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Old is new again at Attics of My Life

Hannah Carroll
hcarroll2@dmg.gannett.com
Attics of My Life owners Ashley Abell and Brad Sonczewski smile in front of their new Selbyville shop.

"We make the old new again," is the slogan at Attics of My Life, a one of a kind boutique and workshop that does a little bit of everything.

Tucked away on Ellis Alley in Selbyville, Attics of My Life refurbishes, reclaims and upcycles an abundance of pieces from end tables to cabinets to light fixtures to window frames.

"The older, the dirtier, the better," owner Ashley Abell said.

Nicknamed by friends and family as the furniture whisperer, Abell insists the magic happens when pieces speak to her.

Her passion for such work, she said, began at a young age. She grew up in Cumberland, Maryland, where her father has owned a successful home construction business for more than 40 years.

"I guess you can say I was born with sawdust in my veins — I always felt I was destined to become one with lumber, paint and nails," she said.

Drawn toward more artistic endeavors, Abell successfully combined her love for design with her desire to work with green solutions when she met her now-boyfriend, Brad Sonczewski.

"He's been the driving force behind all of this," she said. "He was the one who asked me, 'Why aren't you doing this for a living?

'What are you waiting for? '"

Just like Abell, Sonczewski brings a lot to the table. He is an MHIC licensed contractor with more than two decades of experience under his belt. Together, he and Abell scour the region for furniture to repurpose and upcycle, in addition to building unique, custom pieces.

"Everything here is Ashley and I," he said. "My woodwork and her creative eye. It's the perfect combination."

Attics of My Life is part boutique, part showroom, he explained, highlighting what the two of them can accomplish. Although each piece will never be the same, if a customer wants it, Abell and Sonczewski are confident they can get it pretty close. And if they can't find what they are looking for, they can always shop through their backyard which is chock-full of old lumber from sunken ships and old houses.

In addition to an array of ongoing projects and finished pieces for sale, Attics of My Life offers items like handmade prints, soaps, antique wash boards, tea towels and jewelry made out of old typewriter keys.

Attics of My Life also carries General Finishes' milk paints, stains, and glazes, which Abell uses to bring lackluster pieces of furniture back to life, and is also the only shop in the area that carries Saltwash, a paint additive that creates a layered, sun and salt air soaked look.

Abell will soon host small, intimate DIY classes teaching basic refurbishing techniques, where participants will sip wine, relax and create a one of a kind masterpiece they will be able to bring home.

"I've always wanted to do this, and it's finally a reality,” said Abell of her dream job. "I wanted to live life supporting my passion. I wanted to show my kids that you can pursue your dreams."

On Twitter @hcarroll_1 and Facebook at Facebook.com/byhannahcarroll

On Instagram @thesassy_banana

302-537-1881, ext. 207

Attics of My Life

Where: 62 Ellis Aly, Selbyville

When: available by appointment Monday and Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Thursday; 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Call: 410-430-0413

Visit: atticsofmylifellc.com

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