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6 in the City: Anderson couple repurposes vintage, sells one-of-a-kind pieces at 3 Rusty Nails

Posted at 5:39 PM, Nov 03, 2017
and last updated 2017-11-03 19:11:55-04

ANDERSON, Ind. – A pocket door from 1890 transformed into a table and a vintage radio turned into the fanciest trash can you’ve ever seen – these projects are the creations of the husband and wife duo at 3 Rusty Nails Shoppe in Anderson. 

Jim and Erren West have a vision when they shop. 

“I automatically think… what can we do to tear that apart?” said Jim.

The couple buys from flea markets, auctions and estates. They build with reclaimed materials and old barn wood to produce their own masterpieces that are put on the floor for sale at their store. 

It was Erren’s first barn door project that started it all.

Since the store brings in new customers each day – Jim and Erren continue to create.

“We found the Jack Daniels whisky barrel at a flea market and we were like ok, we've got to have that... that would make an awesome table,” said Erren.

At 3 Rusty Nails, customers will find a console table made with an old tractor grill and a former vintage radio transformed into a trash container, among other items. Of the pieces for sale, 60 percent are repurposed and 40 percent are built in-house. 

Their craft became a passion but for the West family, it means a little more.

“It keeps me busy...even though I have Parkinson’s... it keeps me busy,” said Jim. “This actually keeps me moving, keeps my body moving and I enjoy that.”

Inside the shop is also a clothing boutique and there are plans for a coffee shop and small bakery.

Jim and Erren also want to build a barn on the property to hosts weddings and other events.

Learn more about 3 Rusty Nails here. 

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