Picture Holder Perfect for a Crash Test Dummy!

While I hope I'm not be a Crash Test Dummy (some may disagree), I did fall in love with this guard rail when I spied it at an occasional sale (Mustard Moon) in Minnesota. Where they obtained it is beyond me . . . Jane does find the coolest things! There's not much project to it, just a little repurpose. And I knew it would be perfect for an upstairs hallway that was just waiting for the right wall piece.

With the lip at the bottom (or actually top), it holds pictures perfectly. Would also be great for family pictures!

Before I put it up, I made sure I sprayed it with a good spray poly. And there was nothing fancy done to hold it up. I just used large screws, making sure they were drilled into the wall studs.

Wowzers! Love the rusty patina on this piece. What is it with rust and metal that is so appealing??? I don't know, but I can't get enough of it!

Another great use for the guard rail--ambiance!

Of course I have to show off my kids artwork! My daughter's is the one with the wild imagination. My son is in college and contemplating a degree in art. Proud mama here!

New Booth at the Buffalo Nickel!

Last Wednesday, my partner in Junk, Julie Pierce of Design Cafe', and I went to the Buffalo Nickel to work on our booth. We hadn't been there in like two weeks and figured it would be a little rough and needing some TLC. Little did we know we'd have the wonderful opportunity of moving our booth to one downstairs! Awesome! Now for the bad news . . . it was over 90 degrees outside, with no air conditioning! Yikes!

Our new booth is about the same size, and directly across from the front desk. Prime location (I think they like us . . . they really like us)! Donna, the owner at the Nickel, has big plans in the works for our old spot (you'll have to wait and see what they are). But in the meantime, we spent the day moving, up and done the stairs a zillion times. And with this booth comes a lot of pressure to make it look great and keep up the standards of being on the main floor. It's still a work in progress as we weren't prepared. But here are a few pictures of it in the meantime. More pictures to follow as it gets tweaked!

It was a Hot Time in the Old Town!

Last week we finished our second successful sale at The French Flea. It started with a Customer Appreciation Party and was topped off with a book signing by two of my mentors and friends, Sue Whitney and Kimberly Melamed of JunkMarket. Sue's latest book, Junk Beautiful - Outdoor Edition, was released March 31, with Kimberly Melamed as a contributor. We were oh so thrilled and honored to have them join us!

Here are some pictures of the party, sale and book signing.

Two of our favorite shoppers!

Julie taking care of business!

Kimberly and Gretchen having a chat.

Love the architectural elements in this picture!

The Four Junkateers!
Kimberly, Me, Gretchen and Sue that is!

Give me a "J"!

Coffee, Tea . . . Shopping!

Fabulous vintage window/shelf with a great patio set!

Love the patina on this piece!

Wonderful vintage cupboard!

'60's retro patio table.

Customer Appreciation spred! Nummy!

Shot glass and bed spring? Perfect junk combination!

The next French Flea Sale will be June 11-14. The website is www.frenchfleamarketofanoka.com. Until then, au revoir!

Six Things About Me?

Okay, I've been tagged, thanks to Amy of Whisperwood Cottage on her post 6 Things About Me. I'll have to admit, I'm the worst at these things. I've been tagged before on awards, and have been a bad, bad blogger and never posted. I have to apologize to those who bestowed upon me that honor. But I'm trying to make up for it now. So if you really want to know six things about me, here goes nothin'!

Step 1: 6 Things About Me!

1. I've been married to my amazing husband for almost 25 years! Can you believe it? But then again, I was married when I was only ten. Ha. Only kidding (about being 10).

2. I've been antiquing and junking for most of those 25 years, to my husband's chagrin (hence the amazing husband part for putting up with it!). I've been in the antique/junk business for about 15 years.

3. I have two children who are adopted from Korea, Zach who's 19 and Rebekah who's 17. They have eight other cousins who all are adopted, two from Korea, two from Columbia and four from the US. The stork doesn't bring babies, airplanes do! LOL!

4. I sing! I even sang at my wedding (with my husband who also sings). Haven't done it in public for awhile, so the pipes are a little rusty!

5. I am a cat lover, and have three of them (two manx and one barn cat). My daughter told me if I wasn't married, I would have a house full of cats. Sad thing is, she's probably right!

6. Went to Cosmotology School after high school and even have my license, but have never worked in the field. I'm a little rusty there, too! Btw, my husband also happens to be a hair stylist, and a pretty darn good one, too!

Step 2: Tag, You're it!

I'm now tagging the following bloggers:

Gretchen @ Mimitorias Designs

Ki @ Junk Camp

Candy @ Junk Sophisticate

Linda @ Restyled Home

Donna @ Reinvented Style

Cassie @ Junk-Fest

Okay, y'all. It's your turn. You now need to post six things about yourself, identify six new people, and let those people know they've been tagged. Don't forget to link back to this post! Lookin' forward to getting to know more about you!

Live from New York . . . .

Live from New York . . . it's Sue Whitney of JUNKMARKET at the French Flea and Round Barn Potting Co!

Just off of her most recent visit in New York City with Kathie Lee and Hoda on the Today show, Sue Whitney of JUNKMARKET Style, will be signing her latest book, Junk Beautiful - Outdoor Edition, which was released on March 31, 2009 , at the newest of the Twin Cities Occasional Sales, The French Flea, in Anoka, MN on Saturday, May 16 from 10-12 and the Round Barn Potting Co. in Andover, MN from 2-4.

It all began in 2000 with a five year business plan, very little cash (try getting a bank to fund a junk business,) and a whole lot of determination. You know what they say: 'no guts, no glory!' The JUNKMARKET got underway as a retail business that sourced, transformed, and sold good junk. Back then, they traveled the country in search of junk to take back to the workshop in Minnesota for re-purposing. That tiny workshop soon became a haven for junkers far and wide who not only wanted to buy JUNKMARKET creations, but to learn how to create and style their own junk décor. JUNKMARKET’s emergent appeal led Sue to her ultimate goal of sharing her stylish reuse, recycle, and re-purpose message on a national level.

It didn't take long for the rest of the country to discover and embrace the junked-up style. In 2003, Sue became one of the nation's premiere 'junk experts' as an editor-at-large and columnist for Country Home Magazine where she shared her ideas with fans until 2008. During that time she also appeared regularly on HGTV's "Country Style."

Her first book, a shared collaboration with Ki Nassauer of Junk Revolution, Decorating Junkmarket Style: Repurposed Junk To Suit Any Décor was released on March 8, 2005. The premier issue of JUNKMARKET’s magazine hit newsstands on May 2, 2006 and the second magazine which included an informational DVD, was released in January of 2009. Her best seller, another collaboration with Ki, Junk Beautiful: Room by Room Makeovers with JUNKMARKET Style was released on March 25th, 2008. Sue is a nationally renowned and sought-after public speaker and makes numerous television appearances, including repeat visits to NBC’s "The Today Show."

The French Flea - The Sale Results!

Just thought I would give you a quick update on how the first sale of the French Flea went. I unfortunately was working my other job, at The Round Barn Potting Co., so was unable to be there the first day. Darn! It was described to me as a "butt bumping" day! Ha! But that was a good thing.When it opened, there were ten or so people already waiting in line, and the place filled up quickly. I was told for three or so hours, the women at the desk were at a steady stream of ticket writing. They said they hardly looked up! At the end of the day, there were three receipt books full of sales and a pretty empty looking shop. Looks like we had a hit on our hands. And with the responsibly priced items, I think we had a lot of satisfied customers.

Here are a few pictures from the day. Thanks to Kimberly and Robin for taking the pictures!

The line starting to form . . .

A few more people . . .

Before the doors opened!

Just before the rush . . . and everyone was too busy to take pictures!

The potting bench area

A couple french tables

A wonderful black table and chairs set

A french sitting area

That's me telling everyone what to do! Ha!

Our next sale starts May 13 from 3-7 with a Customer Appreciation. We'll be serving hors devours and beverages. We'd be thrilled if you joined us! For more info, go to http://www.frenchfleamarketofanoka.com/.