How I became a professional vintage furniture Up-cycler
How I became a professional vintage furniture up-cycler
It all started around 10 years ago, really slowly at first and then I got bitten by the bug!
We’d just bought a new home which was so exciting; upsizing from a 2 bed to a 4 bed house with space was a thrill I won’t lie, but with hardly any furniture we needed to get shopping and quick! We bought really well made wooden furniture mostly teak or mahogany … I know… but this was 13 years ago! The great thing about our buys, was the fact we’d bought quality furniture which meant it was perfect for upcycling and painting.
And I painted and painted; bookcases, side tables, a TV unit, chest of drawers, wardrobe and benches, tables and chairs; in fact my husband warned visitors that if you didn’t keep moving you’d be in danger of getting painted too!
A few years later, baby came along and I juggled working full time as a marketing PA for a large corporate company with being a parent. I then worked part time for a while and honestly I just lost the love for working in an office. I realised I needed a flexible work-life balance which I know sounds corny but I knew I needed to change my routine to fit in with my priorities; to be able to take my son to school, see his school plays, go for tea and scones after school, and yep make time for a few Zumba and yoga classes too!
So what did I do?
I learnt lots of new techniques and skills; I watched You Tube videos when I needed to, I refreshed my painting technique, I learnt how to refurbish chairs, how to decoupage and how to distress mirrors to give them that vintage look. Just anything I needed in my armoury to expand and grow my interest and my business. I set up my online shop Little Gecko Interiors, joined fantastic selling sites including this one, and of course Facebook groups. I also spent time learning about social media and yes I’m still learning every day!
Something which I definitely echo with my own customers. It really pays dividends to provide that fantastic shopping experience. Before long, I received my first commission from a client; she loved a piece she’d bought from me and it got her thinking; she found that she needed a sideboard painted too!I sourced new suppliers I could rely on and I decided to try out some new paints as well. One I’m particularly loving right now is fusion mineral paint. With the shops closed at the time due to lockdown, I found a fabulous online shop, who became my ‘go to’ supplier. Vintage Attic Sevenoaks had my order packed and ready to go the same day and even called me when a new supply had arrived so I could add to my order. Great customer service you don’t find too often these days!
So where do I shop?
I’m quite lucky, living close to Guildford in Surrey there seems to be a plentiful supply of furniture on Facebook marketplace. That’s pretty much where I shop, but of course there are always house clearances, Ebay, gumtree to name just a few.
So here I am now writing this blog! It’s been such a fun journey and I’ve learnt so much in these last four months. Of course there’s been frustrations along the way and it hasn’t always been easy, but if anything, I learnt how to do it better next time which means the whole process becomes a whole lot easier down the line.
My online shop can be found at www.etsy.com/shop/LittleGeckoInteriors and I do take commissions so do get in touch if there is a particular piece you have in mind.
Happy creating everyone and if you do embark on this path, I truly hope you enjoy the ride!
Issy Tidmarsh x
Little Gecko Interiors
www.etsy.com/uk/shop/LittleGeckoInteriors
www.facebook.com/littlegeckointeriors/
Tags: retro furniture, upcycling, vintage furniture, hand painted furniture, decoupaged furniture, mid century furniture, drinks cabinet, sideboards, chest of drawers, furniture painting, furniture artist, little gecko interiors, furniture commissions
How do you deliver the furniture you sell please? I’m very concerned about having furniture items delivered through a courier incase of damage.
So sorry I’m only just replying now, oh my I guess I’ve been busy. I use shiply for my furniture that needs to be delivered by courier but since then, one such courier gave me his card and now I deal direct with him ;0)
I loved reading your blog Issy. Im kind of in the same boat..I’ve got the bug and just want to expand and get somewhere with this. Your story is inspiring x
So sorry I took so long to respond, I guess I got busy! Oh I do hope you continue with your business and really hope you go from strength to strength! Best of luck to you along the way!x