I know tons of people that are quick to throw glass items away if they drop them and they get a chip or two in them. I guess I’ve become an expert at restoring broken items! (Ironically, I have a Non-Profit where I do sessions with people to help heal their brokenness). So…the fact that I always think about how I might restore an item before I toss it in the trash probably has more meaning than what meets the eye! After all, there is no thing or human being that can’t be restored after a trauma causing brokenness with a little bit of work!
When you look at the vase above, it looks as good as new, doesn’t it? It’s a striking vase! I had purchased a whole set with this mosaic gold glass at Hobby Lobby: Two gorgeous Candelabrums, this larger vase pictured above and a smaller narrow one for a training I was hosting. I remember being so drawn to the set at Hobby Lobby, and it was 50% off, so who’s not going to jump at a deal like that?! I knew it would be perfect for the elegant table display I was doing for my event.
We were living in New Mexico at the time it was broken. I was watching my two-year-old grandson. (G0 figure)! Two year olds and glass decor items within reach is NOT a good combination! He went to grab the vase and it fell on the floor. Thankfully it didn’t shatter but when it hit the floor it broke a triangular piece out of the neck of the bottle an inch across. There was no way I could display it after that. Naturally I thought about throwing it away, but then I noticed a decorative candle I had that happened to be sitting right next to it with the leather medallion. I immediately thought about unwrapping the leather piece with the medallion from the candle that was already half melted anyway, and wrapping the bottle neck with it. I actually couldn’t believe how it added to the glass bottle! Honestly, no one would think I didn’t purchase it like this! Would you?
When you’re older than dirt, you’re bound to have lots and lots of opportunities to repair things. Maybe you’ve thrown a whole lot away. I know I have had to toss a few things away that were beyond restoration. If the damage is small however, the wheels in my head immediately start turning. Quite honestly, I probably could do a business repairing precious keepsakes for people. (Now, that’s a thought)!
Recently, I dropped this lovely glass picture I bought at Home goods, I was drawn to. I love little decor pieces throughout my home that send a message to the readers. As you can see, this glass picture box says “Chase Your Dreams!” It’s a great reminder for all of us! Unfortunately, I accidentally dropped it on the tile floor below and chipped the mirrored glass in two places. Underneath the blingy cross was a fairly small chip, but on the right under the tiny spray of purple and white florals, the glass missing was 1 1/2 inches across. Ugh! Once again, I almost threw it in the trash. If any of you shop Home goods, you know that if you see something you love, you’d better buy it right away! Chances are, they won’t get another one.
Once again, it’s not likely anyone would know this mirrored box didn’t come like this!
I also repaired a large wooden mirrored furniture piece I use in my bedroom as a coffee bar, but I’ll save that piece for another blog post. What I did on that one will blow your mind! I had to go to great lengths to repair the mirror on top of this furniture piece!
How have you saved the day by repairing things in your home giving them a good-as-new look? I’d love it so much if you would post pictures below showing me your pieces and explaining your process.
In the end, I’m just a cracked pot that has needed lots and lots of repair and restoration over the years and still do. My heart has been broken a million times and I’m STILL STANDING. As long as we live in this world, repairs will be needed for things, people, emotions, and physical bodies.
Maybe these two repairs and the many before this tell a story? Maybe they tell a story in your life, just like mine…
