'Junking gene' inspires antique shop owner

Divine Patina owner Amy Vanderford said she grew up in a family of antiquers and handymen and inherited a "junking gene." Her grandmother and great grandmother were antique doll dealers, her mother painted furniture and her father taught her to repair it. So when Vanderford opened Divine Patina in February 2012, the store became a representation of her heritage, she said.

"The store is really a reflection of who I am," she said. "There's a little funky, a little hippie chick, a little everything."

To find the antique items sold at Divine Patina, Vanderford calls on antique picker Steve St. James. St. James works with several Central Texas antique dealers and helps connect Vanderford with the furniture and curious novelties she loves.

At Divine Patina, customers can browse through antique and vintage collectibles as well as an array of painted furniture, which Vanderford said is her true passion.

"I love to paint furniture. I could do it every day, all day long and be just fine with it," she said.

In addition to acquiring and selling antiques, Vanderford looks for old furniture that could use a fresh take.

"In the '30s and the '40s, after the depression, there was good furniture, and there was lower quality furniture," Vanderford said. "Yes, it's old, and yes, it's pretty, but it's not an antique that's worth a million dollars or that painting is going to mess up."

After one look at a piece of old furniture, Vanderford said her creativity is sparked.

"We try not to paint anything that doesn't need it," Vanderford said.

Most of Vanderford's custom furniture is painted using chalk paint, which she started making herself. She plans to sell four colors of the paint at Divine Patina.

Custom painting for customers who want to redo a piece of furniture they already own is also available, and Vanderford also plans to begin offering classes in August to teach the basic techniques used to refinish furniture.

Divine consignment

When Amy Vanderford opened Divine Patina, she did not do it alone. Six other women, including Peggy Radford, rent space from Vanderford in which they sell their own antiques and refurbished furniture.

After being a schoolteacher for 28 years, Radford began collecting and selling antiques in 2006. When Vanderford opened the shop in 2012, Radford jumped at the opportunity to be a part of the endeavor.

Radford shares Vanderford's passion for giving old furniture new life. Redford works with her husband to repair damaged furniture before reimagining each piece.

"I enjoy taking something that no one wants and making it beautiful again," Radford said.

Radford finds most of her antiques at estate sales and auctions. Inspired by her grandmother, Radford's favorite finds include screenprints, pottery and furniture with drawers.

Divine Patina, 1005 S. Austin Ave., 512-819-9555, www.divinepatinaantiques.com, Hours: Tue.–Sat. 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Sun. noon–4:30 p.m., closed Mon.