Weathered Wood

Long story, but here we go. (Skip to paragraph 5 to avoid backstory.)
I’m really selective about the items w bring into our office. And I’ve been taking months to sort of curate it. (If that sounds obsessive, its because it is.)
Trying to figure out how I wanted to decorate the mantel in my office I spent 8 weeks deliberating on different center pieces. And so I Googled… Googled and the Googled a bit more. I stumbled upon a large piece of drift wood that I loved. It was the size of a coffee table and about $ 800 + shipping. I decided thats what I wanted for my mantel (only smaller and if possible. Cheaper?)
If I can’t find something, I Google and ask strangers I meet during errands. Strange encounters for them. Productive time for me. I was at the florist on 3^rd inquiring about where to find river wood or drift wood. An unexpected question for a florist, indeed.
I was told to go to the «drift wood store» a couple blocks away. Which surprised me. I am not aware of any sort of store ANYWHERE let alone 2 blocks from my search site of an office. So naturally I entered the store feeling very positive about everything.
But I couldn’t find any pieces I liked. (That whole «very selective» side of me.) I was invited into the basement to tour more pieces. Neat. I always enjoy backstage type experiences. Especially in business.
I found a piece I liked but it was kinda small to be the center piece on my mantel. I grabbed it anyhow. I brought the piece upstairs and Kate offered to build a piece for me. Wow. Didn’t think of that. I like that idea. Okay… She said she would have it in a couple hours for $ 30-​. Crazy. I have to wait 20 minutes for my pharmacist to count to 30 but Kate will make me a sculpture in a couple hours. Lets do it. She called me back a couple hours later and I returned when I was free.
The sculpture came out literally «perfect». I had given her dimensions and used vague hand motions as to the piece’s size and shape. Believe it or not thats exactly what I got. And it looks dynamite. Not overly done. But still purposeful.
Now my story is filled with a good amount of serendipity and good luck. But. I do believe that success is «when preparation meets opportunity». No doubt… They were prepared by way of product, talent and new ideas. So I don’t see it as so much serendipitous as I do a success.
I am very happy. Everyone loves a good customer experience. And its refreshing to find something locally that I can’t find online. I’m probably gonna find some more uses for driftwood now that I know of the supply and talent we have locally.

Great place to visit with great things to buy. The shop is friendly and creative, as are its owners. The inventory constantly changes. I have purchased several things there and almost certainly will purchase there again.
Although most of the pieces are unique, the distinctive style is consistent and the items presented for sale are always worthy of consideration. The prices are reasonable and very fair. You can buy here without months of advance planning, sacrifice or guilt.
If you are in Troy, Weathered Wood should certainly be on your list of places to see. If you thinking of paying a call on Troy, Weathered Wood might be just the inducement you need to make that trip.

I’m usually not one for drift wood and hip stuff. I am also not one who decorates; I’m a 90% utilitarian decorator. However, I walked into this store front during the Farmers Market and saw and old window frame with glass that the artist had spray painted and I simply fell in love with it. The store did not open officially until Friday July 26^th, so I went running back on Troy Night Out and made my purchase. The price was remarkably reasonable for a one of a kind piece.
The owner and artist is very sweet and her prices are reasonable. Check her stuff out (you’ve probably already seen her work at the Botanic Studio and River Street Fest).