Mercer restoration company turns junk into repurposed treasure
By JoAnne Klimovich Harrop, The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review | |
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services |
With a queen-size mattress tucked inside the back of a 1956 Chevrolet, this vehicle won't be driven again. But it's available for someone who wants to transport themselves to the land of nod.
Priced at
"This bed certainly is a conversation piece," says
The unconventional bed was created by
Lewis of
The women negotiated with a truck owner in the back hills of
The original truck bed was in pieces, so they softened the sharp edges, thoroughly cleaned it inside and out and then reconfigured it into a queen-size bed frame.
Jack and Lewis find items and repurpose them in unexpected ways. They travel to flea markets and drive around looking for items people have left on sidewalks as trash.
"We stop when we see stuff and talk to people," Jack says. "It's about finding items that won't fade into the earth. We have a vision. It takes time, but everything we make is one-of-a kind. It is fun and creative, and we run with it ... like bad dogs run after a ball. It is a shame to see this stuff go to waste. I can't see stuff going to a landfill and being destroyed."
So, they revive pieces, such as the truck.
"This is more than just an old truck bed," Jack says. "It's history. I love the effect rust has on metal, and the green really stood out. I am like a tomboy. I love vehicles. Maybe that is one reason I sell insurance. There is also a romantic side of me. How many people rode in this truck? Or maybe a couple broke up in the bed of this truck. There might have been animals hauled around in this truck, or workers using this truck for tools. It's about life. And it's important to upcycle it and give it a new appreciation."
The owners of Bad Dog Restoration have shopped in Kirich's Artistry shop, and the three agreed Bad Dog Restoration products fit in well.
"I love to visit Laura's store," Jack says. "Laura has such great vision. She has been a mentor and an inspiration, and she knows the business. We were drawn to Laura's creative style and how she likes to have things that are different in her store."
Kirich has been fantastic to work with, Lewis says.
"What is cool about these vintage beds is for as long as you live, no one will have a bed like it," Lewis says. "Each is one of a kind. And that makes my heart pound."
They two are working on 3-inch-thick tables made from trees that were already down and from barn floors as old as 135 years.
"So, when you sit at that table will you wonder, 'Who walked on this when it was a floor?'" Lewis says. "Who stepped where your fork is sitting? You won't ever know, but you will know that these materials are being reused and not just buried in the ground and gone forever."
Down the road, they hope to create tables made from 1940s and '50s tractors. They have created other items, such as hubcap wall sconces and burlap sacks fashioned into dog beds.
"There are just so many exciting things going on with Bad Dog right now," Lewis says. "This is our passion."
Lewis and Jack came up with the idea nearly five years ago and became an official company about a year-and-a-half-ago.
The name Bad Dog Restoration was inspired from the two women's love of dogs. They each own two dogs. Jack has Bernard and Alfi, both standard poodles, and Lewis owns Palin, a standard poodle rescue dog and Winston, a sheep dog. A photo of Winston's nose is on the company business cards.
Even though their animals are good, the Bad Dog title sounded better than Good Dog, Jack says.
"I have a love of nature. ... We are looking for people who want something that is one of a kind," Jack says. "People have different connections to things, so when they see this truck bed it might be something that reminds them of their parents or grandparents. I love the stories behind such items. Debbie and I work well together because we play off each other and it is great fun."
Details: www.baddogrestoration.com
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