How come they call it barkcloth?
I’m not sure, but I can find out!  It’s amazing how much you can learn by typing in barkcloth history in Google and smacking the “search” button.  If you’ve already navigated your way to this site, you are clearly versed in the wonders of the internet.  (Web 2.0, anyone?)  All those obscure junk questions you’ve pondered can be answered in a flash (assuming you’re using a solid high-speed connection. Dial-up friends, we salute you.). A quirky idea and a quick search saves more time for junking!  Back to the original question…why do they call it barkcloth anyway?  According to my interweb machine, it was originally made from the bark of the tapa tree. Check out this link for an interesting barkcloth discussion.  Now if I could only remember everything I’m learning.

Follow that sign!
Antique mall next exit. I love those signs! One of my New Year’s resolutions for 2008 was to take more time to explore that famed “next exit” when traveling.  (And not just to fill up with gas and enjoy a clean restroom.)  On our recent driving trip to visit my family in Ocala, Florida, I persuaded my husband to take a short detour in Illinois.  The sign said Antiques, Benton Square Next Exit.  We scooted into town. As we drove around the town square, I noticed more than six storefronts advertising antiques (a pleasant surprise.)  We visited two shops: Coalbelt Antiques and County Seat Antiques.  Unable to resist the lure of old-timey trinkets, I ended up taking home plenty o’ treasure.  It wasn’t hard to convince me—the people were very friendly and noticeably proud of their town.

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As many times as I have traversed the corridor of I-35 to the Des Moines Country Home headquarters, I always find myself in a hurry. This last trip I stopped for gas and a sandwich. In true form, I couldn’t pass up the large white metal building with “Antiques” on a plain red sign. My eyes exploded in happy surprise. It turned out to be one of the best antiques malls I had ever been to!  Huge selection, great prices, friendly help...ahhh.  A name I must remember: Carousel Antique Mall in Story City, Iowa. Don’t worry, you’ll see!  My purchases included a project that we hope to feature in the December 2008 issue of Country Home magazine.

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Junk Whisperer
Readers ask Sue and me, “How long does it take for you to figure out what a piece of junk will become?”  Sometimes the answer is clear, sharp, and immediate.  Sometimes it takes a little longer to percolate.  Regardless, junk speaks to us.  As such, we proclaim ourselves the “junk whisperers.”  I reserve an area on my desk for project possibilities.  Glancing over right now, I can see a beat-up Bundt pan, an industrial aluminum light cover, beer bottle openers, a plastic deer, and a pile of assorted glass tops.  By the way, the deer is a whole other story.  I fully anticipate dishing out the tale of the “dead plastic deer,” but that story is for another time.  However, look for any of these items transformed in upcoming Country Home “Cool Junk” columns.  You never know what the junk whispered!

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Busy, Busy, Busy!
Sue has been crisscrossing the country speaking to junking fans at home shows and finishing our third book in sunny (rainy) California.  I have been more of a homebody, creating and building projects.  The projects end up all over—some for our “Cool Junk” column in Country Home magazine, some for the American Junk Club newsletters, and some for our all-new online junk store.  Our second book, Junk Beautiful, will be released March 25 and available for preorders through Amazon.com.  If you want it personalized by Sue and me, you can snag one at our online store.  Visit www.junkmarketsyle.com for more info.

Remember, the Junk is strong in you! 

—Ki