Wai-o-Taiki Furniture Redesign

Kauri console table/desk

This is the second solid wood piece I finished on Friday and was also bought from the tamakizerowaste shop. Solid wood furniture can last many lifetimes and this is many decades old. Kauri is no longer allowed to be cut down so these pieces are a taonga to cherish.

I’ve sanded this piece right back and lightened the top finishing with hard wax for a farmhouse look. The sides are an Artisan Company chalk paint in Gretel’s Forest, finished with a soft wax. I’ve kept the handles which are a faux mother of pearl.

Available to view at the Tamaki Zero Waste Hub Wed to Sat 9-3 or by appointment outside these times.

Please message if interested.

Morning all!

Here’s a piece I finished yesterday. I bought it from the tamakizerowaste shop where the prices are very reasonable and there are some gems to be had.

It’s a lovely solid oak chest of drawers made in Hastings probably around the 1940s or 50s. A few of the original art deco handles were broken so I’ve added some new cup handles. The image is a WhimsyKel decoupage, hand blended round the edges and I’ve used a harlequin stencil on the sides with leftover paint from the blending. All finished with a soft wax. The drawers slide smoothly. I’ve kept lots of the oak on show so you can see the gorgeous wood grain.

This piece has already lasted around 70 years and could last many more lifetimes with some care.

Here’s a sneak peek of my latest piece in a beautiful solid rustic oak. Awaiting handles

This antique mahogany chiffonnier has had its base fixed back together and been given a new look by darkening the wood top and varnishing and painting the sides in a bespoke dark teal chalk paint with dark wax over.

It has its original key and working lock. There is a hidden drawer above the cupboard and you can see the ink stains in it, highlighting the age of the piece.

Measurements to follow.

Can be viewed by appointment at Tamaki Zero Waste Hub, 153 Pilkington Rd, Panmure or when the shop is open (Wed to Sat, 9-3)

This piece retains its antique imperfections which add character

This lovely mid century radio cabinet was mostly completed about 3 years ago when I broke a handle and couldn’t find a replacement due to its strange design. Finally I have found handles that work and have refreshed the piece completely inside and out and added a new back.

There is hand painting, decoupage, gold leaf, and a wax finish on the sides and the top has been stained dark mahogany and varnished to protect. The handles are new and have been finished with gilding wax. The decoupage image is of Madame Le Fevre and is from a famous painting.

Available to view by appointment at 153 Pilkington Road, Panmure.

Please message if interested.

Measurements to follow

Update. Finished picture added!

This is my awesome and talented colleague, Sam Noon who is upholstering an Art Deco chair for me.

I found a real wool mattress protector in the Tāmaki Zero Waste Hub shop which looks like a sheepskin but is woven/knitted at the back. It’s in super clean condition and I’ve been saving it until the right armchair came along.

Sam found the chair which has gorgeous curved oak arms. You can see them behind her on the first photo. I’ve sanded back the wood and finished with a dark wax. The warm colour of the oak goes well with the warm white of the wool.

Watch this space to see the finished piece. I’m so looking forward to snuggling in this chair with a book and it looks as though there’s enough wool left to make a foot stool.

You can find Sam’s work on Marketplace under Sam Noon. Her speciality is stylish ottomans.

For sale $850

This gorgeous waxed pine dresser is probably late Victorian and was a gift from a kind member of our local community as she was a little dishevelled. There’s a label inside saying she was bought from an antique shop in Southampton, England. She is large and provides great storage. You can see the hand chiselled dovetails on the sides of the drawers.

I had to reattach the base and rebuild one of the drawers. Other drawers also needed some cosmetic work.

I’ve refinished the top, using a hard wax to keep it as authentic as possible. Due to the drawer damage I chose a lovely Artisan Company chalk paint in ‘dusky fields’ and painted the rest. The original wooden handles have been painted to match.

Solid wood furniture will last a lifetime and more and this gorgeous piece will easily be around for another 100 plus years. Paints used are low VOC

Can be delivered in Auckland by electric van for a fee

As an antique, this piece has a few minor imperfections that give character

furniture,

Hi everyone

I’ve been away for 3 weeks to Nepal to trek in the Manaslu area with my adult family. Here are some pics if you are interested. All but my son, Albert, got Norovirus so it was a fairly challenging time.