Second anniversary in Corby Old Village
Once Loved started nearly two years ago in a tiny shop in a tiny courtyard in Corby Old Village where Gaye Henry and Annette Conway refurbished and painted lovely old pieces of furniture at affordable prices. Within weeks, it was obvious that they needed bigger premises and they were delighted when a double fronted shop became available in the High Street in the same village. A busy year ensued and, once again, they outgrew their shop! Once Loved has now moved to what they hope will be their ‘forever’ home at 53-57 High Street in Corby Old Village. It is a beautiful listed building but had fallen somewhat derelict; a challenge but a great venue for a Vintage and Shabby Chic company and especially one that stocks Annie Sloan Chalk Paint.
By the time all the relevant papers had been signed and sealed, Gaye and Annette had just two weeks to gut and then redecorate the ground fl oor of this tardis-like building. With blood, sweat, and the obligatory occasional tear, Once Loved moved on schedule. Not content with refurbishing the building, Once Loved has put in a ‘Purely Annie Sloan Kitchen’ to demonstrate how any kitchen, no matter how tired, can be revamped by using the amazing Chalk Paint.
The shop has seven large, bright rooms full of beautiful period furniture, vintage objet d’art and a continually expanding range of interior design goodies. There is a large array of drawer pulls in the front of the shop, and Gaye has found herself referred to locally as ‘the knob lady’. Gaye and Annette also have an enormous workroom which doubles up as a teaching room for their very popular one-day Annie Sloan Paint workshops.
Trained by Annie Sloan herself, Gaye and Annette are particularly happy with this resource as previously their classes were held in a small upstairs room which made things a touch cramped and also prevented them from offering courses to anyone with mobility problems. Due to popular demand, 2015 heralds plans for other craft workshops. Once Loved has introduced gift vouchers and workshop gift certifi cates, which have proved very popular for birthday and Christmas presents. The shop is open Tues-Sat 10am to 5pm.
57 High Street in Corby Old Village 07984 400 585 • www.Facebook.com/ OnceLovedShabbyChicandVintage
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