Wall hangings give life to recycled wooden objects

Decorative wall hangings made from salvaged lumber are a specialty at Allison Wonderland Fine Arts and Crafts in Flintstone, Ga.

• What: Decorative wall hangings made from salvaged lumber

• Company: Allison Wonderland Fine Arts and Crafts

• Location: Flintstone, Ga.

• Website: allisonwonderland.artfire.com

• Telephone: 423-505-7873

• Owners: David Allison, 49, and Joan Allison

• What's special: Artist David Allison purchases window seals and door frames that have been acquired by Estate of Confusion on Main Street from demolished buildings. He then seals the wood to preserve the original staining or, if it's too damaged, repaints it in more appealing colors. The use of salvaged materials in his work adds a rustic quality and is important to many of his customers. "I think a lot of times, people relate to the materials, the old wood," he said. "Sometimes, the back of the piece is as interesting as the front with the old nail holes and the stains in the patina of the wood -- the character of the material."

• The origin story: Originally from Odessa, Texas, David Allison attended college in central Texas, where he received a bachelor of fine arts before moving to New Orleans in 1993. In 2003, he relocated to North Georgia. After losing his job in manufacturing three years ago, Allison began making similar pieces for his brother, who sold them out of a store in New Orleans. Eventually, Allison said he decided to make the hangings on his own and began selling them at the Chattanooga Market.

• How long does it take to make: One to three hours.

• Where it's sold: Via the website and at the Chattanooga Market from May to December.

• What it costs: $20-$50.

• In the future: "We're going to start next season doing more regional arts and crafts shows," David Allison said. "We want to try and expand the market and generate more sales."

• Lessons of the trade: "It's ups and downs," Allison said, laughing. "Some weeks, the sales are really good, and others they're really flat. I'm still learning how to deal with that."