Deer Creek Junk - DCJ Journal

The 3 large boxes of old vintage uniform nametags were irresistible when found at a flea market. The names were from an era gone by and invoked smiles and laughter while envisioning the men who must have worn them.

Now you can enjoy these name tags too as Incognito Joe ® Drink Bracelets. These are sure to make your next party or gathering fun or memorable. Check out the website and order online. I'll look forward to hearing your stories.

I came across this quote the other day and the more I thought about it, the more I liked it. How many times do we resist the changes that come our way. Sometimes the changes presented to us can actually be the answers to our worries and prayers. Quite often, however, if the changes do not look exactly like what we want, we refuse to recognize them as gifts to grow.

The past four years, since starting Deer Creek Junk, I have been presented with many opportunities for change and growth.It has challenged me both personally and professionally. 2007 will take things in a new and different direction. The weekend sales events will be replaced with a permanent showroom presence in Petoskey. While I will miss the commotion and excitement of the sales events, there will be more accessibility to you, the customer, and an increased focus on truly unique custom creations.

The invitation to have a dedicated sales space within Then & Now was certainly a compliment. Tracy Nehrkorn and her sales staff have a great new building full of all kinds of treasures. I am looking forward to gaining some new Deer Creek Junk fans,as well as supporting those of you who have supported me. I hope to spend some regular "meet and greet" time in Petoskey over the summer. There is nothing better than hearing your stories and encouragement. Sign up on my mailing list to receive notices of my schedule.

Deer Creek Junk,LLC opened its doors on April 24 for the first of four 3-day sales events in 2003. Karen Brennan, owner, focuses on creating unique home and garden décor made from discarded and salvaged items.

Deer Creek Junk,LLC has a blend of "Trash to Treasure" items, primitives and selected retail products to compliment today's shabby chic, country cottage and flea market decorating styles. Garden benches from old beds, chandeliers from wire fencing, and a pot rack from an old coffee table are just a few examples of the items that are for sale. We also have a selection of architectural salvage pieces for the do-it-yourselfer.

The business stems from a lifelong love of antiques and neat old junk too good to throw away. A career change and emptying the barns from her childhood family farm provided the desire and some raw materials. Inspiration came after discovering a business outside Minneapolis, MN where two women conduct five sales events a year featuring flea market treasures and their flare for decorating. Additional encouragement from family and friends has been the final element to create a business destined for fun times.

Karen says, "The sales event concept is what really made it work for me. It allows me the flexibility I need for my family and the ability to enjoy the search and rescue missions for junk waiting to be loved again."