent or at the very least disorganized and less than inspiring, merchandise was getting damaged. AARRRGGHHH!

SO HERE IT IS!

Instead of performing 5 functions poorly, my space will no longer be used for selling or storing my finished goods. Since my vision was always for Refunction Junktion first to be a place for creating and constructing, the space will just be devoted to use as a workshop/classroom with raw materials on hand, organized, and inspirational. It will be the coolest place ever! So take a good look at it in its current condition:

And this is actually, when it was VERY clean and organized. I had spiffed it up for the photograph--I don't dare show you current pictures, I can barely move in there right now.

But it is getting an overhaul! I will keep you posted!

Bye. Bye.

SO WHAT ABOUT FUNCTION 4&5?

Well, to be quite honest I don't know. But something had to be done and decisions had to be made. I was really "stuck" and now I'm moving forward and I feel much better about that. Being the eternal optomist, I believe it will all work out ("if we build it, they will come" and all that). Besides, this is really God's venture -- I'm merely along for the ride, so I'm just going to follow His lead.

Currently, the unit right next to mine is vacant. "There you go! Why don't you rent that?" But making rent is already a struggle and I need more income to justify it. But I can't produce more income until I can do some of these things, and I can't do some of these things until I get more space, but I can't get the space....... Yes, the classic CATCH 22. I hope what I'm doing will somehow break the stalemate. That is my goal, not to give up having my merchandise available(afterall that's what provides the ultimate inspiration), but eventually to move my finished products into the neighboring space and keep them permanently displayed there and sell/inspect by appointment. No more occasional sales in my future. They've been very successful for some junkers, but it's just not my cup of tea. So for now I will try to think creatively about storing my merchandise and probably offer products for sale through the website as much as possible. I don't have all the answers yet. BUT I DO HAVE SOME OF THE ANSWERS AND THAT IS WHAT I WILL FOCUS ON.

NOW I AM NOT ONLY WHINING, BUT RAMBLING TOO!

So I will end now. Just know that changes are coming -- good ones! And I will keep you posted.

Midge

Classy Ladies

If you know me and my business, you probably know that although I like to use my tools, junk, and imagination to make stuff, my REAL vision for Refunction Junktion is that it be a place where people can gather to make creations of their own. Last night was just such a night.



Two sisters treated their 4 daughters, 1 daughter-in-law, and even 1 son-in-law to a night of mosaicing.



Of course one of the best things about mosaicing is getting to smash the tiles and plates.

Everyone came with their own projects -- 2 clay pots, a wine and cheese tray, patio table, trivet, table top, address display, and a bar stool. So much variety and none of it was planned that way.

Even the tile designs themselves were very varied. This design was very shabby chicish.

Time to get busy!

A bit of tile mastic and a plastic knife seemed to do the job.

Probably the most complicated design of the night! (It was no problem for Justin)

It was hard to believe that none of them had done this before, they were all naturals!

These ladies made it happen and had a good time all the way through!

Laying the pieces is usually the most time consuming part.

Here's a close up of that shabbly chic patio table entitled "Beautiful Garden". I say "Beautiful Table!" (Notice that she included scrabble tiles, a faucet head, broken china, seashells, and spoon pieces).

Ah, yes, more fun -- GROUTING!

Still more grouting!

The finished products looked so great!

All in all I would say that the night was, well......

SUPER!

Midge

The camera loves me!

Okay, so maybe not ME, personally. But Monday I had my interview with the Press reporter and the trusty sidekick photographer. Imagine my surprise when he said the assignment was a photographers dream. Oh, the pride I felt. "Usually", he explained "people pick everything up before I come". Ouch! Then I had to report that I already HAD picked up. Hmmm.
Maybe he had caught a glimpse of this pile I had just created especially for their visit --



There wasn't even anything juicy in the pile, but maybe to the junk uninitiated.?.?.?.



Personally, I thought my work area looked pretty good, from back to front....

and front to back.

And I saw him checking out my sweet mobile tool cart....

unfortunately, he noticed my broken wheel that made it a bit tipsy!

When you consider that the other story he's working on is "Phantom Cell Phone Vibration Syndrome", (what in the world even is that, and how on earth would you photograph it), it probably wouldn't take much to get excited for a gig like this.

But I did have a few more photo worthy "zones"...

This is actually the "good" stuff, all done and packed away waiting for the next sale. Too bad most of it was unreachable. But oh just imagine!

More good stuff! I'm just glad I didn't need to pull anything out. It might have turned into a lifesize Jenga game.

Anyway, it was a good photo shoot. Not nearly as painful as I thought it would be. Not too many pictures of me, as far as I know. If only he knew how much I HATE having my picture taken. And then to have it plastered in the paper besides! So, he went easy on me, thank goodness. I realize I can't avoid it entirely if I want to have exposure for what I do. But I think most of the attention will be on my stuff. I'm sure it will be a great feature and I'm just so thankful for this opportunity that I've been given.