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CREATIVE Sally Bosson, who put smiles on people’s faces with her pretty printed phone covers, shoes and greeting cards, has moved onto bigger and brighter things by recycling old furniture into works of art.
The 28-year-old British flight attendant, who was featured in GulfWeekly for her customised colourful creations, is now captivating customers with her revamped furniture and home accessories.
Sally, who lives in A’ali and started her artisan work three years ago, said: “I just wanted to do something with an old coffee table that looked so dark and boring in my home. I was proud of how beautiful it turned out and posted it on my Instagram and Facebook accounts to share with family and friends.
“I was surprised when I was suddenly inundated with praise and encouragement. Some even asked how much I would sell it for. Art for me is a therapeutic tool and I never expected to start something like this. But when people kept asking I thought, why not? I love what I do and would love to brighten someone’s home with my work.”
Sally’s painting and decorating skills were passed on from her father and grandfather. She finds inspiration from everything around her and transforms objects by giving them a modern make-over.
She added: “It could be just a colour that inspires me, or a piece of fabric. I then strip it down and start afresh.”
Since her decorative discovery, Sally has launched a website called Penny Vanilla to sell her refurbished work such as a vanity with two bedside tables which she calls the Hula set and a table that she has named the Colonel’s Desk.
It can take her between a few days to a month to complete an item. She also personalises jars and bottles to be used as decorative accessories.
She said: “The longest was probably a desk I’ve just finished. I ended up with what I thought was a finished piece and then decided I didn’t like it and repainted the entire thing. It took me almost a month. Usually a piece will take a few days but sometimes I can do something in an afternoon. It depends how creative I feel. However, I have done a whole range of things including a rocking chair, dressers and even a dining table.”
The Emperor’s Chair, a traditional Bahraini solid-wood chair, was snapped up as soon as she had completed it for BD60. She brought it back to life by painting it a sumptuous red and finished it off with a deep brown wax to keep its aged theme.
Meanwhile, a Chess Table found its way to a good home and its new owner Yasmin Elisabeth couldn’t be happier. Yasmin said: “I loved it from the moment I saw it and knew I had to have it. It’s really pulled my black and white décor together. It is the perfect statement piece and has received plenty of compliments.”
The furniture ranges in prices starting from BD45 to around BD150. The decorations start from BD5.
People can check out her artsy pieces on www.pennyvanilla.com or contact her on Instagram at pennyvanilla_bh or follow her Facebook Penny Vanilla page.
