Goodbye junk Evolution

It's the end of an era for junk E, and although it's sad, we feel ready to move on.  You can only do so much with space, time and money and we all gave it our best shot.  Gary of Carpenter Gothic will continue to sell his furnishing in our space and CircaArts Galley is still going strong.  Please continue to follow junk Evolutions page because the business is not ending and may Pop up at various locations and shows.  

As for Urban Mountain Traders,  I really do love working on furniture but my body is telling me to cool it.  So the items I do have will be at the new "Barn Door" in Middlebury.  I can take one item in and not feel like I have to have a whole display.  The owners will do all the styling, we just drop it off and it sells!   

My new love is sewing the shirts and making jewelry (much lighter loads!).  I've been invited to sell my clothing at Ignition Garage in Goshen, and I couldn't be more excited.  I think it will be a great fit for my clientele, and it happens to be one of my favorite music venues-right up there with Red Rocks!  If you are into vinyl or great stereo systems, this is the place for you, as well as some of the best music around for intimate concert settings.  The artist love it because it's an actual Listening room.  The Garage is also a satellite station for The Globe Radio 91.1, Goshen College Radio station, so they work together to bring some great talent to Goshen.  The owner, Steve Martin also has a live show on 91.1 on Thursday evenings called "One Guys Opinion".

My jewelry is available in my Etsy shop as well as The Old Creamery Antiques in Middlebury.  So you can see a theme here...I'm trying to stay as local as possible and avoid all the driving time.  So I'm inviting all my South Bend customers/friends to check out our wonderful little town in the country.  

I also volunteer as a tour guide for Krider's World Fair Garden/Park.  The tours take place Thursday at 10am and my tour will be next week on June 29th.  If you are into gardening The Michiana Master Gardeners, Garden Walk will be on July 8th and our garden will be in it.  

Having the opportunity to pursue my dream of opening a shop opened has been such a highpoint in my life.  We have met so many wonderful souls and it provided so many other opportunities for Linda and I  (writing for a local news letter, design work, wedding planning, hosting events, teaching classes, as well as my current job teaching at Ivy Tech)  I will be forever grateful to all of you that made it possible.  Thank you for your continued support.  The hardest part of leaving (once again) is the wonderful people you meet along the way.

Ignition Music Logo

Summer Aloha Shirts

I'm Back!

After a much needed break (2 years) I'll be back at junk Evolution as Urban Mountain Traders starting on March 17 and 18th.

Life is to precious to be spent sitting....waiting.  We love the energy of special events like a First Friday or a weekend Art/Craft show, where it's a whirl wind of activity,  "Buy now or cry later" type of show.  

junk Evolution was about to throw their hat in the ringer and retire. Then Linda had the idea to shrink it down to a monthly market and we were all in.  The Market @ junk Evolution was born!  Beginning March 17th (Lucky St. Patricks day!) and March 18th the shop will be open 2 DAYS A MONTH.  That's where the Buy now, cry later part comes into play.  

We hope that it inspires us to have more time to be creative, and get back to the original "Evolution" of junk, not just struggling to keep the shop filled.  Our merchandise will be of the utmost quality, and we hope the shop will be new and different every month.  This will also give Char and Linda more time for Design work, so let us know if you need help with upcoming projects, Interior Design, party planning, wedding decor etc...you know how we love a challenge!

We are also partnering with the other shops at Hill and Colfax in this endeavor so CircaArts Gallery, Inspire Me!  and Piser Designs will also be open late on the 3rd weekend.

We won't be offering any refreshments because we are planning to meet you for an After Party at The General Store Cafe, just down the street on Jefferson.  We can't wait to see all of our customers and friends!

 We will keep you posted for more information as it develops.

POP UP SHOP

Linda sold so much last August when I was the guest artist, that she invited me back for the Holiday Shopping Season.  I've been busy creating lots of new boho style jewelry and up cycled flannels.  Shop in a relaxing atmosphere and get a free fabric gift sack with your purchase.  Your wrapping will be done in elegant, sustainable style!  

Giving gifts that are one of a kind can make the recipiant feel like one in a million!

junk Evolution

528 East Colfax Avenue

South Bend, IN 46617

Corner of Hill and Colfax

with parking in the back

right next to CircaArts Gallery,

Inspire Me! 

and the Purple Porch (for a great healthy snack or meal)

Hours

10-6 Wed.-Fri.

10-4 Sat.

Jade beads with an Agate pendant

Asian style boho with jade beads.

natural stone beads from my travels

Show your heart with these up cycled flannels that are aged to perfection!

JULY IN A FLASH

Summer hits and suddenly there are no blog posts!  So sorry I'm totally an outside summer person, and it's so hard to sit still in this weather!

We just got back from an EPIC trip to Colorado to visit my daughter Rose and son-in-law Drew.  So beautiful and packed with fun. Here's a little recap of some of our adventures.

We started the trip with a Rockies game

Then a Red Rocks concert-The Avett Brothers

Rose and I did some shopping for new dining room chairs.

Went to Boulder for some great food and adult beverages-
land of great beer ;)

Ed and I drove to Estes Park & Rocky Mountain National Park
and did some little hikes.  This one is of Bear lake

Saw lots of Elk!

Visited the famous Stanley Hotel where "The Shinning" was made.

We met Rose in Empire and drove up to Summit County (my old stomping grounds)
for a hike on Lake Dillon

 We also did this awesome hike in Morrison, CO.  This wealthy business man built a beautiful mansion on a cliff (that was quite a hike to get to) and a few years later it burned to the ground.  He had planned to build a home for the presidents of the United States as a summer home but it never happened after the fire.

Also I will be the guest artist at junk Evolution for Arts Alive month in South Bend.  Starting August 7th for First Friday until September 3rd.  Stop in and visit me on First Friday.  I purchased lots of new stone/natural beads while in CO.  They have awesome bead shops, so I hope to have lots of new items for you to choose from!

LIfe Before UMT

Before this endeavor I started a business with some friends called junk Evolution.  We have a brick and mortar historical building in South Bend, Indian in the East Bank Village Arts district.   I've always had a passion for finding new life in things that others would have thought to be beyond repair.  

I've had this special project since July waiting until I had time.  That didn't happen until I left!  A mother with 5 kids (and a husband who spills coffee on everything) wanted their favorite desk chair done in oil cloth for durability.  The back of the chair used to be caned but as you can see it's gone, replaced with a comfortable foam cushion.   It takes a little imagination and some hard work but I do love the challenge of giving something a new life or purpose. 

My friends Linda and Bernie Sherck are still in the business but I left to pursue new dreams of working with my kids and on my own home.  If you get to South Bend please check them out.  There's a whole corner of fun shops and a great cafe in the Purple Porch.