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Dear Santa: All I want for Christmas is a Gigantic Pile of Junk

January 4th, 2010 in blog, member junk     
JunkArchitect Jim Healy, editor
106 users recommend
This is probably a good time to ask Santa for just about anything because it looks like he’s been hitting the wine flask pretty hard.
On the mantle surrounded by vintage holiday tag sale finds.      
Here are all the components. Some of this stuff was found in a box on the side of the road. Cardboard Santa head…previously part of a ring-toss game. Antique pool ball rack Vintage letters Toy train track Old Christmas lights Tin tops Vintage yardstick
The pool ball rack has a Christmas tree shape to it...sort of. The plywood is set within the pool rack to add weight.
Vintage Christmas lights become little pegs for holding the stockings.
Some old boxes of Christmas Snow and Tree Sparkle...never opened!
Vintage Christmas candy box
All the parts are connected so it can also hang on the wall.
Concept Sketch
It’s called the “Original Educational Board” and was patented in 1912. I was going to spell out Happy Thanksgiving  but there’s only one ‘H’ and no ‘K’. There were K’s in 1912...right?
This is probably a good time to ask Santa for just about anything because it looks like he’s been hitting the wine flask pretty hard.

This is probably a good time to ask Santa for just about anything because it looks like he’s been hitting the wine flask pretty hard.

Photo: Jim Healy JunkArchitect (copyright 2009)
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Think about it, would you rather receive a pair of gloves or something with chipping paint and rusting steel. A crusty cast-off that can be re-imagined into a table or lamp, because even the fragments of a roadside find can become a room enhancing creation. So this Christmas more than ever, if there’s a glimmer of life in a piece of junk...repurpose it.

This project started off with a box full of junk  and turned into a more festive way to hang Christmas stockings from the mantle.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

 


Pattern or design used: My Own Design - Jim Healy JunkArchitect (copyright 2009)
posted in: blog, member junk, vintage, seasonal, metal, wood, artwork, eclectic, glass, funky, whimsical, living room, christmas, brown, green, red, historical, santa, door decoration, yardstick
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Comments (41)

suziart writes: this is wonderful...I love how you think and put all those pieces together to make one outstanding piece of vintage art!! Posted: 11:09 am on December 10th
JunkArchitect writes: Thanks everyone! I think this is the most positive feedback I have ever received on a project. I REALLY appreciate all the response...!!!
Have a happy and safe holiday!

Thanks again,
Jim


Posted: 4:10 am on December 9th
Junkpony writes: Jim, you keep outdoing yourself... this is one of the funkiest Christmas tableaus ever. Love it! Posted: 11:02 am on December 4th
simplysan writes: You have some neat ideas! Love the vintage look. Posted: 1:22 am on October 3rd
lady1880s writes: I love Christmas!A Santa (1950-60's Santa manikin) has taken over my office and sits in a comfy red leather chair,he's 6ft tall, has a cheery red suit, black boots and a new wig and beard(wish I could load a pic. but,I'm having trouble with my program)He's my best Sally's find(Salvation Army or some might call it the Million Heir Shop)Jim,He would fit in so well with your Vintage Christmas delights.Ho! Ho! Ho! Posted: 9:42 pm on July 26th
chicvintagetreasures writes: I love your concepts and how you bring them to life! Excellent use of materials. And yes, Santa would be very kind to all of us with some nice old, vintage stuff/junk! Posted: 7:17 pm on January 21st
GreenerPastures writes: I love its Retro Funkiness!!! Posted: 6:53 pm on January 10th
CleverThinker writes: Re-purpose.....gee I thought I was already doing that with the fruitcakes and chardonnay! Original purpose/ gift for me, new purpose/ gift for someone else!

Really great finds here Jim- love the vintage textured bulbs for hooks and the nutcracker candy box....wow! Sure seems like it would be easy to make new versions of these for those of us that like the simpler times! Posted: 10:58 am on January 8th
54girl writes: Whay a fun way to use vintage light bulbs. And I have jars full! Who Knew!! Love how you put it all together!! Great project!! Mary Posted: 2:46 pm on January 6th
Prior writes: yep, I've been to First Monday @ Canton, Texas, not once, but twice this weekend, I love Junk so much. YOUR junk is always COOl! Lezlee Posted: 7:49 pm on January 4th
alicemom writes: Jim I am still waiting for your to publish the drawings! I just love them! Oh the projects are pretty swell too!
smiles, alice Posted: 5:04 pm on January 4th
SnowmanHill writes: This is such a great project, Jim definitely deserves to have this be a "BEST OF 2009". All of his projects are show stoppers!

Pressure is on for 2010, Jim, I can hardly wait!

dana Posted: 3:49 pm on January 4th
writes: Jim,
Choosing my favorite of your projects for 2009 was a difficult job indeed! After MUCH deliberation, I have to say that this post was my favorite for many reasons…

1) You included your (now famous and everybody looks forward to seeing) sketch
2) Your photos are wonderful (as always). .
3) It was well thought out and explained.
4) It was super creative and I could tell by reading it how much fun you had putting it all together.

But the most important reason? 28 people were inspired enough to comment back about it and let us all know how much they appreciated it (and you) too!

You are an inspiration to us all, Jim. Thanks for sharing your talents with us. Don’t change anything – just keep us wowed with your amazing creations in 2010!

Your pal in Junk,

Jenny K
Posted: 11:53 pm on December 19th
frstyfrolk writes: What a fabulous idea you have come up with. Be Proud!

Smiles, Cyndi Posted: 10:38 pm on December 18th
Cali_Junk writes: Jim, I love the end result. Keep up the inspiring projects. Posted: 2:46 pm on December 16th
keeshagirl4 writes: love it! i think i'll put on my Christmas list; "gift card to flea market" (aka an envelope with cash!) Posted: 11:40 am on December 16th
THein writes: I love the yard stick with the vintage lights as hooks-ingenious! The whole assemblage is awesome-love it! ~ Theresa Posted: 9:21 am on December 3rd
shabbychick writes: Jim, I love your vintage Christmas junk display (using the train track was ingenius!! - AND the vintage bulbs for pegs - too cool...) - it all goes together so perfectly. And, of course the drawing is special all by itself (and Amy, you're right - a wall full of concept drawings would be awesome.)

I'd also take junk over just about anything for Christmas...well, maybe an Hawaiian vacation might win...! ha ha... And, a Black Friday junk sale - that just sounds heavenly!

Thanks for sharing.

Kathy Posted: 1:50 pm on December 1st
RustyDiva writes: My sister/bro-in-law and brother/sis-in-law actually decided to make family gifts this year. I already have my project in mind and it totally includes junk!!!!! Can't wait to show and thanks for inspiring Jim. I'm with Sue ~ I would get up at 3 a.m. for a Black Friday Junk sale!!!!!!!!

Kenda Posted: 12:34 pm on November 30th
byabpryor writes: LOL@ Jim.... I'm sure there were K's but they didn't get Q's til around 1921.... LOL


Great projects Jim! Posted: 5:54 pm on November 29th
roadtriplouise writes: Great projects Jim, Love your style! Posted: 11:51 pm on November 28th
MakinItHappen writes: A great collection of neat vintage stuff and put together so well. Fun, fun, fun! Posted: 9:38 pm on November 28th
MimiToria writes: Very cool Jim. Glad to hear you had a great Thanksgiving and that it was relaxing.
Gretchen Posted: 5:11 pm on November 28th
Grasshopper22 writes: How we all have parts lying around and then one day "BAM" they all fit together beautifully. I like how you put all the different shapes together. Great job and so inspiring!! Posted: 7:55 am on November 28th
fellowjunker writes: Hi Jim,
I absolutely love the great stocking hanger piece you created!!!! I would soooo love to just get JUNK for Christmas!!!
Happy day.
xojanis Posted: 5:59 am on November 28th
CottageElements writes: Jimbo, I know what I want for Christmas! Some of your junk! Ha! As always, amazing "junk"!

Lani Posted: 1:29 am on November 28th
alittlebitvintage writes: I love this...very creative! Love your vintage Christmas items! Posted: 11:06 pm on November 27th
alicemom writes: I agree with Amy. A wall full of your sketches would be the best! Another great project!
smiles, alice Posted: 10:40 pm on November 27th
chippingcharm writes: Seriously cool!!! I love vintage Christmas "junk"...and you sure have a gift for putting it all together. Thanks for another inspiring post! Laurel Posted: 9:41 pm on November 27th
artteachergirl writes: Sweet! HO HO HO it's wonderful! Posted: 9:28 pm on November 27th
monakent writes: Hey Jim, I'm with you.....let's all sing this together..... everybody now (use the melody from "All I Want for Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth"). Here goes:

"All I want for Christmas,
Is some vintage junk,
With lots of chips and faded colors.

All I want for Christmas,
Is some rusty stuff,
For making things, that I can sell.

All I want for Christmas,
Is some vintage junk......some vin-tage junk!!!!"

GREAT use of your vintage goods. You never cease to amaze me with your projects. Really puts me in the mood for the Holidays. Guess I will start to decorate this weekend. Thanks for sharing your awesome ideas. gailmarie
Posted: 9:22 pm on November 27th
DownHomeDIY writes: Remember the Land of the Misfit Toys in the Christmas TV Special? Well, this is the Land of the Misfit Junk and it comes together just perfectly.
Enjoy the season,
~MB
Posted: 8:59 pm on November 27th
PeachyDevaDesign writes: That is so spot on! I'm going to auction tomorrow and know I will buy many boxes of stuff with who knows what lurking in the bottom. The perfect Christmas gift for me!

Junk rocks! Thanks Jim! Posted: 8:13 pm on November 27th
ALVN writes: So clever! And I always love your concept sketches!! I imagine a wall full of them in frames...so cool!

Amy


Posted: 5:59 pm on November 27th
itsnotjunk2me writes: Jim,
Thank you for putting things into perspective...WHO would want a scarf when they can have a rusty wire laundry basket?! I vote for rusty over practical any day! As always you're projects are awesome and inspiring. ~judi ;) Posted: 2:42 pm on November 27th
georgiamoon writes: Oh My...junk for Christmas!! Yay. I'd let you shop for me ANYTIME! Jim you ALWAYS find the coolest stuff and can then locate it when the holiday actually rolls around. I know I have some more vintage Christmas booty laying around....somewhere. I could never come up with these fantastic projects that you do, even if I could find my stuff. The pool rack in the background is fantastic! I love everything about this. I am always excited by the things you come up with. You have some awesome ideas! Can't wait to see what else you have up your sleeve. Oh yeah, when are you going to start SEWING your pennant skirt? This I have to see! Love, Georgia Posted: 1:48 pm on November 27th
upyourattic writes: This is awesome! Love it ~ Love it ~ Love it. I guess the mantra for today is "Let the decorating for Christmas BEGIN" !!

Can't wait to see what everyone does this year - last year's Christmas posts were spectacular and this one really sets the mood and puts us off to a great start!

Thanks for sharing,
Patti Posted: 10:53 am on November 27th
TinTinJunkFan writes: You are so talented...amazing what you come up with using so many varied pieces...I think everyone can't wait to see what you create next...love your Thanksgiving display too...especially like the use of railroad track in these displays! Posted: 10:37 am on November 27th
oldnews writes: Hilarious! And yep, I'm pretty sure "k" didn't make it's appearance until much later! After all the "Original Education Board" can't be wrong! Can it? Marie Posted: 10:23 am on November 27th
birdcolor writes: I love, love, love this! What a great way to show off all the vintage Christmas stuff! Posted: 10:06 am on November 27th
suewhitney writes: Yes, Jimbo...junking would be my kind of Black Friday shopping. They opened the junkyard in my neck of the woods at 3 AM. Wow... the door buster specials were mind blowing. I was done shopping for family and friends by 6 AM. Whew!! Ah hahahaaha! Any hoo Jimbo, this project of yours in mind blowing. Love!

Be Well,
Sue Posted: 9:04 am on November 27th
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