Shabby Chic Finds in Jamestown

Colorful whimsy is only one way to describe the many eclectic pieces you’ll find at one of Jamestown’s newest and most delightful boutiques – The Crabby Lion.

Owners Victoria Hogan and Jeremy Paradis came up with the funky name for their new venture by uniting their zodiac signs, Cancer, the crab, and Leo, the lion. Both are passionistas when it comes to combining their love of creating out-of-the ordinary pieces by way of salvaging and repurposing almost any old item of furniture, shutters, trunks, railings and more all while being as kind to the environment as humanly possible. “We believe that nearly everything that is thrown out can be reinvented into something useful and exciting again, which is our founding mantra – ‘Live every day on re-purpose,’” gleams Victoria.

Customers enjoy the bright and airy shopping space that holds an eclectic selection of beautifully refinished and recycled finds. Jeremy has already established a reputation for taking a tired, worn down item such as an old bed and repurposing it into a cleverly and eye pleasing upholstered seating bench. His artistic eye allows him to keep the original character of the piece while adding an element of surprise.

Other one-of-a-kind items include wooden sleds that have been turned into cool coat racks, perfect for a kid’s room or a New England mud room and old shutters that have come back to life as trendy coffee tables as well as forgotten closet doors that now command attention as stylish book and storage cases.

In keeping with their eco-friendly approach to all their projects, The Crabby Lion is pleased to use only American Paint Company paints, a non-toxic, clay/chalk, mineral base paint that comes in over 30 unique shades. They are an exclusive retailer for the company so customers can purchase additional cans of paint for their own inspired projects.

Another interesting facet to this treasure trove shop in Jamestown is the workshops The Crabby Lion offer. “We continually get asked how we get a certain finish on a bureau or a stately armoire. Both Victoria and I do have artistic backgrounds but we’ve also learned a lot through just experimenting and being playful with the paint so we now offer classes to teach others our techniques,” Jeremy invites with enthusiasm. And if “hands on” isn’t for you, The Crabby Lion now offers commissioned furniture painting in almostany color palate you desire.

Featured local artisans showcase their works here as well such as Kate Batsford and her charming handmade purses. Vintage sterling silver jewelry, local organic skin-care and laundry products, a unique line of bamboo products including soft and cozy t-shirts recycled from bamboo and a collection of great bamboo toothbrushes and drinking straws.

Victoria loves how every era is represented in their store. “We have everything from classic and timeless vintage to the post-modern era as well as artsy 21st century finds to choose from.” Customers appreciate the many nostalgic touches that are represented at The Crabby Lion and can locate a stately piece like a rustic trunk that has been decoupaged with turn-of-the-century musical sheets allowing them to then recall how a great aunt used to have something similar in her beach house. Yet two pieces down, a vibrant teal and lavender buffet table is just waiting to be placed in an ultra-modern dining room. Mix in some shabby-chic color washed accent tables or some of their neutral-based cabinetry with pops of fresh color sprinkled amongst their unique assortment of accessories and your shopping experience will be complete.