You are valuable and your story is powerful may not sound like the beginning of an “About” page, yet Reclaimed Swag is really about you and your story. I doubt you clicked “About” to find out how old I was when I first used a hammer anyway. Don’t get me wrong, I really am an open-book type person. You may even find me fascinating as we get to know each other! 😉
I do want to introduce myself. I’m Donna Swaggerty – I make furniture and other useful things from reclaimed wood. Put reclaimed wood together with my last name and it explains where the Reclaimed Swag concept started. But from the beginning it’s been about the power of a story.
We all have a history – where we’ve been, choices we’ve made, gifts we’ve been given – and it is what it is. I think it’s mainly raw material. Whether it’s a high I.Q. and an expensive education or broken relationships and a scarred body, it’s our story and what makes us unique. It’s also what can make us spend our time running from our past. I don’t know what’s worse: trying so hard to not be defined by our history or worrying that we will never measure up to what could have been – because you can’t outrun your own story. This is where reclaimed wood steps in for an object lesson in redemption.
You know what another name for reclaimed wood is?
Trash.
Almost by definition, if something is being recycled or reclaimed, it’s been used. And often is useless for its original intent. I think that’s why seeing the transformation from useless to useful, from ugly to beautiful, is so inspiring to me. So much so it’s become my reason for making things – to remind you of how far you’ve come. And why Reclaimed Swag is about you – way more than it is me.
Reclaimed wood is teaching me a lesson and I want to share it with you…
We can be useful and beautiful, not just in spite of our scars,
but because of them.
Instead of running from our stories, I’d like to think we can reclaim our creativity and our Swag by leaning into our stories together. Because being creative and courageous is easier with a buddy. But the thing is, I didn’t create this website to promote myself. You are the hero of this story. I’m more like the guide.
Being the guide that I am, I’ve got some options for you: Buy a piece of Reclaimed Swag or make it yourself.
1. Buy it
Buy a piece of Reclaimed Swag as a reminder of how far you’ve come.
I create furniture and useful items were made to remind you how far you’ve come. But they aren’t going to inspire many people if I keep them all for myself. Also, for practical reasons, I need to sell them – my teenage boys go through food and shoes like you wouldn’t believe! Click here to browse the Reclaimed Swag Shop. Take your time, you can come back and read this later. 🙂 I’ll wait.
2. Make it
This is your formal invitation to create with me!
Maybe you already knew, or maybe I’m the bearer of good news, but spending time being creative is a matter of survival. I mean, you’ll live a longer and richer life if you find time for creativity in your life. It’s true! Look it up! http://time.com/3814104/adults-arts-and-crafts/
I believe seeing neglected reclaimed wood turned into something beautiful & useful does something for your soul. Just think… creating something for a friend who’s redemption story gives you hope, will be doing something nice for a friend and for yourself!
Jump in where you are! The “Projects” category is where you will find plans or just some inspiration. Whatever your story is, I’m glad you’re here! Comment below or say, “Hello” on social media.