suewannabeinkc

Fabulous! I love all the variations of color, style, and size in the rulers. Your choice for a quote is very appropriate and the gauge face is the perfect way to showcase it! Great project!!
Joanne

Great idea! I like the whole combo (with the candle lights and mirror) even better after seeing this. I see you have a wild side!
Joanne

I really like the way the random lines of the key mirror blend with the random widths and waviness of the zebra stripes. Very nice! It sounds like your hutch may contain lots of interesting things... Great job combining them!
Joanne

Count me as another who has never seen springs this size. What a great find! I LOVE what you've done with it! Please share a photo or two once the flowers bloom. I'm sure it will be beautiful!
Thanks for sharing.
Joanne

Great stuff! They're all lovely and unique. I love the way the curves in the glass magnify what's inside. Hmmm, junk magnified... I wonder why I'd like that concept?! :-) If I could get to Ohio, I think I'd be coming home with an instant paperweight colection!

I've never seen empty paperweights before. What fun! I wonder if the same thing could be done with small glass lids, like maybe the ones sometimes found on old canning jars? I've got one of those lids - I think I'll look into that.
Joanne

I so wish we were in the same area, because I want to sell too! I'm on a waiting list for a booth at one here. Someday I'll have my own...
Like you, my house is overflowing!
Good luck with this new project. I'm looking forward to hearing about your progress!
Joanne

Still love it!! Lani's comment described it perfectly - "modern and junky at the same time."
Thanks for sharing!!
Joanne

Love the chair, the old chippy paint and the way you've used it! What an unexpected olace - the "unexpecteds" are what's so fun about all of this, huh?
Can't wait to see more from you!
Joanne

I love this - the stripe & embellishments really make it so much more than an old mop bucket! You did a great job!
I that's one more thing on my list... :-)
Thanks for sharing,
Joanne

I recently bouoght one of these carts ffull of blocks at a garage sale. I bought for the blocks, but I love this idea! Well, that's one piece of my junk soon to be decor rather than "junk". I don't expect it to make much of a difference in the basement clutter though...
I know this is an old post, so I'm not sure if you'll ever read this, but thanks for the idea! :-)
Joanne

Thanks for all the great pics! I see MANY things that I'd love to have (long funnels, chicken condo, glass block window, and the sunflowers!) - if only this were closer! *SIGH* Why is it that the junk in OTHER states/cities is more appealing than our own??? Like I need any more of it anyway... (Of course I do!)
Have fun,
Joanne

I can see why the climbing vine loves it! I do too! It's such a fabulously creative way to block the afternoon sun on your porch! Makes me wish I had a porch in need of one. :-)
Joanne

I am in awe and virtually at a loss for words (unusual for me ;-D ), except to say WOW!!! What a beautiful piece of art your barn has become!! Looking forward to seeing more of your projects!
Joanne

AWESOME! You really put some thought and LOTS of creativity into these. The signs alone would make me curious enough to check out this store! I love the circles at the bottom left available for special signs. (more circles, Sue!)
I love the name of the store too!
Joanne

Thank you for the glimpse of your "endless cicrle of junk!" I think that does decribe this obsession: ("Hi, my name is _______ and I'm obsessed with junk!") ;-)

Maybe it's really all about those "RE" words: reduce (...using new things), REUSE (...old things in new ways), RECYCLE (...to keep usable items out of landfills), and REPURPOSE (...it all into cool "new" stuff!)

Josnne
Round and round and round it goes. Where it stops nobody knows! :-)

I went with disassembly - it took most of the day today but it's done! Ended up with a LOT of unexpected fun pieces (wood * meteal). Stay tuned for pics soon!

Incredibly cool! I'll bet it's quite the conversation piece.
Thahks for sharing!
Joanne

Too cute and her story is too funny! When or if the grrom shows up, this is a marriage sure to last, with all those round things and their "infinite nature"! :-)

Are there invitations for the wedding yet? You could make one from junk! Maybe that's where Junkenstein is - out gathering the goods...

Thanks for the smile!
Joanne

I'll bet you had fun putting this nice display together. I second the love for Goodwill!
Joanne

So much cooler than the plain white fixture! A perfect combo of rusty and shiny/sparkly. LOVE IT! We have the opposite problem - our (cheap builder grade) entry light hangs from a very long cord and chain. Every replacement is too short. You've inspired me to keep looking for a solution. Thanks!!
Joanne

Cute, festive and fun! My kids would love creating something like this too! I love the cobwebs and the scary jack-o-lantern!
Joanne

What a beautiful table! old rusty metal, one of my favorite things!
You might still add seasonal accents inside like your branches, small pumpkins and gourds, greenery, etc.
I've got to learn to use one of those saws! My husband's handy but not usually around when I need these things done. Maybe one should be on my Xmas wish list... (a power saw - I have one husband already!) :-D
Joanne

I was thinking (again) that MN has all the best junk - until I saw that this junker's paradise is much closer than that. Definitely worth a weekend trip! (and a stop on the way at Jim's Antiques in Bethany, MO. Lots of salvaged "junk" OUTSIDE. Too bad it was closed the day we were passing through...)
I'm very impressed by their memory boards. Who would think that something so simple (and decorative) could help an Alzheimer's patient regain some memories? It's quite decorative too!
Thanks for telling us about this great place! Hopefully there'll be something left when I can get there! LOL
Joanne

What's in my pile? It could be round metal chairs with curly backs (as in the post of all the junk in my basement) and old worn wooden objects (if it doesn't work or I don't even know WHAT it is/was, all the better).
Maybe it's also because circles are symmetrical and therefore balanced, creating harmony. Ok... I'm getting too philosophical now! But I do agree with Amy - it would be interesting to find out why we are drawn to certain shapes, colors, materials and textures.
I LOVE the black and white handle on the magnifying glass! (More symmetry?)and all the round rusty junk. GREAT collections!
Joanne

SO BEAUTIFUL! What a stunning one-of-a-kind piece. Your home is certainly full of treasures. Thank you for sharing them with us!
Joaanne

This is a lovely transformation! Isn't Goodwill great? it's one of my favorites too! (Just went there this evening, in fact...)
Joanne

Great collection! I wonder if the attraction to round things has something to do with the infinite nature of circles? Maybe kind of a timeless thing - sort of like the junk we bring into our homes?
Joanne

This is a great "it would go anywhere' lamp. Very nice! It looks like you've been busy! I'm looking forward to future posts of your work!
Joanne

I like the wood tripod you made. It gives it a little bit softer look than the metal tripod would have had. Very warm and inviting. Thanks for sharing this great piece!
Joanne

So cute! Thanks for sharing!
Joanne

A clever reuse that is too funny. I never would have thought of this! I'll bet it's quite the conversation piece at your house!
Thanks for sharing!
Joanne

BEAUTIFUL! The bits of paint really look good with the sofa and your walls. The rusty parts just add to it! LOVE IT! LOVE IT!
Joanne

Another fabulous reuse! We need something like this too. Added to shopping list: one doctor's bag. I love this one!
Joanne

Scales are great, aren't they? I love this reuse of one!
Keep creating!
Joanne

This is great! I've got a few of those harness rings myself. I've seen them used as swag holders, but never to hold a beautiful living swag like yours. It's "green" in so many ways!
Thanks for sharing!!
Joanne

Very festive! I love those brick pumpkins. I can't wait to see more of your projects!
Thanks for sharing,
Joanne

Very unique and creative! I love how it looks in your photo, and the holiday embellishments you and gailmarie have mentioned. i guess this adds another thing to my "look for list!"
Great job and thanks for sharing!
Joanne

You've done it again! I am completely impressed by this. And what a great way to display - I mean store - those few odd brushes that aren't a collection! Undoubtedly we all have growing non-collections of odd things as well. One weekend of good junking = instant collection. I think ALL of us undertand that!
Thanks for sharing more of your great work! Your home must be a very interesting place!
In awe,
Joanne

Beautifully resourceful!
Joanne

Very nice display! Too bad the pump won't make watering the mums easier - wouldn't it be great to just pump a few times and water a wheelbarrow full of plants?
Joanne

I have a number of these statues that were my grandma's. What a great way to turn them into something with a bit more visual interest. It's very eyecatching!
Joanne

Your display is fabulous! Are you sure you don't secretly love Halloween, just a little bit? I'm not fond of the whole T or T thing myself. We've had teens (and sometimes adults) come to the door in street clothes who just hold open a pillowcase and stare at us. I always make them dance or s ing, or something - sort of a trick for a treat!
Happy Holiday before Christmas!
Joanne

What a clever way to reuse an old phone! If you have kids around, this can serve the dual purpose of teaching them how to read a dial clock AND a history lesson on what it meant to "dial the phone". Hmmm, how about making this part of a display of words no longer used, with their parts repurposed? Like an automobile window crank for "rollng up the window" made into a currently useful object. Maybe part of a paper towel or toilet paper holder. Hmmm...
Thanks for sharing!!
Joanne

This is beautiful! I've been wanting to make a bench from an old bed for years! (Someday...) Isn't it fun to find freebies? Thanks for sharing!
Joanne

Your lockers are great! What a super way to sort organize your supplies. I'm jealous... Thanks for sharing!!
Joanne

What a great idea, and you've made it look so beautiful (and easy)! Fabululous!
Joanne

I love chalkboard paint too, though I've never been brave enough to paint a whole door in my house. Good for you! It looks great and what a great idea. If you have little ones, this would be a great outlet for that desire to "write on the wall" that most kids seem to be born with! And phone messages, reminders to return items borrowed, lists of things that need to leave the house in the morning, etc. I feel my bravery level increasing already! Thanks for the inspiration and for sharing!!
Joanne

LOVE IT! LOVE IT! Head, body, arms, feet, they're all great. This may be (one of) your best I've seen since joining JMS! I love old toys and this is a fun way to display them!! Seriously impressed,
Joanne

Sue, this makes even the vegetables look good. LOVE the jump rope handles made from old spools! I've got a big collection of these myself.
Five inches of snow? I guess there are some advantages to NOT living in MN! The appeal of the junk is strong, though...
Stay warm!
Joanne

I don't know how I missed this when it was first posted - but WOW! This is incredible! You do such great work!
Joanne

If it helps any, it's very cute! I totally understand about the "pain thing"; Even if you don't do this again, no worries - there's a whole world of other junk out there just waiting for you and you obviously creative style!! Good job and thanks for sharing.
Joanne

Another winner from the leading architect of junk! This is a beautiful arrangment. I agree, the old cart was destined for this use! Thanks for sharing your work with us!

This is a lovely fall display, very welcoming. So of course we welcome you to JMS! Don't be surprised if it's addictive...
Looking forward to seeing what else comes out of your "craft/antique/junk stash"! This one's definitely a winner.
Thanks for sharing!
Joanne

What a beautiful way to use old buttons! Love it, love it!!
Joanne

Thanks Sue! The next time you're in KC, bring a friend and do come shop my basement! Be sure to bring some of that good MN junk to trade... LOL! I'm still dreaming about something I wish I had bought at The Buffalo Nickel (and have never seen anywhere else). I was afraid we didn't have room for it, but we could've left something (or one?) behind! :-)

Hubby is helping me today on some of the furniture refinishing projects I've collected. He wants them OUT of the garage - Hmmm... Maybe THAT'S how to get the "honey-dos" done! I'll have pics to post when they're done.
Keep warm - Brrr... It's cold here!
Joanne :-)

I just npticed the design on the front edge of the bench. Very nice. Was this part of the original set or did you create it yourself?
Joanne

This is great! I picked up a couple of these curbside earlier this week, now I have a good use for 'em!
Thanks for the inspiration! :-)
Joanne

Thanks everyone! What I love most about this site (besides the great ideas and inspiration) is the realization that others do this too!
Joanne

This is an absolutely charming use for old silver coasters. Now they will be in high demand everywhere by Junkmarketstyle readers! I'd better head out quick...
Joanne

Fabulous! I see grills curbside nearly every week. A portable potting "shed", what fun and very useful. Very clever reuse!
Joanne

What a wonderful way to repurpose a bed into something both useful and beautiful! Great job and thanks for sharing.
Joanne

I wish I could be there! If I leave now I might be able to make it by 4 or 5 tonight and home by 2 or 3 in the morning... The kids can walk home from school and hubby can feed them dinner, right? :-)
I'm so sad that this is the only place on the list Sue posted in July that I did NOT make it to on our vacation to MN (Though I had great fun in Buffalo!) I'm hoping to make it back next summer and after seeing these pics this store is first on my list! Happy junking one and all!
Joanne
wishing KS were closer to MN!

Why do I always find good uses for things AFTER I've gotten ride of them? I had some of these years ago, but since they weren't sturdy tables, I got rid of them. Shame on me! I LOVE the plaid one on your wall!! It looks great with your background and trim colors and calls attention to itself as an art piece.
Thanks for sharing this!!
Joanne

Thanks for taking us all with you; it's been fun! (Gotta find a way to be there next year...!)
I ca't wait to see what you do with the child's cabinet. I have one (built by my grandmother for me) that's special and won't be sold. so I want to do something fun with it and use it in our home. My kids are nearly past toy kitchens and prefer the Little Tikes one anyway.
Thanks for sharing!!
Joanne

I will have to come to next year's sale. Your pieces are beautiful! Hmm... how far is Springfield from Kansas City? (Ohio, right?)
It's amazing what can be done with bits and pieces many of us already have laying around. Great details and thanks for inspiring us all!
Joanne

Clever, rustic, and cheap - three of my favorite words!
Thanks for sharing your great ideas!
Joanne

Beautiful! I love the patina of the old wood, the unique look of the pipes BEFORE, and of course the creative way you've repurposed them. Tie clips are now on my "search" list. What a great use of them! I share Candy's sentiment: where do we begin to find such things? Care to send any "down river"?
This is why you're the "Sue" and I'm just the "wannabe"! :-)
Thanks for such great inspiration on a Monday morning!
Joanne

FABULOUS! The metal strips and towel bar are wonderful additions. I bought a similar window last week after seeing another made into a message center. I can't wait to combine ideas and make my own! Great job, can't wait to see more. You've got great ideas!
Thanks for sharing,
Joanne

You are so good at this! I love this one and all her wild friends from the past. Thanks for the smile on a Monday!
Joanne

You're too funny! Love your speech - I'm another one that would be drowned out by the music or pulled off by the long hook...
Thanks for making me smile!
Joanne

Looking at my long-ignored all-but-dead annuals, I'm in favor of growing a whole field of these! VERY creative and fabulous! Joanne

These are DARLING! I'd love to have one too. Have you checked with local flea market, occasional sales, and even gift shops? I would think they'd sell quickly. Good luck!
Joanne

WOW! Love the lamp-turned-serving dish! Lamps will be on my wanted list now too. It sounds like you had a lot of fun. I'd love to have come and meet some of you. But there is an advantage to being far away: less competition for the junk when a must-copy idea is shared! LOL
Joanne

Super coolnique (that's my new word for cool, unique things)! I'll bet it'll be the talk of the neighborhood! Thanks for the great idea!
Joanne

BEAUTIFUL!! If it were mine, I'd remove the electrical parts and find cut glass teacups for each arm, put a small candle in each, turn off the lights and enjoy the sparkle! There're so many good parts for other projects too! Sometimes deciding is the hardest part!?!
Can't wait to see what you do with it!
Joanne

Could you use the Upwords tiles (in pairs) for projects that call for dominoes? There was a domino desk set posted recently and a soap dish in Junk Beautiful Outdoor Edition.

You might have more luck finding games, including Scrabble, at garage sales in areas with lots of kids. I'm amazed to often I find them unopened or barely used (like last week). Toys without batteries & noise must be too low-tech for lots of today's kids (or maybe their parents).

This is a great find! Good luck with your Scrabble search!
Joanne

She is totally charming (and inspiring)!
Love it!!
Joanne

Wherefore art thou Romeo? Maybe she's getting signals from him in her head! He'd better watch out, though. I'll bet she can hold her own and won't be toyed with... (Hmmm, there's an idea in there somewhere...)
Thanks for sharing!
Joanne

Your work is SO clever and creative! Happy Boy will be even happier to know he's earned an A+.
Joanne

I love the racetrack - It would make great "track" lighting! Have you done anything with it yet? I'd be fascinated to see it. I'm planning a "vintage toy" them for our basement bathroom (need to build it first...) Something like this would be great! ALL of these finds are great! I'll have to check later posts to see wht you've done with any of them.
Thanks for sharing!
Joanne

And they probably thought no one would want it because of the flaw! Great personalization and I LOVE your painted flowers and checks. If only I'd paid better attention in art class maybe I could paint!
Joanne

What a beautiful way to reuse an old doll cradle! I love your idea of using the screen to keep the dirt in place. I have an old magazine rack that I am working on doing the same thing with, and will borrow that extra detail to make it work. Thanks!
Joanne

Thanks for all the kind words, everyone. This room is one of my favorite places. There's no dining table in it, so I've been looking for a couple of comfy wingback chairs. We replaced the chandelier with a fan last summer and I'm nearly done with a cute Halloween decoration using the old one. I'll be posting that soon!

Aren't these drawers great? I love this idea!
It's nice to find someone else from the KC area on Junkmarket Style. I checked out your online store - do you have a live store in Cleveland (or elsewhere)? I'llhave to drive out and have a look if you do.
Fabulous work!
Joanne

WOW!! I too am SO jealous! I don't suppose there's an old oil lamp with a genie inside that you'd sell me? :-) I have the same dream here in Kansas City... What a find! You Minnesotans have such great junk. (We visited in July) I hope to visit again next summer) Have fun and know that we're all looking forward to hearing more!
Joanne

Or... could it be some sort of thin gear or wheel that has been flattened (run over by a car?) Maybe a pinwheel? I wish I knew how big it was, that may help. The circle part at the top looks original.. Could it be some sort of clip to hold the rest of it to car? I'm dying to know now! It's Wednesday, when are you going to tell us???? :-)

I have no idea what it WAS (though I feel like I should), but it looks an angel now.
Can't wait to find out!
Joanne

If you live anywhere near, I would come and buy it all for that price!

I have a typing table I am trying to find a use for too. I think it would make a great serving cart for tea/coffee and cookies or appetizers if you're the type that entertains often (we're not). It looks like one of yours has shelves below the top. Maybe they'd hold extra napkins and a tray of extra flatware or serving spoons? One of the file drawers or the file box might be useful placed on the shelf for storing extra candles, small tablecloths, napkins, or "emergency" stain removers, etc.
You could also use a file drawer to store/share photos on a coffee table. Especially if you're like me and don't get them into albums. If you're worried about fingerprints you can buy plastic sleeves that hold standard size pics perfectly. (Hmm, I'm starting to wish I still had the file drawers I had for h.s debate) Perhaps a tray could catch any pics that don't get put away or those that you wish to showcase.
I hope you can put them to good use. I can't wait to see how they look!
Joanne

I WANT ONE TOO!!! I love this idea! Isn't it fun decorating with things you CAN'T buy at Pottery Barn or Target?! No offense to either store, but to me their look is generic. Even if someone else copies your junk decor ideas, each one is unique and its own conversation piece. I'll be on the hunt for my own. Great job and thanks!
Joanne

Thanks everyone! I've recently discovered that I'm less inhibited (about writing) and funnier the later it gets at night! RustyDiva - Your post was so clever, I just couldn't help myself! What a haul you must have had from there!

Porch mailbox, what a great use for another old bread box! I actually have another waiting for inspiration. Thanks for the compliments and the great idea!
Joanne

Hey RustyDiva, you're quite a writer!
Your eye for good junk is even brighter.
My mom had renters like this years ago;
But I didn't find GOOD junk there and so,
Of you I am jealous, there is no doubt;
Can't wait to see how all this stuff turns out.
Your story is great! I'm filled with laughter;
I'm sure your finds're happy e'er after!
Joanne :-)

We were in Tennessee that week and learned we would cross the sale's path, so we got off the interstate at 127 (Crossville) and shopped for the better part of the afternoon/evening. I can't believe how many sellers there were in just the mile or so from the highway we were able to cover! (So hot & humid too. We'd been in Minnesota in July - MN weather wins hands down!) I only wish there had been more room in our minivan for junk! (6 people and luggage doesn't leave much extra space! Next year they'll have to stay home) I found some great stuff! (The wheels have been turning ever since...)

Thanks for all of the compliments! I love your idea of mounting the letters on something else. It would have made the whole process of spacing and hanging them SO much easier! I will have to do that with my kids' names, whenever they are collected. I also love the idea of putting it on the front porch. (We had one on our old house, don't on this one, but our next one will or I'm not moving! lol)

Thanks for the recommendation of places to go in Buffalo. We drove out there and went to all three. I got lucky with Sweet Salvage, even though it wasn't their weekend. I met one of the owners at Buffalo Nickel and she let me come over for a look. I wish I could find stuff like they had around here. If we had more room in the car I think I would have filled it with MN junk!

Well, I'm inspired to give it a shot. I've begun to collect the type and thought cleaning may be easier on each piece separately. Yours is so beautiful with all the different colors - so I'd like to clean the blocks without making them all the same. Do you have any tips or suggestions for finding blocks? The ones I have were found on eBay, but their sellers have to be getting them from somewhere.

I've been on a roll lately, picking up great junk from garage sales, flea markets, and even the neighbor's trash! I need to turn the junk and my ideas (both original and borrowed) into projects, so my husband can have his garage back! Hopefully I'll get my first pics posted soon!

Your projects are all great - I can't wait to see that's next!

I wish it were a couple of weeks later! We're coming to Minneapolis on July 11-12 (after camping with my daughter's Girl Scout troop under the sharks at the Omaha Zoo). The family wants to see the Mall of America. Me, I'm more interested in "MN junk"! Will your warehouse be open during that time? Can you recommend some other good junk venues?

WOW! It's beautiful work of art and quite the conversation piece! Makes me want (to make) one...

Great design on the doors - it would look nice with the hutch you described. I just bought a console TV cabinet yesterday - fortunately someone had already removed the insides, but left the back panel with all the holes. It will become a console for the flat screen TV we don't own yet. In the meantime, I may try the shutter idea.

I love this idea! I've been planning for the day when our basement gets finished and have decided on a "drive-in restaurant" (aka A&W or Arnold's) meets "drive-in movie theater" theme. I can't wait to see the ideas from the "Grease" lp! (I would definitely be Sandy).

I thought of one for Lee Greenwood... Since his most famous song is easily "God Bless the USA", how about taking 45s with solid red, white, or blue labels and make a funky flag wall art? The red and white ones could form rows as the stripes, and the blue ones could fill the smaller area as "stars". It could be sized to fill a large open wall space, or a slightly smaller one. Wouldn't it be great if you could find patriotic songs on 45s to use? Perhaps on the wall of an American Legion Hall or similar club? They could sell as a fundraiser for charity. (I'm typing as the ideas flow. Not all great, but I'm trying.) :-)

I love this! Very creative and fun! (Though I didn't get it until I described it to my husband out loud. Can I blame that on the cold I got as an early Christmas present?) My grandmother had one of these spools as a picnic table on her patio when I was a child. For years I thought that was its intended purpose! I actually had three smaller spools (found by the curb) that I stacked pyramid style and used as a stereo/speakers stand when I was a teenager. (Back when the stereo and the speakers were all pretty big. I recall that it had a turntable AND an 8-track player...)

I loved the show in KC, and joined right away after getting home. Thank you for all the great ideas and inspiration! (As you can see from my screen name, I'm quite a fan!) My daughters enjoyed meeting yuou too and getting their picture taken with you. I recall admiring the tie stool from Urban Mining. I'm hoping to get down there sometime soon! I've got lots of junk of my own to get started on, and this seems to be just the place for ideas! Thanks again, Sue!