Thursday, June 19, 2008

I LOVE JUNK!

Some of my most interesting decorative pieces are what others may call Junk!  My husband has used that word may times, But after 13 years of marriage, countless salvage yards/antique shops, so many unfinished projects, and many finish projects my husband has learned to trust me.  I love that about him.  He has always been supportive of my crazy ideas.  My first item of junk I will introduce you to is my beautiful door (on the title).  It has a history.  

It came from the old ghost mine building in Globe, AZ.  Just before the building was torn down I was admiring it as the old out house door.  I loved the black porcelain knob and the perfect aging of the paint.  And the color was perfect.  Not knowing at the time that the building was to be torn down I dare not ask to just take a door off of these people's home.  About a month later discovering the building was torn down I morned for all of the beautiful window, doors, and fixtures that were lost.  As we drove trough the mountains past Miami in the little area known as Top of the World, I stopped at a quaint little "antique" shop and saw my door.  $20, a good washing, and a thorough lacquer job* later this door is one of my favorite focal points in my house.  It is very shabby!  I love it!  

My first point to this blog is keep your eyes open.  The best pieces are found in the strangest places.  So always keep your eyes open at yard sales, thrift stores, salvage yards, alleys, dumpsters, and flea markets.  Sometimes all that is needed is a coat of paint and a good distressing!

*anytime you buy something old and you suspect the paint may have lead in it, I recommend using some type of sealant to assure that the paint won't chip off for little mouths to find.  I use a brush on poly-acrylic polyurethane.

6 comments:

Lorena said...

Love it, Erika. I think I need to take a field trip to your house (or museum).

I'll try to keep my eyes open, but I can't promise anything.

Erika said...

Oh my house is no museum. As you can sympathize it is a kid zone. Hence the shabby chic - if I didn't distress it they would.

Deana & Ryan Bitter said...

I'm so glad you found my blog... that way I could get yours and keep watch on you Biggs (I added you to my list of cool people - tell Christie if I had hers, I may consider adding her... even if she isn't among the camp elite!) I love your cutie pie blog and house. You need to help a fellow camp, hobby lobby,walkie talkie,Colorado native, blog friend! Let's get together soon! Please send me all your amazing new craft ideas for Enrichment!By the way... how's that rash???? :)

Jan said...

Erika,
I just stumbled upon your blog.
I love your door story. I don't know if you know, but I love junkin' too! Globe is one of my favorite places to go, infact if you ask my kids their favorite quick get away for the day, they will say, "Globe". We make a day of junkin' and lunch at the great mexican restraunts, and the kids love it.
I have been going to Globe since I was a kid with my mom. She has a house of junk!!
I'm so excited to see what you do with this great blog you've created!
Take care and I'll see you on disc burning day :)

Jan Ericka

Erika said...

Jan I look forward to seeing your contributions to the blog! Thanks for your comment. You probably even know the building that the door came off of! And we always have to stop at El Rey Cafe when we make a day of going to Globe. But you really have to go on the weekend or friday because everything is closed otherwise.

Geoff and Emily said...

Erika, Cute Blog! I didn't know you had it! Keep on posting ideas, 'cause I know you are full of them... how do you have any time to think of new ideas... seriously!? I have lost most of my brain functionality since motherhood. It was good to see you at the reunion- I miss everyone down there a lot! Em