NEWS

New business here to design new styles

Kate Snyder
Reporter

ZANESVILLE – According to Kelly Wiler, barn doors can make excellent benches or tables.

You can see for yourself the kinds of furniture barn doors can make, along with various other types of furniture, items and artwork at Wiler's new business, Girl Upcycled Studio.

Girl Upcycled Studio opened officially over the weekend as a place where people can purchase painted furniture and other home decor items as well as take art and do-it-yourself classes.

The furniture is often repainted, sometimes turned into something else completely. Antiques that have been in the family for so long, but clash with the style of the home can be refurbished into something new or a different color or style.

"I think a lot of times people are attached to their items," she said. "That's why they're still here. So why not make it like new again and use it for another 50 or 60 years?"

Most of her items she gets from auctions, by the side of the road or by residents dropping them off for her.

"This is the first time I've had a local base," she said.

For years, Wiler, a lifelong Zanesville resident, has been taking customization orders and selling items on Etsy, a website focused on the sale of handmade or vintage items and supplies. She began dabbling in restoring old furniture in the mid-1990s and grew her hobby into a business.

"I've actually been doing this full time for quite a while," Wiler said.

This is the first time she's had an actual store location, though. Before, Wiler would just do her work out of her home in Zanesville. Clients would drive from Columbus and other areas in the state to meet at her house for their orders.

Recently, Wiler decided that probably wasn't the best idea. So she got the location on Muskingum Avenue. During the past month, she's been moving in.

Along with the items for sale, she offers classes in painting and do-it-yourself furniture art and customization.

"If it's not usable, we'll deconstruct it and use the pieces," she said.

She also offers classes specifically in wine glass painting paired with wine tasting events. For more information about Girl Upcycled Studio or how to sign up for classes, check out Girl Upcycled Studio's Facebook page.

Wiler also has consignments with local jewelry makers and candle makers, so those services and goods are available as well.

ksnyder2@zanesvilletimesrecorder.com

740-450-6752

Twitter: @KL_Snyder

Girl Upcycled Studio Hours and Location

126-C Muskingum Ave., Zanesville

Wednesday through Saturday: 12 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Sunday: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Closed Monday and Tuesday