If you are a DIYer that paints furniture, I’m certain someone has opened their mouth and gasped at you: “OMG, you paint wood? Why on earth would you do that?" ....riiight after you proudly show them how fabulous your piece turned out after you spent the last 4 hours hand painting it. It’s work, my friends, but worth every aching bone in your body! But seeing paint dry makes me antsy.
Let’s dive right into it shall we, my passion started at 12 years of age when I use to dabble in creating painted treasures. I was always extremely crafty and had an eye for design, decorating and all things painting. It became an addiction for me - my life consumed it.
At the beginning of my business, I did receive a lot of FREE hand-me-down furniture pieces to restore from my family. My momma was my biggest cheerleader of all let me tell you! The hobby progressed into something much bigger, where it became a profitable business. I was approached by lots of people who fell in love with my born talent that grew into something larger than just a passion for me.
Many moons ago, back when I was in grade nine I took a woodshop class where I learned how to create all things - wood engraved signs, tables right from scratch, etc… and then when I graduated to adulthood, I took a few painting workshop classes and learned all kinds of techniques such as transfers, gold leaf and decoupage.
To me, there is always some type of personal story behind pieces of furniture - especially how you can enhance the whole entire piece creatively yourself with paint and a change of hardware. It really defines the overall look! And bonus, I save the trees by recycling them. Adding that fresh coat of paint makes the world of a difference, on TLC pieces that become treasures, which really does open up space in your home, makes for a flattering accent statement piece with a pop of color.
I always adored those old antique, mid-century, vintage wooden furniture pieces…it was the natural inlaid, wooden scrolling work with textured surfaces. I mean these are rather exceptional jaw-dropping pieces. Don't you agree?? The difference with new furniture is it all made to order manufactured or made to build it yourself such as Ikea products and come with DIY instructions. Nobody got time for that!! Or like the wood isn’t actually “real wood” - particleboard is also known as low-density fireboard, and chipboard – the engineered wood product manufactured from wood chips sawmill shavings or even sawdust. Hence, when you look at the poorly made furniture you’ll know especially if it’s compressed board it was cheaply and poorly made!
on the other hand, its the quality workmanship which you can’t buy anywhere else. Unless you had a grandma that inherited antique furniture years ago and decided to keep it all in the family.
At the end of the day I take pride in the finished product. I LOVE it all, the painting, the hardware, the staging everything! It’s knowing that I am honing my skills. I find it all extremely therapeutic. Plus its creative and … it’s ART! I also believe that wood-grained furniture and patterns with colour compliment each other.
I always say painting is correctable, it isn’t permanent, Remember that friends! If you don’t like it, slap some more paint on it. Create a new technique! Paint on. Keep being who you are and OWN your TALENT! I know I do. 😉