Since I first learned about the opportunity back in 2012, I’ve looked forward to participating in the Midland Area Homes furniture art auction every year. The organization assists in finding safe and affordable housing for low-income families, or those currently at-risk for homelessness or already homeless. I am not the richest person in the world, and I know many people who think if they don’t have dollar bills bulging out of their pockets like Mr. Monopoly, they can’t do anything to help. Anyone can give, because there are more things to donate besides just money. For me, it happens to be time (which I happen to also greatly enjoy spending – bonus!) and some of the extra paint I have lying around from previous projects. For you, it may be something else. Yes, we all have our own problems to deal with, but if we think we have to wait around until our own life is perfect before we are willing reach out and offer help, I have a sinking suspicion that we never will.

This year I’m working on upcycling a donated sofa table that used to have that horrible, 1980s bright orange oak stain. It is now covered in lovely gold, white, and grey retro flowers and since I can’t keep it, I am most definitely planning to smooth talk my boyfriend into letting me refinish his/our? coffee table like this. I really don’t have a definitively “feminine” decor style AT ALL, yet he is still always accusing me of trying to make his stuff *foofy*. I am literally staring at a t-rex skeleton home decor accessory as I type this right now. I am so not foofy.

I adore any opportunity to combine my two deepest loves of art and interior design, and I hope you’ve enjoyed seeing my pieces over the years! Hint hint, if you are desiring a cool design over any boring old piece of furniture you own that’s seen better days, I’m your girl.

2012 Wizard of Oz children’s picnic table

2013 Whimsical Under The Sea Adirondack chair

2014 outdoor coffee table accented in graphic diamonds and cameo decoration

Upcycled sofa table for this year in golds and greys and retro-fantastic flowers!