Most people don't know a place where you can take a seat inside a dresser, hang a chandelier inside a birdcage or find jewelry composed of old, long-lost keys.
However, a new store in downtown Papillion has brought true meaning to the old phrase, "One man's junk is another man's treasure."
The Junque Factory celebrated its grand opening this past weekend, greeting new customers with such things as vintage farm equipment, aged flash cards and even a barn cupola — all either previously upcycled or ready to be repurposed to the buyer's pleasure.
"There are basically two schools of thought," said Joey Breed, designer of some of the repurposed jewelry.
Some people, he said, are far too crafty to allow someone else to have the fun of repurposing, while others would much rather find something already made into a unique work of art.
Either way, the Junque Factory aims to inspire.
"It's unique and eclectic," said storeowner Sara Alexander, as old Rat Pack songs played in the background. "We try to make it kind of an inspirational environment."
Originally holding an open-air store in west Omaha, Alexander was happy to find an enclosed store so close to Papillion — which is her home — for all the rescued "junk" she has found.
Traveling throughout the Midwest, mostly in Nebraska and Iowa, Alexander often searches for unique, old and unused items, which she then will mix and match with newer items.
"Sometimes if we're (the Alexander family) traveling, I'll just stop and look around on someone's farm," she said with a laugh. "We'll knock on their doors and ask to buy their junk."
Allowing time to repurpose, replenish and restock her wares, the Junque Factory will be open only on select dates, which can be found via the Junque Factory's Facebook page, as well as posted within the Times Ticker.
The sales will always land on Saturdays and Sundays.
To schedule a sales appointment on a closed date, e-mail thejunquefactory@yahoo.com or call (402) 682-2817.
Alexander found the grand opening to be a huge success, having learned some people drove an hour from Shelby, Iowa, to line up at the door for the 9 a.m. opening.
She and others are excited to continue offering unique items, offering people the chance to curl up with a book inside an old dresser chair, relaxing against a vintage flour-sack pillow while resting their cup on a rescued coffin-carrier-coffee table.
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