Transforming Furniture and Lives: The Journey of an Artisan

In the world of DIY and furniture restoration, there are many paths one can take. Today, we're highlighting the journey of Tamara Hepfer, a dedicated artisan who has taken her passion for furniture restoration to new heights.

Meeting Tamara Hepfer

Tamara Hepfer, the owner of Tamara Hepfer Artisan Furnishings, has been in the furniture restoration business for over a year. Before that, she operated under the name Reimagined Rescued and Repurposed. However, after becoming an Amy Howard Finishing School Member, she decided to change her business name to reflect her personal brand and the quality of her work.

Before the Old World Finishing Course

Before taking Amy Howard's Old World Finishing Course, Tamara was already selling her pieces on Facebook Marketplace and in her booth. She was also doing some custom work. She had some experience with crack patina, milk paints, and chalk paint, and she was enjoying the process of decorating and transforming furniture.

The Game Changer: Old World Finishing Course

Tamara's approach to furniture restoration changed dramatically after she took The Old World Finishing Course. She was initially hesitant about signing up, thinking she already knew a lot. However, she was blown away by the techniques she learned in the course, especially those involving gilding and Venetian plaster.

The course gave her the confidence to put her pieces on Chairish, an online marketplace for unique and vintage furniture. She was able to significantly increase her prices and found that her pieces were selling to customers all over the country.

The Impact of the Course

The Old World Finishing Course not only improved Tamara's skills but also changed her perspective on the types of furniture she wanted to work with. She began buying higher-end pieces from auctions and painting them more purposefully. She also found that she didn't want to use certain techniques anymore, preferring to focus on the European and Old World styles she had learned in the course.

The Power of Community

One of the most valuable aspects of The Old World Finishing Course for Tamara was the community. She was able to connect with other artisans, share ideas, and receive feedback on her work. She has stayed in contact with many of the people she met during the course and has even met some of them in person at live events.

Final Thoughts

Tamara's journey is a testament to the transformative power of education and community in the world of furniture restoration. The Old World Finishing Course gave her the tools and confidence she needed to take her business to the next level. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, there's always something new to learn in the ever-evolving world of DIY and furniture restoration.

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