About

Hello, I am Joan, but my family calls me Joannie. And that’s my Mom the super “B-Mechanic”

I am one of four daughters born to Mr. Do-It-Yourself.  I was born in 1962…Think about that. It was a time when girls were taught to be, well “girls.”  We were not supposed to do “boy” things. We had Barbies and baby dolls in carriages, but we also had a dad who did pretty much anything from woodworking to fixing cars and everything in between. Since there were no boys, we girls did everything as well. I have been the “B-mechanic,” as my father called us, my whole life. I have made furniture, poured concrete, roofed houses, repaired cars, installed and repaired sprinkler systems…and so much more, with the best of them…My Father. My mother, the super “B-Mechanic,” joined in as well, always at Dad’s side during his many projects. Until very recently, it never occurred to me that we were different from other girls. Helping Dad was just a normal part of our lives.

My “do-it-yourself-ness” has continued into my adult life. I always have a project going, both small and large. I renew furniture, do loads of crafty things like wreath making, create mosaic tile work, and just about anything else that catches my fancy. Together, my husband John and I have renovated a few houses, some from the floors up, while doing most of the work ourselves. John usually helps with the big stuff, and I finish up everything else. I do all the planning, and John does all the electrical and plumbing work… some would say he is amazing for a man whose profession is concert pianist. I say he is just wonderful.

Last year, my do-it-yourself-ness led me to open a shoppe called THE TORN POCKET. It is one of The Mercantile Fort Worth shoppes. I specialize in renewing furniture and accessories, something for which my life as the “B-Mechanic” prepared me. It is great fun. I get to shop, create amazing things, and meet lovely people. This is my life, and I love it.

Recently, a few of my friends and family have encouraged me to share my experiences and projects. I am not sure if what I do is so unique or wonderful as my friends and family keep telling me, but after repeated nudging, I feel it is the right path to take. So what you see here is just that. I hope your time here is enjoyable and maybe beneficial to you in some way. As always…

– Wishing you a day filled with good things –  Joan