"Winter Whites and Shades of Gray"

Here's a peek of our theme for February.  The doors open at 5:00 on First Friday (tomorrow) and we'll be here until 9:00.  Fire works on the river begin at 9 PM, thanks to DTSB!  Come one and all, it'll be fun.

The Good Life for Less

I had the pleasure of meeting  Amy Allen Clark when she stopped into the shop one day.  We started talking and I learned that she had just published a book on a subject that I've lived my life by and a lifestyle that junk Evolution helps people achieve.  She had a book signing at my favorite local book store in Goshen, Better World books so I rushed over to buy one of her books.   She's making the rounds doing book signings so if you are a  mom on the go it's a must read!   Also check her blog Mom Advice out for more great tips.

The Good Life for Less by, Amy Allen Clark

Winter Whites ...

and Shades of Grey
We've had a wonderful time off, spending time with loved ones, organizing our homes, and working in the studio.  Here's a little peek at what's to come for our February theme (mentioned above).  

We'll be opening our doors February 1 at 5PM with our French Market.  

Shade of grey!

Some shabby chicness

a mismash of wood chairs to pair with our frenchy tables

Small tables stacking up in the work room

So that's what I've been doing.  Can't wait to see you all on First Friday to catch up.

To the right, books,

to the left, a tea-cup.

In front of me, the fireplace;

behind me, the post.

There is no greater 

happiness than this.

                             ~Teiga

Curtain Call 2013

If you've been a follower of our blog then you know this is always one of my January projects, when I actually have time to work on MY home.  You would also know that I like using common, but unusual items to make my window treatments.

The room that needed draperies is really a dining area connected to my kitchen, but I like using it as a place for tea (or wine)dreaming and entertaining.  We use our dining room for all meals so if I had a table in this room (which also has the back door) it would just be a catch all and trust me I don't need another spot for that! Anyways I needed something heavy enough to keep out the cold and hot sun in the summer but because it's a sun room I like it light in color so it looks airy in the warm months.

So here's what I started with...3 Large canvas drop cloths and copper pipe.

   Here's what the space looks like (notice the copper curtain rods).

And here they are all finished-hot off the press.  I made a 4" rod pocket and used that to hang them by but for summer I'm going to turn them upside down and hang them by the clip rings (below).  That way they'll open up a bit more.  This way is best for keeping the heat in.

clip rings

 The large drop cloths have a seam in the center that I ripped so it made 2 panels for the large windows.

Draperies like this are very easy, just time consuming because of all the measuring and ironing.  The sewing part is a straight seam and goes smoothly.  When I get tired of the plain canvas I might even paint a pattern on them and when I'm ready for new they'll be used for what they were originally intended-drop cloths!  So what are some of your winter home projects???

Happy Crafting,
Char

The Countdown untill February Begins

Don't get your hopes up for any of these items because this is a very old photo (from our first year).  But we are working very hard on lots of new items for our French Market on the first of February.  Mark your calendars and shop early for your sweethearts Valentine's day token of love. Maybe some pretty plates to serve them dinner on or a vintage glasses and a favorite bottle of wine.  We do a lot of shopping and have lots of idea's up our sleeves, so don't hesitate to ask for help.

Nap Time!

Thank you for a wonderful 2012!  It's hard to believe that this March will be our 3rd anniversary.  Time really does fly when you do what you love. 

I did get to sleep in two days in a row, but it's back to the design studio tomorrow.  I've got so many idea's and never enough hours in the day.  February 1st will be our big reveal, so stay tuned for a bookish review "Winter Whites and Shades of Grey."  It's time to get our French on! 

First Friday January 4th our 2nd annual pajama party

We brought Kim Cole back for Palm reading and she
designed and made these shirts for the occasion.

We'll have to bring her back again next summer when she
can stay longer, the lines are always to long to get everyone in!

Tonight's the Night!

It's jammy time!

We are ready for our long winter's nap

and you won't see us again until February 1st,

so come in for your junk fix

from 5-9 PM

Wear your pj's and pay cash for a

20% discount!

Hibernation starts tomorrow!

Happy New Year!

I just got back from a week in the mountains, refreshed and ready for a new year.  We at junk E are all excited about this coming year and have lots of fun events planned for you.  When you own your own business it's always a process of trial and error, and learning from past experiences.  We aim to please but also want to enjoy life so we keep trying for the happy medium.   

We will have new hours starting in February (check out our news letter) and will only be open Wednesday from 10-6 and First Friday at 5-9PM before closing for a month.

I wanted to find a great "New Years photo" from my trip and this is it. Not because I love these man made structures (I really do) but because of the hope, the fears the challenges...everything they represent.  Crossing over into a new place, the light at the end of the tunnel, seeing beauty through the dirty windshield.  Hope.
                                           Keep it in your heart always and have a Beauty Full new year.