One of my favorite things to do is fix things. Whether it is a torn book or a wobbly table, I love to make things usable and enjoyable again.
I work a few days a week at Circa and I am the go to fix-it gal. Jackie, the owner, often returns from auction with a full truck and a few “projects” for me. Sometimes it is a simple repair job: a glue and screw. Other times, I find myself recreating the hand-painted floral motif on the side of a chest of drawers or reconstructing the chipped woodwork of a carved table. And still other times, I repaint, refinish, recover or just spruce up an ailing object.
Table before… (The little white sticker says, "Fix this.")
Table (detail) after!
I think what I like about fixing isn’t all about the finished product, it’s more about the challenge in the process. How can I recreate the finish on this table without re-doing the whole thing (mix oil paint and wood stain to match)? What can I use to replace the missing pieces of this mirror (spherical beads painted gold)? How can I cover this desk top that’s missing its veneer (decoupage with old maps)?
There is something deliciously satisfying about breathing new life into a broken piece of furniture by way of chopsticks, mismatched screws, nail polish and a little Restor-A-Finish.
Sadly, fixing appears to be a dying art. Whenever I explain to a curious passerby how and why I am fixing something, they seem slightly confused and, simultaneously, awestruck. Our cultural attitude seems to be: if it’s broken, it’s useless. Instead of: how can I fix this?
Take a trip to your local hardware store (emphasis on local) as some of the older folks there are still artists of fixing. And you can always come see me at Circa and I’ll see what I can do!
Rescued table, painted green, of course!
What would you like to know how to fix?
What do you know how to fix?