Texas Twins Treasures Why I refurbish Antiques To Fund Dream Events- Wendy Wortham
Taking furniture trades for my services is often an amusing adventure my friends. www.thepawningplanners.com is the sister site of www.texastwinsevents.com by blending my inventory and expertise in the furniture and restoration industry- I’ve created a unique way to offer services without money by taking trades- that’s right #nomoneynoproblem for families who cannot afford existing reduced rates for weddings, LBGT unions, baptism, house blessings, Quincinera, vow renewals, anniversaries and more!
I’ve crammed just about everything from a Victorian sofa to a table, four chairs, a lamp and end table into a mid sized Hyundai with my twin following behind me in her Mitsubishi looking like a caravan of gypsies with some items hanging out the windows.
They say one mans junk is another mans treasure and I have the ability to make this statement come true with a unique vision on the “flip.”
Sure, it’s often a time consuming endeavor but, rushing a project has never been my style.
A month ago while taking my always active Beagle, Mr Foxy Wortham to the vet, I got a call for a hasty funeral and the offer of a trade for a broken down cuddle chair from Lane Venture.
I quickly walked up to meet these folks and view the item thrown haphazardly across the porch.
My twin, Cindy and my son Robert were waiting for me to return from the vet and run errands after running Foxy Wortham to the vet so you can imagine their shock upon seeing me arrive with yet another piece of furniture that was hanging out of my SUV with Foxy in my lap! Laughing, they helped me unload so that I could run to the vet.
Cindy said “what is that thing?” And, I quickly advised her that it was termed a cuddle chair and, in the nineties, a very popular item often sold in high end stores in either a simulated rattan or high back style.
I love furniture, it’s no secret that the lines, shape and form are often the basis for my decisions as I’ve never made a “swap, flip or purchase” based on comfort much to my husbands dismay- instead, I see something no one else does until I’m finished with my unique style of stripping and refurbishing the item.
Our home is often overflowing with numerous “finished” projects that I now have a hard time parting with. In fact, many of the closets contain an ottoman, chairs and occasionally lamps too I can’t help it, I fall in love with the finished item and re arrange everything to accommodate yet another piece.
When clients come to discuss ceremonies, they are intrigued and shocked at the numerous eccentric pieces I have throughout my three thousand foot home in Fort Worth and often take photos to show their friends. You see, you can’t find items like this at a store buddy, and I like it that way!
Am I a hoarder of home furnishings-maybe! However, I also frequently come across a friend in need of this or that that I just happen to have around this old mansion somewhere and can quickly provide it to a needy acquaintance as a gift.
Do I believe kindness and generosity can change the life of a stranger? You bet I do and I also live by this philosophy everyday along with my twin and her family.
Often in life I meet a stranger who finds it odd this style of living from one day to the next by giving freely with no conditions set forth by myself or my family to ” pay it forward” why? Ask yourself why not!
Growing up poor has taught me the virtues in kindness, you see my twin and I never have met anyone like us and because of this- we became the mothers we always wanted to have, the sisters we always wanted to know and the strangers we always wanted to meet.
Changing lives a “flip, swap or trade” at a time is not as unusual as you might think.
Luckily for us, out husbands rarely need the garages they are unable to walk through for anything.
As my sister and my son laughed at the item falling out of my trunk several weeks ago, yesterday Cindy saw the finished project and said “wow, sister you’ve somehow made this a really cool piece.”
You see, I don’t care what the condition is, I’m going to strip it anyway and finding the perfect coordinate of fabrics is my goal to really set off the beauty in the items I find here, there and everywhere.
Cindy is so good at mending broken jewelry, making headbands and tutus that by virtue of our mirror personalities and traits, we can turn almost anything into a sought after item with a little elbow grease and imagination.
As I prepare for a wedding in Corinth today, the tiny Texas Twins, Maryssa and Makenna Mahaney are already planning their next lemonade stand and pricing their old and unwanted toys.
You see, what doesn’t sell is gifted to a needy family this holiday season! What have you done for a stranger today friend?
Need tips on getting started to involve yourself within your community? Call me, it’s never too late to lend a hand and open your heart.
