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Clean-up that Yard With a Little Junk!

June 28th, 2009 in member junk     
CottageElements Lanette Lorsung, contributor
25 users recommend
This is a new bird bath I purchased last year.  I just added the farm piece over the top.  Im not sure what it was used for, but its sure a cool piece!
What a better place to display your fan collection than your front porch!  I also have a larger sign that says air conditioned.  Just havent found a place to hang it from yet!  The bench an original from a Paris Park, is over 100 years old.  How cool is that!
Isnt this a great green chair!  I found it at an occasional sale.  It fits perfect in my front garden.  The cupola is another of my favorate finds. 
Isnt this a great piece to hold a planter.  Bet you cant guess what it used to be!  Check the next picture . . .
Its a wheel axel from an old car.  Its missing one of the sides and someone at one point painted it green.  Aint it neat!
I dont know what it is with me and fences, but I seem to have a few.  Heres a couple of them.  The feeders on the larger gate are great with candles.  The smaller gate has a perfect place to hold planters.
Heres another of my favorite things, motel chairs.  One I original purchased from the JunkMarket sales when they had them.  The other I found at an antique store.  Cool how they match!  The table between them came from some factory.  It has great patina!
Does this bag look familiar?  Sue had it in Texas.  Fell in love with it and convinced her to save it for me.  I looks awesome on my front door.  For guests, I just added a vase and some fresh flowers tucked inside of it.
This is a newer cart, but has weathered being outside.  Love it that way.  All I added was a large bird house created from architectual finds and a vintage coffee pot with flowers.  The house numbers were purchased at a JM sale years ago, and when we moved replaced the numbers with our current ones.
Another old chicken feeder (do I seem to have a thing with chicken feeders, too??).  Love the stenciling on it.  Its also great with votives.
This was some sort of dispenser.  I found the wash stand for it separately.  Its a little on the rusty side so I wouldnt want to use it for beverages.  It looks great with a plant in it though!
I found two of these wall sinks.  Theyre perfect for window boxes on my shed!
This is a new bird bath I purchased last year.  I just added the farm piece over the top.  Im not sure what it was used for, but its sure a cool piece!

This is a new bird bath I purchased last year.  I just added the farm piece over the top.  I'm not sure what it was used for, but it's sure a cool piece!
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After seeing Kathy fabulous yard, I decided to share some of my junky finds.  They add so much character.  Vintage, rusty items make a great addition.  Here is a sample of some of the things I have.  For more pictures, check out my Cottage Elements Blog.


Pattern or design used: My own design - Lanette
posted in: member junk, vintage, metal, seasonal, wood, cottage, container, eclectic, industrial, country, funky, outdoor spaces, plant holder, whimsical, white, fun, garden, porch, farm, wire, silver-metallic, green, tin-metallic, cast iron-metallic, european, aluminium-metallic, grey, stone, orange
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Comments (34)

artteachergirl writes: Woohoo!!! I love those old sinks as window boxes!!! Gonna copy that one:-) Posted: 9:15 pm on November 3rd
finderskeepers writes: I am knew to the site as of today! Ive not been able to leave the chair ... you have the gift girl!!! Posted: 11:26 am on September 28th
eliz2nd writes: love the the sinks what a great idea they look perfectly charming Posted: 9:38 pm on September 2nd
mostuff writes: Primo, fantastical stuff, I love the bench and the green chair is the best............love it all, but I really want that chair..........thanks for sharing !! Posted: 3:08 pm on September 2nd
dresdenjunkshun writes: wall sinks are my very favorite! The car axle is a hoot...I'll have to see if hubby can dig me up one! Posted: 4:09 pm on August 21st
oldnews writes: Your yard is heaven! Absolutely perfect, I wouldn't change a thing! Marie Posted: 8:10 am on July 8th
CottageElements writes: Thanks, Candy, so much for responding for me. I couldn't respond from my blackberry to the question regarding the pictures. As to all the amazing comments, I am speechless. You are all so kind. I just wish I could have a JMS party at my house and have you all over. We could have lemonade on my front porch :). You are truly the best of the best! As to the two sisters and the sink, please don't fight over it on my account (haha). Your so cute. You'll just have to keep your eye out for another one. And if you do something with it, please share. Thanks again!

Lani Posted: 5:20 pm on July 3rd
Junk_Sophisticate writes: Welcome to JUNKMARKET Style penasse! You should be able to just click once on each mini photo and they will appear larger next to the line of photos.

If you want even larger photos than that to see all the fantastic details, Lani has included a link to her website, Cottage Elements. Once there, just double click on each photo and it should do the trick. HTH!

Here is the link to the post on her website. Just cut and paste into your browser.
http://cottageelements.blogspot.com/2009/06/clean-up-that-yard-with-little-junk.html

Take care,
Candy Posted: 12:08 pm on July 3rd
penasse writes: For the life of me----I can't make the small pictures any larger. Would some one please tell me how to do this. I'd love to see the details. Posted: 10:02 pm on July 2nd
frugalelf writes: I was tickled to see the green chair. I have one exactly like it that I pulled out of the metal bin at the dump!! One of my favorite finds! Posted: 8:52 pm on June 30th
LuAnn writes: Lani:

What can I say that hasn't been said. You certainly have the knack of putting "junk" together in a classy way. Can't say what my favorite it but the 2 sinks are up toward the top. Wonderful job!!

LuAnn Posted: 5:36 pm on June 30th
pjmadssg1 writes: Okay sis, you can have it back. Posted: 11:43 am on June 30th
paterd writes: Oh no, I just gave an old wall sink to my sister to use as a planter cause I couldn't find a place for it. But we're building a shed sometime, now I want it back! I never thought of hanging it up! Posted: 9:00 am on June 30th
alicemom writes: Lani,
WOW! Kudos all the way! I just love your wall sinks. They are precious. I love your style..........junk I see no junk here.
smiles, alice Posted: 10:19 pm on June 29th
ALVN writes: Your porch is always so welcoming no matter what time of year! You have the gift of putting such great items together! Loving that bench and the white basket underneath!

Amy Posted: 6:49 pm on June 29th
CottageElements writes: Oops. Typo (why do I proofread after I hit enter???). I meant "thinks is ugly" rather than things.

Lani Posted: 2:28 pm on June 29th
CottageElements writes: Thanks for all the great comments!! I laughed out loud as my husband said he always wanted to own a junk yard (I guess now he does)! LOL! And as they say, one man's trash is another man's treasure (or woman's in this case). I guess that's why they called this the JunkMarket. We see the beauty and reuse in something someone wants to throw away or things is ugly. We are a great bunch aren't we! Love you all!

Lani

PS As to the question about drainage in the bird bath, there is none but I planted things that seem to flourish in it. Last year the plants grew huge and beautiful. This year I've decided at the end of the season to replant them on the side of the house where there's shade. And then next year I'll start all over with new plants. Works for me! Posted: 2:25 pm on June 29th
RustyDiva writes: Hey, I forgot some words - elegantly stylish. How great that you can see the beauty in the original item ~ I see it too! :) Posted: 2:04 pm on June 29th
suewhitney writes: Stunning, Lanette! It is all so well put together and you know how to edit. I see the perfect amount of rust, chippy paint, and clean concrete to create a top designer look in your yard with reclaimed pieces. Nothing junky about this! Well done.

Take care,
Sue Posted: 1:04 pm on June 29th
ilovecatstoo writes: I think when someone reclaims old things they should get the rust off and make them look nice. When you put rusty junk in your yard it only makes you look the junk collector, not someone who wants to repurpose things.

Does the birdbath have a hole for drainage? Seems impractical unless you live in an area that doesn't get rain. Posted: 12:44 pm on June 29th
WhimsicalCottage writes: Love, love, love your junk garden photos! But I especially fell in love with your garden shed window boxes. Perfectly perfect! I'll be on the lookout at my favorite junk spots for some of those! Posted: 12:26 pm on June 29th
RustyDiva writes: I can't pick out a favorite because I loved EVERY picture!!!!! Fabulous, awesome, great, beautiful, soulful, creative, stunning, peaceful, inspirational, artistic etc, etc, etc.......................... Posted: 11:27 am on June 29th
Junk_Sophisticate writes: Everything looks AMAZING, Lani! I absolutely love the dispenser on the wash stand and the wall sinks are so cool!

What a beautiful home you have.
Take care,
Candy Posted: 9:45 am on June 29th
shabbychick writes: Lani - Your garden junk is all absolutely wonderfully fabulous!! From your beautiful front porch - the park bench, fan collection (very cool), chairs, etc.... to all your great containers for your planters - it's breathtaking!

You DO have such a knack for putting things together - and like Janis said - it should be in a magazine!

Thanks for sharing, and I'll defnitely have to check out your blog for more pics!

Kathy Posted: 9:27 am on June 29th
lovetotrash writes: everything is just so wonderful. looks like your yard is beautiful and full of so much caracter. great job Posted: 10:46 pm on June 28th
fellowjunker writes: Lani,
I have to say that my favorite is..........ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING!!! What a wonderful collection of vintage finds you have, and you have such an amazing knack of putting everything together. Your pictures should be in a magazine!!
xojanis Posted: 8:00 pm on June 28th
stpaulgirl7 writes: I like the birdbath with plants in it. Posted: 7:12 pm on June 28th
Shelley_ writes: Love your stuff, all of it is really cool! Posted: 6:03 pm on June 28th
StrangeCargo writes: Lanette, your backyard rocks with a symphony of junk style! Your detail in everything shows. Thanks!

Ken Posted: 5:18 pm on June 28th
chippingcharm writes: I love, love, love your style...I can't wait to move more of my treasures outside! Thanks for sharing, Laurel Posted: 3:29 pm on June 28th
monakent writes: What WONDERFUL junk!!! Everything works so well together. Love the rusty finishes on things. Sure wish my home was as nice and inviting to look at, as yours.

LOVE the wheel axel piece - how very original to use as a planter. Not to be outdone by my other favorites: the dispenser, the Paris bench (priceless!!), the motel chairs, the factory table and the matching sinks.

Your talent for mixing and matching things is apparent. I can only hope your family, friends and neighbors feel the same way about your talents and all your "stuff." Thanks so much for sharing all the lovely pictures with us. After seeing all this, I now know, I need to get out and find more stuff for my home!!! gailmarie Posted: 11:19 am on June 28th
Meadowview_Farm writes: Lani...
Not sure what to "love the mostest"...I am planting all these ideas in my mind. I truly like how you add the plants or pillows to keep a crisp edge on your vintage finds. Thinking, thinking, thinking....I believe I may have to absolutely adore the sinks used for windowboxes most of all. Garden Tour -- sell tickets!!
Kari Posted: 11:16 am on June 28th
junkfestgirl writes: Lanette, your junky yard is just perfect! Great inspiration....I especially love the motel chairs and the green chair! Posted: 9:57 am on June 28th
grannijo writes: Lanette: You have an awesome yard!...love every piece!..how cute the matching sinks are!...thanks for sharing the pictures...sharon Posted: 7:05 am on June 28th
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