Let's talk JUNKIN'

Hello everybody! Today I have a very important topic to discuss and I think it's an important one with everything that is going on in the world today with the Coronavirus. Let's stop being so wasteful! There might really come a day when we need the things we already have. Now that doesn't mean I don't want everyone participating in the spring cleaning that should be starting around the country. I think now is the perfect time for you to decide what you want to leave me out on your curbs this year! Just kidding! No seriously, I need some new projects!

If you're not familiar with junkin' or feel like you're too good to pick up something off the curb, maybe you need to take a look at some of my refinished furniture on my FB page Crafty Junker . Every piece of furniture was taken off the curb (except for the desk my Gram gave me) and this is just a small sample of the work I've done. If you add up how much money I spent creating every piece of furniture I've made over the last 5 years, it adds up to about 12 bottles of Unicorn Spit and sandpaper. True story.

I'm a former homeschool teacher and we barely survived on one income most of the time. I had to get creative to keep myself and my kids busy throughout each school year. I didn't have money to go buy supplies for the crafts that I wanted to do, so every spring I started asking everybody in my family to clean out their junk drawers. We were given everything from paper to paint and glitter. That's how my collection started...or my 'craft supply hoarding problem' as my husband refers to it. I also started paying attention to all the little things my grandmother's would save and starting saving everything from old jeans to cottage cheese containers. All these years later and I have a fully stocked craft room. It still amazes me how I'm able to use materials that I saved 25 years ago in my projects today.

Then I discovered JUNKIN'! At first I was embarrassed to go out and literally pick up someone else's trash. But, after the first hour, I was hooked. It took me a while before I would go out in the light of day, but I got over it. Everything I was finding was way too good not to keep doing this! I exercise all year long just so I am in good enough shape to jump in and out of my truck!

Here is a sample of some of my best finds:

antique sewing machines (picked up at least 10)
antique radios
tv consoles
entertainment centers
wicker furniture
antique metal chairs
liquor carts (picked up 2 so far)
kids toys galore!
bookshelves
antique desk
antique rocking chairs (picked up 4 so far)
wood and pallets (I never buy wood for my signs)
drawer pulls and knobs
fabric & craft supplies
holiday decor
metal wagons (picked up 2 so far) & tractors (also 2)
windows (too many to count)
headboards and full bed sets (too many to count)

Another way to save money on your projects is to go to your local hazardous waste facility for paint and stain. It's free and you can take all you want. If you're really lucky you'll find spray paint, but don't count on it.

Then there is the Dollar Tree. Always hit this place before Walmart because you never know what you'll find to use in a craft and it will always be cheaper. Just know that I shop them all in my local area and I'm always going to get there before you because I don't want to miss out on anything good! Speaking of which, sometimes you can even find t-shirts there for a buck...which works out great when you've already bought every color of vinyl you need to decorate them with!

If you haven't noticed, I'm a cheapskate. But why spend money on all of these things when you're going to need it for Unicorn Spit, sandpaper, spray paint, vinyl and fabric?!

Crafting is a great stress reliever for me and I love being able to express myself through my art. I've always loved redecorating my house, but it definitely gets expensive. I first started out going to garage sales and buying small pieces, maybe a shelf I could refinish or a mirror I could make into a chalkboard. Then I started wondering why I was spending money on these things when I could get them for free off the curb? You will be so surprised to see what things people will throw out.

Go through your Pinterest and see what kinds of items you need for some of the crafts you've wanted to make. Take your list out junkin' with you. Remember that spot in the bathroom where you need a shelf? Bet you'll find it. Or that fairy garden you wanted to make from a large clay pot? You'll see them in all sizes. Want a few wreaths to use for Easter and Halloween? They'll be out there. Need some new toys for the grand kids? Oh, you'll find them!

Now that I've got you excited about going junkin' this year, I must tell you the down side. First, you can definitely expect your spouse to hate your new hobby...especially if it takes up any garage space! So definitely keep your eyes open for stuff your special person will love. You'll still hear complaints but once they get to see what's in it for them, it does help. Secondly, you either better have lots of space to put your new finds or you better get really creative reorganizing stuff. I've found that if you organize enough, they start to lose track of what you're bringing in, so keep that in mind.

I hope I've given you some things to think about and that you'll consider going out on the hunt with me this year. Have fun!