OregonLive:

Nicole Carlon, an interior designer, and Mary Lothman, a former midwife, have for years relied on their ability to recycle goods to decorate their own homes.

The pair sell shabby chic furniture, antique jewelry, original paintings, yard art and clothing — most of which had seemingly neared the end of their lives in junk drawers, garage sales or on Portland’s side streets wearing a “free” sign.

Both 54 years old and friends since junior high, Carlon and Lothman used their collective craftiness and jackie-of-all trades skills –they rewire, solder, paint, refinish and sew — to stock the nearly two-month-old store.

They beat their initial expectations by earning $6,800 in the first month. They ultimately aim to bring in as much as $12,000 monthly to cover rent, bills and hardware and embellishments needed to give face-lifts to the goods they find.