Pipe dreams

PVC is traditionally used as plumbing material. However, there are many modern pieces of furniture that can be created from the material.

Francois recalled, “Just out of the blue a friend of mine showed me some sketches of PVC furniture and I was amazed by what was created.”

She said months later, “out of the blue” a man appeared in Francois’ community and announced he was willing to teach PVC furniture construction for free.

Francis Ragoo, eventually taught Francois how to make good use of PVC to construct furniture.

“I believe God sent that man in the nick of time. Sometimes we have talents in us that are waiting to be explored but in the right time, if you are opened to it, things just fall into place. Who would have thought that a stranger would come into my community to teach that particular craft for free?

“When my friend showed me those sketches it looked so intricate. I didn’t know that I would become a master at it,” Francois said.

Inspired by Ragoo and the endless possibilities with PVC, Francois was keen to stretch the boundaries of PVC further

“I knew I wanted to be in business for myself. I think I was always inclined to craft...making things with my own hands.

“I enjoy working with PVC and could see the enormous potential,” she said.

Five years into the PVC furniture business, Francois has found a profitable niche market for her unique furniture fittings.

“Imagine making a decent living doing something you love. The most exciting thing about this business is that everyday you learn something new. Everyday you come up with creative ideas,” she said.

Francois, a craft teacher with Community Development, wants to encourage more people to work with PVC and is constantly trying to foster an appreciation of its exquisite qualities, by teaching basic, intermediate and advance level classes in PVC construction.

“PVC can enhance our daily lives. Besides being versatile, it provides opportunities to experiment and design,” Francois said.

According to Francois, with a little bit of care and maintenance, you can get many years of enjoyable use out of PVC furniture.

“The furniture lasts a lifetime. It won’t rot like wood or rust like metal or peel like aluminium. It can outlast any ordinary furniture,” said Francois. “Besides its durability, it is easy to clean, by using a mild soap and water, which would effectively clean any dirt build up,” she explained.

With Christmas fast approaching, orders are piling high for Francois. She said more people are becoming “open” to having living room sets, patios furniture and other items made out of PVC. “People are gravitating to PVC furniture because it is economical and durable. You can still have that comfortable or rich look with with PVC furnishings.

There is no end to what you can do with the furniture. You can paint it with unusual designs or you can leave it plain,” she said.

After years of perfecting PVC furnishings, Francois boasts that she is now able to read schematic drawings (blue print that shows where various parts should be connected).

A simple design takes Francois seven days to complete, providing customers don’t request cushions to go with their furniture.

“If I have to sew cushions as well, I tend to charge more,” she said.

Francois said PVC is very expensive, however she considers her prices very reasonable.

“A living room set with cushions will cost $3,000. Without, it’s a little less,” she said.

Francois said, “My greatest joy is to see my customers pleased with their furniture. I think a lot of women need to try to take advantage of these free courses.

It takes nothing out of them to become skillful. And the best part is that in the long run, they will be helping themselves. There are lots of different courses they can choose from.”