I
started painting furniture about 10 years ago when I decided to paint some old pine drawers I had in my bedroom and I was instantly hooked! I have a genuine love of all things old and being able to turn forgotten, old, brown furniture in to beautiful pieces again really ignited something in me. I’m incredibly grateful that I’ve been able to turn my passion in to a business. My second daughter was born almost 5 years ago and being able to juggle my job and family life was looking unlikely, not to mention childcare costs! I started by selling small pieces of furniture locally whilst navigating sleepless nights and nappies. I had a good response to my pieces and I started to look for platforms to sell on which then led to me building my own website. I had never done anything techy before and it was quite a challenge but I am proud of achieving it by myself. I started to offer Nationwide delivery on my pieces and I have sent pieces all over the UK from the Scottish Highlands to the Cornish coast!
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As my business developed so did my style and I quickly moved away from the ‘shabby chic’ look that was fashionable when I started and started to use darker colours and sleeker finishes with touches of metallic. In search of the more unique colours I found Wise Owl Paint, an American brand with an eco-friendly ethos. On discovering there was only one stockist in the UK I decided to go ahead and start stocking the paint. Wise Owl Paint ticks all the boxes for me with 2 types of paint to choose from and a unique colour palette the business is run by 2 best friends in Michigan with a ‘green’ focus. I have since added other products to my line up including the fabulous British Cornish Milk Mineral Paint as well as brushes and stencils. My most recent addition is Posh Chalk Metallic Pigments because I just cannot resist adding some sparkle to my pieces.
Alongside my furniture I also make lampshades. All my lampshades are hand sewn and fully lined each taking many hours to make. I love sumptuous velvets with elaborate patterns teamed with fringes and tassels they are ideal for maximalist interiors. So why Thirteen? I named my business ‘Thirteen’ as the number keeps coming in to my life in a positive way. Mat, my husband, and I met on the 13th, our first home together was number 13, our daughter was born on the 13th and we also married on the 13th! F Thirteen Furniture Co I thirteen_furniture_co D www.thirteenfurniture.co.uk
I try to paint my pieces sympathetically in keeping with their original style. If there is a gorgeous wood grain then I will restore it rather than paint it.
LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE
www.lancmag.com
