YWCA Redesign

19 Dec YWCA Redesign

So sorry for the crickets around here yesterday, everyone.  Our Internet was down so there was no way for me to get my post published.

I’m very excited to share with you today about a new branch of the YWCA in my town, and I’m sure after you hear about it, you will be petitioning your local YWCA council for one, too.

In case you don’t know what YWCA is, it is an organization that was founded in 1858, with the purpose of supporting and empowering women of all races and backgrounds.  In its early years, the YWCA pioneered race relations and the organization of labor unions.  Today, its focus is crystal clear through its mission statement,

“YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.”

The YWCA, which stands for Young Women’s Christian Association, is a not-for-profit organization using its funds for the good and betterment of women, not just “out there”, but in your hometown.  Where I live (Fort Worth), the YWCA owns a three-level building that houses, feeds, trains, and teaches battered women – ALL of the operations the YWCA runs locally raises money to help these women.  They also operate “Power Lunch”, a gourmet lunch program that delivers anywhere downtown.  Then there is the YWCA Resale store, which was so successful, an idea started brewing…

What if the YWCA had a home store that showcased consignment furniture in an upscale way through well-designed vignettes?  AND what if there were classes to teach people HOW to turn their finds into something beautiful for their home?

And YWCA Redesign was born.

From the moment you enter the store, you can tell this is not your typical resale store.  Actually, your first hint to that realization should manifest when you pull up – I mean, they have window displays!

I would consider myself to be an estate sale, resale store, thrift store, consignment store well-seasoned veteran, and this store is unlike one I have ever seen.  Not only are the items organized, they are beautifully organized.  I am definitely in my happy place when I see one of their well-thought,creative vignettes.

Are you amazed?  Me too.  The lovely work you have just seen is the product of the mind and artistic labor of manager, Bobby Christiansen.  An elementary school teacher turned mortgage manager turned home stager turned event coordinator turned YWCA Redesign mastermind, he thrives on showing resale can be upscale.

The store is constantly changing as items sell quickly, which as a customer is great, because you see new items every time you come.  Even if you come every day.  Which, ahem (cough cough), I totally don’t do.

Some of my favorite items from my last visit were this dresser, $200 (check out those awesome handles!),

this carved (front and sides!) wood chest $80,

this large vibrant rug $200 (I’m loving the colors here!),

this pretty gray and gold chinoiserie vase,

and what do I spy here, a bentwood rocker – painted and in perfect condition! – (you know I love those!),

this pretty pair of interestingly-shaped turquoise and brass lamps $65,

this sofa with gorgeous lines that is DYING for reupholstery in a modern print,

and this lovely French desk (how perfect would this be if you need a vanity in a small space?!).

I could literally go on and on…

What I think is so genius about this store is you can buy items before they are “redesigned” by store managment, or you can buy them in their original state to redesign yourself.  Classes are offered in store every month for a small fee, and they are taught by local artisans and crafters.  Some examples of previous classes are Furniture Refinishing, Chair Upholstery, Floor Cloth Painting, Book Sculpting, and Centerpiece Making.  When you visit the store, sign up for their store emails, and you will get a calendar of classes every month.

All of the items you see are donated, so if you love what the YWCA is doing here, you can either bring your items to the store during store hours which are:

Monday – Thursday
10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Friday and Saturday
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Or you can call 817-377-0664 to schedule a pickup of your items.  Pick up days are Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

Although I thoroughly enjoy seeing all of the great things at great prices YWCA Redesign offers, I guess I will let my secret out, and tell you it is my go-to source for pretty books for styling shelves.  They have hardback books in every color of the rainbow for .50 each!

I especially love these, why did I not buy these?  Check out the gorgeous patterns on the fronts!

They also have lots of pretty glassware,

and mid century finds.

I am so so impressed with the overall styling of the store.  There are chalkboards all over the store holding useful information, and little quips about the pieces.  Clearly, you can look at my logo and see I love chalkboard art!  (P.S.  My logo at the top of the page was designed and drawn by the talented Kat Phillips of TheGrayAttic.com!)

Monthly, they have auction pieces at the store.  This is my favorite of the ones they have right now.

They also have a “Design Element of the Month” to show you how to use a certain category of item in your home in a multitude of ways.  For example, one month was “Books”, and they turned books into all sorts of artsy things all over the store.  Whereas, another month was “Maps”, and they displayed maps in creative ways throughout their vignettes.

You just never know what you will find at YWCA Redesign or how you will be inspired.  I think what they are doing is fantastic.  Showcasing items in a beautiful way, empowering people to turn those items into something uniquely them, and helping the community through it all.  What could be better?

The YWCA Redesign store is located at:

6504 Camp Bowie Blvd
Fort Worth, Texas 76116

Their phone number is:
817-484-3180

You may visit the store:

Monday – Thursday
10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Friday and Saturday
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Hope you enjoy your trip to YWCA Redesign!  Whether you are near or far, it is worth the trip!  Make sure you tell them Grace sent you!