Inspiration

Where does inspiration come from exactly?

So many people come into my shop and ask how I “see” the finished product in a worn, neglected, tired piece. My answer, “I just see it.”

And it is true. But where does that inner eye come from? Years and years of honing my craft, yes but there is a mental inventory I take whenever I see a piece that needs refurbishing.

1. Does the piece need a significant amount of repair to make it stable again? If the answer is “yes” then I will most likely leave it.

2. Does the piece have beautiful lines that attract and hold my attention?

3. Does it have potential to be modified into something that would make it relevant/functional for today’s home.?

4. Does the piece meet the current trend?

After I answer those questions, then I decide if it can be brought back to its original glory or if it has the potential to be made into something edgy and distinctive.

In more recent months, I have become more and more selective in my choices. Just because it can be refurbished does not mean it meets my brand or passes the test. I want my pieces to have a distinct signature. I want them to be the focal point of any room and I am ALWAYS honored when someone loves my vision and incorperates it in their space.

The finishing touch

Adding the final touches to any project is the part that can be the most rewarding. This is the time when the vision is made a reality. It is kindred to decorating the cake.

One thing I have learned is the importance of being methodical through the end. One coat of poly is never enough, no matter what it says on the can. One coat of paint is never enough.

Applying polyurethane is tricky. I want to share a trick I am learned over the years. Well, okay, to be honest, only recently. But, I want to share to save you the time and frustration I have experienced prior to adapting this process.

Once your piece is cleaned, sanded, stained or painted, and then fully dry, add a coat of matte poly. Allow to dry overnight. Sand with an orbital sander with at least a 600 grit sandpaper (I KNOW, super scary, but trust me). The piece will look foggy and you will see some uneven areas in the poly. Sand until smooth. Add another coat of matte poly and repeat. Once fully smooth, add a semi-gloss or gloss poly and allow to dry. The surface should look even and smooth. You may feel a little grittiness once it is fully dry. If you do, simply wipe down with a dry microfiber cloth.

I use a similar process when during the painting process. It just gives the piece a cleaner, more finished, polished look.

Why repurpose old Stuff?

As a country we throw about 16 billion tons of home decor away every year. Sadly, we are replacing this with items that are of lesser quality for expedience and cost. This consumerism approach to home decor is affecting our environment.

It is time to reevaluate how we spend our money. Sure! Items from the big box stores are enticing because of cost and they sure know how to market, but at what overall cost to the planet?

There are many many pieces of furniture and vintage decor out there and I am happy to say the tide is turning. People are becoming more and more interested in the value and history these pieces bring to the overall feeling of home.

The work that goes into repurposing is not for the faint of heart. It can be challenging but the end result is so rewarding. Follow this blog for tips and tricks to make the pieces you repurpose beautiful and timeless.