Are you ready for a furniture restoration adventure?
The first time I saw my grandmother’s 100-year-old table, I knew it was more than just a piece of furniture. It was craftsmanship, it was a window into the past, and, most of all, it was a story. A story of my family’s history. A story of love passed down from generation to generation.
Layla’s Landing exists to preserve those stories.
Hi, I’m Leslie Johnson, and if you’re like me, you love the look and feel of restored furniture done right. I’m a grandmother and an artist, and Layla’s Landing is my passion project. I’ve had many trades and interests in my life, from antiques to horse breeding to commercial fishing and going on clam digs, but when I discovered furniture art and restoration, I was captivated. My family and friends have always told me that my work is beautiful and that I should show it more widely, but it was only when I was meditating on life and what I wanted to leave behind, did I conceive of this project. I want to leave only the best things for my grandchildren, and for this earth that we all call home and mother. The name itself came from my beloved grandson couldn’t say Kaya, which is ‘grandma’ in our Lushootseed language, so he called me Layla instead.
That’s why our stories are so important.
So, if you follow along, that’s what you’ll see. You’ll see my progress: all my steps (and mistakes too). You’ll see me learn and explore new ways to do things. And you’ll see beautiful pieces of furniture restored in a way that is non-toxic, friendly to the earth, and made to be loved by the people that come after us.
I hope you join me on this journey and enjoy the projects featured here and on my Youtube channel. Thank you for visiting, and always remember that love restores everything.
-Leslie