Got To Love Supportive Friends!

Where is a girl to begin??  I will start by saying that my husband is oh so helpful and supportive but this is not about him(I will get to you another day honey).  This is about friends! 

I originally sat around with 4 of my girlfriends telling them my business idea about a year ago.  I knew what I thought but God how I loved the supportive hand I was given when they heard.  If I had one ounce of doubt before that conversation I did NOT after it!  Thank you girls(you know who you are)!!

I live in a sweet little Village a few miles East of Downtown Cincinnati called Mariemont.  Its 1 square mile radius with about 3,000 residents.  We walk our kids to school(or drive if we are lazy) because we don't have buses.  Our kids come home for lunch whenever they want.  And everyone is your neighbor.  Its not for everyone but its for me!  As I quietly started telling my neighbors about my venture I was overwhelmed with the support I immediately began to receive!  I can't possibly list all the neighbors that believed in me only because they knew me not because they saw my portfolio!  I have had old sorority sister's contact me that I have not talked to in 15 years.  The support of loving friends old and new, far and close has been oh so gracious, uplifting and so apprecitated!  I thank you ALL dearly!!!!!!!

I am running smoothly on the furniture end but still getting the hang of this blogging thing.  I am not the most creative writer(if you can't tell) and my spelling and grammar stinks. I am trying!  I am horrible at the before/after thing and need to give more details of the process.  This I vow to get better at.  Today I am just going to show some of the things I have worked on the past week or so.  Sometimes I get so excited to deliver it I forget to get pictures.  Ooops!  

This is a very old and very unique antique serving cart. I took the casters off and the wooden back ledge it had to make it more versatile.  It was painted a medium grey, ASCP in French Linen .  This piece is actually at the store in Milford for sale~ no longer available.

Its much more beautiful in person so stop in and see!

This is an old library table with lovely carved detailed.  Done for a 4 time returning client and friend. 

Painted in ASCP Old White and distressed to bring out all the details.  Love this piece!

This is a cute little nightstand done for a little girls room.  The perfect amount of fun color to add to the room!

I painted it in ASCP Provence and added white ceramic rose knobs.

This is the before picture of a piece I am finishing up.  I picked this piece up at a Good Will store.

A little peek at how its turning out!  More to come later.   

Thanks to all and let me know if your looking for something specific. 

Keri

 



           

     

Let's talk about why...

Let's face it; in this economy aren't we all striving for the best quality and beauty, while stretching our dollar as far as it will go!  I am only talking furniture today but I think that statement can refer to almost anything.  When you reuse furniture you are completely fulfilling that statement.  Purchasing upcycled furniture is the ultimate way to shop green.  Repurposing a piece you already have and making it into exactly what you want, all while reducing your carbon footprint can feel empowering.      

I kept this piece out of the landfill!

Someone had upcycled it years ago by painting it orange and tried to make it look like wood.  The paint was chipping and let's be real...it was ugly!

Many times taking a walk down nostalgia lane can bring a smile to our face.  If we can reuse that dining room table we ate our family dinner at when we visited Grandma's house...or your daughter can reuse your childhood dresser...or maybe you score a secretary at a vintage flea market that reminds you of your Father.  These are things that can take us back to a familiar place and make us feel warm in our hearts.  Because the story(or the imagination) behind the furniture is much more gratifying than going shopping and bringing home a box of furniture that has to be put together or ordering something that can look just like our neighbor's.  If you can have beauty, quality,and unique, why not?!?!    

This piece was painted for a client who loved the Bachelor's Chest I did a few months ago.  She wanted the same kind of look.  I painted it with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint.  First with a light blue I mixed up, then Paris Grey and used Old White on the drawers.  When I distressed it some of the blue popped thru giving it depth and character. 

I have always been passionate about Interior Design.  Over the years I have fallen in love with Landscape Design and Architectural Design.  My style has gone thru many changes.  My sweet Father installed rose pink carpet in my freshman dorm room to fulfill my pink obsession.  God love that man for putting up with me and my now crazy request!  Today I am all about eclectic.  Mix dark wood, light wood, painted wood.  Pull it all together however I want because its my house and that is all that matters.  No rules!!   

For me, it is the ultimate high to find that piece.  That piece with all the right lines but just needs a little love(from me).  To listen to it and imagine what it can become.  And the satisfaction of putting a smile on someone's face when they see the finished product.

   

None of us want to feel like we are settling in this life.  Surround yourself with good people, lots of family and all those things that put a smile on your face.  And if its beautiful furniture...I can definately help you in that department!  But everyone has thier own happy.  So make sure you find it my friend!

Keri

 

A Little Bit Of Everything!

There is really no other way to put it.  My paint brush has been busy getting into a little bit of everything!  I have been working with mostly neutral tones the past two weeks.  One of my projects has been a French Provincial bedroom set for a client.  It is being delivered this weekend and this furniture is solid!  There is an armoire that turned out wonderful but I can't get a good picture of it til its delivered.  The story behind this furniture is exactly why I love what I do!

    This furniture was my clients Grandparents.  They have since passed away, which is always sad...but how awesome that she decided to upcycle it instead of buying new!!!  These pieces have such wonderful detail and are so solid.  Furniture is just not made like this anymore!  YES, these pieces turned out beautifully...YES, we have done our part to reuse and recycle for our children.  All this makes me happy!  But my favorite part is that she gets to use this furniture everyday and keep a little piece of them close!

I used French Linen, a dark brown grey and trimmed it in Old White.  Lots of dark wax to stay true to its style.

This is Charlie!  He is a medium sized chest of drawers that is heading to the store this weekend.  He was painted a soft grey, lots of distressing and LOVE the fun jute knobs! 

Beautifully done and can really be used anywhere for anyone( I may be biased)!!!

So, these are just a few things I have been working on.  In the next few days I am finishing up an ornate serving table, a curvy desk and a 70's style table made to look rustic.  Oh, and moving lots of fun stuff into the store on Saturday!   

Have a great day!

Keri