The Iconic Christmas Tree

One of my favorite decor inspirations at Christmas time is the Christmas tree, especially LIVE pine needle trees. I love that there are so many varieties! But the lovely pine aroma I adore does not jive with the junk hubster's nasal passages, so I've made do with artificial trees through the years. (sigh)

Here is our tree from last year.

I had wanted a white tree for a long time and I came across this one at a thrift store. It was c-h-e-a-p but it didn't have a stand so we slipped it inside a large crock we had and covered that with a funky vintage tree skirt. 

I've filled it with family ornaments and lots of pretty vintage ornies.

This year I plan to add more aqua ornaments. I've found a few but that precious color is VERY hard to find in ornaments (which makes the finding that much sweeter!) I did find some striped ones and a couple indented ones but I'd love to find a vintage aqua bead garland!

Do YOU collect any vintage Christmas?


The hubster's allergies may be what started my "hobby" of collecting vintage table-top trees. If I can't have the REAL thing I'll have a bunch of smaller not-real things. (I like making up words, don't you?) This "hobby" has become one of my fav obsessions, I mean, collections. Table-top trees were very popular back in the day so you can still find them if you watch for them!

This collection was acquired over about 7 years and, yes, I have a few more than these. The white light-up one on the left is my latest find. Someone made it, probably in a ceramics class in the 70's, but this one's special. It has a music box inside! And so does the green brush tree just to the right of it! And, it spins while the music plays.

Aren't they sweet? Which one would you buy if you found it?

I hope you're enjoying your decorating 

and shopping. 

I don't usually decorate until after 

Thanksgiving partly because I feel like

 it's official then somehow...

My little elf says - 

Be blessed ... and of good cheer this season!

See you on the JUNKIN' trail!
Cheryl

Crates on the Vertical

     There's something so appealing about crates on a wall. I think its because of the combination of great junk style along with function! I've been seeing these creative designs on Pinterest and in blogland both, so when I needed a new display piece in my booth I knew it would involve crates! Here's how it began...

    First, I found the middle of the wall and the hubster simply screwed the largest crate (the one on the bottom in the middle) to the closest stud. I didn't lay out the pattern on the floor because I already had somewhat of a plan in my mind, but I do recommend having a design plan ahead of time. Starting with your largest crate, play with your own pattern of crates and drawers!

    This arrangement is made up of seven things - one large fruit crate, two soda pop crates, two desk drawers, an advertising crate and something unexpected - a broken antique child's chair. I've always heard to decorate in odd numbers and it's always worked for me!

    As I made the arrangement I placed the soda crates opposite each other as I did the two matching drawers, which gave the design a bit a symmetry (another decorating tip that applies to junk too.)


    The little chair seat is my favorite part of the arrangement. I found it at a flea market and immediately thought 'shelf.' Isn't that how we junkers think? It also provides a touch of the unexpected!

    I purchased an antique butter table book just for this wall project. I loved the pages after pages of numbers it provided. I just glued the pages to the backs of some of the crates and added some hole-punched edging, another little finishing touch.

    Old wood crates, and old drawers can be found at flea markets, garage sales, junk sales and sometimes by the trash! I'm always on the hunt for these multi-functional pieces, not only to resell but for my own storage purposes at home.

    I got to say, this little change-up in my booth has really drawn customers in to the booth itself. They walk in to look at the display and then they start looking at the great junk for sale in the booth. Bonus!

I'll see YOU on the junkin trail!
Cheryl