The Great Pumpkin Decorating contest...with Ki Nassauer

(all photos): copyright of Meredith Corp. (unless otherwise specified)
from: Country Home Magazine October 2006

(used with permission)

Many of you know Ki Nassauer, founder of Junk Market, and her newest venture, Junk Revolution (for those who don't know Ki, or who want to know about her new business, go here). I have gotten to know Ki better, and have discovered she is even nicer than she looks. And did I mention talented?? Ki is most definitely The Junk Queen, although she wouldn't don a crown and gloat about it, now would you Ki?

Ki and I are co-hosting a pumpkin decorating contest, and seeing Ki is involved, can you guess what you will be decorating it with? Of course: JUNK (or junque if you prefer)!

Ki was kind enough to send me over some great photos of "junked up" pumpkins she created for a Country Home spread two years ago. She used bits and bobs from her collection of junk: old keys, finials, wheels, hooks, hinges, washers, tools, upholstery tacks, wire, you name it!

Basically anything you can find in the odds and ends bins at flea markets and tag sales, or simply languishing in your husband's (or your) toolbox, can be put to use in creating a one of a kind pumpkin.

I know what you're thinking: "What do I get for creating one of these masterpieces, Linda?"

Well, nothing from me, but Ki has kindly offered up some great prizes, among them gift certificates to her online store (which will be ready to go November 10th) over at Junk Revolution. There you can choose from great "Junk wear", books, jewellery...even one-of-a-kind, repurposed junk from Ki herself!

How are the winners decided? Another great question! Again, Ki herself will be choosing winners (her top three favourites of your pumpkins) from the entries. First place will win a $100 gift certificate, second place wins a $50 gift certificate, and the third place winner gets a $25 gift certificate. Also, to be fair, there will be a random draw for three additional $25 gift certificate winners, just for participating! To be eligible for the random draw, you can also simply post about Ki's new site, Junk Revolution (get the revised contest details here). And for those who enter a pumpkin and also write about the contest on their blogs linking back here and to Ki's site (http://www.junkrevolution.com/), their name will be added twice to the random draw.

So get out your junk, drills, glue-guns and more, and start decorating! The more creative the better, and I offer up these tips (from me, not Ki):

• Think colour. Not all pumpkins have to be orange. Many farmer's stands offer up a selection of blue-grey, white, and greenish pumpkins. Can't find any? Well, you do remember my painted (blue), glittered pumpkin, don't you??

• Try a theme:

Ki created her Cinderella's carriage for the Country Home feature back in 2006 (see above). Proving that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, Hallmark has featured a similar pumpkin in their latest issue (below). You can make one too - just tweak yours a little to make it original. Or, find your own unique theme and impress the socks off of us!!

(above photo: Hallmark.com)

• Give your pumpkin a face. There is nothing wrong with using the tried and true way of giving a pumpkin character. However, can you make your pumpkin look like someone you know, or a popular personality...but using junk??!!
• Feel free to make more than one "junky" pumpkin. It is a lot of fun and it ups the odds of your winning, doesn't it?
• Include your kids! As a good mother, I have to include this one, but really, you can let them make one of their own. Because we all know what they will do to ours, don't we? Good mother aside, I know you know what I'm talking about...We've all re-arranged the ornaments on the Christmas tree after they went off to bed, haven't we? Besides...you want to win, don't you?? It's all about the winning (bad mother, bad sport!!).
• Have a wine and pumpkin decorating contest. Gather up your friends, your toolboxes, junk, pumpkins, junky snacks and some wineglasses, and have a great time creating one of a kind pumpkins. While you're at it, re-use those wine corks...maybe even the corkscrew! Basically, just have fun with your friends, and don't forget to show us your pumpkin party pics...!
• 
  So that's it: you've received your assignment - you know what to do. Start those creative wheels turning, and spend time at home (when you should be doing something productive...like watching the kids :) or at the office, when you should be working on what you are getting paid for) and plan your pumpkin.

Because Ki's nice, and I'm nice, we are giving you two weeks (till October 31st...Halloween) to get your "junk-ins" ready, and either email me your photos (to linda@restyledhome.ca) or post your entry on your blog and add your link to Mr. Linky below:

Good luck everyone, and cheers!

Check out more great give-aways here: