Iris

The Path

2009-06-24T19:09:00.000-07:00

Have you ever noticed that life sometimes takes you down a different path than you expected? Sometimes you just have to ponder where it is all going. Kinda like a stream flowing, cascading over the rocks, racing along then slowing down and turning in to a meandering stream finally spilling into the river. Design is like that too.
One has to decide which path is best for them.I take that if you have a style you really like you should follow it. Now can you be influenced by different things or people,yes.
So in the down time I have taken I have drawn a conclusion. Follow the narrow path-be different-be yourself-be more free in design-take more chances-look to nature for inspiration and never be afraid of failure it only makes you stronger.
So to all have a wonderful Summer and may your Junken Trails Happy and Prosperous.I look forward to the shows and visiting the cool blog folk out there.

A Friends Dream

2009-05-15T12:36:00.000-07:00

Once in awhile you get to help someone attain their dream. It is a joyful experience.My friend Kat has always wanted to have a sale in her darling carriage house. We talked and and fantasized about it all Winter long. She has a string of tragedy, I always told her one day she would have her dream. Tomorrow she will. I am so lucky that I got to help. I am posting pictures of her sale. I hope now she can fulfill many other dreams. It will be in Salem,Oregon and advertised in the paper and Craigslist. Happy Junken Trails!

Reboot

2009-04-29T08:19:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you just have to evaluate everything.So my hiatus from the blog world. I have been thinking.Which by the way the jury is out on that one. If that is a good or bad thing. What I have discovered is that everyone needs to have the decompression time. I suppose kinda like a seed in the ground or when your computer does the updates.
As the old saying goes time waits for no man. So my return to the blogging.Mainly because of the really cool folks that are in that world. I love to read them and by not keeping up on mine it is kinda like coming to the potluck without a dish.Thanks Lisa and Joy for the encouragement,it was much needed. So I have snapped-out of it.
Monti's Spring Show is quite the event. Had a great time putting the space together. A special shout out to Lynn for helping Judy and me. She is quite the talent and does she have a great eye for design. Thanks.

Colby Cottage had a wonderful set-up, could this be more Spring?

Annie, Fanny, and Abigail had it going on. Primitive heaven.

Debbie and her hubby set-up this darling area. Could it get much cuter? It did!

Thanks again Lynn for the help. Here is a picture of Lynn and Heather setting up their very stylish space.I did not get to see it all finished, but the great thing is this show goes for a month so there will be a lot changes and new merchandise added. Auntie Joy, Vintage Trifles,Molly Mo, Bella Shabby and some of the other great Monti's vendors are there. So you can not go wrong. Sunshine anyone?

Waiting On Spring Or Something Like it

2009-02-01T19:34:00.000-08:00

The Pacific Northwest can be a very fickle place to live just when you think maybe that garden could be tilled or even maybe tuck some peas into the ground. Snow shows up in the 15 day forecast. Well then you think I could do an inside project.Hmmmm. Like paint a room so you pull out the swatches and begin the process of trying to figure out which color you could live with for awhile. Well I finally decided that I was suffering from cabin fever and it would probably not be a good idea to pick a color in the dead of Winter. So I rearranged my rooms. Now I am a habitual rearranger I always say it keeps me off a bar stool.
I want to thank Kathy from Colby Cottage for the Lemonade Stand Award. I've never had a blog award so this is new territory for me.Kathy and Marv are super nice people so I am very honored. Thank You.

The Sun At Last

2009-01-15T22:38:00.000-08:00

I was so ready to see the sun. Judy and I headed to Monti's to work on our space. It was great to finally get out from under the gray rock that has been this Winter. I have been accused of being part Iguana because I like it hot. We had fun messing around in our space and left some interesting stuff, I set out some old German die-cuts. They are so much fun anyone that dresses barnyard animals and lets them play flutes has to belong in the junken world. Love the chicken in the hat.

Have to enclose a shot of the worlds biggest mooch and part Iguana too. He has taken over the chair closest to the fire and I don't think we are getting it back till summer.Does he look like he is moving,not likely.He is 18lbs of bad temper. Kitty gets the chair.

Hey a shout out to all that are doing the Clark County Expo,I hope you'all do great! Happy Junken Trails

Merry Christmas

2008-12-23T23:49:00.000-08:00

Wishing you all the Peace and Joy that comes with this Season. To all that have Soldiers,Please tell them thanks for their service.To those that are dealing with that first Christmas without someone important in their life may you have comfort.For you that have a new life or someone new,enjoy each minute with them.I am so glad for the blogging world seeing so many the bright shining faces of wonderful ,creative folks it has been great! Thanks for being part of my life it has been made richer. Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year. Hopefully the chains will come off,the roads smooth out and we can all have Happy Junken Trails! Or as Santa would say HOHOHO.

Oh The Weather Outside Is?

2008-12-22T12:11:00.000-08:00

I keep wanting to use the word frightful.Yes,with Christmas Thursday it is frightful. Stockings are still need to be stuffed,food bought and all that other mania that accompanies the season.Though I am enjoying the beauty of the snow and the quiet that it brings. It is kinda like natures ultimate screen saver outside. Everyone drive careful and happy junken trails with chains of course.

The Most Wonderful (Busy) Time of The Year

2008-12-19T20:28:00.000-08:00

That is how that song should go. Is it just me or does the school decides "We need at least two concerts in December" Then the bosses go lets have a Christmas party! Oh wait let me fit that in with all the decorating,cooking,Post Office runs and the dreaded shopping.Now I am always up for hardcore junken, but put me in at the Mall(the regular kind or Wal-Mart)and I turn into a Guppy,yes I feel like I am ready to go belly-up. Give me a garage door to wait at anytime,not those box stores with their slick floors and canned Music.Thank God I have friends and family that like gifts from LE E'COUTER! Happy Junken Trails.

Blackberry Christmas

2008-11-15T22:28:00.001-08:00

The Historic Fairmount Grange is dressed for a Blackberry Christmas. Lites twinkle,primitive country hand-made goods await new homes to be treasured in.We have experimented with new colors and styles to keep it unexpected. Painted ornaments even a 5 foot tall jester to keep it fun. Mandy is back with her coffee and great food. So what a great place to go and get away from the mundane. Hope to see you there. Happy Junken Trails, it ends next Saturday!

Life Interruped

2008-10-22T09:04:00.000-07:00

Every thing some times gets outta focus. Then there is an event that brings you back to stop and remember the important stuff. Thanks Susan for the bench. It was perfect.My mother-in-law,Violet was so full of life and will sorely be missed. She came from the "old country". She had to learn English before she could go to school. She taught all of her brothers and sisters to speak English. She was a farmers daughter,worked in the shipyards as a welder,was a PBX operator at the Greyhound bus station. Then ferried the troops from one base to another.A telephone operator for 35 years. Mother of three boys. I am glad I knew her and loved her.

Oddfellows

2008-10-01T11:38:00.000-07:00

Halloween is one of my favorite things to display the riot of color, the black cats,smiling Jacko'Lanterns and well just the plain weird stuff. So when I was getting out my mantle display stuff I found this old image. It is of a Odd Fellow "float", so I had asked the person I had purchased it from about it and was told that one of the duties of the Odd Fellows was to provide Christian burials for those that couldn't afford one. Which I thought was a pretty kind thing.
So it has been added to my stash of "odd stuff". I'll post the finished display soon. Happy Junken Trails!

A Bunch of Flowers

2008-09-28T16:48:00.000-07:00

Blackberry Junction this Fall was a bunch of flowers! Lots of great folks coming by to say hello and take a treasure home with them. Its the best part of the biz to know someone is going to value your merchandise and in a small way incorporate a part of the show into their home and history. Hopefully to be handed down and cherished by someone else. Thanks to all the great vendors and designers. A big hug to Larena and Jason for being sooo cool. Happy Junken Trails

In the Mags this Month

2008-09-24T07:42:00.000-07:00

While leafing thru my new Country Home I saw one of the spoon Chandliers like we have at Blackberry Junction. Which I thought was pretty cool. So I thought I would share the picture with you. Happy Junken Trails too You!

Monday At BBJ

2008-09-22T21:53:00.000-07:00

Today was a scrabble to pull the show back together. Wow what a response to the show. It was great to have Elaine from Feather your Nest back. Martha from Vintage Trifles and the other great vendors so we played with a couple of area's.Its always a blast to add the new goods to the show and end -up with an entirely new look. Had lunch there,it was excellent Mandy made her Black Bean and Taco Salad. Loved it! Don't miss this show it is a delight and now with the weather change its time to get your Halloween on.

The Gypsys Have Camped

2008-09-19T10:21:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all the vendors and designers that worked sooo hard to put together the show. It is now open! I hope you all get a chance to visit and see all the wonderful goods that showed up. Thanks to Larena and Jason for letting me part of this event what a joy they are! Happy Junken Trails.

More Meat

2008-09-18T07:32:00.001-07:00

It was too late last night to post more pic's so before I run off to Blackberry Junction here's more.The New Country is the mixed natural area with elements of Tin,Ironstone and Primitive furniture. Then the other is a darling area put together by Carol Curtis and Co. Carol's quits are amazing!
Karen from A'musements is setting up her Halloween magic. The final fluff is today then tomorrow showtime! Also Deepwood Estates is having its sell this weekend,don't miss that. The setting is so beautiful and is always an outstanding event with alot of great vendors. The Mid Valley is rocken.

The Meat of the show

2008-09-17T22:46:00.000-07:00

What a day lots of staging and lots of great Fall and Halloween things came into the show today. It starts Friday at 10:00 am. This is just a sneak peak . More fun to come.

The Muscle of the Show

2008-09-16T08:55:00.000-07:00

The bones have been set now comes the muscle of the show. Wow and are we pumped up. The black curio is just that stuffed with potion bottles, feathers , bones, antlers and the Halloween goods. Emily Engels one of my fav's has brought some wonderful folk art. Martha from Vintage Trifles has spooked up the stage left with her Fab folk art and now add all the antiques and vintage decor . You can not miss this !

Bones of Blackberry Junction

2008-09-13T22:19:00.000-07:00

The Fairmount Grange looked great awash in the full moon's light tonight . It was a busy day, it's always great to see old friends and get to do that creative process with setting up a show. How lucky are we getting to do this job! Tonight I am posting the bones of the show. I think there will be quite a few surprises for those who attend the show . The Gypsy Camp is starting to take shape as well as Fall Garden. Circle the Vardo's and break out the swirling skirts cause the Gypsy's are coming to town.

Coburg Fun!

2008-09-07T19:36:00.001-07:00

What a beautiful day for a show the weather was spectacular,the goods were plentiful and there were lots of old and new friends. Judy and I set out pretty early and are we glad we did. The sun coming over the hills and the lush fields of the valley made for some wonderful viewing.

Of course we were "Tickled Pink" to see Lisa and Isabel there. They had great goods,can't wait to see there booth at Mont's for the Fall Show.
Then just around the corner was Diane from
Molly MO's. It was great to see her and her booth was darling.

Martha from Vintage Triffes had her marvelous wares too.Iam really looking forward to seeing her Fall and Halloween treasures at Blabckberry Junction.

Colby Cottage makes a splash with this statement Birdhouse.
Kathy and the gang were all there. Although I didn't get to see Debbie from My Shabby Roses..darn.

The Queen of Tarte was there too. Cindy had this Zebra footstool that was a kill in her booth. I loved it! The first picture on the blog was in her space.The amazing Auntie Joy was there ,how does she do it? A day with her is a "JOY" (pink bike and all). Judy and I pulled out of Coburg and agreed it was a FUN day.

September Morning

2008-09-02T09:13:00.000-07:00

As I changed my mantle over to late Summer I was wondering should I just go over to Halloween. Couldn't do it, I am praying for an Indian Summer. It was too was way to quick from June to now. Lots to do in the next couple of weeks as I get ready for Blackberry Junction. I am hoping to pick up some great Halloween stuff there. The show has great Fall and Halloween decor. The Altered Artist they have there are very talented.
To all that are getting ready for Coburg good luck, I love that show. I am glad to hear that they tweaked with the set-up. That whole 24 Hour, Jack Bauer thing was killer. Although it was exciting but when the adrenaline wore off it was a three day crash.
Happy Junken Trails too all!

The Rest of the Cabinet

2008-08-19T17:05:00.000-07:00

The other half of Iris (Judy) sez she couldn't tell what the last post picture looked like and since it's ours. I thought I'd post the whole thing. So here it is and we'll be going to Monti's tomarrow look forward to the trip cause Miss Kendra is leaving. She will sorely missed. Thats one of life's great parts is getting to add to the collection of cool folks you have got to meet. Kendra is definatey one of the VERY cool ones.Happy Junken Trails!

Things to Come

2008-08-18T22:19:00.000-07:00

Where did Summer go? Today's rain was a wake up call,yes Fall isn't far. Wow there have been some great events this Summer. I love the Blogs, I can keep up with all of thde Shows. To all that did the shows thanks for the pictures and smiling faces.
Blackberry Junction is coming fast and for those that do shows,planning is critical. I think this is going to have a lot more design elements than past shows so I am really excited.
My fav is going to be the " Gypsy Camp " I found a really great book this summer about Gypsys . It was a trip back through the migration and the possible area they came from and how they influenced so many cultures. Of course I was really interested in their design and the vardos (gypsy wagons). Forget the Winnebago, The Vardo rules.
So the process begins in defining the areas and the hunt for those things that pull the design together,its going to be fun. Keep you all posted.

Roses for a Friend

2008-07-13T19:23:00.000-07:00

This is a special post for my friend and partner at Monticello's. The 14th is her Birthday. So for all those that know her you'll have to agree she one of the nicest people you'll ever meet. So Happy Birthday Judy!!!!

Its' A Grand Old Flag

2008-06-29T12:24:00.001-07:00

The Fourth of July is almost upon us. Seems like there was snow on the blog just a bit ago. I love to decorate my mantle for all the Seasons and Holidays, the 4th is one of my favs. I like to use toiles and blue willow patterns for the reds and blues.
I think that is fun instead of just the primary colors . I love flags too.

Course I love old tobacco tins too, very Americana. Always a chicken too because it's fun to Set the Chickens Free!

Found this darling little Marine print a couple of years ago and he has become one of the staples of the 4th display. The last pic is my favorite. It's what America is all about folks doing things that are great. How each and everyone of us no matter how different we are all stand united under one flag. Now that's pretty cool. So here is to Life,Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Happy Fourth of July!

(Pictured my Son Charles,USAF)

Today's Projects

2008-06-22T23:40:00.000-07:00

The warm weather is like a battery for me. Yes the Sun, paint and off we go. I have been having a field day with some of Martha's new colors. They are great. So tommarrow is a trip to Monti's.I love the fact that us junkers are the master recyclers besides find this stuff at Wal-Mart. Enjoy the sun and Happy Junken Trails to all>

Maybe? The Sun,is that you?

2008-06-11T21:11:00.000-07:00

To all that went to Farm Chicks I have been drooling over the pics. Wow is there some talent here in the Northwest or what. Fab Job!
I'll be making the pilgrimage to Monti's in the next couple of days so I thought I'd share some of the things that will going up the pike, I have this thing for old Chianti bottles they are so interesting ahh the conversations they have heard. Also I have had to pull myself off this old Chimney cabinet,yes its going to Monti's too. I like it cause it came out of an old school in Hopmere,Oregon that is right next to St.Louis, Oregon which is just north of Brooks. I love all the little towns that struggle to make it even on the map anymore.
Happy Junken Trails to all

Long Time Coming

2008-05-20T15:01:00.000-07:00

Whew-That was rough going from cool to hot,hot,hot. But now it won't be such a shock when the next heat wave comes. It is almost show season to all that are going to Farm Chicks I hope it is a great show. It should be exciting to see all the cool stuff, make new friends, and be simply inspired. Speaking of that I finally got my house decor outta the Easter-mode. Finally! Now what to do ,to soon for 4th of July.
One of my favorite items is clocks,now when I was a small child I noticed that the old folk always had a ton of clocks. Well now I'm an old folk and I have a ton of clocks. I have taken and set them to important moments in my life, the times of my kids births,the time I was married (saved me a couple of times) and the date my son left for Germany. Truly markers of ones life events. One can never have too much time even if its only on the face of a clock. Happy Junken Trails to You all

Made it to Monti's

2008-05-01T12:38:00.000-07:00

Finally got the trip together. First stop was the gas station. OMG! Next the hail! Rude drivers! Yet when we backed the truck in it was all worth it.Seeing everyone there was great it always is. Miss Vicki is always so darling . Got to work and loaded the booth with all our found things. Now Hilda the cupboard is awaiting her next home.(She deserved much better than that shed). Finally we broke for lunch at the cafe. My fav is the tuna panni, course any thing with capers is Fab. The cafe was packed. The Mall was dressed to the nines for the show. Just incredible all the cool stuff. Didn't have alot of time to poke around, darn. We whipped into shape as fast as we could always wish we had an extra hour ,but my little guy was done with school so Mom's taxi flag went up. Have a great weekend and happy junken trails to you.

Dreamy Day

2008-04-28T21:48:00.000-07:00

After all the rain comes the warm and light ( a little successful junken too ) helps to put the winter ICKY behind. Had fun trying out a new paint on cupboard. It is a great color because it pretty much compliments pink,greens,reds, butter yellow and white. Give me a can of paint,a project and nice day and I'm good to go.
Judy and I are going to try and make it To Monti's Wednesday lately we have failed due to one thing or another coming up, life happens. She has her Koi all tucked in, I got a sneak preview they are Fab. the Fantails look like birds under the water. I'm hoping she'll let me post some pictures cause her yard is a little slice of paradise. I keep waiting to see Fairies cause if there is a place that they might live, it would be there at Windsor Cottage.

Her Name is Hilda

2008-04-24T16:54:00.000-07:00

Sometimes when I work on a piece of furniture I let my imagination run wild or it could be the paint. Well anyway I love this old cupboard . There she was despondent in an old shed. Cast off during a 60's remodel. The sturdy old gal still has lots of life and could be used for so many things. Her paint color is so cool I love the color combo. Didn't get up to Monti's in time for the Spring Show,which by the way I heard from the other half of Iris, Judy was absolutly Fab!

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The Date Is?

2008-04-20T11:30:00.000-07:00

OK,enough ! I have a ton of projects that are calling my name. A garden that is cover on black plastic( I'm trying to warm up the ground) Paint colors picked out to paint with and definitely a lack of vitamin D and A. But I do have to admit the flowers poking up out of the snow are stunning. I think this is a record for the latest snow here in the mid-valley.

Little ole Metallic Table

2008-04-15T09:35:00.000-07:00

Fooling around with paint technics can sometimes work out, although I certainly have had my share of misses. I love the softning effect that the metallic paints can do to a piece. It turned a prim, very country table into a " Sleek Chic " table. Thanks Elaine from Feather Your Nest and Queen of Tarte for the inspiration. Off to Monti's it goes.

tis the time of the season

2008-04-14T22:21:00.000-07:00

Let the fussing begin, yes that brief bout of bright weather turned on the desire to change the entire house upside down. New displays, fresh paint,etc,etc....I started in my family room and began moving thru the rest of the house. I also started messing with metallic paints. Oh very fun. At Blackberry Junction Elaine had a very cool piece. So thus the inspiration. I had worked with on a somewhat limited scale, but I think they can add such depth to a furniture item the color cannot be ignored. So I took a vey country pine table and jazzed it up totally. Before it makes the trip to Monti's I will try and post a pic.
Also to let the Blog-o-shpere know the theme for this Falls BBJ its going to be Gypsy Camp. I have worked on this style with another designer who is the bomb when it comes to mixing it up, So dig up those treasures to fit the theme. Think Gypsy Wagon

All Gone

2008-03-24T08:50:00.000-07:00

Blackberry Junction was quite an under taking this Spring wanted to share with you the bare-bones of the building. What a transformation huh. For all of you that came Thank You so much. The Fall show isn't that far off. We are already in the planning stages for that event. So begins the gathering, making and just seeing what God gives us to put this together. That's the exciting part.

Now to change out Monticello , We want to bring in allot of garden. Judy the other half of Iris is going to start a Koi Farm on her Fabulous property this Spring so Garden is going to be a key element in most of the design till fall. Hopefully we can find wonderful things to add to our space.

See you there!

The Gypsys Move on

2008-03-24T08:43:00.000-07:00

Joy makes the final sweep

Primitive Chest

2008-03-21T22:12:00.000-07:00

Ink Blue Cupboard

2008-03-21T22:10:00.000-07:00

Swan Song

2008-03-21T21:44:00.000-07:00

Well one more day and Blackberry Junction Spring 08 is a wrap. I want to thank all the Designers that helped pull it together , what a posse. Thanks Elaine,Gayla,Raija, Carol,Emily,Julie,Kathy,Jacki ,Linda, Joy, Diane and all the other folk that help . As you can see that is what makes this show so special is the diverse talent and how it all blends. The vendors were even stocking the show this afternoon. So check it out if you can tomorrow! Everyone have a fab Easter. See you at Monticello.

Fluffy Sunday

2008-03-16T22:02:00.000-07:00

Yes it was long week getting ready for the show, but a small item just hanging there inspired me . It was so darn cute. So the inspiration for "Fluffy Sunday" , Thank You Auntie Joy and Molly Mo.

Gayla and I got into the "pink of things" and off we went. See what one darling little purse can do. That's what I love about vintage and altered art pieces , it is so easy to incorporate them into your life with just a little imagination.

Retock Day at Blackberry

2008-03-16T21:36:00.000-07:00

Linda brought in some more great concrete and alot of vendors had
some new treasures. So the Grange looked pulled back together.
That's the fun of this show is the constant makeovers,Hey I got an idea!
Whats better yet the crew is up for the change around. Cool huh.

Bavarian Visit

2008-03-14T15:18:00.000-07:00

Thanks Elaine,Raija,Linda and Larena!

The Swan King is Seated

2008-03-14T15:15:00.000-07:00

The Nest

2008-03-14T00:05:00.000-07:00

The Nest at Blackberry Junction
Yes, We finally have the show

ready !

Colby Cottage TOO!

2008-03-11T23:52:00.000-07:00

Kathy of Colby Cottage comes to Blackberry Junction . She as created a masterpiece of design in one of their signature structures. The Fairmount Grange is slipping into a world of enchantment and wonder.

Birds of a Feather

2008-03-11T23:42:00.000-07:00

Elaine of Feather Your Nest and Raija of Pansey Cottage Take a well deserved break

Blackberry Takes Shape

2008-03-11T23:37:00.000-07:00

Auntie Joy and Molly Mo Function at the Junction

2008-03-10T23:15:00.000-07:00

Love this area it is like being a little girl again. Sticking your fingers in icing on that Wedding Cake or sitting on that forbidden silk chair in Aunt Ediths parlor. Yummy! Joy and Diane have created this corner of sheer delight for Blackberry

At the Junction

2008-03-10T22:54:00.000-07:00

Yes, the assembly for the show is racing forward at a fevered pitch so much to do.Its' been great working with all the talented people that are there to display their treasures,finds,and lovely hand-made art. Its' a humbling experience to see the folks that make the show come together. Too it is really nice to reconnect with old friends.Make new ones and just to see the imagination that steams out of this event.I'm posting a couple of pictures of two of the areas in the body of the show. You don't want too miss this Blackberry Junction.

The Swan King and the Crown Box

2008-02-28T13:21:00.000-08:00

A Finished profect for Blackbarry Junction, yes I am still enchanted with the Swan King. The Crown box is backed with old religous paper from 1894.I love the Swan Birdbath. It too shall be at Blackberry.

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SPRING UNFOLDS HER WINGS

2008-02-28T08:45:00.000-08:00

Yes , finally it's sunny! The crocus are prolific this year and the garden is awakening. Even the statuary seems to be enjoying the sun. I'm getting really excited about Blackberry Junction a darling show in Albany Oregon at the Fairmont Grange. It starts on March 14. Had a get together with some friends and got really discuss how the bones of the show are going to layed-out. Lots going on . Larena has alot of great ideas and visions for the show I hope we can " put the icing on the cake". Good Luck to all my friends that are doing Expo. I think the Design talent is remarkable at Expo.
Went to Monticello and had fun getting the space set up to get ready for Spring. Judy brought in this darling oak table and chair set, Then we set the table with this very cool china. That was really fun, reminded me of being a kid again and having a tea party. We are going to do a major change to the space in April. We love being there wow the clan at Monti's are the Bomb.

Ludwigs Castles

2008-02-16T00:08:00.000-08:00

YouTube (click here) This is the a great post of Ludwig's Castles , the whole concept is truly amazing click on the link to get to this video. A minute or so of a fairy tale in a land not to faraway. I hope you have enjoyed the Swan King as much as I have ,although his life was tragic at the end he still transcended so many things.

The Grotto

2008-02-15T22:21:00.000-08:00

The Swan Kings Grotto is one of his most interesting design elements. The light, water, art and the serenity of it all put together. As we try and put Ludwigs idea's into a vingette at Blackberry Junction this one that I hope we can pull off. Thats always the challenge with design. So as we move on to the next area I wanted to post one last look into the beauty that is the Barvarian Kings legacy. Truly it was shining stone in his crown.

The Hunt

2008-02-04T15:35:00.000-08:00

My favorite part of the whole design thing is "THE HUNT",well I do enjoy putting it all together. It all started on rainy day while mourning my sons departure to Germany. He is in the Air Force at Ramstein AFB, so to combat the anxiety I started to look at the Castles of Bavaria. My favorites were Ludwigs (The Swan King). So the wheels started to turn. Then in a spur of the minute stop I found a handcarved wood swan in an old friends space. Confirmation if you will. Thanks John. Yes the whole Swan thing seems right. Then at lunch with a great group of Ladys we began to discuss the look of the vignette. One of the Ladys is a very talented painter so she's thinking of painting a swan on canvas. Yes of course it will have a crown.

THE SWAN KING

2008-01-31T12:43:00.000-08:00

Ready to roll on a new look for 2008 , the inspiration for me has been Mad Ludwig the Swan King of Bavaria. I'm really excited because my dear enabling friend Larena , of The Blackberry Junction Show has given me the nod that its ok to set one of the vignette's as The Swan Kings Garden. The influence will be very European lots of mirrors,crystal,alot of statues for the garden. The colors are muted pink,blue grey, touches of gold and black for the drama. This should bring a new appeal to an already great show. Will update as things fall into place.

Winters Moon

2008-01-25T22:35:00.000-08:00

I found this painting right after I had tryed to figure out how to cope with the lack of light this time of year. So I started doing what the Indians did I make the passing of Winter by the full moons. I like to put the Lady in the Woods right up after the Holidays. As she takes her walk into the night its a reminder that Spring is only a couple of full moons away. Finally made it to Monticello. I'm so ready for a new look. Will be working on that the next couple of weeks. Looking forward to all the Spring shows too. Always great to come out of the gloom of Winter to all the bright new stuff. Well new to me anyway. Happy Junken Trails To You

Getting ready for Blackberry Junction

2008-01-25T22:16:00.001-08:00

Well this Winter has sure zapped the creative and motivation ions outta the air for me . Time to get on the move though. In March this grange hall in Albany becomes transformed into a design rave. This Spring we are going all out for alot of different kinds of garden inspired themes. Beside the traditional kinda stuff wagons ,pails,iron etc..The English Cottage will burst forth with florals,china and linens . Spring in Paris will be a little more brave with pale pinks, creme, black accents then will blend into Mad Ludwigs Garden (after all he was the Swan King) stately butter creme, pewter, ink blue, and grotto green. This show is always exciting because it brings a great group of vendors and design junkies together. With the great bones of the grange you really can't go wrong. This year hopefully will be over the top . So stay tuned for more info.

Happy New Year To All

2008-01-01T11:47:00.001-08:00

Wishing all a Happy and Prosperous New Year. My how time has marched down the road, the parade keeps passing and what a great way to track it with design trends and the evolution of our homes ,interests and art. My Ode is to those that take bits and pieces,dibs and dabs, things pulled from a bin or burn pile and breathe new life in those things destined to be given to the dumps. A toast to all that move an object from obscurity to elevated art. To a ragged fabric to a perfect pillow, a sad peice of furniture to treasured heirloom to be passed to the next generation . Any way YO HO A JUNKERS LIFE FOR ME.

2008-01-01T11:44:00.000-08:00

Monticello Antique Marketplace News

2007-11-28T21:51:00.000-08:00

Monticello Antique Marketplace News
All I can say is WOW, the Christmas show looks Fabulous! I don't think I have ever seen such Magic in one place as this, You can not miss it. Way to go Monticello.