Rural Relics Fabric & Antiques has a new addition.
The shop in downtown Weyauwega now features Eckhardt Originals.
“It’s always been a dream,” Rebecca Eckhardt said of her work.
Eckhardt brings new life to old chairs, trunks and windows.
She says her slogan is, “Anything that sits still too long gets painted.”
Her interest in art peaked about 20 years ago, when she was the ad director of an art and craft publication at Krause Publications, in Iola.
“I was introduced to so many artists and mediums,” she said. “I went to a lot of shows and went to a lot of demonstrations about how to use the products.”
Her home in Waupaca is full of pieces she has done.
“I wanted to make it my main source of income if I could ever get to that point. With the support and encouragement of my parents, I’m able to do it,” Eckhardt said.
Her father, Dr. Roger Eckhardt, is her handyman, while her mother, Eleanor Eckhardt, is her cheerleader.
“I’ll pick up anything on the side of streets, take it home and try to fix it,” Eckhardt said. She also finds furniture at garage sales.
Some projects require a bit of assistance from her father.
Her mother provides honest opinions about whether or not she likes one of Eckhardt’s originals.
Eckhardt hand paints furniture and old windows and also enjoys giving antique trunks new looks.
Old women’s magazine covers she collected through the years or bought at antique stores now cover an old trunk.
“I love that look – old fashioned, eclectic, different,” she said.
Kathy Fehl likes it, too.
Fehl and her husband, Ian Teal, opened Rural Relics Fabric & Antiques last fall.
The store was closed during the winter and opened back up in June.
Located at 100 W. Main St. in the historic Exchange Block building, the business is open from noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. They may be reached at 920-538-5068.
“Becca does original art. As a shop owner, I appreciate it, because it’s unique, reflects talent. She will be a major feature in this shop, along with fabrics – vintage and reproductions – antiques and old and new paintings,” Fehl said.
Eckhardt’s newest line is a children’s line called Sweet Pea. It includes rocking chairs.
She also paints scarves and glasses and does custom work for those wanting to preserve memories on an old trunk or to have specific colors on an old window or chair.
Eckhardt, who works out of her home, says, “My kitchen looks like a warehouse.”
She also has items on her Facebook page and on Etsy.
Of the other items in the store, Fehl said, “The fabric is Jean Teal’s. She is a quilt designer. She has a huge collection of fabric, parts of which she is selling. We also have lots of Depression glass and paintings – old and new.”
Workshop set for Aug. 22
Rebecca Eckhardt will lead a workshop at 2 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 22, at Rural Relics Fabric & Antiques.
Participants will paint a picture frame.
The cost is $50, which includes the frame and all materials.
“Those who attend will have the freedom to use any of my paints and products to create their own work. I will be providing all the frames, the materials, the encouragement and instruction,” Eckhardt said.
Space is limited for the workshop, and the registration deadline is Thursday, Aug. 15.
To sign up, send a check to: Rural Relics Fabric & Antiques, P.O. Box 70, Weyauwega, WI 54983.
Checks should be written out to Rural Relics Fabric & Antiques. On the memo line, write “for workshop.”
For more information, call 920-284-7905.