Ever heard of the Junk Gypsy Company? Who hasn't heard of these two beautiful sisters who turned their backs on college-degreed careers and made a life for themselves out of hunting, repurposing, and selling junk? From selling their wares in a booth at First Monday Trade Days in Canton, Texas to hosting their own HGTV series, running a store in Round Top, and making over homes and Airstreams, Amie and Jolie Sikes, along with their parents, children, and Jolie's husband, have created a junk dynasty. And now you can read all about it in their new book, Junk Gypsy: Designing a Life at the Crossroads of Wonder and Wander available through Amazon.
I've been a fan of the Junk Gypsies since I learned that they were working with my former student Miranda Lambert, having designed her guns and wings logo and designed and carried out a makeover of her tour bus. I visited their website and I was hooked. I joined the Blacktop Rambler Cafe forum and ordered more than I could really afford from their Gypsyville online store.
Then I met them! I doubt if they would remember, but I was at Miranda's concert in Tyler in 2006, and when I walked up to the will call window to get my meet and greet pass, the Junk Gypsy girls were standing right in front of me! Me being me, well, I had to speak to them. I introduced myself and said something inane about their jewelry, but they were polite to this crazy lady. I also met Blake Shelton there at the Lambert's tailgate party that I crashed. In my own defense, I have known the Lamberts since their and my children were knee high to a grasshopper. My son was in the same class as Miranda, and my daughter was in the same class as her brother. Blake and Miranda had just begun dating.
The next time I saw the Junk Gypsies was at a Cause for the Paws event, hosted by Miranda to raise money for a local animal shelter. I actually had a conversation with Amie about the way their art pieces and style was being copied by others. Who knew they had started a trend in junking and bohemian fashion? She was so cute dressed in her striped 70's flared jeans and vintage band uniform jacket. (if I recall correctly) And she was sweet, too.
The last time I saw them in person was in Round Top during Antiques Week soon after opening the Junk Gypsy Headquarters, an amazing store and showplace, and worth the trip!
You can imagine how thrilled I was to be included in the Junk Gypsy Book Launch Team! The book does not disappoint. It is the world of Junk Gypsy at your fingertips: biographies, personal insights and tidbits about the family, beautiful photographs of projects and places, and ideas and instructions for redoing and repurposing junk! If you are a fan of junk, or the Junk Gypsies, you must. Go. Now.
Amazon.com
Go forth and buy. If you want an autographed copy, the Junk Gypsies are touring around the country for specific book signing events. I plan to be at the one in Lindale, Texas on October 15, getting my copy signed! I hope to see you there!
XOXOLabels: junk, Junk Gypsies, Junk Gypsy Company, junking, Miranda Lambert
