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Sample Projects
Meet the Author
Hey there, can you introduce yourself?
I am the founder and creative behind JUNKMARKET, a company that helps individuals incorporate vintage finds into their homes. I am a DIYer and offer re-purpose and makeover projects through my books, magazines, website and television appearances. I am the author of Decorating JUNKMARKET Style, JUNK Beautiful, JUNK Beautiful: Outdoor Edition and JUNK Beautiful Furniture Refreshed. I have contributed to many magazines including Country Home and Country Gardens. Learn more through my social media pages and at my website, www.junkmarketstyle.com
Tell us a bit about the book?
This book is part home decorating and part how-to manual. It's both a back to basics for newbies to the DIY world and a refresher for veteran junkers. I offer up 30 projects that cover every room in the house. The projects range in difficulty, but as always I strive to make each and every project approachable to all. Readers will find techniques for painting, metal refinishing and woodworking. Building step-by-steps, hacks and simply assembly projects are also included. I believe in a less is more approach to design so readers can expect clean and straightforward decorating ideas. .
What was the inspiration behind it?
In this world with a constant barrage of projects, ideas and trends it's easy to get lost in the creative world. I wanted to produce an easy to follow dual manual that would be as comfortable on the coffee table as it is on the workbench. I encourage DIYers to be original of thought and follow their own hearts. Just because everyone else is doing it does not mean you have to. My desire was to craft a book that gave the basic tools and inspirational material to allow crafters and builders to create their own style...one piece of junk at a time!
Which is your favourite project?
It's difficult to pick a favorite project as they are so diverse, but if I have to pick it would be the architectural salad server. I've long been a fan of preserving architectural salvage and this project accomplishes this personal goal in and easy and interesting fashion. It's a simple assembly project so anyone can do it. The beauty of it is that it can be taken apart for other uses and put back together again at will.
What is your craft space like?
My craft and writing spaces take on many different forms. My profession requires a fair amount of travel so my work goes on the road with me. From the beginning I have believed that spontaneity is one of the key ingredients to good design. So whether I'm at home, on location or in a hotel I adapt to my surroundings and let them be my source for inspiration. At home, my entire loft is one big design center. My kitchen cabinets are known to house building, craft and paint supplies where others might store more typical pantry items.
Have you always been creative?
As a kid I was always encouraged to explore creative outlets, so yes I believe I have enjoyed the process from the get go. I did not,however follow my passion professionally until I was 40 years old. First I was in the legal field then a stay at home Mom for 15 years. When I went back into the workforce I decided to follow my love for creativity rather than my educational background. I'm glad I did!
When did you first start crafting?
I've been crafting for as long as I can remember. I grew up as the youngest in a family of six, one older sister and four older brothers. We didn't have a ton of money so I was given a lot of hand me down toys, cardboard boxes and other odds and ends with which to play. I view that as a positive, not a negative. The first thing I recall building was an elaborate house from cardboard boxes for my hand me down trolls. Let me tell you, it was fully equipped! The funniest thing I ever created were book ends using my Dad's old golf clubs (or so I thought) as a Father's Day gift. Apparently I went after his new clubs rather than the old set. I remember the wince when he opened the gift. But, like my Dad he shrugged it off and said thank you Tinkerbelle, it's the best present ever.
Who are your crafty heroes?
I have three favourite authors. The first two are Julia Childs and Martha Stewart. Julia and Martha were mavericks in their own fields. They both had humble beginnings, but fought against the odds and taught women everywhere to shoot for the stars and to believe in themselves. My third is Carol Sheehan, former Editor-in-Chief at Country Home Magazine. When I decided to enter the publishing field I was more than a little green and junk was a bad four letter word. Carol was my champion, my mentor and my friend. She taught me every thing I know about the industry.
Where do you find inspiration?
Inspiration is around every corner. I shop everywhere from local hole in the wall haunts to large vintage and antique shows. My creative endeavors are fueled by the objects I uncover while on the hunt.
What's next for you?
I am just finishing my fifth book, JUNK Beautiful: She Sheds which is scheduled for release Fall of this year. I am booked to speak at numerous events across the US promoting both books.
Publisher's Description
In today's home decor, matched furniture is out and individuality is king. Refurbished vintage pieces make a statement, add a little flair, and tell a story that just can't be conveyed with store-bought items. Whether these pieces are coming from a flea market, vintage fair, attic, or thrift shop, transforming them into one-of-a-kind home accents takes only a little DIY creativity and attitude. In Junk Beautiful: Furniture ReFreshed, author and "Queen of Junk" Sue Whitney provides inspiration for reimagining and refashioning vintage pieces into truly unique furniture and accessories. The 30 projects presented here include clear, concise step-by-step instruction and photographs so that even novices can embrace the originality that mas made "rustoration" one of the hottest trends in the home-dec market. Requiring little to no skill to create and capable of being completed in a weekend or less, the projects are arranged based on where they will appear in the home―from the kitchen and dining room to the bathroom, living room, bedroom, and every room in between. An introductory section on techniques, tools, and supplies lays the groundwork for the woodworking, painting, staining, and crafting that will transform these items into the focal points they deserve to be. A shopper's guide presents tips and advice for selecting and collecting items to incorporate into your home.
