Thursday, February 14, 2013

It all started with a sign

 I remember the day I fell in love with all of you. It was just like it happened yesterday.

Funky Junk's first real project, my before bedroom


My house had just been finished being renovated, leaving me without a cent to decorate with.

I took in a local home show regardless, which further depressed me. I was just so weary on having nothing in my house that I needed something pretty to look at. But looking at all these high end things I couldn't afford wasn't exactly the right place to be. 

Or was it...

As I drove home, I nearly came to a screeching halt when I noticed a cool old market sign in the back 40 of a local gas station. 

old_sign_for_a_headboard

"Can I have that OLD BEAT UP SIGN out in your yard?"

"You wanna clean up my place?! Go for it!" He helped me load it. 

He had no idea what he just gave me. And I had no idea what was about to embark.

I had just fired up Funky Junk Interiors not even a whole month ago, which seemed to be a suitable name for collecting forgotten junk off the curb, for decor purposes. 

And this was the night I fell in love with you...

old_sign_for_a_headboard


I created a headboard with that sign. I was so anxious to show you what I had done, I didn't even finish the room before the photo shoot! 

I threw it up on my reno blog and got 42 comments! VIRAL CITY! :)

It was right about that time that I fired up Funky Junk Interiors, knowing this could flip into something rather exciting... maybe.

Over time, this wacky project was well received! It was only my 6th Funky Junk post and your feedback and the coolness of the project inspired me beyond measure. I knew I was onto something super cool and never looked back.

old_sign_for_a_headboard_via_Funky_Junk_Interiors


So! My point today is to tell you how much I love and appreciate all of you. You gave me the encouragement to not fear putting up something strange and wonderful, and in return, it's my hope those strange creations continue to inspire you to just be yourself as well. And make your home yours for very little money required.

Happy Valentine's Day to every one of you! May you follow your own heart's desires and spread your own joy through your passion every day of your life!
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All my strange and wonderful creations. Thank-you for loving them!

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52 comments:

  1. Becca @ The Sassy PenguinFebruary 14, 2013 at 10:15 AM

    I never saw that sign- I would have fallen in love too. It was perfect.
    Happy Valentines Day to you, one of my favorite blogs! :)

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  2. Danylle McLainFebruary 14, 2013 at 10:16 AM

    You have been inspiring me every since you posted about that sign! Thank you Donna. Happy Valentine's Day!

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  3. Catherine HolmanFebruary 14, 2013 at 10:22 AM

    You are so amazing!

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  4. Susan @ Rustic ReDiscoveredFebruary 14, 2013 at 10:24 AM

    We love you to Donna! You are a true inspiration both with your ideas and kind words. I always feel so inspired after reading one of your posts. Thank -you for sharing. Happy Valentines!
    Susan

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  5. Emma Kate at Paint and StyleFebruary 14, 2013 at 10:52 AM

    Fabulous sign! Do you still have it I wonder?

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  6. AnonymousFebruary 14, 2013 at 11:04 AM

    I heart you Donna! Your work is so inspiring. Hope you have a fabulous day!
    Tami @ Curb Alert!

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  7. Jeanette@Creating a Life StudioFebruary 14, 2013 at 11:23 AM

    So awesome, Donna! Happy Valentine's Day!

    Jeanette

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  8. Pieced PastimesFebruary 14, 2013 at 11:24 AM

    I always know that a blog post by you will be filled with inspiring words and beautiful photos. It's always a treat to see your new projects and ideas.
    Have a Very Happy Valentines Day,
    Suzanne

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  9. Linda @ it all started with paintFebruary 14, 2013 at 11:27 AM

    Thanks for the stroll down memory lane! I love seeing how it all began. Oh, and I love seeing that I wasn't the only one with a red accent wall! I just painted over my this past weekend ...

    :) Linda

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  10. JamieDollFebruary 14, 2013 at 12:23 PM

    Love ya back!

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  11. JamieDollFebruary 14, 2013 at 12:23 PM

    Love ya back!

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  12. Heathe @ Move For FreeFebruary 14, 2013 at 12:33 PM

    That sign adds so much to the room! I always love your strange creations! Have a great Valentine's Day!

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  13. Something Nice and PrettyFebruary 14, 2013 at 1:06 PM

    I can't believe you found that for free! I've never seen the sign either, it is so neat! Have a wonderful Valentines Day!

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  14. JoaniFebruary 14, 2013 at 1:07 PM

    Loved it. Happy Valentine's Day to you and yours.

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  15. melissa@thetinsel.comFebruary 14, 2013 at 1:58 PM

    Yay! Isn't it wonderful how God works. You have been so blessed and I love following your blog!

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  16. JodiFebruary 14, 2013 at 2:05 PM

    How awesome and fun to look back at the beginnings =)

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  17. UnknownFebruary 14, 2013 at 2:08 PM

    I've been following along for awhile and have always been impressed with your ability to be yourself and create your own design trends instead of just following along with everyone else. You are definitely inspiring to those of us that want to make our space special but can't afford to spend the big bucks. Thanks for that! Happy Valentine's Day to you too. <3

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  18. Jeff HoltFebruary 14, 2013 at 5:17 PM

    I love your headboard and you really did a good job in your bedroom...by the way Happy Valentine's Day to you. :)

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  19. AnonymousFebruary 14, 2013 at 5:59 PM

    AWESOME sign..
    Happy Valentine's Day..

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  20. LyndaFebruary 14, 2013 at 7:15 PM

    Hail the queen of junk collectors and interior junk design....your ideas are divine, and we appreciate you! I remember when I began reading blogs and I click on yours....loved the junk at first sight...Thanks for years of inspiration(and perspiration attempting projects like yours) You are loved and highly favored by GOD!

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  21. NutbirdFebruary 14, 2013 at 9:24 PM

    And we love you too! Your posts are always so happy and inspirational. So thanks! Ann

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  22. With A BlastFebruary 14, 2013 at 9:42 PM

    Oh, I love it, Donna ! Never seen it before, but I can see why you liked it, as I was reading your post and got to the first picture I thought it is smaller and you would use it as a "poster" but the next pic blew away my mind - it is so big and just right for a headboard :-) Anyway, since I started reading your blog months ago, I am now the one dragging all kinds of junk home {instead of my husband, who can never leave a rubbish dump empty handed! } Thanks for all the inspiration!

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  23. AnonymousFebruary 14, 2013 at 10:52 PM

    I know this if off topic but I'm looking into starting my own weblog and was curious what all is required to get set up? I'm assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny?
    I'm not very internet smart so I'm not 100% sure. Any recommendations or advice would be greatly appreciated. Appreciate it

    my website ... make Money online Home

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  24. Maureen WyattFebruary 15, 2013 at 12:13 AM

    Looks like you struck a chord right from the get go with your decorating style and sure connected with your readers. Funky Junk was meant to be! Thanks for continuing to help us look at 'junk' with a whole new eye.

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  25. CathyFebruary 15, 2013 at 4:57 AM

    I feel like I first started reading your blog a loooong time ago when a neighbour had a pile of old wood in his driveway and gave it you? Is that right? Maybe I made that up. I still love that sign!

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  26. Michael ColineFebruary 15, 2013 at 5:18 AM

    Great idea, again! Congratulation on your imagination, your bedroom looks great and stylish.

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  27. dmw212February 15, 2013 at 5:23 AM

    I loved the sign....haven't seen it since I have been a fan of yours. I hope you still have it'!

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  28. Felicia KramerFebruary 15, 2013 at 6:05 AM

    The sign is new to me too- how great! Love the whole vibe!

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  29. KelliFebruary 15, 2013 at 6:07 AM

    I just love this sign headboard!

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  30. AnonymousFebruary 15, 2013 at 6:14 AM

    Your the best! When I check my in box I go to yours first....thank you for all the encouragement and inspiration! I bought a meat grinder at an auction a few weeks ago after seeing yours clamped on your desk with pencils in it!
    Love you!
    June

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  31. PattyFebruary 15, 2013 at 6:24 AM

    oh, cool! I thought I was reading about a sign you just found, then realized you were talking about the start of it all. It's a great sign! You give us all such wonderful inspiration, Donna. And courage to pick up something we may not have stopped for at another time. I've been a curb shopper long before blogs came along, have loved junk and flea markets since I was a little girl. But the difference now is that so many talented bloggers are giving me ideas of what to do with what I bring home. I just wish I were disciplined enough to carry through all my ideas. Thank you for being here for us. You rock!

    Patty
    Castroville, texas
    soriano471@sbcglobal.net

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  32. Lynda DishnerFebruary 15, 2013 at 6:33 AM

    I dont know how long you have been blogging but when I first saw your bolg, You were writing about you marriage breaking up. Then you were out walking and found a wonderful house that you were unable to get. My marriage had just ended in 2008 with the death of my husband and best friend. I cried right along with you in your time. But now saying all that I want to tell you I think you are a beautiful person inside and out. And I love everything you have ever done. Your home is so warm and cozy and the ideas you come up with are amazing. Just want to thank you. Blessings

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  33. jpFebruary 15, 2013 at 6:33 AM

    Your eye for finding, creating and displaying things with such a unique appeal are what makes everything you do go viral! Congratulations on all of your success!

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  34. Jeannie and LindaFebruary 15, 2013 at 8:03 AM

    I love this post...and you!

    Have a funky junky weekend.

    Linda at The French Hens Nest

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  35. TrishFebruary 15, 2013 at 8:18 AM

    I wish I could find a cool sign.... I love it. I like the red color on the background too. Great job!

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  36. Good Time CharlieFebruary 15, 2013 at 8:31 AM

    I LOVE that sign and I love the story of how it helped you jump start your awesomely junquey blog. Hope you had a wonderful day of sharing love. Thanks for sharing your love here.

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  37. kayFebruary 15, 2013 at 9:27 AM

    Just discovered your blog, loving it. Kay

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  38. Kathy February 15, 2013 at 12:31 PM

    sweet post :)

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  39. AudreyFebruary 15, 2013 at 3:05 PM

    Oh, Donna ... that is a great sign and looks great as a headboard. Love your story too. I love when I find great pieces for free.
    Blessings,
    Audrey Z.
    Timeless Treasures

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  40. PendraFebruary 15, 2013 at 3:27 PM

    Love hearing about your journey... and that sign! Junk is so "IN" right now that it is getting expensive and harder to find! Put perseverance pays off, every now and then I find a real treasure. We've just moved and I don't know all the spots YET, but I'll keep looking. Thanks for your inspiration!
    ~Pendra

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  41. thistlewoodfarmFebruary 15, 2013 at 3:47 PM

    I think that this is one of my favorite projects you have ever done. :) Totally shared it on Facebook....I had to....I'm the president of the sign's fan club. :)

    Happy day to you!
    karianne

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  42. EmilouFebruary 15, 2013 at 6:43 PM

    Hi Donna, well, you are the first 'blog' I ever started following. Wow, time goes by so quickly. You have truly blossomed!! Thanks for sharing and smiles to you.

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  43. Deneen@dreaming-n-colorFebruary 15, 2013 at 7:37 PM

    So glad you stumbled upon that "junky" piece of wood!

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  44. KristinFebruary 16, 2013 at 8:49 AM

    Awesome! I've been following you it seems for at least two years but have never seen this! Love it =)

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  45. Giuditta FontanaFebruary 16, 2013 at 10:14 AM

    Bellissima idea! Apprezzo tantissimo tutto quello che crei. Fantastica!!!

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  46. RachelFebruary 16, 2013 at 5:00 PM

    You are an inspiration. I am a recent follower of your blog. Great to know what started it all. Just today I finished one of my first curbside rescue projects--wooden coffee table base restored with pallet wood added as the top. Had such fun doing this. Planning my next project. Thanks for sharing.

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  47. {oc cottage}February 16, 2013 at 5:30 PM

    thank you for SOOOOOOOOOO much inspiration!!!

    m ^..^

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  48. Rita @ Pension Loan CompanyFebruary 17, 2013 at 11:13 PM

    I have no words to say this is wonderful and I'm soo happy i stumbled upon this.

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  49. Christina at I Gotta Create!February 18, 2013 at 3:26 AM

    Thank goodness that happened and you fell in love with us. Because clearly, we all have fallen in love with you!! :)

    <3 Christina @ I Gotta Create!

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  50. mitchiesmomFebruary 19, 2013 at 1:36 PM

    You are simply amazing and I am ever so greatful for all you have done to inspire us all!! Happy Valentine's Day!!!

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  51. breida @ breidawithab.comFebruary 22, 2013 at 6:36 AM

    There is a sign in my past, too. To this day it haunts me. I think of it often and wish that I had gone back for it. I found it before I even really started collecting things much. . . It was the price board for a bakery - and it was everything you could want in an old sign - and it was big - about the same size as your lucky find. It wasn't on the side of the road and it had what I thought was an enormous price tag - at the time. I now realize that it would have been money very well spent. . .
    I still think of it often.
    A love lost.
    Sigh. . . .
    I'm so glad you started this crazy journey, Donna - and glad I've met you along the way.

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  52. Blueberry Pancake PublishingFebruary 22, 2013 at 1:27 PM

    I've been following you for about a half a year now. The other day my friends and I went to this awesome antique store (junk) in Beek en donk, The Netherlands. I call it Bacondonk. :) Anyway, I've been searching for an old gate to use as a headboard. Well.. I found a ton but they are so heavy I'm sure it would rip down my walls. So now, I'm searching for a cool sign or a much lighter sign. Ahhh.. the searching is so much fun! And, spending the day with good friends. Keep on inspiring.. loving it! Lisa

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I love your comments and read every one of these! For more interactive feedback from me, I'd love it if you'd join my FJI Facebook page where communication is always current and incredibly fun! Thank-you!