LITTLE WHITE BIRD

Hello, and welcome to June's Edition of Furniture Artist Focus!

This month, we're thrilled to get to know Hayley of Reimagined by Hayley, better!

Hayley produces the most wonderful, almost mixed media style designs; bright and colourful, often with a mix of stencilling, transfers, decoupage and of course, paint!  Each piece is a fabulous statement piece, and totally unique, so if you have a piece by Reimagined by Hayley, you can take pleasure from the knowledge that absolutely no-one else has one the same!

Hayley's originally from Shropshire but having moved to Manchester for University, decided to make nearby town, Stockport, her home, almost twenty years ago.

Similar to many Upcyclers, Hayley started out when she simply couldn't find furniture she liked so decided she'd just have to create her own!  Her first piece was a chest of drawers for her bedroom, from plain to pow!  This showstopping creation included purple ombre paint, bold blooms, and purple crystal hardware (see pic!).  Having wowed members of a Facebook Upcycling Group she posted it to, Hayley decided to make more, and Reimagined by Hayley was born.

Initially, Facebook Marketplace was her main source of sales but having gained more of a following, Hayley is now getting leads directly through her Facebook business page.  Her advice to those starting out, is to persevere!  Low sales can be discouraging but grow your reach and the customer base will find it's way to you.

Create what you love, and develop your own style.  Hayley takes inspiration from the piece itself, it's shape and features, plus enjoys having a mosey at products online, until a design takes form in her mind.  However, sometimes it can change!  If prep reveals beautiful wood grain, or a unique original feature, Hayley feels it important to preserve the natural beauty of the piece, and will incorporate this into the finished creation.

Favourite product for Hayley?... 'You can't beat a bit of gold leaf! (Well, faux gold leaf!)'.  You can find Kacha's Imitation Gold Leaf here, plus enjoy 10% off for the whole of June! {gold-leaf}

Hayley's product recommendation!?  It's So Chic papers.  Hayley is going to be using Aquamarine & Pearl on her next statement piece, look out for that, 'The design is gorgeous, and the paper quality fantastic'.  Find it here {aquamarine-pearl}

When it comes to difficulties faced as a Furniture Artist; social media, finding reliable couriers, and lack of space prove taxing!  Having researched and tried out lots of different social media strategies, Hayley has come to the conclusion that she'll post what she wants, when she wants!  Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't but anything more is a headache!  And she must be doing something right, as Reimagined by Hayley currently enjoys 3.5k Facebook followers.  But the main difficulty has to be space.  Saving all the un-loved pieces would be Hayley's choice but unfortunately that's just not possible... the conservatory is now officially banned from being a storage room!

It's inspiring to hear Hayley is a full-time foster carer for two sisters.  And apart from Upcycling, Hayley also enjoys aerial acrobatics!  She practices and performs on the aerial hoop, aerial silks and pole. Unexpected, I know!  The family also has three rescue cats, who of course, like to get involved, making an appearance in the videos and checking her work's up to scratch (love the pun, Hayley!).

Thanks Hayley, can’t wait for your Aquamarine & Pearl creation!

If you'd like to follow Hayley, find her business page, Reimagined by Hayley, here reimaginedbyhayley