Junk-it Junction

He just doesnt know it yet....

2009-07-09T21:33:00.007+10:00

He hates my junk!

He whinges and whines about my junk! He says he is soooo sick of it everywhere he looks! He threatens to throw it out when Im not home! He denies any suggestions that he will one day, love junking just like me!

So why does he find such wonderful junk, and leave them on the verandah for me to find?

Oh yeh, my son is a 'closet' junker, and he just doesnt know it yet.....

Part 3: Vietnam, and back to reality!

2009-07-06T17:32:00.005+10:00

Ok, so the photos are in the wrong order, but Im not going to fight it, just go with the flow....

This was on the last day, we were on our way to the airport, and we made a pitt-stop into these crazy markets! The photo above, I just love! She crossed the road, so brave, we were told to look straight ahead, go slow, dont stop! Having a crossing didnt make a difference, the scooters, cars ,buses, taxis, everyone go in every direction, at anytime!

It rained on our last day, thank goodness, a bit cooler! It was the start of the wet season, a month late!

Shoes galore, the Vietnamese love their bling!

They look tame here, but as soon as you attempted to walk, they grabbed you, begging to buy their product!

These were everywhere, this photo was taken at another market in the south.

Notice most people wear masks on their faces? It protects them from bugs and pollution.Most girls who ride the scooters and bikes, also wear long gloves.They protect their arms from getting burnt, they want to keep their skin as light as possible.

We stayed in a resort on an Island. It had its own fun park, we visited a couple of times, or more!

Great view!

Sitting at the bar, just relaxing and taking in the view....

It was huge, and what a view, the beach was behind me.

The pool bar!

At night, it was just lovely, we were very spoilt!

So today I was back at work, well sort of....it is very hard to get started, but im looking forward to another holiday, and hopefully I wont have to wait another 5 years!

I hope you enjoyed the pics, of course, these are just a few!

Ive just listed some more things on Ebay, and will be busy in the studio creating......more like daydreaming! I think some people are right when they say you need a holiday to recover from a holiday!!

Have a good week!

Our humble holiday....cont.

2009-07-05T20:53:00.005+10:00

We travelled on buses, boats, planes, tuk-tuks,cable cars and canoes, on the go all the time! People fascinated me, not influenced by western cultures.

This man caught my eye as we were on the bus, I had to zoom in quite alot, but I just had to have his picture!

As I said before, the family could all travel on the scooters, only three on this one, room for shopping.

This was quite common along the footpath. If you're tired and hot, just pull up a scooter!

The park behind him, was created for couples when money became scarce.They couldnt afford to go out, so this park allows them to spend time together, families werent allowed!

The photo below was quite funny. In 40 deg cel heat, this guy was carting huge iceblocks, and they fell over in the middle of the main highway, melting very quickly!

No such thing as a ute, or truck!

Some days were hard to take, we were so busy.

Yeh, busy taking canoe rides down the river,

ponycart rides ,

river cruises......

This is high technology!! The wiring was such a mess everywhere, thankfully they werent electrical!

More photos to come, some great shopping spots, and the small and quaint holiday place we stayed in!

Did I mention how much I love winter???

2009-07-04T21:18:00.005+10:00

It is good to be home, though as reluctant as I was to go, it was an experience not to be missed! Such a diverse country, so much history, and the people are amazing.

This is in the main street of Saigon, on the roof of the hotel we stayed in. It looks quite harmless from up there, but on the ground, you are risking your life, scooters rule in Vietnam!

As you can see, there is no amount of things you cant put on your scooter! People move house with these!
I was so excited when I saw all of this lovely junk, "a junkyard" I yelled with glee!
Hubby said it could possibly be someones home!

This photo says it all...They were everywhere, and with no rules on the roads, they came in all directions, all the time! Whole families shared these, up to 5 people on at a time, incuding babies!

This gorgeous rusty structure was outside our hotel room, Saigon.

Temperatures ranged from 32 -40 deg cel, and the humidity was up around the 500% mark! It was hot, it was extremely humid, and I soon realised the essentials were cotton clothing, hat, sunglasses, and suncream smothered hourly!

I took approx 400 photos, though I wont bore you with all of them, picking out just a few special ones, which encapsulate our humble holiday.I will post some more tomorrow, our accomodation, the people, and some market fenzy!!

Now, off to visit some of you!!

I love winter.....

2009-06-21T16:45:00.004+10:00

I didnt get around to finishing my projects, too much rain, and not enough time.....

Im going to miss 10 whole days of winter, shame ,I love it so much, but I wont miss the rain!

Ahhh, I think I'll manage to survive, dont you?

Now....where did I put that passport......

Winding down...

2009-06-15T13:15:00.010+10:00

Bead feet

Shabby cream drawer box

Satin lining

Antique and brass handle

Picture frame lid, floral image

Trinket drawer, cute feet

Useful, and pretty!

Gorgeous chippy layered paint

Barkcloth lining
Wella!

Im winding down my ebay sales, I dont think It's ever been this sparce in my store, but Im filling up my studio, getting ready to fly away, from winter here, to Vietnam, humid, hot, and yet gorgeous, so I hear! This is a much needed holiday, last one was 5 years ago to the UK! Im a bit concerned, leaving my girls to hold the fort, they cant cook, they dont clean, and they come and go alot!Lucky one of them works from home, and the neighbours will be keeping an eye on them, and Toby!My parents will be going to stay for a while too,just to make sure they eat, and look after the home, and maybe they will do a bathroom makeover, and fix the leaks!Haha! Im starting to write a very long list, and thinking about freezing some meals...I dont want them to starve!

I have just been finishing off some projects for the studio, if I can part with them.After that junking trip I did last post, I should have so much more done, I guess Ive already started my holiday!

I'll be back before I fly, with some more redos!(the pressure is on!)

A junkfest, and an old friend revisited!

2009-06-10T19:22:00.008+10:00

Ive been anxious to get out junking again, so come along with me....

(click on the photos to enlarge)

To think, I found it all in my backyard!!

Am I embarrassed to show you all this? Well apparently not, it is still all here! Hoping to get some things cleaned up, and into my ebay store and studio before I go away.

As promised.....

And here she is, 'Curvy Lady'...whilst away the past 6 months ,waiting for her makeover, who would have a thought I would find another one just like her, but little! Actually, Sue gave me this one too. So of course I had to get them together, and tizzy them up!

Curvy Lady's little one!

To be 21 again.....

2009-06-09T13:42:00.007+10:00

One cake just didnt seem enough, so a tower of cupcakes were created with much love and giggles, with the help of miss Ris, and junk loving friend Jen! Even if they didnt turn out, we had fun!

My beautiful girl is 21 in just a few days, where has the time gone?

Next... holiday in Vietnam, one week to go!

Busy creating, so come on over and visit the studio!

Chat soon, new projects in the making....

P.S. Remember 'curvy lady'? She has been transformed,(6 months late) photos next post, promise!

Thankyou!!!

2009-05-31T16:16:00.004+10:00

Hi there, just a quick post to thank all of you who braved the weather (our only dry day in the past two weeks!), and made the sale a success on Saturday! It is so nice to receive wonderful feedback, and have customers coming back each month, and meet some lovely new ones. I almost wish I could still have them through winter! I said almost! It's too cold, and besides, I want to make it a little more special and cosy, for those interested.

I am opening by appointment Wednesdays and Saturdays . I'd love for you to bring a few friends! If you book a group, there will be a few surprises in stall, cant reveal too early! So check my website for details.

Through winter, I have a long list of things to finish, start, and all inbetween! Not to mention my daughters' birthdays and a holiday squeezed in there somewhere...there'll be more garden items, furniture, and repurposed of course!

Stay tuned, I'll be back soon to share photos of an old friend hanging around my studio!

2009-05-27T08:29:00.012+10:00

Here's a glimpse of some items for sale on Saturday, lets browse....

This Saturday, 8am - 1pm

A reluctant sale, but a much needed one this month...the weather isnt too good at the moment, and the weekend isnt going to be much better. The lead up has kept me quite busy as usual, but finishing some projects might be a challenge in the wet!

On a more positive note, the studio is filled with more than enough, and I have added lots to the website. This will be my last sale until September, so fingers crossed, the sun will shine!

Through winter, I will be open by appointment on Wednesdays and Saturdays, 10 -12 noon, but you can always pop over to the studio's website, or my ebay store.

There are always added distractions when Im running around stupid, finishing last minute items, and this one is no exception....apart from organising a 21st birthday to celebrate in a couple of weeks, a trip to Vietnam two weeks later, and an 18th birthday three weeks after that, I have a leaky bathroom.My son's room is so smelly with damp carpet, he has had to move out into my office/craft room! It's all happening here, all at once, as usual! I guess I can be thankful we are not living on the north coast where the floods are, two rooms are more than enough to deal with! I hope the government are going to help them out as they did with the Victorian fires...some of these people have endured floods only months ago.

Well, wish me luck for Saturday, and if you are close by, come and join me!

I have a visitor in my garden....

2009-05-22T18:11:00.002+10:00

Look who's buzzing around my studio!

Business talk!

2009-05-20T19:34:00.004+10:00

New additions to ebay tonite!

Isnt it just gorgeous? I wish I could keep it!

Well Im happy the way this turned out, remember before?

This little table is cute!

New additions to Junkstudio.... I made up these bundles of music, some vintage and a few modern.They are part of my huge collection of old books Ive had hidden in the back of a cupboard, and forgotten.They would come in handy for the scrapbooker, and they look great on display!

I love the graphics and text.

It's all work and no play at the moment.Hopefully next post might be a little more interesting !

Peace and quiet helps to create!

2009-05-17T21:57:00.006+10:00

This is the shabby piece of furniture, which I almost died for (check last post)......

What a difference some tlc can do! I wonder if that woman would want to buy it now!

Im adding it to my ebay store tomorrow.

So much for being deserted, they (my kids), always come back home eventually! Since 6pm tonite, this house has been so noisy, everyone talking at once! Im sure when I reflect, I'll be thankful they do come back, but at the moment, Im just thankful they have gone to bed, peaceful once again!

I also did a bit of repurposing with these gorgeous champagne glasses I found! If you been following my blog for a while, you would know I have a few plates lying around (a few hundred,more like!).I love the look of these cute little stands? Is that what you would call them? Anyway, I have quite a few of them now, and they'll be going into the studio very soon.

So check them out later in the week!

I dont want to do 'IT' alone anymore...

2009-05-14T16:53:00.015+10:00

'IT', being junking!
I found a sale by accident, and pulled over quickly! Walked extremely fast, almost broke into a jog! Scanned the shop, and went in for the kill, found 4 pieces of furniture! Then I walked extremely fast, almost breaking into a jog, and spoke to the lady behind the counter, pointing out what I wanted to buy.She yelled out to the guy in the back, to help me load them into the car! I was grinning from ear to ear, so happy with my purchases, and all done in a matter of minutes!
But as I backed my car into the drive to load them in, I was almost attacked by a woman, angry with me for taking so much.She said Im greedy, and hadnt left anything for anyone else! She was checking out this bedside table like it was made of gold!

Thankfully, I got away unharmed, this time. I think I need a friend or bodyguard with a get away car next time, I need to be more prepared.....maybe with the economy the way it is, people are getting a little crazy? I felt guilty, maybe she really needed it! Ok, guilt gone!! Here are the great finds I almost died for, I hope they are worth it!

I had to laugh, after reading my last post ,what a difference a week can make. It looks like Autumn has stolen my gorgeous green trees, the place looks deserted! Is there something going on, I dont know about? Hubby's gone away to Adelaide, daughter has gone to Port Maquarie, son has gone to Golbourn, and my other daughter is working on the weekend.So Im home alone...!

Does anyone want to come junking with me ? It's a bit risky, but fun??

Oh, just wanted to share my new additions to the 'Stationery department', on the website, go take a look in my studio items.

Playing in the dirt!

2009-05-11T19:48:00.006+10:00

This time of year is so pretty , the colours are brighter, and my garden still flowers!

Ive been playing in the dirt, and enjoying the gorgeous sunshine on these beautiful Autumn days!
Id been thinking of making a vege garden, and have been following the sun at different times of the day, to find the perfect spot. I know, I have so much time on my hands, I sit and watch the sun all day! So anyway, now I have lettuces, cabbage, broccoli, snowpeas, some herbs, and Im planting carrots soon.Watch this space, hopefully in 8-10 weeks, I'll have plenty of veges to eat!

Mum's Day!!!

2009-05-09T18:57:00.003+10:00

Wishing all of you who are lucky enough to be mums, a wonderful and happy day tomorrow for Mother's Day!

Im heading down the coast with family to feast on a seafood buffet, and spend time with my parents. It will be nice to eat a meal with our three children all together, it doesnt happen often these days.I guess that is my gift from them!

I have been working hard the past week, and will share pictures with you soon!

Happy Mother's Day!

A small resemblance...

2009-05-06T16:52:00.005+10:00

I watched the special on Christian last night......Whilst sobbing quietly in the living room, my son yelled out from the family room,"I want a lion"! I think we already have one!

The best medicine....

2009-04-30T11:20:00.008+10:00

Whilst preparing for 'the sale', I could feel a cold coming on, but focused on finishing things and setting up, ignoring all the while, the fact that I couldnt swallow, and my head was spinning!

The day of the sale, I faked it, and still chose to ignore the fact that I was high on cold and flu tablets, cough lollies, and aching from head to toe! At 1pm, I packed up, had a bath, and went to bed! That day was a blur!

That was Saturday, today is Thursday, and I can finally say Im almost presentable! Wow the flu really knocked me over.....

Thankfully, a wonderful surprise came from the U.S ! I ordered these last November, mmmm, not sure why they took so long, but it was such good timing. I have flicked through them numerous times and not comprehended anything, but today, I will! They have really been the best medicine.

Hopefully tomorrow I can get back to my daily routine of painting, creating, and junking, oh, and the housework!

It's called 'blending'...

2009-04-23T16:44:00.004+10:00

Can you see him? He thinks I wont notice he has made himself quite comfy on the new(old) lounge...at first glance he blended quite well, he sat so still. At second glance he blinked!

Please go and take a look at my website, a new look, and new additions!

Have a good weekend, Im off to finish preparations for Saturday.

Milk and one sugar please!!

2009-04-21T19:49:00.005+10:00

I love doing things with tea cups and saucers, I have so many of them, and they are so pretty.

I made 'teacup candles' a while ago for the studio, they smell devine.

So I found these gorgeous cups while out junking on Saturday,

and couldnt resist making these!

Im busy making things for Mothers day now, it is just around the corner!

Hopefully it will be fine weather for Saturday, Sale Day....

Mmmm, the questions today are....

2009-04-19T09:56:00.010+10:00

Heads or tails?

Yes or no?

Do I or Dont I?

Tails....Yes....I Did!!

Oh no,what have I done??

An emotional week, but a 'Berry' nice weekend, update included!

2009-04-06T20:15:00.013+10:00

A sad loss for my family last week, with my Aunt passing...

An emotional week, with memories flooding in of times spent with her and my cousin.....

A reunion with family to celebrate her life that was.....

New friendships formed with cousins not seen for approx 26 years....

Family.....

UPDATED:

A trip down to Berry was much needed and shared with a few girls!

Our favourite nursery, and little Annie, the youngest of 'the girls', (Tina's youngest)

We stayed in Tina's family's holiday house, on the lake, a stone throw from Berry's town, and lots of cows!

Simplicity, tranquility, friends, wine, what more could a girl want!!!

From my family to yours,

Happy Easter

I will be back after the break, enjoy!

All over the place!

2009-03-25T12:09:00.031+11:00

Yes, it's that time again, doesnt the month go fast!! I decided to have an Easter Raffle for a bit of fun. Sorry guys, you have to actually come to the sale in person to enter, so if you live close by, you could win this!

As mentioned before, I work better under pressure, and tend to leave things to the last minute, then have a mad rush to finish....well in keeping to my word, here it is Friday, and I managed to transform these in three days!

Side table
Coffee table

Display / inspiration board

Sweet little display table

Cute little cane and timber trunk

And lastly, what to do with old chair or table bases???? I will show you more pics of this one next time!

This week has been all over the place.....

A day of restocking and rearranging the studio, and junking and filling my car with some wonderful projects to start,

buying a new/old lounge (which I may tizzy up a bit later),

grocery shopping, cleaning house, mowing lawns, taking the car to the mechanic, finishing some sewing projects, washing Toby, fixing the pool gate, adding some more plants to the garden, going to my business course, preparing for the sale tomorrow, and lastly, catching a few minutes with my kids! Wow, what a week!

Hopefully I can catch a few minutes with hubby tomorrow night for an all important date......

28th March 1987.

22 years.

Creating amongst mess!!

2009-03-17T16:24:00.006+11:00

I have been creating so much lately, I cant even get into my office/craft room without a plan of attack, one step to the right, tiptoe to the left, jump quickly,and hang onto the chair.....I really need to tidy up, but I can see everything out, and just want to make more!Yesterday, I decided to decorate these fine candle holders.

I bought them a while ago, thought they would look nice in my daughter's room, same colour, but after I finished adorning them with all things vintage, I knew she wouldnt like them, and I dont have room anywhere for them, so they are going on my website! I was sitting on the floor for what seemed hours,(no bench space) and now Im suffering, my back wont straighten!

My verandah isnt much better, I thought I would have a bit of a production line happening, if Im in the mood to paint, it is easier to do a few things at once......but not when there is limited space! Poor Toby, he had bits of paint all over him, though I have to say, he does like to sit in the middle of it all!

They're not quite finished, I'll show the after photos another time!

The weather is just perfect at the moment, so Im off to create some more!

So what's happening at your place?

As busy as a bee!

2009-03-12T18:10:00.004+11:00

Ive had some catching up to do, since slacking off when my daughter came home, everything has been piling up!

A project I just havent had time for, this gorgeous mantle will clean up nicely...

These old drawers, so chippy and sweet! I have just listed some things in my ebay store to start tonite,

and a couple of new things to my website.

Fine glass candle holders

Im thinking of giving my website a spring clean soon, even though Autumn is on its way! Im trying a new plan of attack, hope it works. Hopefully I will have it all organised by April , so check in occasionally!

Thankyou to all of those who have been supporting me the past 6 months since Junkstudio has been up and running, you have given me the confidence to try new waters.......we'll see how it goes!

Set of doves