Jennifer's Junky Life

I live in Minnesota. I'm a self-proclaimed professional junk collector and I'm passionate about junk. {That's quite possibly an understatement.}

I love all things vintage, especially anything made from metal or wood or anything covered in crackled paint. I also have a weakness for vintage glass, especially anything in the aqua/turquoise category. I'm fascinated by interior design and home decor, as well.

On one hand, I have a preference for all things white. And, on the other, I love color; brights and pastels alike. Think Shabby Chic, Beach House, Granny Chic and Urban Industrial Junk all thrown into one. I enjoy decorating my own home and I love to repurpose everything.

We recently moved into a new house that my husband built, that we designed together--and our vision is constantly and spontaneously evolving as we work on each new space. We plan to use as many vintage components as we can in the finishing details. (This might be the part where I tell you I'm married to a self-employed carpenter, which would make me not unlike the 'cobbler's wife'. Our house will take years to finish.) There is still much work to be done; it's both stressful and exciting.

I've been stockpiling junk for years and it's officially taken over our home! I originally started collecting for the pure enjoyment of collecting. However, now that it's gotten a little bit out of control, okay--more than a little, I've decided to follow my dream of starting a junk business, Whimsical Junk. I sell on Etsy but also plan to have occasional sales some year.

As much as I love junk, my family comes first (and I mention them last!) I'm married to Mark, and I'm a stay-at-home mom for our kids: Nikayda, Abram (we call him Aapo - pronounced Ah-bow. It's Finnish.), and Carter.

I'm the oldest of 14 kids; my parents have been married 34 years. Almost half of us are married, with kids. Busy holidays? Most definitely! Crazy? For sure. But I wouldn't change it for the world.

The name '~ Junkyard Jennifer': When we were kids, one of my brothers who shall remain nameless, had no appreciation for my love of junk and pack-rat habits. Out of spite he called me "Junkyard Jen". Thankfully, it didn't stick...until I pulled it out of the bag to use as my screen name. I figured, no one else would be claiming a name like 'Junkyard'.

~Changing the world one piece of junk at a time! ~ Jennifer Josephson