Hi Everyone.
After such a fantastic, long summer, winter has finally arrived and we’re now closed for Christmas. I thought I’d combine November and December’s newsletters, as things slow down a little in the winter. I’ll do the same for January and February but do contact me in between newsletters if you’d like help, to purchase anything, or would simply like some inspiration.
I’ve had a great run-up to Christmas and a busy few weeks with commission work. This week, I’ve been working on a few of my own projects. I wanted to finish them before Christmas, however, the weather did slow me down so they’ll now be revealed in the new year. The new workshop has proven to be a great space with good, natural lighting and more than enough space. It’s a pleasure to work in, even if it is a little cold!
Workshops & One-to-Ones
Workshops are on hold until the warmer weather now. I will be offering one-to-ones from March and workshops a little later. You can bring in a piece of your own furniture and I will take you through the various stages of upcycling to produce a professional-looking piece. This will give you the experience and confidence to tackle future projects on your own. As with the workshops, you will benefit from a 10% discount on products bought on the day, and coffee and cake are of course provided! Message for more details.
Paint it Beautiful
I’ve been looking at the colour trends for interiors 2023 and although whites and neutrals are always around, thankfully, it seems there will still be a lot of colour around too. Rather than bold vivid colours, the trend will be for deep colours mixed with murky neutrals. I’ve always been drawn to the more subtle, earth tones, a combination that instantly gives a lovely warm feel and ‘lived-in’ look to a room. Fusion’s latest colour selection is bang on trend, with the introduction of more reds and a warm brown-grey (Oakham) which I’m currently working with. I look forward to showing you the results.
Makeover of the Month
I’ve held off starting work on this piece for as long as I could! After working on commissions for a few weeks it was nice to start something of my own. When I purchased this at auction, the sideboard was a black lacquer which took a lot of sanding back, but time spent on good prep is always worth it. I’m really pleased with my choice of colour; Willowbank is not too dark but deep enough to showcase the hardware which cleaned up beautifully.
Here is the finished sideboard. Hopefully, it’ll give a lot of pleasure to someone. More details and photos are on the website.
And before, scuffed black lacquer.
Latest Commission
I’ve had such a combination of furniture styles to work on recently including this Nathan furniture which I really enjoyed working on. Chosen colours were Midnight Blue and the new Manor Green from the Fusion range. Brass legs were added to two of the pieces and new knobs were added to all of them. The hardware was ordered through Etsy and although it wasn’t cheap, it was well worth the expense to finish off these quality pieces.
From modern to country chic. The owner of these pieces came to visit me at the workshop and was drawn to a chest of drawers painted in two tones and wanted something similar. Here I’ve used Fusion’s Champness and Cathedral Taupe.
More pine, much older this time, with a simple finish. The Homestead Blue drawers are for a boy’s room and the owner wanted them to look as simple as possible, so new knobs weren’t needed. Fusion’s Putty was used on the other chests, the knobs on the larger chest were beautiful and simply cleaned. The knobs on the bedside were sanded back, washed with watered-down paint, and varnished.
Preloved & Latest Finds
I acquired two quality pieces this month. The dresser is now a work-in-progress and the chest has been cleaned up, it’s too nice to paint (in my opinion). Some things are best left.
Pass it on!
I admire and respect anyone who runs their own business, it’s blooming hard work. So from now on, in this section of my newsletter I’d like to give a ‘shout out’ to people I use or come across who I think will be of benefit to you or who’s business/service you may enjoy. You may not need their skills or products at this moment in time, but keep their details, you never know when you will.
This month I’d like to recommend a really good friend of mine, another Jo, who is amazing with a sewing machine. She has a similar work ethic to me, she saves and restyles clothing, specialising in repairs and alterations. Based in Frome, Somerset, you can contact Jo on 07710 335496.
Remember…
If you’d like to visit the workshop to browse or collect you’re most welcome but please call prior to leaving home to see if I’m around or to arrange a time. I’ll be open again for show rounds from 29th December.
Outside my world of Upcycling
This month I’ve been hiking and dancing! Those who know me well will know that I fell in love with dance just before lockdown, and started walking during lockdown. Just like painting, they’re both good for the soul.
We (my friend Lynn and I) finished the dance weekend, taking part in the fancy dress, as the Blues Brothers. We were trying to look serious in this photo, which just made us laugh all the more.
And finally, thank You!
Thanks as always for being interested, sending photos, and keeping in touch. As a small business, your support and messages are really appreciated.
This year has been another year of change for me and I’m looking forward to welcoming in 2023 and all that it brings.
I hope you all have a lovely Christmas and wish all of you the very best for a wonderful 2023 with lots of upcycling, painting, saving, and reinventing!
Jo x
Reloved by Jo is for those who aren’t afraid of colour and want to save and upcycle with style! I’m here to help with sourcing, commission work, and give you the confidence to get started with your painting projects.
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