We are sharing the story of upcycler Tracey Chrystal today, who says she has been painting furniture for as long as she can remember. As a child she even painted her phone in her bedroom! “I just love to paint, it allows my mind to drift off and remember things from my past, it’s my solitude, my peace and quiet in my mind, my relaxation, ironically!” she says.
I totally get that, do you?
Only since Facebook however, has she been able to make her dream a reality of being able to sell her pieces. Before that she would just paint furniture for herself. Now she gets to share what she loves to do with people who appreciate her work – people like you and I! And it is fabulous work, she is creating some really beautiful pieces as you can see! I really love these Christmas Trees and that is exactly what I am planning to do this year.
Tracey explains that the availability of Chalk Paint has certainly helped with time in her work – not having to prep the way you would with normal acrylic paint has made life a lot easier! “I love to put a touch of creativeness to my pieces also with engraving, decoupaging, stenciling etc, it spices things up a little!”
The business name, Calamity Jane, comes from her dad referring to her as “Calamity Jane” when she moved down to the country – “I loved it and thus Calamity Jane Shabby Chic Furniture was created”. Ultimately it is a hobby for Tracey as like a lot of creatives, she also works as a Property Manager and Sales Rep for Green House Realty in Pinjarra, a small but fast growing country town. She says she loves her job as she gets to visit lots of old character homes and meet some wonderful people. And as a huge bonus, every now and then her tenants give her some awesome old pieces to upcycle!! That may be a dream job for some of you Recyclers!
Tracey says her beautiful partner Dennis is a huge help, “it’s sort of a family affair really”, explains Tracey, he helps with the heavy work and carpentry side of things. This is the perfect combination as she couldn’t do half of what she does without his support and help – “we both love what we do”.
Tracey is also a mum and step mum to 5 kids, and says life can be very full on, but her kids have adjusted to the fact that they may have random pieces of furniture in the middle of the lounge room or on the dining table being painted – sound familiar anyone?! But she says they are also her best critics. Tracey thinks her youngest daughter may possibly follow in her footsteps as she loves to help with painting and making decorative pieces, she truly has that artistic flare and Tracey hopes she uses it sooner than what she was able to.
Tracey’s final words – “Social media may one day make my passion, Calamity Jane, my full time work, and if you love what you do, it’s not really work after all.”
Totally agree Tracey, totally agree.
Do you agree too?
Helen
xx
