The Artisan Bothy Owner Marie Smith tell’s us more about her passion for giving a second chance to outdated furniture

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A FURNITURE UP CYCLER

We asked Marie Smith, owner of The Artisan Bothy, to tell us more about her passion for giving a second chance to outdated furniture.

Why did you choose furniture upcycling?

I only had hand-me-down furniture as a 70s child. We were a low income family. When grandparents were modernising, replacing old furniture, we took it all in.

Now there is constant pressure to have the very latest trend. Among it, imports, poorly workmanship, short life stuff which will end up as waste. It just doesn’t compare to traditional furniture, made with real craftmanship and skills which will disappear. That’s one good reason to hold onto the old stuff for as long as we can.

Almost everything we buy ends up in landfill eventually, so my philosophy is this. By making something beautiful enough for someone to love it a little bit longer, I am doing my bit to delay the inevitable. It’s why I will also consider rejuvenating later well made pieces which have outstayed their welcome too.

What is a typical day like in your bothy

studio? No two days are the same. One day I’ll be cleaning and repairing a dresser for painting. The next I am stripping an old chair to re-cover or simply feeding an old antique with wax.

I do commissions for clients as well as hold my own stock of pieces to refinish for re-sale. Customers also ask me to source pieces to complete their home. There is so much variety. It’s another reason I love my work.

Where do you get your ideas from?

Deciding which direction to take furniture is quite subjective. Left to my own devices, I would first look at the age of a piece. It’s shape and lines kind of speak to me. Then it can be something as simple as nature, a fabric, wallpaper or handles which suggests a colour palette and style.

the furniture will live in. Experience firsthand the style and colour tones that exist. Mixing bespoke paint shades is my speciality. Knowing how it will be used then tells me which enduring finish to use. It’s the best way to build a picture of the final product. The Covid-19 pandemic made it hard to be in people’s homes in person but thanks to technology, we can still do it virtually.

Pinterest is also a great resource. I rarely use it except to research a furniture era or something unusual. I have grown much more confident in my own brand and designs. But it’s still my go-to if a customer can’t picture a concept.

What is your biggest challenge?

I could say the Covid lockdowns, but on balance it’s probably being a rural business. Living above the snow line in a hard winter means I could be cut off completely some days.

My other bugbear is carrier costs. I’d love to offer delivery throughout the UK using third party services to grow my market. But our post code attracts disproportionately high charges. Yet we are only five miles off the A95, and by a major distillery

How long does it take to paint a piece

of furniture? There are many factors. Condition – are any repairs needed. It’s pointless painting drawers if they rub because of a dodgy runner. Nor a chair if it has a wonky leg. Gouges affect the finish so need filling. I am very fussy about my finishes. Next is ‘the look’. Are we changing handles and need to redrill? Painting outside only? Inside too? Lining drawers or not? Then will it need a primer? Lots of timbers ‘bleed’ their tannins. Stains and odours, too, all require a blocking treatment before you can start the fun stuff. Priming serves many purposes besides excellent adhesion. Even the choice of paint can affect project duration with different drying, recoat and cure times.

It sounds off-putting but with enough determination, I can be ready for the first colour coat by the end of day one. At least that’s my incentive to don my rubber gloves and respirator and crack on with the grubby stuff. Although frankly it’s not my best look.

with regular haulage movements. It’s crazy and frustrating. But on the plus side, if you choose The Artisan Bothy you get me. Door to door. I take care of all my own collections and deliveries. Unwrapping and seeing my customers smiles is just the best feeling – and who doesn’t love a road trip?

Finally, what has been your favourite upcycle project and why? Are you asking

me to choose a favourite child? My current favourite is probably a Next wingback chair I re-covered recently. Less than five years old it was already dated. When Mrs A gave me her four different fabrics and said ‘let your creative juices flow’ I did a happy dance. I love a blank canvas and am in my element when ‘freestyling’. Every day feels fresh and exciting. And it really is a privilege when a client trusts your style, your artistic eye, your workmanship and your judgement enough to give you free rein on their prized possessions.

But ask me next week and your project might well be my new favourite. I do love them all, even the testing ones.

The Artisan Bothy is in beautiful Glenlivet,

Speyside, Moray. Specialising in painted furniture, reupholstery projects and minor restorations. Client commissions and sale pieces. Studio viewings by appointment (subject to current Covid restrictions). Follow on Facebook, Instagram or check out the

28 website www.theartisanbothy.co.uk