The beginning of a bunch of good things...

Who likes Junk?  Who likes to talk about Junk?  And we all know if we are any of those two things, we sure as heck like to SHOP for JUNK!

As most know, I love finding the ugliest pieces of furniture and restoring them.  Ever since I was a kiddo, I always had this heart that believed there is and was beauty and good in all things no matter what.  Most think I'm not for real, or out of this world.  I get the question quite often  as to which planet I come from.  Actually, I find all that as quite the compliment.  I love the fact that I am unique and I am very happy in life.

I just find a great thrill out of helping someone or something that most ignore.  With all that said...my passion and kind heart has lead me to great adventures and all kinds of things!

I truly get a healing in my own heart when I create or restore a piece of furniture.  It's an art and a talent, yes.  But to me, it's comfort and passion.  Also, with the great love I have for God, I spend alot of my time while working on these pieces of furniture listening to Bible scriptures, and preachings!  It's a rejuvenating time for me, and it's my place for Peace!  Did you know that some of my pieces of furniture, depending on it's original state....bare a Bible scripture about "restoration"?   I figured maybe, If I place a message on it...when that woman is really mad at her husband and fixing to hit him across the head with the chair....she might just find the message and it change her life!

I do this business to inspire someone..and to show that all things are possible.  I never gave up on myself or what I wanted to do.  Believe me, it's a struggle.  And it's not always glitzy, and you are broke half the time.  But as long as you put all the effort you can into it, God will do the rest.  And then once you believe that...you will see how everything will fall into place as it has for me.  If I had all the time in the world to write my testimony on How God has worked for me....you would all be hooked and understand why I have such a strong relationship with the Lord.

Last Wednesday I had no idea my day would start with an amazing radio interview with the Junk Mafia radio station out of MO.  I was able to call into the "Junk in my Trunk" radio show and give a very fun interview!   That was so much fun!  They guys will be out and about in Warrenton at the Antique show coming up in a month!  I would make it a point to hunt them down and let them interview you about your junk!  Great guys, and so much fun!

Please click on the link I just provided to listen to my full interview.!  Special Thanks to Darren and the Junk Mafia Team!

http://junkmafia.podbean.com/

www.shabbyjunquecouture.com

www.facebook.com/shabbyjunquecouture

Sometimes change is good!

This week I had several projects to work on.  All that furniture and junk I found over the week and weekend was really tempting me.  Not to mention it's time to get ready for all the Spring Junk Shows!!!

I set out a few pieces I was eager to get started on.

Now I believe those are some pretty ugly pieces of furniture...but as a true junker and interior designer, you know exactly what you plan on doing with an item as soon as you see it.  Even if it is broken.

I started with the little Frenchy nightstand in the background.  I really wanted something unique and different...kinda like me...and something that wasn't like everything else...like me. 

Here is a close up of the BEFORE

Then It was time to get out the majic stick and work it.  Here is the AFTER:

Oh my, my, my.  How fancy this is right?  Gosh I love my job!  I have no idea what kind of paint this is, but it did make me "high".  Ha, Ha, ha!  Honestly, I really do not pay attention to the paints I use unless it has to be a certain type for a certain type of project.  Other than that, I just slap it on and work my majic.  This helps keep the cost down for my customers buying my product.

www.shabbyjunquecouture.com

www.facebook.com/shabbyjunquecouture

Texas Road trip and Birthday celebration...

Today I woke up 32 years young.  A very excited and happy woman, but more like excited and happy like a child.  Which I guess is what keeps me young? 

The plan was this: 

Hit the road, and some vintage and junk shops, have dinner with some friends, sleep in a hotel, then come home to my family.

Here is a pic of Farrah and I fixing to hit the roads.

However, the day went more like this: 

Listening to some iPod tunes such as Miles Davis, George Thorogood, Fats Domino, Wade Bowen, Hayes Carl, Earl Thomas Conley, ect ect and loving life and the roads! 

Quickly lead to:

Lost in a strange part of town with strange people, and a bunch of places/business type things that started with the same first name with a different location or business type such as salvage, mechanic, liquor, bar, pottery, metal works.  I'm guessing the same lady or man owned all of those???  Not really sure? 

I found a few bars such as the "El Flamingo Lounge"....of which does not believe in being open on a Tuesday afternoon and was completely shut off with  burglar bars and chains around a fence and a "watch dog" that looked like  the Taco Bell dog instead of a "real" watch dog. 

 Then, a quick pit stop to answer some emails in front of a Liquor store that was tempting me....and to let Farrah do her thang.  Of which she just shook because a cool front blew in.  So she just hopped back in the junk car. 

So back on the hwy we went.  I couldn't find the salvage junk lady I found on Craigslist as her response to me when I asked for her address was "hwy 183 and 21 area"???  I'm assuming that should have been a red flag.  So when I FINALLY got to the area..I was kinda nervous and looking for some type of salvage area that didn't involve rusted old cars I couldn't tie on top of my car or load in my trailer. 

When you are a "TRUE" junker, you really just don't care where you end up cuz normally it always leads to something.  Well, I was led to something alright.  I somehow ended up over here...of which I'm glad I had a knife and rope...I didn't bring the concealed handgun because...I just have this thing about packing guns...even though I love guns...but I get a bad feeling from having one in my vehicle for some odd reason. 

So this is the parking area I ended up in. 

Probley should have not stopped, but I was trying to look on my phone map, haul a trailer,  deal with Farrah, and phone a friend around the Austin area to help me locate myself.  So I was really desperate.  Not to mention I had not had anything to eat all day and it was 4:00pm.  Forgive me.

After telling the guy washing the sidewalk off (I really do not want to know what was on it) that I was NOT his "live" entertainment for the night....I finally stopped at some storage shed or something that managed to have a few nice things that I could rummage through. 

I finished up there and started to head back towards the City...and quickly found myself lost yet again...and somehow got turned around off one of the main hwy's...and back into some scary part of town.   At this point I decided it was best to go back the route I came because Traffic was unbelievable!   I was still lost and saw a lot of weirdos (no offense) walking down the street selling things or themselves along with some guy walking with a guitar, and a lady...that I wish I could help  because I know exactly what she was doing on that corner.  Unfortunately, I felt really sorry for her because she did NOT look like Vivian from the movie "Pretty Woman".

I was thirsty...and I'm so Glad my Dad and PoPo taught me how to survive in the Wild because I had my first aid kit with me. 

It's just not about band aids ladies and gents.  You need to pack the whole sha bang!  Such as a gallon of water, toilet paper, blanket, jacket, matches, beef jerky, beer, and a flashlight.  The beer should be on ice.

I only needed the gallon of water on this trip. 

So now Farrah and I are on some strange road again.  Finally my friend from the Austin area answered the phone...and helped calm me down and figure out where the heck I was at.  I realized I was by the Austin Airport..and decided to keep going South.  Got to the road I needed to turn on and "Hello" Detour..because of construction. 

 So another 15 min down the road...I finally got back to where I needed to be. 

 At this point, FArrah and I were so exhausted.  But she was a party pooper hours ago and slept the entire time.  How lame! 

Once again, at this point, I was too tired, it was almost dark, and I just wanted to cry and go home.  So I cancelled the hotel reservation and started the drive home.

I arrived at home and was greeted with a gorgeous man that is about 3' tall named,  Gunnar.  He picked Flowers out of a field and told me "happy New Year"!  I was so excited to see my kids, and Knew God had me where he wanted me to be.

Then all the kicking and screaming and fighting started between my two kids...and i thought, "Oh Dear, I should have kept those reservations so I could at least have Peace and Quiet. 

All in All...I spent $84 in gas, $1.50 on a beef jerky stick, $2.50 on a tea and a few $$$ on a couple of finds.   And some $$$ on my WiFi data overage. 

But as a determined woman, I managed to still come home with a couple of nice finds.  That does not include the donut seat I had to purchase to be comfortable on this 12 hour journey.

Now time for that beer on Ice!  Cheers!

Hey Y'all go on over and check out the NEW website......

That's right, Shabby Junque Couture now has an AMAZING website!  Make sure to go on over and check it out.  It's got everything on there.  Shopping, locations, hours, links to other shopping locations, and all that Fancy Print stuff.  You'll Love it!

click the Link!

www.shabbyjunquecouture.com

~XOXO

Most Women enjoy Cocks....

Wednesday I was called out on a Junk haul..  I arrived in a little community outside of San Antonio where every house had a Virgin Mary, or is it Lady of the Guadalupe??? Shrine in the front yard.  I have nothing against that at all...just think it's special for some people, and others tend to not expose it so much. 

I did find this handsome COCK!  Check out his photo...

Since I'm not so much into Cock fighting or roosters....I think it was only appropriate to turn my handsome Cock into a lovely lady...

check out her photo...

Isn't she a DOLL?  she is now placed in my kitchen..I decided not to put her up for sale...just because I thought she was so dang purdy... but that could change in a few months since I'm always switching things around.

Oh...and If you see me around wearing this thing...it's cuz I'm working my rear off creating beautiful pieces of furniture for all my fabulous customers!!!  Thanks to all!! your Rock!

Be sure to check me out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/shabbyjunquecouture

~XOXO~

Diva's, Junquers, Rebels, and shoppers....Twice Upon a Lady Consignment Sale in New Braunfels, TX

OMG!   YA'LL ARE GUNNA HAVE TO CHECK THIS OUT...

You don't want to miss this gig LADIES!  A huge, huge sale coming up in the Gorgeous, one of the most Famous Texas towns called New Braunfels!  Hurry and MAP it now, and make sure to put this on your calendar with ALERTS!

Twice Upon a Lady is hosting a HuGE consignment sale with Vendors, and Entertainment!  That's right.....VENDORS & ENTERTAINMENT!!!   Guess who will be there?  None other than your Favorite, Funky Rebel w/o a cause, fellow Junquor.....Shabby Junque Couture designer, Crystal! 

Visit www.twiceuponalady.com for all that fancy print to view the date and times, along with location, location, location.  Snag your REBEL ROAD SISTAS, and put on your shopping linens, cowgirl boots, stillettos,top hats,  and come visit us!

Yes, I will be one of the vendors showcasing some of my fabulous pieces that have just been created.  Wait for it.........in SOUTH Texas, hot as HELL (but none of us know what HELL feels like right, because we are all Angels.  Ok, our horns hold the Halo)   Home Garage...with no AC.... in the 200 deg temps!  

Lots of sweat, and Tears have been poured into my work, and I will continue to keep pouring until the days of the event.  I'm excited to share some of my fabulous art, furniture, home decor, odds/ends.  If ya like, bring me a glass of wine...I prefer a Riesling.   I will also have my REBEL appointment book.  So you can book a consultation with me for a new design, or letting me FIX up that piece you just keep staring at with a blank look. 

 Or if it's a hunk of JUNK you can't stand anymore, I will be glad to come take it from you so you can stop looking at it. If it's broke, that's FINE & DANDY cuz most of the time I can use that for parts.

Let me just add that because I love what I do so much, It's very hard for me to part with each one of my pieces.  I have a fun and exciting story that always follows my work and each item I create.  But I don't want to become a Hoarder...so It's best I pass onto you.  Each piece is created with Love, and devotion to a very unique FETISH.  You know the kind that involves a GYPSY soul and understanding of an incredible talent?

Now, because I'm going alone...You know, cuz someone has to stay and watch my kids...(the hubby), I will not be bringing my super large items, such as a super Shabby Entertainment Armoire.  But, because I know you all love it so much, I will have an album created with the larger pieces I have up for GRABS, along with some of my before and after photos.  And my personal portfolio of work I have done for clients.   This will give ya the chance to purchase as well.

This crazy gal will have some items such as unique photo frames, end tables, coffee table, lamps, lamp shades, mirrors, unique chalk boards created from things you never could have imagined being a chalk board.  Lots of fun, funky, shabby, whimsey, crazy stuff too.  Some of the colors I've been using are of course White, ivory, coral, turquoise, sage, robin's egg,  blue, black, pink, pink, pinks..cuz it's my fave color! All aged and distressed for your crazy taste. 

In order to achieve the most unique, one of kind item, I spend days and hours (in this heat 111 deg today), rummaging for vintage jewelry, buttons, lace, linens, books, tiarras, bling..to VAMP up that cute and shabby center piece for your HOLIDAY cheer party, or your ROMANTIC bedroom, and of course whatever room in the house you run to CHILL at so you don't take your frustrations out on your spouse or kids. 
(but none of us ever do that right?)

 I've collected sea shells from our FABULOUS beaches in TEXAS and MEXICO! I use the shells to, I guess you call it DECORATE different things. 
How about deer horns?  Any of you like those?  Did you know you can add deer horns to your decor w/o making it look too rustic?  Deer horns are no longer limited to a man or being rugged and rustic.  They can be very ROMANTIC and feminine as well.  And let's be honest with ourselves, this is SOUTH TEXAS...I'm pretty sure most of us REBELS/DIVAS/Gypsies/Junquors all own some type of  .243 OR 22 rifle, and have a HUNTIN License and a concealed Handgun License!  But If not, that's okay too, because I've got a little of everything.

I do not own or rent a building to have an actual physical store.  But, I am interested in a vendor spot in a shop if you know of someone needing a vendor???  HELP!

Once Again
 I AM AVAILABLE FOR HIRE AS A FREELANCE DESIGNER HELPING YOU TO ACHIEVE A LOOK YOU COULD NEVER IMAGINE UPON YOUR WILDEST, FUNKIEST DREAMS.  Ok, maybe not the really funky dreams.  ; )

I also have a side job as a Thirty One Gifts consultant.  But ladies, we've got a fellow Consultant already showcasing our beauties at this shin dig.  So I will not be there to make a sale on my Thirty One products.  You can however, click on the Thirty one link above and it will direct you to my website.

All major credit cards are accepted.  Including American Express.  The receipt will be emailed to you, cuz I don't have a printer.  haaaaa!  I also accept cash and checks with
a valid DL #.

I'll SEE YA'LL THERE!

~XOXO~

All Fancy-fied on a Saturday night...

Occasionally, I put my rebel side on the shelf and get all Fancied up.  Not often, but I guess it keeps it exciting when I actually do.  Ok, Ok...So the rebel side never gets put on the shelf, but I do contain myself a time or two. 

Yesterday was a very big day for one of our Family members.  Our little cousin is all grown up and became a Bride.  She is also a graduate with her Master's degree from UT!  Hook em Horns!  It was a very fun and relaxing wedding.

Most of you that see me daily, see me as pretty darn worn out lookin'.  I usually have paint splattered all over my body or on my clothing. It's unusual to see me wearing make-up or something nice.  If it isn't paint, it's sweat or whatever food particles were left on me from carrying around the toddler guy.  I've just learned to accept it since I know I'm a hard worker.  It also gives the so called "lurker" in my neighborhood something to drive by and look at.

SOOOOO, I wanted to share my little story behind my "little black dress".  I guess about a year ago, I was supposed to go to a BUNCO party with a "Breakfast at Tiffany's" Theme.  So I started looking on Ebay for a LBD.  I found this one and was happy with it, and it was the right size.  (ok so I thought?)  I paid $8.50 plus shipping for the dress.  When it arrived it was in NEW condition with the price tags still attached.  The original price was $108.00.  No LIE!  It's also a Ralph Lauren dress.  I'm assuming it may have been purchased at a Bridal shop as a Bridesmaid dress??  Also, It didn't fit until just now.  DANG, FINALLY!  I even had to have some alterations done to it.  YIPPEE!

I was a little skeptical of wearing a strapless.  Still not brave enough for that after having the Toddler boy 2 years ago.  So I added my own touch to it by sewing the black lace on it as a halter top.  Then I added some lace to the back of it for some scalloped detail.  It was so much prettier this way!  And I was way more comfortable.  I packed up my cowgirl boots, but never had the oppurtunity to wear them.  My little man got exhausted after dancing with all the HOT chicks and was ready to leave before I could ever pull them on.  : (

Next up was my daughter's dress.  We were on a MISSION and stopped in at Dillard's one afternoon.  We saw the clearance rack and snagged this fuchsia beauty in her size (it was the only one like it) for a whole $10.49.  It was a little plain.  My darlin' princess had the idea of adding the lace around the sash and the bottom of her dress.  She also stole one of my vintage broaches off my lamp shade and pinned it onto the center of the sash for some "BLINGING" attitude!  I purchased 4 yards of Lace at the local Wal-Mart for $1.29 a yard.  And I still have a yard left!

My Daughter and I usually find our AWESOME jewels at a little shop called FRIENDS AND COMPANY in Floresville, TX located right off Highway 181.  You can't miss it, she has the crazy zebra, flamingo in her front yard!  Beda's shoes that are actually my shoes, were purchased at THE CHICKEN COOP in downtown Floresville.  And my fancy footsie covers are a steal from ROSS.  Also, both Beda and I have rhinestone flower clips in our hair.

Final outcome and total of our dresses put together was less than $30, and I thought they were SMASHING!

Just a little note:  The outfit my son is wearing in this photo cost me more than mine and Beda's dress put together.  That's INSANE!  And men say women are expensive...PAALEEZ!

It was so much fun gettin all fancy!  The best part about it was the fact that I did not stress one minute over "what I was going to wear" to this shin-dig.  That alone made the day!