Upcycled Furniture

[65Buick]

It would be interesting to know really about trends if it weren't so exhausting.

From my perspective, it used reclaimed materials began as a real thing. It was then passed on to yuppies, who 'craved' rustic, reclaimed, and anything showing 'character'.
Of course, it got way out of control and anything resembling 'rustic' was proliferated even if it had absolutely no relation to the original idea or the re-using of anything.

You also have to add in that people get bored of stuff, so when a new trend arrives, on the bandwagon they go. Me personally, I refuse to be a part of it.

[SteveA]

I think as we get older our view of things are more traditional.  I don't have any tatoos but my Children have several each.  Now that they are older they are stuck with that perspective in time -
Quality is apparent to those who have been around long enough.  I'm laughing when I read Paul's response to the burlap finished crap.
What an embarrassment of craftsmanship - also remember the dung decorated Mary painting in the Brooklyn Museum.   I went to see that for myself and knew the world was going crazy with their take on expression. 
SA

[sofadoc]

The whole unfinished burlap look has a niche following for sure.
But people that like it generally only want one piece as a novelty. Not a whole room full.

They probably don't intend to use it for everyday sitting. It's just a conversation piece.

It's a niche that I prefer to leave to the DIYers. I'm not interested in competing for that market.

But if you target the hoity-toity customer that has more money than brains, you can probably make some pretty good scratch doing that stuff.

[gene]

I went to see that for myself and knew the world was going crazy

Steve, you  went to see a painting made with feces and you think the world is crazy? LOL

I remember Robert Maplethorps' photo of a cross in a glass of urine back in the late 1980's.

Both are great examples of how politicians spend our tax dollars. And we keep voting the same people into office again and again.

gene

[SteveA]

Gene you're right - I'm not all there :) Thanks for reminding me !
Anyway I was working in the area and the real draw were two large cement statues that were in the way of construction of a bridge and the Museum took them in. I went inside the building  -  the painting was being guarded because someone had defaced it.  The Mayor was protesting it and the city was well divided.  There were other exhibits there that I wouldn't call art but they did -   They had dead animals cut in half sealed in acrylic boxes with flies eating the flesh.  Ultimately that painting sold for millions - don't know how the proceeds were divided up but tax payers probably didn't receive a nickel from the sale but the museum collected plenty from the exhibition. 
SA

[kodydog]

the painting was being guarded because someone had defaced it.  The Mayor was protesting it and the city was well divided. 

All righty then. They were guarding a painting that was defaced with dung and at the same time protecting it from being defaced. Has NYC gone completely crazy?

[65Buick]

Kody- it's NYC.

[SteveA]

Right - it's NYC - the roads are crumbling, they want to close Rikers Island, the bike lanes and pedestrian Plazas prevent traffic from flowing, and the rent for a 1 bedroom apt is $ 2000.00 - $ 4000.00 - depending on the neighborhood.   
Great opportunity here but I wonder if I'll be able to stay here and afford the property taxes - larger houses near me have 3000 sq ft and pay
$ 32,000.00 a year in property tax - $ 125.00 / month for water, gas + electric includes heat + central air $ 700.00 -
SA

[MinUph]

Getting off topic but that is NY. The rest of the state pays high taxes also to carry the big city.

[Mojo]

Steve:

I have often wondered how people can afford to live anywhere in the State of NY. Friends have told me what they pay for property taxes, fees, etc. and it is mind blowing.

I have found that most of New England is expensive. Probably the cheapest State I ever lived in was TN. Property taxes are very low, house and car insurance low, tags for vehicles are extremely low and there is no income tax.

I have found Florida to be a fairly cheap State to live in as well. One of the most expensive States outside of Alaska and Hawaii is CA. The government nails you from all directions and their regulations are over the top.

Chris

[Mojo]

Speaking of Upcycled / recycled furniture I met up with Kodydog and Rose and got my industrial stool that he sold me. He even recovered it in my favorite color - maroon. He did some research on it and found out the original manufacturer. I have no idea what year it was made. Maybe he knows. It is an awesome piece and is going into our music studio.

It is always great to meet people from this forum. Paul stopped by our shop a few weeks ago to pick up some stainless steel from me and Ricat has been there numerous times.

Big Mike in Port Charlotte and I talk on the phone, PM through Facebook and text but have never met each other in person. He avoids coming to see me as I told him I would out him to work. I avoid going to see him as he has threatened to put me to work. So we stay in touch via phone and facebook and e-mails. :)

We should have a Florida stitcher weekend somewhere some time so we can all get together.

Mojo

[sofadoc]

larger houses near me have 3000 sq ft and pay
$ 32,000.00 a year in property tax

I pay exactly 1/10 of that amount for the same sq. ft. home. in a nice new neighborhood.

My electric bill includes water, sewer, and trash. Never been more than $350.

[SteveA]

Doc get the spare room ready for me !   
SA