Vintage Junkin’ Book – A Treasured Find

‘How to Make Something from Nothing’

Our favourite book haunts so far are Shakespeare & Company in Paris (we’ve only been to Paris once for a week, but we were at this book store 3 times),

Here’s what’s written on the inside of the dust jacket.

‘For the amateur decorator with more imagination than money’

(um…yes… that’s me),

‘here are lively, informal, easy-to-follow instructions on transforming castoffs into splendid gifts and decorator pieces for the home.’ 

‘An ardent junker herself, Mrs. Egge tells how to conduct a fascinating junk safari into the attic or antique and secondhand shops and what to do with the trophies you bring home.’

(Junk safaris? Count me in!)

‘You will learn how to strip away old paint and tarnish, to rebuild and refinish your creation with professional expertise, and how to adorn it with the baubles, bangles, and beads gleaned from your search – in short, all the necessary techniques for turning a white elephant into a decorator triumph.‘

(I love baubles, and bangles, and beads!!)

‘The art of “junking” yields both the magic of browsing for treasure and the very real satisfaction derived from a few hours of playing Pygmalion – of hammering, painting and polishing to create decorator items uniquely lovely, uniquely your own.’


(Magical browsing is right up my junkin’ alley.)

‘Tarnished andirons, newel posts from wrecked town homes, deftly turned table and chair legs, bits and pieces of fabulous junk jewelry – these emerge from the creative junker’s hands as graceful wall sconces, fantastic baroque candlesticks four feet high, table lamps fit to grace the pages of Better Homes and Gardens, and dozens of other elegant whimsies to add spice to your home decorating scheme or to give as welcome gifts.’

(Elegant whimsies?!! How wonderful is that?!)

‘Richly illustrated and engagingly written, this is the perfect book for every hobbyist on the lookout for a new and immensely challenging craft.‘

(And creatively rewarding… and sooo much fun.)

And on the back of the dust jacket:

‘Ruth Stearns Egge first became interested in the art of junking when she sensed a provocative resemblance between a baroque candelabrum highlighting one of the “decorator rooms” at an expensive department store and a pair of ancient andirons stored in her attic. That particular shock of recognition marked the beginning of a fascinating hobby that grew into a profitable source of extra income.’

(I’m hoping mine does to… eventually.)

‘How to Make Something From Nothing’ is Mrs. Egge’s engaging account of her conversion to junking and an easy-to-follow introduction to what is likely to become a popular new decorating craze.’

A popular new decorating craze?!! I love that!!

I always knew I was a little bit crazy.

When this book was written I was just 7 years old, and already a seasoned thrifter. It’s in my genes… a part of my DNA, and I’m thoroughly enjoying reading this book. It’s one of my favourite finds ever! So many of her tips and ideas are just as usable today as they would have been back in the 60s.

Are you a Thrifter/Junker? Find out by taking my Thrifter’s Questionnaire.

Sprinkle some junk with some love today… and smile! 🙂