Buying or finding an older piece of furniture that is a fixer upper means that you'll be spending time fixing the problems that it has.  Many times, the amount of time that you'll spend fixing will be just as costly in value as going to the store and buying it new.  But there is character in the old stuff.  And if the process is something that I really enjoy, it can be very rewarding.

The thrill of sanding down layers of old, chipped paint, only to discover a beautiful wood grain beneath is like finding a secret  buried treasure.  I find true joy in such a discovery which fuels my passion to seek more such treasures.  

During the pandemic, with art galleries shut down, art shows cancelled and art exhibitions put on hold, I turned from my painting and started seeking for another outlet to apply my artsy passion.  While on my morning runs, I often discovered interesting and unique discarded items that people were putting out to the curb on garbage day.  If they were light and small enough to carry, I would happily bring them home and see what I could do with them.  Using my paint knowledge and learning how to use a hand sander, wood filler and wood stain, I was surprised and delighted how I was able to transform my found objects into beautiful treasures for my home.  

One day, I decided to post one of my refinished pieces on Kijiji to see if it would sell.  Sure enough, within a day it was spoken for, and my heart leapt with delight!  This could be a new thing for me .  I could actually start a new line of work and start selling my creations.  Well....I decided to follow this new path with much determination and enthusiasm.  Garbage day became the most important day of the week, and I made it a priority to be on the road at 7 am to beat the garbage trucks.  It became a psychological game, trying to save and rescue potentially beautiful pieces of furniture from the jaws of the sanitation guys.  It became my mission to scout out treasures and save them from the landfill.