And then there were four.....

Well hello fellow junkers...

We are going through some changes here lately, and  starting with the middle child flying the coop,literally!

After graduating her flight attendant course, and then landing a job with Qantas, it was time for her to find a place near work. So she now resides in the city, when she isnt flying!

But it doesnt stop there....Our eldest daughter is house hunting down the coast, in preparation for Uni next year!

The girls always seem to do things around the same time, so it is a double whammy!

Hopefully our son will hang around a little longer, I dont think I could take all of them leaving at once...

I guess keeping busy with work has helped, but the emotions are all over the place, and thoughts of the future are hovering.

So, as Christmas and the New Year roll around, it is a time to refocus, rethink, and  reflect on the past year. Every year justs comes around that little bit quicker....it seems there are never enough hours, days and weeks to fit everything and everyone in!

After the last sale here in the studio on Saturday, I will be finishing off orders, and slowing down to a walking pace till the New Year. 

But for now, full steam ahead!

I'll be back next week to share some pics from the sale, and I feel some specials coming on, in the website, to finish the year out!!!

Its got to be-e-e-e-e per-r-r-fect!!

Hello fellow junk lovers!

Well the sun did shine, and the breeze was warm, and the people came out to play!

After the rush hour from 8-9am, I thought my work was done for the day...the next hour was dead quiet.

Even though I had made quite a few sales, I didnt spend the past few months , in particular the last few weeks, and late hours last night, and up at 5am this morning, to open the studio for just an hour!

But then...

Thankfully,the late-comers arrived, and  I had steady sales right up till closing at 1pm.

'Retail' is a fickle business to be in , unpredictable and hard work, with not always satisfying results. I work in a shop five days a week, and we dont know from one day to the next what our sales will be like! Almost classed as a country area, we rely on good weather to draw the customers in, but then sometimes the good weather keeps them outdoors!

 We cant win!

The one thing I do know, is that we offer the best customer service we know, so we are certain they will come back!

Just the same as in this lil studio. I can always rely on my regulars to come back, and for the  newcomers, I try to make them feel most welcome and a new friend to the studio, and me of course!

It is a tough time for retail, customers are smart, and the competition is huge, even when it comes to garage sales, fetes, markets and the like. 

So when all of my customers tell me there is a huge fete in the next suburb,( I might add I was sad I missed it, they are always fantastic), I point out to them how good it is we have choice, and although you might not get quantity in this petite studio of allsorts, you will get quality (junkstyle) and definitely leave with a smile, and maybe a new special or two in hand, and the knowledge that you have made a new friend, or, caught up on some gossip, chit chat and laughs with an old friend.

It is a win win situation for the customer all round!

A wonderful day!

But now I think I need a nanna nap!

Be back again soon, when Ive recovered, and cleaned up my trail of mess throughout my home and verandahs!

Roadtrip of sorts...

Im heading over to the U.S in a month's time...yaaaay!

I guess we should start planning our roadtrip, if hubby and I could just decide on the same places !!

We are spending the first week in Los Angeles and Las Vegas, then who knows! I just know I want to end the trip in New York!

Lets not even mention the junk I want to squeeze into my suitcase...my 'persuation and suttleness' skills will be brought in to play.

I have a decision to make before I can start packing, though Im pretty sure what the answer will be...wanna help?

Head over to my facebook page and leave a comment....chat soon!

Sale update....

Time is going so fast, and my next sale has come around quicker than I anticipated!!

I have so many projects in the works, no time to chat!

The weather is playing havoc and may just keep the studio doors closed....

Fingers crossed, but if cancelled, I will post a new date soon, keep watching this space....

A sale like no other....

Thankyou to those who are interested in how the sale went, let me put your mind at rest....I closed after three hours!!!

It was miserable weather, Autumn decided to show up, and I think it scared most of  my customers away....

It was great to see a few of my regulars visit first thing, and maybe a dozen or so came in the next hour, but by 11am, it died a quick death!

I had tarps up everywhere, but the wind was cold and damp, I gave in, and packed up!  And just to taunt me, the sun came out for the next hour, and people were driving up the lane looking for my little studio, staring at the locked gate...shame...

Well after a night of sulking and disappointment, I decided that I will just have to plan my next sale in April. Check for new dates soon over HERE.

I took some pics, and made my new banner, but saved my favourite one to show here!

This lovely lady visits every month, we have a great catchup chat, and she usually finds something special to take home.

So how was your weekend ladies? 

Home alone...

No, I didnt set up traps for robbers, or jump on the bed, or order pizzas....

But I did take in the silence, and enjoy the freedom of doing whatever!

Well, it lasted about 30 minutes, until I couldnt stand Toby's sad face staring through the murky french doors....it didnt take him long to settle in...

I had big plans today, and that was to empty out the studio and freshen things up, in preparation for next Saturday, Sale day! Unfortunately, the weather had other plans, and down came the rain. I started a project during the week, and so I finished it off, and am quite happy with the result.

Tell me what you think!

A busy week ahead....will be back next week with photos!

Catcha!

Work overload...

Just a quick update on this weekends sale....

Due to other work commitments, I have to cancel the sale this Saturday.

For the locals who would still like to come and visit, I will take group appointments up until Christmas.

Everyone can still shop online in the studio anytime.

Timing is unfortunate, but hopefully I will be better organised in 2011!

Dont forget my giveaway...

What makes me smile today...

Hi guys (girls), as the case is, I am busy putting together a slideshow of the great sale I just had, and will share very soon!

As Im making the slideshow, I browsed through my video file and just had to share this one with you!

 Toby loves new toys, but we are not so keen!

...Go to youtube HERE...

I hope it made you smile too!


*I'll be back soon with my new slideshow for October 10, and a couple of new projects in preparation for christmas....yes, it's that time of the year again!
Have a good day!


****UPDATE****
You can now view the new slideshow, just scroll to the bottom of the page, and let me know what you think...
Photos taken by me as the sun was rising, 7am!

New start, new decor, new beginning....

Wouldnt you just like to clear out your home and start again, new start, new decor???

As much as I love all of my 'stuff', and the mix of styles we live with, on occasion, I daydream about a huge change.

I guess that is why I moved alot throughout the years, I absolutely loved redecorating, and the challenge of making everything fit and work in a new space.

A dear friend of mine is doing 'just that', and downsizing from a 4 bedroom home filled to the brim with country style decor, scattered antiques, and craft oozing out of her creative room! Jules has found a quaint little apartment, and has decided to change and minimize her decor drastically!

I still cant believe it, as we always compared ourselves with our collections and dare I say, dust! My heart was breaking while helping her pack, she ruthlessly tossed kitchenalia, furniture, and whatever else, my way!

Im helping Jules out, and will be selling alot of her treasures at my studio sale on the 30th. If I can part with them, and they dont find their way into my home, that is!

Jules is 'one strong junker', and has decided on more of the clean , white lines of shabby, vintage chic. Becoming a minimalist will be a challenge for her, but an adventure and a new beginning. 

This fainting lounge, as Jules calls it, will get a recover.  I was also lucky enough to buy off her the most gorgeous antique dressing table, which I will show you soon When I can fit it in its new place!)

So it makes me wonder..... can you take the collecting gene out of a  hoarder  collector, or are we destined to re-offend?? I may have to keep a close eye on Jules, just in case she needs to purge again!

So please, if you are local, come along to the studio sale, and pickup some great treasures, lots of interesting finds to be found!

So here is just a sneekpeek of specials piling in, it will be a tight squeeze!

It's a new day...

Hibiscus in bloom

My cleaning frenzy was slammed to a holt a few days ago when I hurt my neck...don't worry ,this is a regular injury, and nobody's fault but my own. I'm impatient when it comes to moving things, and need to move it then and there, no time to loose!

Thankfully it is mending and I'm able to do light duties!

New additions

I have so much to do this week, a sore neck wasn't worked into the equation, oh well, the usual last minute rush is on the cards, in preparation for another sale this Saturday!

New additions

Toby will be happy to see this pile move down to the studio, he likes to be able to see us when he is outside, looking in!

One Perfect Day...

You dont have to tell me twice, I know how lucky I am to have such wonderful customers come and visit on Saturday!

The perfect sunny day !

Thankyou to all of you , old and new!

Come and browse the studio slideshow, though now it has quite a few empty spots to fill!

Plenty of creations in the works, and a giveaway coming soon!

First day of Autumn today, loving it!

New stuff!

I have been collecting mannequins for years, and in the last few, my collection has grown to almost anything remotely like a mannequin, whether it is statues, jewellery stands, Curvy lady and child.....

I just love them, maybe it is from the years of dressing windows in David Jones...

The graphics Fairy came up with these gorgeous images I couldnt resist!

 I love them as is, but couldnt help dress them up a bit. Im adding these to the studio, and will make some more for my office soon!

(click image to enlarge)

Now back to pricing, and cleaning those spiderwebs away to open in the morning!

Pencil it in!!

First sale for 2010....27th February, 8am - 1pm.

Check the link on my sidebar, and receive 10% off home decor and accessories via the website, or in person at the sale!

Lots of new items added weekly!

I have a few things to share soon, stay tuned...

The home run....

Have last sale for the year....tick

Start and finish Christmas shopping...tick

Call the fire brigade to help put out the fire in our driveway...tick

Sit and stare at the burnt remains of our jetski....tick

Unplug the washing machine under warranty, squeeze out 12 towels, and call it a day....tick!!

Ahhh, Christmas, we're on the home run, and then round the corner, a New Year!

Thankyou for your comments from the previous post,apart from today's happenings, the festive stress is easing, and I look forward to having all the family together soon to celebrate and laugh, eat and be merry!

Studio update...

Although the doors are closed for the year physically, they will always be open virtually, via here, and here.

Please feel welcome to visit via your computer, as I will still be adding new stock weekly.

The doors will open in February 2010, date yet to be confirmed.

This year has been wonderful, and new ideas for next year are being planned as I write!

I wish to thank everyone who has visited Junkstudio, if not to purchase,just to chat and browse. I hope you will continue to check in occasionally, you may be surprised!

Catcha later!!!

It's that time again....

Come and join me for a great day, surrounded in vintage, shabby, and sunshine!

(Wednesdays will no longer be available for appointments)

A 'Junking' contradiction!

This week has been quite different from the past many!

Each day I normally put on a paint shirt and jeans, and head out the back to paint, fix, sand, and create!

But not this week, I had the opportunity to glam up a couple of days, and work in this very elegant homewares Boutique.

When you walk through the door, you think you have died and gone to heaven, it is just beautiful. Products from Paris, Italy, Portugal,Nepal, the list goes on, along with european prices!Unfortunately, they dont sell via their website, so for those of you over-yonder, you'll just have to come here for a holiday to visit!

To support my junking habits, I will be working there 2-3 days a week. What an extreme contrast it has been, selling beautiful european fragrances, jewellery, homewares, linen, and furniture.

Today, I slip on my jeans and paint shirt again, back to reality! I have much to catch up on, with only a week till my next Junkstudio sale!

Thankyou all, for crossing your fingers and toes, this extra work outside of the home will keep my sanity, and provide more income for junking, oh and bills!

Junkstudio will still operate the same, just in alot less time!

Have I mentioned I work better under pressure???

The sun DID shine...

Before the crowds knocked me down to get in,lol!

The sun was shining down on me on Saturday!

The stress melted away the minute I setup, opened the gate, and my first 'old faithful' customers(neighbours) came through!

I was in my element, and smiled the rest of the day!

Many items sold which was quite humbling to me, but my highlight would have to be the chatting, laughing, and reunion of some old neighbours, old and new friends, and family, who came together to support me,oh, and spend some money!!

Judy arrived later in the morning with her cheeses and chocolates, and people swarmed!It was a day of success, and I look forward to next month's sale with more enthusiasm, more stock, and of course, more stress( it keeps me going)!

A big thankyou goes out to all involved, and I hope you had a good day, and look forward to seeing you here again.

Mum was a trooper and was put on lunch and tea duties, and Sue and Jen(and Wayne) helped out with food and packing up, and Judy brought in the customers!

Now, I have my work cut out for me, a couple of big pieces were sold, including the bookcase I showed you, and a corner cupboard.They are getting picked up next week, so I have to empty those, and alot of the new things I made sold....

So, back to the grind-stone,

with a smile!!

A rare photo of me, which you will probably never see again, I like to be on the other side of the camera!

This was one of two chalkboards I finished the night before, the other sold!

Corner cupboard sold!

Jen being cheeky with Marilyn!