Repurposed and up-cycled. Old is new (9 photos)
Saturday, February 23, 2013 by: Donna Hopper
Previously loved.
Up-cycled.
Repurposed.
Which ever term you choose, a plethora of unique one-of-a-kind items await keen shoppers at the Church Street Boutique located at 69 Church Street (south of Queen Street behind the former MNR building).
Just follow the numerous signs directing you to 'antiques' and you'll be greeted by the crafty trio of Chris Carter, Gary 'the wood guy' McBride and Carol Mascardelli who opened their little shop last October.
The three first met through their affiliation with The Queen's Cupboard where they volunteered and sold their own handcrafted items.
It didn't take long for them to realize that their styles complimented each other, so going into business together was an easy decision.
Focusing on furniture, Mascardelli up-cycles discarded and otherwise unwanted pieces into fresh 'shabby chic' household items.
"Most people would throw them away or donate them to a thrift store," she told SooToday.com. "I pick them up and make them new and beautiful again."
Our favourite piece of hers is a simple but elegant dining room chair upholstered with old neckties (pictured).
For the last five years, Carter has been creating jewelry, altered art, signs, greeting cards, and housewares from a variety of repurposed objects.
Her 'horse's ass' fridge magnets are reportedly very popular.
She began crafting jewelry following the death of her husband as a way to deal with her grief, and has been expanding her repertoire ever since.
McBride has been an antique dealer and collector for approximately 30 years, and was a member of the now-defunct Antique Mall.
He specializes in refinished and recrafted antique furniture, but also features a variety of collectable glassware, housewares and trinkets.
He occasionally repurposes items such as creating a hall tree from an old discarded door.
Curious shoppers seeking something out of the ordinary to adorn their home are invited to visit Carter, McBride and Mascardelli at the Church Street Boutique every Saturday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
