Hello Everyone!
This is my first newsletter for 2023. I'm inspired and excited for the year ahead and look forward to sharing my journey with you.
After a wonderful Christmas spent with loved ones, I took a long overdue trip to Australia to visit my eldest son and catch up with friends. It was lovely to escape the winter for a few weeks, however, it was equally as nice to come home to a glorious winter's day in England. Driving through the beautiful Somerset countryside on my way home, I couldn’t help but count my blessings for living in such a beautiful county.
And so, back to work and this is what’s coming up…
Upcycling Workshops
Dates for workshops are now online: ‘How to Paint Furniture Properly’ and ‘Getting Creative with Upcycling’.
Having so much more space in the new workshop, I can easily accommodate workshops up to 12 now.
I’m looking forward to inspiring and sharing my knowledge with you budding up-cyclists.
Remember, there’s 10% off all paint products bought on a workshop day!
One-to-One Upcycling Tuition
This year I’m excited to be offering one-to-one tuition. Rather than sharing my attention with other workshop attendees and working on a project chosen for you, you can bring in a piece of your own furniture and I will take you through the various stages of upcycling to produce a professional-looking finish and a transformed piece of furniture.
We will cover every stage from sanding through to finishing. This will give you the experience and confidence to tackle future projects on your own, transforming used and tired pieces of furniture, bringing heirlooms back to life, helping to save the planet, furniture and money as you go.
New for 2023 - Painting Parties!
In a past life I was a conference and functions coordinator for a country house hotel, a job I really enjoyed at the time. Painting parties are a combination of organising an event and doing what I love to do now. I’m looking forward to organising and hosting them for you.
Upcycling painting parties are for those who want to organise a get-together, to celebrate a special event or simply have fun. Located in The Tractor Shed, a large warehouse in beautiful Somerset.
You'll benefit from all the usual workshop fun; working on a small project you and your guests will learn about the various stages of upcycling and get a good feel for using Fusion Mineral Paints and products. This will give you all the inspiration and confidence to start working on your own furniture at home. Each party is tailored to suit you and your celebration, typically with welcome drinks on arrival, refreshments and an upcycling project for each guest to take home.
Send your information with a preferred party date, the reason for your get-together and number of guests you intend to invite to jo@relovedbyjo.co.uk and I’ll be in touch.
Paint it Beautiful
If you paint furniture and haven’t tried Fusion Mineral Paint yet, why ever not? It’s a must try. I have never looked back from discovering it six years ago. As an incentive to try, or place a repeat order, here’s 10% off any Fusion products ordered throughout March. Use the code PAINT10 when checking out.
It seems Annabell Duke have ceased trading. Sad times for them I’m sure. Although quite different to Fusion’s, it is a good paint. Very hard wearing with lovely matt colours. If you want to stock up on any of their colours, now is the time to do it as once they’re gone, they’re gone. Again, 10% off all Annabell Duke products.
Use the code PAINT10 for discount of both of these brands.
For locals, collection in person is welcomed as always.
Makeover of the Month
Having just returned from Australia, I’ve picked up where I left off. Do you remember this dresser?
Originally, orange pine. Now, it’s been restyled and painted in Oakham mainly, with the inside of the cabinets painted in Highlander. Both from the latest collection of Fusion Mineral Paints. The top has been sanded back, washed and finished with a matt varnish, as have the knobs.
A great looking, and practical piece. Due to the weather (inside the warehouse!) the drawers and doors have swollen slightly so I’m unable to close them fully at the moment. It’s getting better though. Hopefully, it’ll warm up soon.
Latest Commission
This mirror was bought in its original state. It has now been sanded and painted to spec in three shades of neutral. It’s going to be hung in a lovely old cottage and a room with lots of character so needed a little more than a plain finish.
Good photos of mirrors are always hard to take. 🙄
Here are photos of a commission from last year, two cabinets, pictured in their newly renovated home, looking fab.
A message from my customer which made my day:
’We love the furniture, it looks absolutely stunning!! Thank you. xx’
Preloved & Latest Finds
If you have any interesting pieces that you’d like to sell do send photos to jo@relovedbyjo.co.uk. I consider good quality and unusual pieces and reply to every message.
Pass it On!
I admire and respect anyone who runs their own business, it’s blooming hard work. So from now on, in this section of my newsletter I’d like to give a ‘shout out’ to people I use or come across twho I think will be of benefit to you. You may not need their skills or products at this moment in time, but keep there details, you never know when you will.
Seeing the news today, it looks like we all have to support our local. So for anyone that lives in or near to Oakhill, take a wander down to the Oakhill Inn. It’s the kind of pub that gives you a hug as you walk in. Their Sunday lunch is especially delicious.
Call 01749 840442 to book a table.
Life outside of work…
It had to be pics of Melbourne, Australia, sorry! Here’s hoping for some warmer weather here in the UK very soon.
Remember…
If you’d like to visit the workshop you’re most welcome, but please call or message prior to leaving home to see if I’m around or to arrange a convenient time. I wouldn't want you to have a wasted journey. However, if you see the van parked outside or the shutter doors open, pop in.
You can’t miss the Tractor Shed in Benter, BA3 5BJ.
And finally, thank You!
Thanks as always for being interested, sending photos, and keeping in touch. As a small business, your support and messages are really appreciated.
Have a lovely month.
Jo x