(COURTESY THERESA MCCOMBER)
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This past holiday season, as we all scrambled to adorn our homes with festive decorations to provide a feeling of comfort and familiarity, Kahnawa’kehró:non Theresa McComber had an idea.
During what she called, “pandemic cleaning,” McComber’s husband Alex came across an old sled in their house, traced back to 1956.
“I think my father might have made it. He and my brother carved wood,” she explained.
She would have used the sled at a mere eight months old, so although she doesn’t recall being out in the snow with it, she does remember seeing it in their basement throughout her childhood.
Fortunately, McComber’s niece Ali and her boyfriend Eddy Dickson started a creative enterprise, focusing on refurbishing furniture, among other services. McComber felt this would be a great opportunity to breathe life into this family heirloom that has been around for decades.
At first, she wanted the sled restored to its original wood colour, but they decided on an even better plan. Ali got to work, and sure enough, the well-loved, old piece transformed into a beautiful Christmas decoration. With Ali’s sharp and creative eye, she chose to paint the sled a merry red and accented the sides with delicate white snowflakes.
The freshly-restored artifact found a home, right in front of McComber’s tree. “It made Christmas a bit more comforting,” said McComber.
“It’s now an annual decoration that will be passed on to my children.”
Ali was very happy with the result of the sled. “She can take it out every year, for years to come, and always have the sleigh in the family,” she said.
A&E creations started in August, and their business has taken off. Between refurbishing furniture, home decorating, and creating original pieces, they have been working non-stop.
Adapting to the pandemic’s reality, they provide online consultation for home makeovers. For more information you can reach them on Instagram @aecreations2020, or A&E Creations on Facebook.
calliegiaccone@gmail.com
