Are you:
- a collector?
- looking for second-hand items?
- excited when you get a good deal?
- needing some new pieces of furniture?
- looking for something Swiss?
- interested in meeting new people?
Then why not sign-up to go “junking” with Lisa Cirieco-Ohlman, editor of Know-it-all passport and bargain-hunter extraordinaire? Junking is the term that Lisa affectionately calls her favorite pass-time/stress-reliever! She collects things that make her happy and she is especially proud when she gets a good bargain. Friends and clients that come to her home are are always amazed at the number and variety of things that she is able to find at bargain prices. Her collections are bought piece by piece but are now worth quite a lot, sometimes in monetary value and sometimes for sentimental reasons. Old furniture is given a new lease on life by refinishing or painting. Complete sets of dishes are used on special occasions - her fondue plates with Swiss scenes or sayings always bemuse her guests! Even baskets that have been tossed away look fabulous in her home after they have received a fresh coat of paint.
Asked how she got into junking, Lisa told knowitall.ch, "When I moved to Geneva in 1972 my parents would drag me around flea markets and charity shops. Being young at the time, I was inevitably drawn to toys, comic books, and unusual items such as a 1932 Mickey Mouse clock, but as I got older I soon realized the history and quality that items from a bygone era contain."
She continued, "Anyone can do junking - but there are a few tricks of the trade that will help you find some real treasures at bargain prices. So, to help you on your way, I have set aside a couple of days each week, when I will take you to my favorite places in the Geneva area and help you find something special and unique for your home."
Lisa has designated the following days for junking:
Choose between:
Mornings or Afternoons
Meet in Bellevue and leave your car (or arrange a pick-up point). Lisa will take you in her car to her favorite places and bring you back to your car. If you tell her you are looking for something specific then she can taylor the outing around this item. Outings usually last 2.5 to 3 hours; a full day can be booked as well.
Saturdays 10h-14h
Meet at the flea market in Plainpalais, Geneva. Weather-permitting. Learn how to look for items and bargain with the vendors. It is also possible to go to the junking shops instead of the flea market, depending on who else is coming.
At Fr. 45.- per person for the entire outing, Lisa's guided tour of the junking hotspots of Geneva is a real bargain too - once you've learnt the tricks of the trade from her, you are then in the best position to step out on your own and enjoy for yourself the amazing sensation that comes when you complete a deal on your bargain purchase. With Lisa's experience at driving down prices, the chances are that the outing will pay for itself with the money that you will save on each purchase!
To get an idea of the kind of items you can expect to find, visit Lisa's junking web page at www.knowitall.ch/junking. Click on the special page devoted to some of Lisa's most treasured finds, to view pictures of handkerchiefs from the 50s and 60s as well as vintage plate prints that have been inexpensively framed to display on a wall. Lisa's colander collection is something to behold - purchased in all kinds of shapes and sizes, they can be seen hanging from the ceilings and walls of her kitchen, alongside Swiss and Geneva flags - another of her fascinations! Lisa's wirework objects also make a clear graphic statement in her home - not surprising given that Lisa is a graphic designer when she is not working on the Know-it-all passport book, or pursuing her other two passions - Vintage Plate Jewelry and Coffee and Creations.
To book your place on a junking outing, just send Lisa an email indicating your preferred date and whether you have any special purchases in mind. Don't forget to bring cash for spending, comfortable shoes, and dress modestly. If you don't have time to join one of the special outings, but would like to go it alone on your first junking outing, then Lisa has the following advice for you!
COMMENTS FROM CLIENTS
Thanks to Lisa for a great day junking! I was so impressed by Lisa’s diverse knowledge and the way she was able to pick out things I never even noticed and then tell me an interesting history about the item. She is a talented curator and always looking for that little something to add to her collections. Whatever your taste, the joy of these junking days is that it is fun to see the pleasure a special find brings to each person – which makes you all end the day on a happy note – thoroughly recommended! — Debra
Going junking with Lisa… now let me tell you I am totally hooked! Hook, line and sinker! A typical junking day is from 9h30 till noon and you would think that is enough time, but it’s not. Her knowledge of antiques, shops and people will just astonish you; having Mrs ‘Know-it-all’ with you is worth every centime. It is stressfree because she does all the driving, parking and planning. Some shops only open in the afternoon or on certain days and we all know how parking can sometimes be tricky. Armed with years of knowledge and a great sense of humour you will never want to go junking without her.
If you are like me and want to steer away from Ikea and big shopping centres, do a bit of upcycling, or just be more creative — junking is for you. You will find treasures in every shop, get real bargains, and do your bit for the environment! If you are a virgin junker like myself, do yourself a favour: study her junking rules before you meet up. Helpful basics include: dress down, have cash, and when to negociate (see list above).
I cannot wait for our next junking experience! — MF
Hi Lisa, thank you so much for a lovely day and experience!! It was really great - you really are an amazing inspiration!!! —RR
I can’t tell you how I enjoyed today. I think I am addicted! —MB
Dearest Lisa, I had the most wonderful experience "junking" with you this afternoon. The perfect lamp was found at an unbelievable price. I think I will go back for the cake plate (it is the same size as the cooking form I bought today). I am still thinking about the dresser... so many things... what an experience! I had the most peaceful nap that I've had for a long time upon my return. Good healthy "junking" exhaustion! Thank you so much for spending the afternoon with me. — GM
Junking with Lisa
079 246 80 06
www.knowitall.ch/junking
lisa@knowitall.ch
