A 'before and after' reflection of 2013.

Is it too late to say 'Happy New Year'? I'm not quite sure how we have already gotten to the middle of January, but here we are. I hope your holidays were fun filled with the perfect balance of heart warming activities, family functions, events with friends and some good old relaxation.

What better thing to write about in my first post of this year than a reflection of last year. I know that 'last year' in terms of Mango Reclaimed being open is only really about 3 months, but I was labouring away for months before that as well. I was writing my business plan and dreaming up how it should all come together, reaching for the stars, finding and then transforming the studio space and carrying it all through to realize my dream. It really happened! I opened an inspirational working studio where I can create all day and share my love of transforming vintage furniture with my supportive and encouraging customers (that's you!!). Thank you!

How about some 'before and after' pics to reflect on some of the accomplishments made in 2013? There are way to many to post so here are just a few highlights:

Most of these items have already moved on to loving homes, but some are still available - see details here.

 

Now I want to share with you a special restyle that was done over the holidays. A customer came into Mango Reclaimed mid December looking for a small desk and chair for his wife. He wanted something unique that would really suit her style, but also something just the right size to fit the space he had in mind. He happened upon my studio by chance and together we rummaged through the back storage area to see if there was something that might work . . . this is what we chose:

A terrible stain, plastic handles, and some peeling veneer, this desk was pretty worn looking.

A terrible stain, plastic handles, and some peeling veneer, this desk was pretty worn looking.

I know what you're thinking. Ew! But look closer, it's a pretty cute desk. It has potential. We collaborated on colours and also rummaged up a chair to complement it. There were a few sneaky phone calls to confirm details and ensure that the secret Christmas project would be completed on time, and just a few short days before Christmas the desk and chair were picked up looking like this:

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I was able to salvage some quality hardware from another piece and they look great on this desk. We even painted out inside the drawers so they would be clean and crisp.

I was able to salvage some quality hardware from another piece and they look great on this desk. We even painted out inside the drawers so they would be clean and crisp.

I adore the distressed detail on the back of the chair!

I adore the distressed detail on the back of the chair!

I really love that this customer wanted to do something special for his wife over the holidays and he chose Mango Reclaimed to be his 'wingman' in pulling it all together. What a lovely and thoughtful gift!

Speaking of gifts - did you know we know have gift certificates??

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These gift certificates are available in any denomination. Great for DIY products, custom restyle services and even workshops. . .

Speaking of workshops - our schedule is up for Jan/Feb/March and classes are filling up quickly. Check our workshop calendar to see if there is a date that works for you. Bring a friend or your mom, or sister, or husband, or uncle, or the mailman for a few hours of fun and inspiration.

Happy New Year friends - hope to see you soon.