Sunday, April 29, 2012

Repurposing to Rafting in Arizona





Thank you Sweet Salvage (Kim, Katie, Stephanie and the gang) for having me as a guest at your store.  Have fun with your move down the street to a larger place!  I look forward to seeing you all in the fall.  Secret: First thing you buy at a sale like this: a vintage suitcase to fit all your recycled, reclaimed and vintage goodies in! :)

Twenty-four hours later:  Hiked down the Bright Angel Trail with family and friends to meet our River Rafting Group lead by Hatch (J.P., Don and Ray -- you guys are great!) Cowboy coffee at the bottom of the Canyon -- does it get any better? 

Wow! is all I can say -- well, obviously I can say more (for those who know me) so I will!  What an amazing trip.  It started with a late evening arrival to Phoenix, then an early morning breakfast at Matt's Big Breakfast then off to Sweet Salvage before they even opened their doors.  By 8:30 a.m. I had meet many of the great folks at Sweet Salvage, including Kim, Katie and Stephanie.  A big thank you to everyone there for making me feel so welcome.  It was great fun and I loved meeting other salvage gurus. The store was filled with amazing finds (most of which I wanted to take home). One of my salvage secrets -- buy a vintage suitcase and fill it up.  That's just what I did! 

Then my husband and daughter arrived and swept me away to head up to the rim of the Grand Canyon, were we embarked on a 7 day river rafting and hiking trip with some dear friends. To express how amazing that trip was is impossible so I'll so you all my adventures in pictures. 

Back home now, one more day of filming for DIY NETWORK on Monday and then off to Portland, Oregon for a great event at REJUVENATION on Wed, May 9th.  Hope to see you there!
My best, Joanne

Vintage Bottles I bought at Sweet Salvage already on display at my house!

The wood block I bought at Sweet Salvage.  I would love to know how it was used before! It has amazing detail!

Breakfast at Matt's Big Breakfast --of course, I notice all the vintage cans. Yummy breakfast! 


Nature's color--so intense!

So fun to see how my books were displayed at Sweet Salvage -- like everything else in the store -- done beautifully!

These hand prints are along the Ledge of Death are Anasazi. I can't even imagine what life was like for the Anasazi Indians, thousands of years ago but I felt blessed to see these pieces of their existence. 

The remains of an old orchard and homestead from 1912 -- exactly 100 years ago! Thank you to all who visit here and leave everything intact!

One of my favorite things to do -- Hike -- made even better in the Grand Canyon!

I used old bed springs like these as candle holders in the DIY NETWORK video series that comes live (online) in May!  Even this picture from Sweet Salvage will make for a great card!

Can you see our daughter?  Yes, story of our lives :) This side canyon hike was amazing -- the color of the water was out of this world!

More vintage finds at Sweet Salvage. An old gas can, metal trays and an antique farm house table!

Signing books at Sweet Salvage.  Left a bunch open so the marker could dry. :)  Can't wait to head back there this fall.

Love my new T-shirt from Sweet Salvage -- Thanks!


Our guide, J.P., had some amazing sayings, one of them was: "Hold on Tight and Have a Nice Day!" I think I'll use that for life in general :)

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Off to Arizona!

I love Arizona! I started traveling there, fifteen years ago, when I was working as the Executive Director for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Vermont (that seems like a lifetime ago).  The weather, the people, the desert, the architecture and of course, the amazing vintage finds.  Turquoise jewelry, old wood doors, cowboy boots (maybe I'll find another pair)... the list goes on and on.  I'm looking forward to seeing some of these great things at the Sweet Salvage Shop this Thursday morning.  See you there (from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.).

Here are a few pictures of my past travels in Arizona. I can't wait to share what I see this time!
My Best, Joanne

From my room in Sedona! The rock formations are amazing.

Hiking to Phantom Ranch at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, many years ago!

And I thought my life was one big balancing act until I saw these guys perched on the edge of the canyon. 

Loved how this shop incorporated salvaged beams and timbers. Can't remember the name of the shop but I remember the beams!

I hope if this abandoned building ever gets torn down everything is salvaged including the cool old wood.

I was told this building was once a brothel...I love the stories that come with old buildings :)

Crazy...but I even love this falling down, corrugated metal shed.  Still being useful I see...

Creativity with salvaged barb wire--love it!

Monday, April 9, 2012

Upcoming Events, April 19th and May 9th

Sweet Salvage,  Phoenix, Arizona, April 19,
                           Thursday, 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

I'll be there at 9:00 a.m. outside with the crowds (opening at 10 a.m.). I really look forward to meeting lots of other salvagers, junkers and antiquers! I'll be signing books, collecting pictures of homes for my next book and answering questions about my upcoming DIY NETWORK online videos series about salvage material! Please facebook and tweet your friends who live in the area, I'd love to meet them too!
My Best, Joanne

P.S. Plus...upcoming event, Rejuvenation, Portland, Oregon, May 9th, 6 p.m. More later.


 I can't wait to see what Sweet Salvage has this month -- of course, I'll want to ship everything back to Vermont!

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Bedroom Sets, Styling for Jim Westphalen and Thor's Elegance

It was a pleasure to see the final photographs from the shoot for Thor's Elegance Furniture Line--they are amazing! When I'm not praising salvage, I'm talking about buying local and quality products--Thor's is both. A Vermont furniture line that uses local wood and exceptional craftsmanship.  Jim Westphalen is a talented photographer and I was honored when he asked me to style the furniture line for him--from bedroom sets to entertainment centers. Tina Noel and Nora Moore, assisted as well (lots of car loads and long days -- thanks, ladies!). I hope I did them all proud.  Here are just a few examples of the end result. Can't wait to show you more.
My Best, Joanne




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