My Story

Hello, friends, and welcome to my page! My name is Charmaine, and I am the owner and artist of It’s Been Charmed. I love to find quality vintage and antique furniture and give it a new life with a fresh look. I do some custom refinishing and painting, but for the most part I paint the furniture the way the furniture speaks to me. I love colour! I believe that every home needs a statement piece of furniture that adds brightness and vibrancy to the decor.

In a previous life, I was an accountant. In 2015 I took a chance on a lifelong dream and started volunteering overseas. After seeing the devastation of and the way that human beings are forced to live, my priorities were forever altered.

I got started refinishing furniture when I returned to Canada after a long stint of voluntary work with refugees in the camps in Lebanon. It was my second stint in a year, and I came back with a bit of post-traumatic stress. I was broke and jobless, and had a deep disappointment with humankind.

My daughter suggested I paint my spare bedroom suite with chalk paint and sell it on Facebook Marketplace. I had no idea what chalk paint was! But thanks to YouTube and all of the wonderful furniture artists out there, I jumped in and haven’t looked back. I painted the bedroom suite a basic white, distressed and sealed it, and clicked some photos – and lo and behold, each piece sold within two days. I was hooked!

I experimented with every method: paint brand, decor waxes, decoupage, furniture transfers, paint pours, and even finger-painted flowers. I discovered a talent that I didn’t  know that I had, and not only was I good at it, but with each piece I painted, my soul was restored. I am happier than I’ve ever been. Creating a beautiful statement piece for someone to love and cherish is the best therapy around.

I am so grateful for my custom clients who have trusted me with their treasured family heirlooms. It pleases me greatly to ensure that Grandma’s favourite hutch doesn’t have to be given away because it doesn’t fit with the decor. I can make it fit your personality and ensure it’s appreciated for years to come.

I’m just tickled that many of my pieces are on television or in the movies. I’ve sold my work to Disney, Hallmark and Marvel. Pieces that I’ve created can be seen in series like Charmed, The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, The Republic of Sara, and most recently, a remake of Turner and Hooch.

I am based in beautiful Abbotsford, B.C. I work mostly from home, with my dog Cola always by my side. He just loves to model when I’m staging my pieces. I rent a storage unit In Abbotsford that I have set up like a little store.

I was delighted when I was invited to exhibit in the prestigious Pacific Arts Market in Vancouver. I always have four or five pieces of furniture on display there, along with with painted jewelry boxes and other artwork I make. Recently I’ve really gotten into resin art, and love to create coasters, trays, wall art, and other trinkets.

Now available at the Pacific Arts Market, and on my Facebook page, are the luscious DIY Paint from Debi’s Design, the fabulous Paint Pixie brushes, and ReDesign Products. In the near future I hope to offer some painting workshops.

Have fun browsing my page. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Thank you so much for your interest. I appreciate you!

Cheers! Charmaine

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