For those who love to browse through small shops, finding treasures is often something they seek. They do not want new and shiny pieces that have been made by machine, so they are looking for the unusual that came from the imagination of another person. The things they find might be old and dusty, or they might only be partially there. While slightly used or damaged, these treasure hunters find that the piece still has the ability to speak to them. They might simply bring it home and clean it up, but they might also decide it is time to give it a new image that will help tell the story of its life.
Replacing Old Wood
Many treasure hunters going through old pieces often find carvings or furniture that has been broken, and they can see what it looked like when it was first made. They believe the piece they hold is worth saving, so replacing old wood with new gives them a sense of accomplishment. Their hobby of restoration can be one where they will research for hours to find just the right pieces, or they might simply go with their own feelings on what will complete each object they choose.
A Window to the World
For those who enjoy working with glass, there are many different projects they might find on their journeys. Some of them could collect old jelly glasses that were given away at gas stations, or they might collect bottles handmade before the turn of the century. Some will choose stained glass windows with pieces missing, or they could simply buy old and peeling windows to create their own masterpiece. If they want to add a bit of whimsy, they can upload pictures and create glass transfers to make the work easier. There are some good companies out there that print them, and Siak Transfers can produce their work with four colour printers.
Furniture Restoration
For those who look at an old dresser and see beauty, furniture restoration is a hobby where they can apply many different talents. Some of them will strip the piece back to the wood, and they will repair any parts that have fallen by the wayside. They will then stain it to let the natural beauty of the wood shine through. Others have found their craft helps them imagine what the piece will look like when painted, and they will find just the right draw pulls to make it truly unique.
For those who have chosen the hobby of restoring old pieces of almost anything, the world can be their treasure trove. They might haunt small shops in their area, or they could travel long distances to see what they can find. Taking an old piece of almost anything and making it into something useful again is what lures them, and their own artistic talents will help them find the right way to remake it. For those who love the adventure of discovery, this type of hobby is one that will repay them in many different and interesting ways.