July 31, 2004
An Embarrassment of Ikea


Yesterday morning, as I went out to get the newspapers, I noticed something strange.

My building has received 30 copies of the current Ikea catalog.

Shrink-wrapped.

I recognize the catalog, because I received one with the newspaper earlier this week. One copy is fine; 30 is not. There aren't even 30 people living in this building.

I left the copies on the porch, hoping that whoever left them would come back for them. But another neighbor brought them into the lobby, where they sit, stacked, waiting for someone to take action.

Obviously, the dull thing to do is throw them away, where they will ostensibly join their bretheren in some far-away landfill. But hey, as long as we've got them, I am taking suggestions for other things to do with them.

Here are a few ideas:
1. Extended art project involving papier-mache.
2. Decoupage building entryway.
3. Use stack as low end table. Send photo to ReadyMade.
4. Figure out some way to sell to collectors. ("Yes, every copy of this catalog was signed by Bill Clinton!")
5. EBay! EBay! EBay!
6. Use as props for musical "Swedish Chef" coming to a theater near you.

Send suggestions. Or contact me for a free catalog (shipping not included in this special offer).

Posted at July 31, 2004 02:50 PM
Comments

Have you considered taking them to Ikea?

Posted by: Dr. Surly on July 31, 2004 04:06 PM

Yes, do so, and insist on a flat 30% discount for the value of your purchases in exchange, and finally, be SURE to give them your address.

You may wish to begin by insisting on a flat 50% discount.

Posted by: mike on July 31, 2004 07:30 PM

sell them on ebay, make a buck or two if they are the new 2005's

Posted by: Damon on August 11, 2004 06:11 PM

The cut up to end all cut up collages.
Once I dumpstered a bunch of magazines from Border's. I found, much to my chagrin, that in my haste I'd grabbed 5 of the same bridal magazine.

You can get some mighty fine repetition of form with all those catalogs.

Posted by: kathleen on August 13, 2004 03:15 PM
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