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DIY PROJECT: Macrame WallMagazine Art 2 | UpcycledHOME
Visionary Publisher - Angela Brooks Content Director/Editor - Angel White Proof Editor - Greg Osborne
UPCYCLEDHOME ONLINE MAGAZINE - WE DELIVER DIRECTLY TO YOUR INBOX! An Upcycling Furniture and Home Decor Lifestyle Magazine. Free to subscribe, this online magazine will provide upcycling, decorating and lifestyle inspiration delivered straight to your inbox. We will showcase the many ways to recycle and refurbish furniture and home decor using the language of upcycling. Features include colour inspiration, tips and tricks for tools and techniques, focus on new and upcoming artists as well as upcycling destinations you can check out yourself, this magazine will be an entertaining and practical resource. Whether you are a furniture upcycler, a home decor DIYer or a homeowner looking for inspirational pieces, UpcycledHOME Magazine will not disappoint! At no cost or commitment, subscribe today!
-------------------------Advisory Board Kathy Leonard Siersma, Gary Buhlau, Josh Campbell -------------------------Feature Writers + Special Contributers: Sandy Campbell, Elizabeth Manaster, Becky Dumais, Kristen Hubert, Kathy Owen, Angel White Cover Artwork Karolina Pach of Hokus Pokus Home, Warsaw, Poland www.hokuspokushome.pl
UpcycledHOME Magazine is published by OTB Publishing a division of OTB Marketing & Design. St. Catharines, ON. Contents copyright (c)2020 by OTB Publishing. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or duplicated without written permission of the publisher. All Rights reserved.
www.upcycledhomemagazine.com
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As a child, I often found joy in discovering discarded pieces of wood and lost nails on the property of a furniture factory across the street from my house. The sound of the hammer as I built, the smell of the lumber in my nose and the delight on the faces of the neighbourhood kids that received my crafted toys, gave me a sense of purpose and meaning. Little did I know at the time that it would begin a lifelong love of refurbishing and upcycling furniture and home decor, that would eventually lead up to the birth of this magazine. No matter how hard I try, I can’t seem to find the right words to describe how ecstatic I am to see this magazine become a reality. It has been a true pleasure for me to work with some talented people during the conception and labour of our very first issue. Many thank yous and gratitude go to my amazing team of writers, editors, designers and publisher, as well as my family, for believing in my vision and helping make this magazine possible. We are truly grateful for all the support that we have received from various circles. Your support encourages us to continue to serve as a voice for those in the upcycling community. Within these pages, you will find articles written by upcyclers who truly love what they do: they come from countries all over the world, from various backgrounds and expertise. They can relate to it all, and through the approach of this magazine, have taken on the task of “giving back” what they have learned and discovered. In this issue, we share a fun DIY project to try. We also explore the world of sustainable pallets and how pallet builders are becoming more conscious about recycling materials. We look at shades of blue creations in “Let’s Talk Colour ‘’ and talk about reasons to start an upcycling business in our “In The Business” section. Also, be sure to check out our “Let’s Talk Style and Trends” for tips on staging your beautiful completed pieces. And, of course, you can’t talk upcycling without meeting some talented artists highlighted throughout the magazine. Starting a brand-new magazine is exhilarating and exhausting. It is quite an exciting experience and challenge, but I am ready to take it on. I hope UpcycledHOME will inspire your creativity and help you find your upcycling muse. Enjoy UpcycledHOME Magazine’s very first issue and please provide lots of feedback to upcycledhomemagazine@gmail.com! Happy UPCYCLING!
Angel White
Angel White Content Director/Editor, Upcycled Magazine 4
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www.upcycledhomemagazine.com
Upcycled by Suzanne Jettie Photo: Tres Chic Refinishing
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In 2017, we created the first publication of a magazine giving a community a voice. Today, I am thrilled to be watching another community, take this same formula and create a new magazine with a vision of a great leader and content editor, Angel White at the realm making it a reality. As always, OTB online magazines are free to subscribe allowing everyone to read and share the articles and inspiration found between its pages. We hope the articles and projects motivate you to take what would normally be trash and refurbish, restore or repurpose it. For those who do not share the love of tools, refinishing and paint, we are delighted to share a directory of Upcyclers to reach out and make you fall in love with your piece. We encourage you to write us, share your tips, questions and more in our Dear UpcycledHOME section, that will begin next issue. I hope you enjoy the magazine as much as we do!
Angela Brooks
Angela Brooks Visionary Publisher www.otbpublishing.ca
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Upcycled by Shelley Hudson Photo: Blu Avery
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Angel White of The Rustic Yard in St. Catharines, Ontario Canada restored this discarded steam trunk that her eldest son found on the side of the road while out walking the dog. After some cleaning and a bit of paint, this steam trunk became a coffee table with convenient blanket storage inside for her eldest daughter’s new apartment.
Upcycled by Rustic Yard Photos: Angel White
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Found to FinishED Angel White
Upcycler, The Rustic Yard
TRASH or Not? One of my favorite Memes going around on Facebook these days is of an adorable Corgi at the wheel of a vehicle, eyes wide with shock as he looks out the window while the text hollars, “OMG...is someone really throwing that out?! I can paint that and make it beautiful again! This Meme makes me giggle every time I see it because it is so ME! No matter where I am headed, I am always on the lookout for anything along the side of the road that I can fix up and make beautiful again! It has gotten so bad in fact, that my boyfriend scans the scenery ahead of our route and yells it out before my eyes have time to find it. Did you know that 9 million tons of furniture end up in our landfill every year? We live in a world where everything is disposable. If a piece of furniture no longer fits someone’s decor, is slightly broken or simply no longer wanted, it ends up on the curb. For many people, it is simply much easier to just throw a piece of furniture out and buy something new, rather than fix it up or refurbish it. But that old saying, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure”, rings very true for those of us who can see the potential in a discarded piece of furniture. There are a plethora of gems to be found on the curbside and transformed from a found piece of discarded furniture to a finished piece of loved treasure that will last on for years. A lingerie dresser and antique dresser were also free finds that completed Angel’s daughter’s new digs.
Upcycled by The Rustic Yard Photos: Angel White
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House of Aalia - Atlanta Georgia - This Basset Triple French Provincial Dresser was redone in Amethyst, Honky Tonk Red, Orange, Colonel Mustard, Daisy, Tree Frog, Yankee Blue by Dixie Belle.
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While out for a drive outside of Jackson, Missouri along Highway 61, Peter Reckling, a Southeast Missouri State University student from Cape Girardeau, Missouri USA, stumbled across this piece sitting on its back at the edge of the road. Thinking it was just junk, Reckling drove past but then changed his mind, turned around and went back to look. Low and behold it was a vintage metal cabinet with an enamel top! Seeing as there were no houses nearby or other debris scattered, Reckling went ahead and assumed it had intentionally been dumped. He loaded it into the back of his SUV and took it home! After looking at it further, he learned it was a 1930’s era Art Deco doctors cabinet, usually having been placed bedside in the hospital room or in an area where surgeries would be performed, mainly to hold linens, towels, etc. It was made by the Shampaine Co. out of St. Louis, Missouri in a line of their branded “STEELUX” cabinets. After assessing its needs, it turned out it simply needed a good scrubbing (and eviction of some spider friends that had taken up residency inside) and repainting to make it whole again! “Canvas” by Rustoleum in the enamel protective coating and “Machine Black” also by Rustoleum turned out to be an exact match to the paint chips removed during cleaning.
Upcycled and Photos: Peter Reckling
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ALL ABOUT PALLETS History of Pallets by Angel White Almost nothing excites Gary Buhlau more than a pile of discarded pallets. The moment he gets his hands on them, he becomes a creative connoisseur of building anything imaginable. It was this love of building that inspired him and his girlfriend, Angel White, to take a leap of faith and start an upcycling business amid the COVID pandemic, which they named, The Rustic Yard. Their combined love of taking discarded items and making them beautiful again has given them both an outlet to satisfy their need to create while also helping save the environment and keep as many discarded items out of the landfill as they possibly can. While they might not seem that important, pallets have been playing a major role in the world’s economy for decades. Pallets originated in the 1920s. Before pallets were invented, kegs, crates, barrels and wooden boxes were used to pack, store, move and protect goods. To many people, these wooden frames strewn about outside industrial shops and local grocery stores, may not seem all that much and in fact may appear like an eyesore, but to those with a creative eye and a love for recycling, these shipping containers are more treasure than trash. Pallets today are designed to tolerate ginormous weights and be lifted by a forklift on and off various modes of transportation. Without them, our economy would not be what it is today. 12 | UpcycledHOME Magazine
The cheapest pallets are made of softwood, such as pine, and are often considered disposable, to be thrown away as trash along with other wrapping materials at the end of the day. Pallets have also become a popular material for DIY’ers - all one has to do is type in the word “pallet” on Pinterest to see all the creative ways they are being repurposed. It is very interesting that recycled and used pallets have become much more recognized as the industry continues to mature. Nowadays many people have become aware of wooden pallets because so many products are being made from either whole wooden pallets or the lumber from dismantled pallets. This relatively new practice is often known as pallet upcycling. People are making everything from patio furniture to home decor to bed frames or outdoor structures out of old pallet wood. The “worn” look is very popular. And some recyclers are making money by selling recycled boards because some upcyclers have discovered how hard it can be to dismantle a wooden pallet by hand.
In the 1990s, pallet recycling exploded at a rate of about 20% a year. It was during this time that many pallet using companies had trouble getting rid of their unwanted pallets. Once the pallets reached their final destination, they were no longer of any use to businesses and began to pile up. Because of this, companies were willing to give their pallets away to recyclers or anybody who would pick them up. Sometimes they were even willing
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to pay people to pick up their used pallets to save them the trouble of having to discard them themselves. Because pallets are so cheap, at little to no cost, the stage was set for the emergence of the pallet recycling industry. Recently, Buhlau was commissioned by Gail Diamond of Five Star Ranch AirBnB to build a few pieces for the ranch using pallets she collected locally. Diamond loved the idea of reusing pallets to add rustic charm to the outdoor space that her guests could enjoy. Located in beautiful Campbellville, Ontario, the ranch boasts a swimming pool and hot tub, as well as an organic garden that her guests are encouraged to utilize during their stay. To enhance the areas, Diamond drew up some simple sketches for Buhlau, to give him an idea of what she was looking for, but left the entire design of the projects up to him. The first project Buhlau took on was to create an outdoor kitchenette counter for Diamond’s garden space. The counter was created using some cedar boards that came from an old playground that used to grace the property, while the rest of the material was pallet boards that Diamond and Buhlau dismantled using the Pallet Buster. The cupboard doors allow for Diamond to store her gardening tools on one side and kitchen bowls, salad spinner and cutting boards on the other. Between the two sides of the counter, sits a stainless steel laundry tub where guests can wash their garden pickings before preparing their salads and meals on the sturdy counter space. To further enhance the hot tub area, Diamond had Buhlau create new steps to assist guests with getting in and out of the hot tub, as well as a coat rack for robes and towels using railroad spikes found in Diamond’s barn, and a bar for guests to place their drinks while in the tub. Another bar was built nearby, for guests to stand around while socializing. These added elements add a touch of rustic charm. The final project was a firewood shed near the guests’ firepit to ensure the firewood remains dry 14 | UpcycledHOME Magazine
Upcycled by Gary BuhlauPhoto: The Rustic Yard
for guests to enjoy. Diamond provides wood for her guests at a minimal cost, including kindling and everything they need to get a roaring fire going. While Buhlau provided most of the building manpower, Diamond assisted where she could, never shying away from getting down and dirty with tearing the pallets apart and removing nails. “The great thing about building these items for my ranch is that I was able to use pallets that would have otherwise gone to waste plus supplies from my own stash of finds. I also love that I was able to get my hands dirty and participate in building everything alongside Gary. He is a hard worker and really puts his heart into what he does. I can’t thank him enough for his designs and dedication and my guests thank him too.” (*Note: For more information on the Five Star Ranch AirBnB, please contact Gail Diamond at (905) 6911230, or check her out at airbnb.com/h/fivestarhayloft, or follow her on Facebook. Be sure to mention that you read about her in The UpcycledHOME Magazine!)
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Let’s Talk Style and Trends
5 Important Basics of Staging Your Piece by Sandy Cambell www.thepaintshedcornwall.co.uk
So, you have finished your very first piece and oh boy, are you pleased with it! So, now what? Are you keeping it in a place of pride at home, or do you have dreams of making a little money from your creative efforts?
Well, for those of you who want to take it a step further, and are choosing to FLIP IT (a fancy term in the furniture upcycling industry for selling), then you are going to have a few other things to think about. One of those being, how to get some great scroll stopping, stand out shots in order to tempt the shopper to click on your piece. To help you, I’ve put together 5 fabulous top tips on how to do that. For me, staging and styling my furniture is one of the most fun parts of the job. If you love interior decorating, you are going to love this part, but if you don’t, and you are a little lost, terrified even, then these tips will help make it a fun and easier experience.
Top Tip No. 1 Create a Staging Area
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it’s like laying the foundation. I like to imagine I am putting on a show and my furniture is the star. Hence the word “staging”. You are going to need to create a backdrop for which to shoot your piece against, and by that, I don’t mean hanging up your creased Grannies bedsheet in the background. I have a section of wall that I have painted in a neutral greyish (that’s kind of a cross between grey and beige). I sometimes choose to quickly paint over this if the style of the piece requires a darker or lighter background, but all in all it works well for me. Some folks use a drop-down roller blind or a professional photographic back cloth, while others use removable boards that they can also flip 16 | UpcycledHOME Magazine
around, having different colours front and back. Sometimes I chose to photograph pieces against an old large barn door that I found or a huge piece of corrugated roofing, which looks amazing behind a chippy farmhouse piece. Whatever works for you in the space you have, is key. The floor is also important, so you could for instance, choose to put down a laminate wooden floor in your staging area, again keeping it neutral so it works well for most pieces. Personally, I have built up a selection of rugs which I like to stage my pieces on, choosing the style of rug that goes with the mood I am trying to create and complimenting the furniture I’m photographing. Keep your eyes peeled on “Buy and sell” websites, such as Ebay and Facebook marketplace, for them.
Top Tip No.2 Set the Scene. This is the fun part! It’s time to get in the mood. Now we need to add some accessories that compliment the piece, as well as set the scene. We want the viewer to be able to imagine this piece in their home. Choosing the right items to sell the lifestyle is also key. Try to get your head into the mind of the person that’s buying that piece…who is it for… adult, child, woman, man... where will it be used, what is its function etc... I like to use items with a variety of textures; for instance, some soft furnishings, like cushions or a throw in the picture, along with some books or a statement vase works well, as do baskets and plants. Often people use empty picture frames, which also works well as a prop. If bringing in patterns and colours, make sure they compliment your piece without taking it over. When arranging items, I chose to start higher to the left of the piece as you look at it and finish with items on the floor to the right. This naturally makes the viewers eyes travel across the UpcycledHOME Magazine |
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whole piece from left to right, top to bottom, a little like reading a book. Shop around, as you don’t have to spend a fortune on stuff, so get creative. Charity shops, Facebook Marketplace, and the local tip and car boot (garage) sales, are all great places for finds. I am constantly raiding my own home using my own personal items, as well as having a collection of staging items in my workshop. Investing in a few quality staging pieces is always worth it. Right, we now have our piece dressed and ready to perform.
Top Tip No. 3 Lights… Great lighting is so important. If you are fortunate enough to have good natural light flooding into your space, then lucky you! Natural light is always the most flattering, not just for us but for our pieces too. If you don’t have good lighting, try to enhance what you do have. Think about daylight bulbs that will cast a kindly light or even better, invest in some photographic staging lights. They don’t have to be too expensive. I am lucky enough to have great natural light but on cloudy days, I will use my staging lights. These look a little like a bulb inside an umbrella, you know the ones I mean. The great thing about them is, you can stage your shoot at any time of day or night and move them around or up and down to get the desired lighting effect you need.
Top Tip No. 4 Camera… Now it’s time to channel your inner David Bailey (Who is David Bailey, you ask? Sorry, I ain’t got time to talk about him in this article, you will have to google him).
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If you have a fantastic, all singing, all dancing DSLR, then go grab it and get shooting now! You really can’t beat a professional camera for real quality photographs. But let me tell you a secret, since my daughter bust my beloved Nikon staging her own work whilst standing on a wobbly chair, (yes, she is still alive and well, having survived the wrath of mother hen and the chair injuries, you will be pleased to hear) I am currently taking all my photos with my camera phone. Camera phones have come a long way, making it even easier for us to capture great images. When shooting your piece, try to get down low, so that you are almost at eye level with the furniture. Be sure
to get a great square front on shot, as well as exploring different angles and close up shots. Shooting parts of the piece that are of interest, such as details of moulding or hardware for example, are a great way to show off the fabulous details you have achieved. Keep in mind also, not just the look but the functionality of the piece. Your buyer may want to know the condition of the drawers inside, so I often take a shot of the item with the drawers or doors open. Give space in the frame to be able to crop photos at the editing stage.
Top Tip No. 5 Action! Once you have your photos, it’s time to edit them. If taking photos on your phone, you can also edit from there too. There are many great editing apps available, and many cell phones already have a decent one built in. My absolute fav is Snapseed, but there are many others. Explore them and use the one you find easy and effective to use. For editing images on your pc, there are many options, Photoshop and Lightroom being Top of the Pops (sorry another English reference there that you may need to google). I would advise against using filters, as you need your piece to look as true to life as possible. You don’t want to disappoint a customer by selling them something that looks nothing like it did in the photo; remember you are selling the lifestyle. This is your chance to finally tweak and make that image into a showstopper that everyone wants to own. Take inspiration from others in the industry that you admire. There are many different styles and methods out there for you to play with. But most importantly, relax and enjoy the process of finding your own unique style and soon you will be creating fantastic images of your beautiful work. Happy snapping,
Sandy xxx
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“Pure” Enjoyment
by Becky Dumais
A must-visit Burlington store for those with a penchant for painting If you’re looking for a place to find some new home décor, source some new paint colours and engage in lively upcycling shoptalk, visiting Pure Boutique in Downtown Burlington is a must. Residents of Burlington may recall that Lori Borsellino’s original vision – and product offering – for her store in the city’s downtown core was flowers and home décor, with a few antique pieces for display purposes. What pivoted her viewpoint and snowballed into her thriving business, was when customers began wanting to purchase her painted antique pieces. Lori still recalls that pivotal piece: an antique sideboard that she painted in Quaker Blue milk paint. “It sold right away,” she recalls, and was greatly surprised when a customer came in and asked if they could buy it. Not quite sure of the asking price – and questioning herself whether or not she even wanted to part with it, the final decision was to let it go to a new home, where it still sits in the customer’s living room today. The sideboard came as a three-piece set (sideboard, server and armoire), circa early 1900s from England, according to the research Lori said she conducted on it many years ago. “It had beautiful detailing. All three pieces sold very quickly,” she says. The foundation of the store is the paint itself, but with heavy ties to home décor. Lori describes her store’s style as a mix of modern chic with clean lines, a little nod here and there to shabby chic, and French inspiration. “I always say that it’s a mash up of everything that I love: some creative, some antiques, accessories, and I get to do antique picking still,” Lori says. “It’s everything that I love that’s in the store.” You’ll find a wonderful selection of accessories from candles and cushions to throws and wall hangings, serving pieces, fashion accessories and lots more. “I place my orders based on what I love,” she admits. “Everything is hand-picked. There’s some-
Upcycled Destination
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thing for everybody and practically every room in the house.” With the onset of extra time the world had to fill during quarantine, paint sales soared. “I think people had time on their hands,” observes Lori. An influx of new hobbyist painters created a challenge for her and other retailers. “Our paint sales are probably four times what they normally are – and Fusion (their paint supplier) had a shortage across the board. Luckily I had always kept a high inventory for my paint so that kept us going for about two months.” It was also an opportune time to retail some other paint lines alongside Fusion, including the chalk paint the store first carried, which is now under the name Mango Paint (originally marketed as van Gogh). “We brought that one back because it gives people another creative option. It’s totally different from Fusion,” Lori explains. “I like it for doing a heavily distressed piece or something really ornate and you want to bring out the detail. That’s what I like Mango for. Fusion is a user-friendly all-in-one paint.” More paint options affords the opportunity for customers to experiment. “We thought it was a good time to do it with everybody buying paint for their projects.” When you walk through the door, you’re greeted by an immense sense of comfort. “I want you to feel like it’s a little serenity,” Lori states. “It’s our sanctuary when we come in every day and that’s how we want our customers to feel.” Safety is also important, so you’ll not see more than about four customers inside at any given time, and Lori and her staff are cleaning and following proper protocols in between. “We want you to come in and feel that it’s a nice place to be,” she adds, noting that they all call it their sanctuary; whatever is going on elsewhere, they get to be in a beautiful bubble. Creativity is meant to be shared in order to be appreciated and spark inspiration in others, and what better way to help burgeoning enthusiasts with their paint projects through workshops, which also remains at the core of Lori’s business. “We’ve had to change our workshops,” she says – and you can guess the reason why. “We didn’t want to encourage gathering so we’re coming out with something very exciting: Workshop in a box.” It’s been in the works for the past six months with a launch date of October 4. The kit contains access to exclusive video, a printed booklet with instructions, treats (tea and a cookie to be consumed on a well-deserved break perhaps). “It has of the tools you need to do your workshop at home,” Lori explains. If they choose, customers could do them with friends in person or virtually. UpcycledHOME Magazine |
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Whether the workshops were in person or now virtual, Lori hopes that people will find them a true creative outlet. “I think that what we’ve realized through all of this is that creativity is therapy.” If it happens to kick start a hobby or another income stream she’s tickled pink. “For four hours you can forget everything else that’s going on, paint and enjoy.” Speaking of pink, it’s one of Lori’s favourite colours. “There’s a beautiful piece in the store that I’ve done in a custom pink,” she declares. “As far as trending goes, pink is an accent colour that I love but the grays are still really heavy but I feel like they’re getting a little warmer - not quite so cool.” Earlier on she notes that the first instance of hues were on the cold side, making them hard to pair with the warm taupe tones people had in their homes at the time. It’s only natural that part of the job involves picking and thrifting, and Lori loves frequenting stores from Oakville to Dundas, and even on the way to her cottage. “I still paint for pleasure around my house and tons at our cottage,” notes Lori. As you’d expect, the cottage itself mirrors much of what you’ll find in her store; her northern getaway is all done in chalk paint and adorned with antique furniture. “Almost everything is done in our paint. It’s a look that I love. I find it soothing and comforting,” she says. -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Your Destination:
Pure Boutique Where: 389-3 Brant St, Burlington Call: (289) 337-5169 Established: February 2012 Paint lines: Fusion Mineral Paint, Mango Paint Inc., Homestead House Furniture Paint, Homestead House Milk Paint Online: pureboutique.ca 22 | UpcycledHOME Magazine
Upcycled by Pure Boutique Lori Borsellino
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TIPS and TRICKS Tips and Advice for those interested in trying their hand at Upcycling.
Invest in your tools. Once you have experience, you might be able to make any brush or roller work, but for a great finish, your tools can be crucial and the difference between success on a first pass or redoing your work a couple times. LOL Trust me, pick your battles. - Shannon Bickford Zelsnack Don’t use crap paint. Buy the best brushes (Cling On and Staalmeester are my two favourites). Don’t skip the prep stage (this is huge). - Leslie Kuhl Parenteau Start on small pieces and work your way up to larger more difficult ones (basic prep and getting to know the different types of paints). Start with the basics and once you’ve mastered that then expand your skills with using different techniques like waxing, distressing, shading and using different products to achieve different looks. Join and follow online groups or artists that do what you want to do, as you learn so much from this! I started with a few 3 hour workshops to build my confidence and then grew from there! - Barb DiMarco Be patient. Do your prep. Clean, sand, tack cloth, prime. Slowly slowly works better. - Deidre Shannon Don’t underestimate the importance of a good cleaning before you start painting! ~ Megan Olson
Someone suggested soup cans to put under the furniture so it’s off the floor. Used the suggestion and loved it. - Patti Collins Yetman
Be wary of anything with fabric (bedbugs). Use paint testers before sanding to check for lead. Always wear eye and lung protection when working. - Sara Allen
Let the piece speak to you.~ Michele Dennier-Sharpe Drive around on garbage day , you never know what you might find. ~ Suzette Lemieux.
Check for woodworms! - Sarah Honeysett You don’t have to follow the rules - Jyl Watson
Look at the underside before you buy a piece to upcycle. I’ve had cat urine soaked structural parts and broken legs. ~ Donna Hopcraft Don’t be afraid to try new/crazy things! You never know what may turn out to be an unexpected masterpiece! ~ Kimberly Browning
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Prep is Queen. All great projects are the result of careful and thorough prep. - Tiffany Van Hoosan
Always take the time to take off hardware, handles, hinges, etc instead of trying to work around them. Your finish will look nicer in the end. Buy a good quality brush, you won’t regret it. - Tara Robitaille There are products galore out there and all need proper prep for longevity. - Tom Terranova
Do some research. How to clean. When to prime. How to avoid brushstrokes. Tons of videos out there and on fusionmineralpaint.com - Dale Cee
Start small. - Erika Herrmann Kahler Prep, prep, prep! Keeps it fun and easier. - Meg Conarroe
Preparation is the key to a good finished piece . - Samantha Marie
Don’t be fooled by MDF. It CAN be a great product if done right, but oftentimes becomes more of a problem to repair than to just junk. - Julie Taylor Join Facebook groups! Learning from others is the best way to grow and make friends - Erin Brooke Patience, take your time. - Terre Labaire Patience! Take time to properly prepare a piece and have the correct tools. I get excited to see the finished product, but the end result is so much better when I take my time. - Angela Murphy You can learn a lot from others but there is no substitute for showing up and doing the work. - Wendy Olgine
If the product says to wait 24 hours before sanding or doing anything else ... WAIT THE 24 HOURS. - Julie Zuckman
Don’t be afraid or intimidated, grab your favorite colour and paint away. - Diane Courchesne
Start with a really good sander ,learn early on a good prepping technique, a good nice brush, find a space that’s dedicated to your work, and find a nice white or off-white color to work with. With fusion Champlain or raw silk are both really great colors to start with. When it comes to working with this type of paint less is more. Which means less paint on your brush and less working the paint the better. Unlike working with chalk paint, a good solid paint will show brush marks if you play with it too much. ~ Dee Coons
Go ahead and invest in the high-quality oval-head natural bristle paint brush they often sell alongside chalk paints. (I use the Annie Sloan products myself but by all means shop around.) They cost way more than chip brushes, but hold a lot of paint, spread on smoothly, and not only can you paint faster but it’s more enjoyable so time seems to fly. Now, isn’t that worth more money upfront? You’ll make it back just by being way more productive. ~ Victoria Tamas
Everything is fixable with either a sander or a cloth. - Rachel Krauze.
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In The Business “The Top 5 Reasons to Start an by Kristen Hubert www.upcyclemystuff.com
Upcycling Business
I was excited to be asked to write this column for UpcycledHOME Magazine because I am passionate about helping people start small businesses and specifically small businesses that define themselves as Upcycling Businesses. What does that mean? It means these business owners use a base material for the products they sell that no one else values. Either it is literal garbage or trash that you would find in a landfill or a recycling bin or it is just something that has lost its value over time, like a certain style of dated furniture, clothing or bric a brac (like a vase or a lamp shade).
creative, all things considered, an upcycling business is going to be cheaper to start than, for example, another type of handmade business where raw materials need to be purchased – sometimes at a premium.
So why am I so enthusiastic about these types of businesses?
We talk about how to account for these costs in my Upcycling Business Start Up Courses and I’ve also talked about it on my blog where I’ve discussed accounting for upcycling supplies in product prices at length.
I’ll give you my top 5 reasons!
2. USP
1. It’s Cheap! By definition, because people generally don’t want the materials that these business owners are starting with – at least not in their current condition – there is a low barrier to entry for these businesses when you are talking about the cost to start producing their first products for sale. Of course, making upcycled products isn’t free – you need to pay for the supplies to transform the object into something someone else wants. But if you are 26 | UpcycledHOME Magazine
USP stands for, Unique Selling Point, in marketing terms. And with an upcycling business you already have one right off the bat – you have turned something that otherwise would have remained unwanted, into something valuable again. That’s pretty unique and pretty cool – I consider that a selling point! And the more creative the upcycling is, the more of a unique selling point it is. I’ve worked with PangaeA Bags in the past – they make designer handbags out of broken unwanted
footballs (or soccer balls if you are from the US). They are pretty cool and the fact that these sought-after bags are made from disused sports equipment is a pretty strong USP.
crafts or skills aren’t actually that hard to learn if you really want to!)….but regardless, they have had their mind expanded by seeing those products, at least just a little bit – and that can only be a good thing.
3. Less Waste
5. Empowerment
Okay, this is an obvious one. Upcycling, and starting with something that already exists as your base material, is better for the environment. Simple as that.
The last reason why I love upcycling businesses, is tied up with one of the reasons why I just love upcycling full stop. And that is the powerful feeling you get when you transform something unwanted, unloved and unused into something valuable, admired and useful again.
We might all think we are disposing of less or doing our bit, but in reality, the amount of actual rubbish and just old ‘stuff ’ we throw out on a weekly basis, as individuals, is staggering! Anyone who stops some of that stuff from being thrown away, or even lying unused in storage somewhere, and puts it to good use, is amazing in my books.
4. Changing Minds Related to that last point, one of the reasons I love working with upcycling businesses so much, is that just by being out in the world selling their products, and telling other people what they made them from, they are playing a role in changing people’s minds about what is valuable and useful, and what isn’t. Customers who buy (or even just see!) a set of drinking glasses made out of old wine bottles or a keychain made out of old typewriter keys, are just bound to look at their own consumption just a little bit different afterwards. Granted, they tend to wax lyrical about how ‘I would never have the skills to do that – you are so creative!’, when speaking to the business owner and kind of tell themselves a story about why they couldn’t do it themselves (a bit of a cop out in my books as most
That’s an amazing thing to be able to do. I’ve written in the past about how it can be beneficial to people’s mental health and for a small business owner this holds true as well. If you can start with something that nobody wants, transform it and sell it enough times to feed your family and put a roof over your head…..I mean just imagine the level of confidence that would give you! That’s the definition of empowerment as far as I’m concerned. Are you thinking of starting an upcycling business, or do you have one already? I’d love to hear your thoughts on your ‘why’ for starting your business – especially if they are different from the ones I’ve listed. Don’t hesitate to get in touch, I’d love to hear from you! --------------------------------------Kristen Hubert is a blogger, small business owner and small business consultant. Her blog, Upcycle My Stuff, has loads of step by step upcycling tutorials, as well as resources for small upcycling businesses looking to get started. She teaches new upcycling businesses how to harness the secrets of e-commerce to grow their own businesses, without losing sight of their upcycled & handmade roots.
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Let’s Talk Colour Blues of all Shades
I
by Angel White www.TheRusticYard.ca
t seems that no matter the mood or style, blue is still a popular colour among furniture artists. With shades ranging from midnight navys to bright peacocks and soft icy hues, blue is easily a colour that you can’t go wrong with thanks to its ability to be both bold and neutral. Whether you are a traditionalist, modernist, or the eclectic type, blue is easily paired with a wide range of colours and styles. Here we have just a few examples of some moody, dramatic and serene pieces that our Upcyclers have done.
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Upcycled by Karolina Pach Photos: Hocus Pokus Home
Karolina Pach of Hocus Pokus Home, located in Warsaw, Poland built a regal dresser using 3 Ikea Rast dressers and the end result is simply stunning. By adding moulding around each individual drawer and a new wooden top, this one of a kind piece is a true showstopper. Using Fusion Mineral Paint in Liberty Blue, with a touch of the colour Azure (also from FMP) for blending, the end result is a vibrant and striking piece that is both functional and a definite focal point.
Dresser painting and blending was done with paint brushes and the top finished using a paint roller. Mouldings have been done with wooden WoodUbend Mouldings and the detail scrollwork was handmade with clay, using IOD Silicone Form. Mouldings were underlined with blue and turquoise wax paste. To finish the piece, Pach waxed the top and sealed with a matte varnish.
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Upcycled by Aalia Sange Photos: House of Aailia
Aalia Sange of House of Aalia located in Atlanta, Georgia USA recently shared her stunning French Provincial Chest with us and we truly love the serenity this piece invokes. Using Dixie Belle’s White Lighting to clean the piece first, she followed by dressing her piece in Dixie Belle’s Vintage Duck Egg and then finished with a Satin Clear Coat to seal.
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The simplicity of these nesting tables by
Mariola Izydor-Fik of
Revival Furniture by Mariola in Mississauga, Ontario Canada simply cannot hide the respect and awe that they demand. As a retailer of Wise Owl Chalk Synthesis Paint and an upcycler, Izydor-Fik changed these nesting tables from boring to gorgeous.
Upcycled by Mariola Izydor-Fik Photos: Revival Furniture by Mariola
The pieces were cleaned, primed and then painted in Refurbished Gentleman by Wise Owl Synthesis. Black was added on the legs for a dipped effect that was blended for a beautiful faded ombre rather than a straight edge. The stencil pattern was added with the same black paint on the middle table to give it more character using a stencil roll from Redesign by Prima. To complete the three pieces, Izydor-Fik sealed them using Wise Owl Matte Varnish. UpcycledHOME Magazine |
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Also an Ambassador and Affiliate for Wise Owl
Paints and Products, Mark DeRemer of Refurbished Gentleman in Clearwater, Florida USA calls this beauty, “Grecian Sky”. Just looking at her gives one the impression that she definitely is a grecian goddess. And yes, there is indeed a connection to the afore32 | UpcycledHOME Magazine
mentioned colour of Refurbished Gentleman used in the previous piece. Wise Owl Paints and Products approached DeRemer to curate a color for them back in January (which was released in May). From that request he created a blue/grey color after lots of mixing and testing. When he finalized the color they decided to name it after his business name, “Refurbished Gentleman”.
Upcycled by Mark DeRemer Photos: Refurbished Gentleman
The inspiration for this opulent piece was a recent move to Florida and the beautiful blue skies there. The DeRemers are a military family, and after both retiring this past April they decided to move back to Florida from Illinois. After arriving and getting settled with a new shop, DeRemer took a bit of inspiration for this new piece UpcycledHOME Magazine |
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from his new surroundings. The beautiful blue skies from many beach trips was at the forefront of his brain as you’d expect moving to a beautiful place like Florida would. First DeRemer did his usual prep, scuff and degreasing followed by two coats of Wise Owl Paint’s Clear Primer. Next came the base coat which is a fun custom mix of “Refurbished Gentleman” and “Limestone” by Wise Owl Paints to give him a lighter blue with a gentle hint of grey. After that base coat was a wash (watered down paint) coat, of the “Limestone” using a “ragging” technique with a wet towel to pull back some of the wash and give that really cool clouded look. This started the layering process to add that blue sky look he wanted. Next came the same process, but this time using “Refurbished Gentleman” only, and in the cracks and crevices to add darkened shading in those areas. The top was stripped, sanded, bleached and stained using a Natural stain to keep it that beautiful raw golden color. DeRemer top coated the entire piece, painted areas and wood with Wise Owl Paint’s Varnish in Matte, to keep the sheen consistent from top to bottom. Finally all the hardware, hinges and those faux nail heads were updated using Wise Owl Paint’s Heavy Metals Metallic Gilding Paints, “Bronze” & “Cleopatra” to get a more melted gold look to couple with the golden wood top. The final step was to add some Wise Owl Paint’s Hemp Oil Furniture Wax in Black to add that little bit of aging.
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Vintage with a modern farmhouse look, this beautiful buffet is crafted of solid wood and refurbished by
Daphine Nichols of
Upscale Restorations in Charlotte, North Carolina USA. It features two doors that open up to a shelf & plenty storage. It also features a drawer with flatware storage. Upcycled by Daphine Nichols Photos: Upscale Restorations
First step was sanding to remove the varnish. Then primed with 2 coats of water based primer “kiltz�. Spray painted with 2 coats of a custom blend Brilliant Teal by General Finishes and accented with Snow White Milk Paint also by General Finishes. For durability and a lasting impression for years to come, this gorgeous piece has been finished with two coats of polyacrylic.
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DIY DECOR INSPIRATION Silver Plated Goblet Candle by Kathy Owen www.petticoatjunktion.com
Here is a great idea to add a touch of charm and glamour to your casual and formal dining experience, with a vintage silver plated goblet and a few simple tools and supplies. Silver Plated dishes are numerous at thrift stores and flea markets. The price is usually very reasonable and the possibilities are endless. I’ve made succulent containers using sugar and creamer containers, turned trays into magnet boards and bases for cloches, etc. I found a pretty silver plated goblet in a box of things I bought at an auction and set the goblet on a shelf in my workshop waiting for inspiration. I love how this piece gleams and adds a touch of luster to my table setting. Silver plated pieces are like jewelry for your table!
Tools and Supplies for Candle project: Candle Wax Wick Bag For Melting Wax Salvaged Goblet Or Similar Item Saucepan wooden skewer glue or hot glue Brasso Silver Cleaner
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1. Clean The Goblet “Clean silver plated goblet with Brasso”
Most silver plated items from the thrift store are tarnished. Use a soft rag and some Brasso to remove the tarnish. Gently rubbing the silver plated piece will remove the tarnish in a few minutes. Don’t forget to do the inside of the goblet or at least the top portion that will show above the candle wax.
2. Prepare The Wax “Cut wax into small pieces and put in plastic bag made for melting wax”
The wax I used for the project is packaged in small blocks. I cut the blocks into smaller pieces to hasten the melting process. “Melt candle wax on stove top” Put the wax in the plastic melting bag. Fill a saucepan about 1/3 full of water and bring to a gentle boil. Sit the bagged wax into the pot and turn off the heat. If the wax doesn’t melt completely in 15-20 minutes turn the heat back on and watch the wax carefully until it melts.
3. Set The Wick
“Glue wick to bottom of candle holder” While waiting for the wax to melt, prepare the wick in the goblet. Place a dab of quick setting glue or a dot of hot glue on the metal base of the wick and set in the center bottom of the goblet.
“Place wick in candle container and tie top of wick to wood skewer to prevent movement” To keep the wick vertical and in the center of the candle set a wood skewer or similar item on the center top of the goblet and wrap the end of the wick around the skewer.
4. Pour Melted Wax Into Goblet
“Pour melted wax into silverplate goblet” Set the goblet in a cardboard box or something similar just in case the hot wax overshoots the goblet…..like mine did. Once the wax is melted carefully pour the wax into the goblet. If the bag is hot on the bottom use an oven mitt. I held the bag on the top and about two thirds of the way down the bag and poured the wax. The bag was not hot in those spots. The wax did pour out of the bag fast and mine overshot the goblet on the first pour. Just take it slow. You can see in the photo above where there is wax on the inside upper rim of the goblet where the wax spilled over the side. I carefully wiped that off with a paper towel while the wax was still soft.
5. Clip The Wick
Once the wax is set, unwind or untie the wick from the skewer and trim the wick to 1/4” high. Time to enjoy your candle. The silver plated goblet idea is a good one but there are all kinds of vintage items or thrift store finds you can use to make a candle. What ideas do you have? UpcycledHOME Magazine |
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Making Christmas Memories...
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studiocfive.com 38 | UpcycledHOME Magazine
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www.TheRusticYard.com UpcycledHOME Magazine |
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IN THE SPOTLIGHT The UpCYKL Chronicles
by Elizabeth Manaster, Junkyard Dogs Upcycled Furniture
When Josh Campbell and Eva Zdorova set out to find new bedroom furniture for Eva’s mother while she was on vacation, they had no idea they were planting the seeds for their future refurbishing business. The new bedroom furniture was meant to be a surprise, but unfortunately, they were unable to acquire the pieces they had
the extent of her knowledge. But they had both always been creative and loved making things with their hands. With Eva’s mother now enjoying her new bedroom, they were both excited about the possibility of doing more “furniture revival”.
in mind. Still wanting to surprise her mother, they decided to repaint her existing bedroom furniture instead. After much consideration, last-minute adjustments, arguing over colors and watching countless YouTube videos about paint mixing, this was the result:
Their next project was a computer desk for Josh’s parents. The idea came after discovering an antique-looking magazine table as a curb-side pickup. The table was broken, scratched, and in a poor shape overall, but they were up for the challenge. As this was to be a holiday gift and needed to fit the remaining surroundings of the house, Josh and Eva had to be careful when selecting a particular color for the wood. In
Prior to this first project, Josh and Eva had no experience in furniture upcycling. Josh had done a lot of home renovations and repairs, and thus had a good idea about paint quality, wood finishing, and other tricks to make a home more cozier and comfortable. Eva had painted some walls and windows in the past, but that was 40 | UpcycledHOME Magazine
tures, and glitter! Josh had to wash it out of his hair for a week after the desk was complete. This was also their first application of paper to furniture. After finishing Caitlyn’s desk, Josh and Eva realized not only that they had a passion for creating unique pieces, but that refurbishing furniture was also more affordable and eco-friendly, saving unwanted pieces from ending up in the landfill. The duo calls this “giving the pieces a second life”. After a few more small projects, the idea for their business ‘UpCykl’ was born. Although both are employed full-time (Josh has a business degree and Eva works with technology), they decided that their combined backgrounds were a good foundation for many exciting projects, particularly during the time of pandemic when affordable, unique furniture piec-
addition, the small desk had to be repaired prior to being painted, which was not an easy task as the piece was antique and fragile and needed lots of TLC. After repairing, sanding off the original color, and refinishing in dark wood, this is what the desk looked like, and Josh’s parents had a chance to admire their gift. So far, they had looked at their furniture refinishing as just a hobby, something that was fun to do and satisfied the couple’s creative streak. But another holiday gift got the couple thinking of turning their hobby into a business.
Upcycled by Eva Zdorova and Josh Campbell Photos: UpCYKL Chronicles
Their next project, this time for Josh’s young niece, began with another curbside pick-up. Josh and Eva were excited to bring the little desk back to life and create something a little girl would love. They had a lot of fun with pink and purple paint, unicorn picUpcycledHOME Magazine |
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es would allow those who are looking for more reasonably priced furniture to acquire something to their liking. Although the company is only a few months old, Josh and Eva are planning for the future, determining what works best, learning new practices, and becoming an integral part of the furniture upcycler community. ‘UpCykl’ is based in Ottawa, Ontario Canada and does not have a commercial space yet. In fact, Josh and Eva have turned the living room of their one-bedroom apartment into a studio (please do not tell their landlord!). Organizing space for storing tools, paints, and pieces already in the work and in various stages of preparation is definitely a challenge in a 15 by 20 ft space, making sure that the smell of varnish does not disturb the neighbours, and that the paint does not get on the walls, the floor, or the dog. Despite the challenges, Josh and Eva are excited to continue their refurbishing journey. Finally, a few words of recently acquire wisdom from these new members of the Upcycled community: 1. If you are working in an indoor space, open the windows and have the best ventilation possible. Paint and paint stripping liquids, even eco-friendly ones, smell fairly strong and that smell has a tendency to absorb into the walls. 2. When preparing chalk paint (if mixing your own from Plaster of Paris and not buying a wide variety of readily available), do not use anything other than acrylic paint. A can of regular BEHR, mixed with Plaster of Paris, produces an unusable mush that is not only impossible to mix properly, but is also a complete waste of both the paint and the plaster. 3. When applying pictures or wallpaper to furniture surfaces you can use either the hot iron method or the Mod Podge method. Depending on the quality of your picture and the
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surface of the wood, bubbles can easily form in both cases. Use a sewing needle and some extra Mod Podge to eliminate them and to make the surface smooth. Josh and Eva are happy to join the community of furniture upcyclers and send good wishes to all of its members. May you find treasures at every garage sale, flea market (and neighbours garbage bin!) you visit, and may your paint always turn out to be the perfect color!
Do you struggle to stay organized with your Upcycled Projects? Peachy Planner is a great solution to stay on top of shopping lists, resources, clients, marketing tasks and organizing your time!
Join our online community to learn how to use a planner to stay organized and more productive! https://www.facebook.com/groups/peachyplanner Upcycled by Suzanne Jettie Photo: Tres Chic Refinishing
PeachyPlanner.com
www.
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DIRECTORY of UPCYCLERS
Upcycled by Sandy Campbell Photo: Feral Furniture
CANADA Cambridge, ON Lidia Martins Vintique Paint Addict www.vintiquepaintaddict.com Mississauga, ON Mariola Izydor-Fik Revival Furniture by Mariola St. Catharines, ON Angel White + Gary Buhlau The Rustic Yard www.therusticyard.com
POLAND Warsaw Karolina Pach Hocus Pokus Home www.hokuspokushome.pl
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SCOTLAND Edinburgh Kristen Hubert Upcycle My Stuff www.upcyclemystuff.com
UNITED KINGDOM Latchley, Cornwall Shelley Hudson Blu Avery www.bluavery.com Saint Minver Sandy Campbell Feral Furniture www.thepaintshedcornwall.co.uk
UNITED STATES Clearwater, FL Mark DeRemer Refurbished Gentleman www.refurbishedgentleman.com
Would you like to be listed in our directory of professionals? Email upcycledmagazine@gmail.com for more information.
Atlanta, GA Aalia Sange House of Aalia www.esty.com/shop/HouseofAalia
Northbrook, IL Elizabeth Manaster Junkyard Dogs Upcycled Furniture
Grand Rapids, MI Nasiha Kovacs New Life FUrnture by NK #newlifefurniturebynk
Bloomington, MN Jessie Villacorta Colibri Designs by Jessie facebook.com/colibridesignsbyjessie Charlotte, NC Daphine Nichols Upscale Restoration
www.esty.com/shop/upscalerestoration
Clarksville, TN Kathy Owen Petticoat Junktion www.petticoatjunktion.com Lehi, UT Suzanne Jettie Tres Chic Refinishing facebook.com/TresChicRefinishing Upcycled by Mariola Photo: Revival Furniture by Mariola
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Refinished, Refurbi BUFFETS AND SIDEBOARDS What is the difference between restored, refurbished and repurposed? I have been asked this many times in the past, and it is a very legitimate question. With so many terms, it can be confusing for some. Many of us have some kind of furniture piece stored away in the garage or the attic that we no longer use, but for one reason or another, we simply don’t have the heart to get rid of. Perhaps it is great-grandma’s Singer sewing machine, or Mom’s kitchen table set. Maybe it holds some sentimental value or you think, someday I might need an extra table set. Restoring a piece is the process of restoring something to its original condition using period materials and effects whereas refurbishing is to rebuild or replenish something with all new materials. Repurposing is changing the use of something, on a long-term basis, for a purpose other than what the original
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creator intended. Whatever the reason, restoring, refurbishing or repurposing is a great way to introduce your piece back into your cozy home. Whichever way you choose, giving new life to a piece of furniture makes something new out of the old, creates unique conversation pieces and saves an item from ending up in our landfills. Which of the three do you prefer the most?
Restored This ornate Jacobean buffet is a beautiful example of high quality furniture. Each drawer had dovetail construction in all four corners and so many elegant accents that Jane Schnittker of Refined Vintage Furniture in Port Elgin,Ontario Canada felt like it had to have a Classic historical colour that was striking and luxurious. Schnittker chose the jewel toned Amsterdam green by Annie Sloan and painted the entire body leaving some of the chunky trim natural. Schnittker then covered all of the painted areas in a few coats of clear wax followed by a coat of black wax (both Annie Sloan as well). Following this, Schnittker used the black wax to enhance the raised and lowered areas as well as crevices. This
ished, Repurposed
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brings your eye to these beautifully made trim pieces that just need to be seen. The insides of this solid wood piece were in excellent condition and cleaned and waxed to preserve it for the next hundred years of its life.
ing room, and stands as a reminder of their history.
Charlene Malayney of Yorkton, Saskatchewan Canada is a furniture refinishing hobbyist who decided to take on the task of restoring this buffet that used to belong to her husband’s grandparents; a gift from their own children in the early 1950s. This buffet had been stored in a family member’s basement for several years and the original finish was wearing off. Malayney used Super Remover Methylene Chloride Free Paint Stripper and steel wool to remove the old finish. There were a few dents and dings that she smoothed out with sandpaper. Following this, Malayney applied Watco
Sideboard made by Howell Furniture Co. “I wanted to do something special to this piece and keep the integrity of such beautiful woodwork but at the same time give it a ‘current’ feel”, says Jessie Villacorta of Colibri Designs by Jessie in Bloomington, Minnesota USA.
Danish Oil in Dark Walnut. Because the wood was extremely dry and quickly absorbed the oil, a total of six coats was applied. The original hardware was cleaned with vinegar before being reattached. This piece now holds a proud place in the Malayney din-
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After sanding and discovering its beautiful wood grain, Villacorta gave this sideboard a thorough clean with furniture cleaner, The Prep by Rethunk Junk By Laura. After prepping, Villacorta applied two coats of paint to the frame of the sideboard using Rethunk Junk by Laura in Slate Grey. Subtle detail was added to the front using the Parisian Letter transfer by Redesign with Prima. The exposed wood was given its new rich color by mixing Behr clear wax and Varathane gel stain (mahogany) together; applying it then wiping it with a lint free cloth. Carvings and original hardware were enhanced with Finnabair metallique wax in Vintage Gold. Finally, the areas covered by paint were sealed with Rethunk Junk Tuff Top Satin. For a special surprise detail, the two side doors were given a little special touch inside by applying Sunflower Farms transfer by Redesign with Prima. This sideboard is truly a beautiful example of a partially restored and partially refurbished piece.
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Refurbished A beautiful French Provincial Sideboard refurbished by Aalia Sange of House of Aalia in Atlanta, Georgia USA painted with Dixie Belle’s Antebellum Blue, Metallics Pacific, Caribbean, Mermaid’s Tale and Gold Rush.
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Simply stunning is the only way to describe this beautiful sideboard. Lidia Martens of Vintique Paint Addict in Cambridge, Ontario Canada used Fusion Mineral Paint in the colours Ash and Casement. She then used a Prima foil transfer on the two large drawers called Gilded Distressed Wall. For the front doors and sides Martens used a stencil and with Prima Gold and Silver wax. The entire piece was then highlighted with Prima wax, Decoart Gold Metallic Paint and a Gold Shiva stick. On the top she used Fusion Mineral Paint’s Casement for the base and Fusion Stain and Finishing Oil in Driftwood to give it a faux wood finish.
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Nasiha Kovacs of New Life Furniture by NK in Grand Rapids, Michigan USA used a clay and chalk based paint by Debi’s Design Diary DIY Paint in Prairie Grey and sealed with clear and black wax. Top is painted with Dixie Belle Paint in Caviar Black, and sealed with clear wax.
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Shelley Hudson of Blu Avery in Latchley, Cornwall UK doesn’t normally buy pre-painted furniture as it can lead to so many additional problems, but after trawling many many sales sites her customer fell in love with the shape of this Strongbow sideboard and due to the fact she wanted a boho, textured, blended finish, Hudson decided the previous paint job could be dealt with. The idea for the piece was a navy and pink blend, with gold detailing. Hudson used a combination of Fusion Mineral Paints (Coal Black, Midnight Blue, Raw Silk, Cranberry) for the most part, and to help with the right pink tones she mixed in some artist acrylics she had laying about (pale pink and a mid pink). Once painted, Hudson taped off the legs and back section, then painted them with Pebeo Gilding Wax in Kings Gold, it’s a great product to work with and on the whole only takes one coat for full coverage, so a great time saver and the shine is amazing. The same gilding wax was also used to create the design going across the front, applied with a small brush.. When using gilding wax, Hudson advises to always have the white spirit close, a little on a clean cloth will allow you to remove the gilding wax if you’re not happy with the placement. I think we can all say we are definitely happy for the end result!
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Suzanne Jettie of Tres Chic Refinishing of Lehi, Utah cleaned and prepped this buffet with Krud Kutter. The top was sanded down using an orbital sander and 220 grit, and then stained with Minwax Classic Grey. Hardware was removed and the drawers and doors were then painted with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint Scandinavian pink and the base in Paris Grey. Jettie then distressed and added Annie Sloan clear wax. Jettie originally had kept the hardware as is but recently removed them again and cleaned them up revealing their natural beauty. She cleaned them up by placing them in boiling vinegar for 3 minutes then scrubbing with a Brillo pad, then with a Norwex Cloth with Norwex Cleaning paste she shined them up even more.
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Repurposed This adorable puppy cabana was repurposed from a sideboard found at the side of the road. The legs and bottom doors were removed before cladding the inside with reclaimed flooring. Given a new coat of paint and some adorable picture frames, it makes for a cozy retreat for the puppies when they need a break from play. Upcycled by Gary Buhlau, The Rustic Yard, St. Catharines, Ontario
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