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Friday, September 30, 2011

SNS 101 - non traditional window treatments




This series is currently in session. Click HERE to visit!
And onto why you're here today....

Non traditional window treatments


Welcome to Saturday Nite Special #101, the multi themed link party! 

* Home Decor
 * Crafts, / Sewing / Recipes
* Theme of the week

Every Fri 7pm  to Sunday 11 pm Pacific.

~ non traditional window treatments ~




light and airy... so delicate!


Country Living


love how the sunlight streams through




The Little Apartment


unique window AND wall treatment with a ton of character





See Inspiration


paper! clever.




mine

These old gate screens were one of my first builds.




mine


a drop cloth plus vintage hanger = 1 min no sew curtains


mine

see through junk. perfect. :)


And then Nester went and wrote an entire blog on this very topic!

Go see what's in the current spot right now. :)

What non traditional window treatments are your windows wearing?
Link'er up in this weekend's 3rd themed linkup!


Want more windows? Check it out!

Next up:
Summer's End Yard Party 2011

Remember when I challenged you to pretty up those yards and do something creative? Let's see whatcha got next weekend so we can say hello to fall!





upcoming themes - may not be in this order

Click HERE for the master themed linkups list. Add yours anytime!

 
~ SNS blah blah linkup rules ~

 1. DIY home projects only pretty please. Items for sale must be in tutorial form on your blog.

2. Please link back to the party (text or button) within your post. See BUTTONS under main blog header.

3. Only projects new to SNS please. The themed linkup is an exception.

4. By linking up here, you're cool with me featuring you with no additional permission required. Cuz I wanna make you a star. :)

Join us on Facebook this weekend for party highlights!







31 days - from blog to biz (intro)

For the next 31 days, I'm going to blog about how I'm going to flip my blog passion into a business. 
Let me explain why.



I'm a girl leading a double life. Can you relate?



Me #1:

Donna - Graphic Impact

a business owner that runs a sign and graphics company for the last 20 years.

a home owner.

a parent to an amazing son.


Me #2:

Funky Junk Donna - Funky Junk Interiors

a blogger

a writer

an artist

a stager

a junk picker

a photographer

a builder

a dreamer and goal setter


A typical day:

Donna goes into work. It's a nice day, things go well, I know I'll get paid in 30 days,  I go home, make dinner, yawn, tuck my son into bed, and then...

I morph into Funky Junk Donna. I can't wait to tap my fingers on the keyboard to tell you about a few new adventures. Time stands still as I gather up inspiration from blog hopping. Then it's time to hit the thrift stores to stock up! I find the perfect rusty 'ol something or other and dying to get home, photo shoot it and create that post. Then start the above cycle all over again.
So what's really going on here?

Ohhh... I think you know. :)

Us diehard bloggers have a bit of a sickness. And I think the real word for it is called passion.

And I personally have procrastinated long enough in many ways with this here blog career. For you see, this isn't my day job. But I'd sure like it to be.

How?

 I'm officially going to talk about flipping your passion into a business for the next 31 days.

But.. there's only one thing. My hobby isn't my main business.

You so aren't qualified to give this advice...

Yeah, no doubt... BUT... that doesn't mean I can't go for the gold, right?

Why are you DOING this? Are you CRAZY?

Yes. But with intention. I'm a storyteller. And what I write about inspires me and makes me own it. So over the next 31 days, everything I do on the blog will be with intention to make a few more of my dreams come true. And hopefully it will inspire you to do the same. I mean, if you WANT to.

But I do think I can help you in some areas regardless.

I'll be nattering about:

how I grew my blog and why it matters
how to manage working AND starting up a side career at the same time
sponsors and campaigns that can earn you money on your blog
magazine submitting and writing

how to get featured elsewhere
future plans and aspirations

whatever!



Not wanting to create a new biz? No worries!
I'll also be covering:

junk decorating
photography tips
how I store my junk
how I care for my family, work and blog all at the same time

and how tired I'll be getting from blogging daily. For 31 days straight. Egads...

AND during this time I'm going to start one of my biggest procrastinations of all time. Writing an ebook. Or a book. Or something. It's part of the plan. So the blog entry that day may be REAL short. :)

I may even invite a few guests that really know what they're doing for a quote or two. Who knows.

Basically put, I'm going to focus on doing what it takes to flip this here blog passion into my career.

And I'm going to encourage you to use your own God given talents and make them into something you can't live without. Because you have a purpose and it's time you realize that along with me.

Now know, I have nothing in draft mode. NOT. A. THING. So the blog entries will be a little like a running journal. I'm gonna live it, tell you about it, then dive into that given topic. Daily. Some with large posts and some small. Some with pics, some without. As life unfolds if you will. Survivor style. :)


31 Days - from blog to biz

Worth playin' for?

Tune into Day 2 on Sunday and let's find out... :)

So, what do you wanna know about in this series?


tune into THIS post to see the invitation to this series on Nesting Place





All 31 Day posts to date can be found HERE.


Blogger's gone mad on me so I've had to remove the individual listings. Please check the blog's sidebar archives for the individual posts. Sorry!


Tuesday, September 27, 2011

How a non builder learns to build


I'm not a pro builder. So when I vision something in my head, especially out of pallet wood, I'm often stumped on how to go about it.


First understanding the framework of a given build is key. But it has to work with your finished vision as well. You want the frame to be there, but not take over the design, unless it's part of the design.

But that's only part of it. Sturdy, fun to look at, affordable, and above all, fully functional are all parts of a good build.

I generally build out of necessity as I don't own 20 acres and 5 homes to furnish. So need comes first. But not always.



Desire plays a big part in my builds as well. I already had a patio set however it wasn't fully functional to our current needs. So I built one that was.

Do you have any idea how it makes me feel to this day to look at something I conjured up in my head, sitting on my patio? From idea, to finished product...

So many of you commend me on my building skills. Not two years ago I had barely held a tool in my hand. And now it's second nature to HAVE a tool in my hand. How did that happen?!

I'll tell ya how that happened.

I've always had vision, however lacked the skill to pull it off. It hurts to be inside my head. I see so much I have no idea how to do. I'm a Picker Sister with a twist. The deal with me is, I want to do the build myself, not have someone do it for me.

But everyone has to start somewhere. Not everyone has a husband handy with tools. Or tools. Or even a husband. :)



How I did it:



I started with minimal tools and no skill on how to use them. 


I borrowed tools.


I sought out advice - friends, google, books.


I threw out my hindering pride and set myself up in a position to learn how to use tools for real. This took guts!


I started to purchase my own tools as I could afford them. And I knew what to get because of the ones I borrowed.


I studied framework on finished pieces.


I started to experiment.


I failed LOTS.


I learnt from the mistakes and did it again. And again.


I started to succeed.


I now build furniture. And other stuff.




I put an I in front of each of these phrases because it was I that made all those choices to do something about my situation.

The greatest compliment a non builder can receive are others building what he/she just built. So when I see copycats crop up after one of my builds, it THRILLS me to no end.



This one just transpired. Laura sanded while she commissioned her willing husband to build this pallet sofa. He even sewed the cushions. Just... wow.



Maggie was in an inspiration slump so she forced herself to get off the sofa... and built this with her hubby. From nothing to something. Bravo!

But they have more than the pallet sofas they've created. They have new found skills and most likely the aspiration to go for whatever else they desire to make or have. And that is the best score of all.

The more one experiments, makes mistakes and takes chances, the more they will grow in skill and confidence. Allow that desire in, then go after it with wild abandon.


Kick out negativity! It stunts your growth.

Have the guts to succeed.

Look forward! What do you want to do today?

Making mistakes is part of the hike up to your destination. Allow it.

"Be today who you wish to be tomorrow." ~ Dan S.



I believe in you. Do you?

Sunday, September 25, 2011

An outdoor vintage market, great junk... and BLOGGERS



Once upon a time there was the most perfect overcast day. And before me, a wide open field filled with pretty white tents stocked with the most amazing treasures and most wonderful gals you could possibly run into.

Fieldstone Vintage Market was a local attraction located in Abbotsford, BC Canada. With one day only, the place was full to the brim with vintage themed and hand crafted vendors and eager shoppers alike.

I took my time getting there desiring a slower paced morning. When I finally arrived, I couldn't believe my eyes... there were vehicles parked where there were no parking spots. Apparently by the time I arrived, you could actually see the vendors. Before that, wall to wall people.

I swerved into a nearby Starbucks first for my pumpkin spiced lattee, then lugging the 'ol camera, I couldn't wait to see what was inside.  I met up with my dear friend Dorothy, neighbour Corinne and plenty of other gals that I got to know through blogging.

Let's go shopping!

Red Wicker - Monica

This gal is not only gorgeous, her booth stole my heart. I seemed to snap the most pictures here because, well, I couldn't stop. :) Monica's booth was double the size so when I needed a breather, I always seemed to gravitate back to her spot. It felt like home, what can I say. :)


Probably because she collects like I do. 
We love the same stuff. I could have taken everything home from her booth.










Monica doesn't blog, however she follows my blog and many of yours. She sells her wares at local shows. We've been chatting about doing something together  so you may hear about Monica again sometime soon. :)


Vintage Home - Colleen and friend Shelley

I only met these two today but I've been emailing Colleen for some time. And I must tell you, if you're ever feeling blue about anything, Colleen will get you outta your funk! This girl is FUN EEEE.

Aren't they cute?!?

Colleen, I still want your apron that wasn't for sale. Trust me, it was remnants of all kinds of things. Precious!


Shelley was an absolute delight! I think these two showed up just to hang out together and have fun, never mind sell. :)



Way to work that booth solo Shelley! Hmm... where's Colleen gone to anyway?

Oh, that's right. I lured her away to another booth to show her what I bought.


Type B 


This stuff was the cutest! The pendants are created with real items that tell a story.

See this WISH ticket? I had to have it because when you flipped it over, it read...


'write a book'.

Another kick in the right direction...

And then Colleen and I started fighting (true story) over a tag with a camera charm on it. I let her have it because it had a map of Paris on the flip side which told a story for a family member of hers.

You're welcome Colleen!  (still like her still like her still like her...)



As you can only imagine, I spent a leeeettle time at Tracey's tent. She had a bazillion massive corbels everywhere you looked.  I wanted them but didn't bring the semi with me that day. When will I ever learn!


She was nearly begging me to take this door off her hands. I wanted it! But you know... lack of semi...


However I was able to get this door knob into my purse, so home it came. Both sides were still perfectly intact. What a score!


And just so you know, this gal is a true blue photographer. 

Click on her link above and you'll be in love with her blog for the photography alone.



Carrie and I go way back. :) She came to my home when I hosted a town wide open house and we hit it off like gangbusters!


I think it was because I loaned her my jacket. Or maybe it was the empty bottles. We didn't empty the bottles. Just sayin'...


Carrie is a HOOT. She has that personality where you feel like you've known her all your life.

That other cutie with the white top is my awesome coffee drinkin' neighbour buddy Corinne, whom I convinced to come. She was eyeing up the chalk paint that Carrie stocks. One day I'm going to borrow Corinne for a portrait practice photo shoot. She's. That. CUTE.


You guessed it. Carrie's junk was decadent. And so is her store, located in Langley, BC. 



What a sweet find Elisa was! She sells antiques and pretties up old stuff. Her blog is brand new so she'll be sharing her adventures in all the things we DIYers love to do.


She was walking the isles and recognized me right away. Well, that's all the invite I needed! We head back to her tent and I wasn't disappointed. Don't you love her 'sign'?

I didn't recognize Elise until I viewed her profile after I got home. Then I smacked my hand upside my head and yelled, "It's HER!" She's commented forever on my blog. Doh!


I swear she had the most fabulous view of the rolling fields and mountains from her location. Earlier on there were apparently horses on the other side of her fence. Sweet!



I have a funny story to tell about meeting Rochelle for the first time. I was purchasing my mac computer when she recognized me. We had a photo taken together in which she looked absolutely ADORABLE! Me? Not so much. I had on a ripped shirt, 2 inches of roots showing AND in the photo my eyes were closed. Niiiice... So today when we got together, she said, "I hope this one makes the cut!"

No roots today, eyes open, shirt intact... were' all good. :)

Rochelle is insanely talented. She sells the most unique jewellery on the planet earth all handmade by herself.  

 

Her displays were as unique as her work.


Don't you love the music sheet treatment to this bust form?


Get them, girls!


A gorgeous paris themed necklace. 

Carrie will be stocking some of Rochelle's work in her store!

And this is what I treated myself to from Rochelle's place...


Her pieces are made with loads of soldering work, resin and all kinds of trinkets to complete the mission such as book pages and music sheets. 
This piece just spoke to me not only because it was adorable....


... the hidden message on the back reads, 'trying to make extraordinary...' Don't you just LOVE that?

Once Rochelle gets a bit more setup with her eventual online store, you'll be seeing her again on FJI.


Outdoor sitting area by the main building.

The branch is suspended from the ceiling. Love the streamer treatment!



I love how this 'designer gourd' is painted out in a desired tone as well as the stem being wrapped with twine, key accessory attached.


Neat caged lighting inside the building.

And next up, some random beauty from other decadent booths. 


I wanted each and every one of these handmade flowers.


Isn't that red on linen amazing?  Love the side closure with ties.




That's it! I'm dismantling an old rusty rake.


Real deal chenille bedspreads turned robes. They were ever so soft and absolutely gorgeous!


Hand written quote on a painter's drop cloth. 



There was obviously so much more than shown. But I had to make myself stop and leave already. 



This little number also came home for the ride. I fell in love with the perfectly faded red patina.

It was SO GOOD to get out among like minded gals. There's been some chit chat about the locals meeting up sometime to hit a massive junkin' place and restaurant decorated every square with ... you guessed it, JUNK. These are indeed my kinda people. :) Stay tuned for an announcement on that one.

Thanks Fieldstone! I had a blast!
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