Found by Susan

09/28/2026

This one took me a little outside my comfort zone, and I’m so glad I went with it. 🐠

Made from reclaimed cedar that Tim and I sourced years ago from Second Chance in Baltimore - and somehow made its way with us to Florida - this fish was hand-cut with my jigsaw, then brought to life with a mix of acrylic and latex paints. I used leftover cedar scraps to create the dimensional fins, giving the piece a little 3D effect.

I had so much fun mixing the whimsical with the unexpected: the Florida sun across the body paired with that slightly more realistic (and very expressive 😂) fish face.

Even better, it was created for a wonderful cause, with 100% of the proceeds supporting Blood Cancer United. And I couldn’t be happier that it went home with my dear friend Dallas, who loved it from the moment she saw it. 💙🐟☀️

Definitely one of my favorite pieces to create. And if you have an idea for something one-of-a-kind, Found by Susan is always up for a new challenge! 😉

08/31/2026

A little something I made for my dear friend Ashley. ☀️🌙

Ashley loves all things celestial: the sun, the moon, the stars, the energy behind it all. And since she has become such a special friend to me, I wanted to make her something that felt completely her.

I used to make pieces like this all the time, especially when I lived in Maryland and even during my first few years in Florida. Somewhere along the way, life got busy and I got away from it. Lately, I’ve been finding my way back to creating, and I forgot how much I missed it.

This one started as a piece of wood and an idea. I cut every curve by hand with my jigsaw, sanded it, layered the pieces to create the 3D effect. I hand-painted it with acrylics and a little metallic gold.

These are the kinds of pieces I love creating through Found by Susan (formerly Susan’s Vintage Designs): one-of-a-kind, handmade pieces inspired by the people, places, and things that mean something to us.

Made for Ashley: the sun, the moon, and all the light you bring . ✨

02/19/2026

A year ago my sweet friend Sara bought her first home, and I knew I wanted to make her something meaningful for it. She once sent me a random screenshot of a DIY dog-leash holder (screenshot in this post) and that was all the inspiration I needed. 🐾

Meet Finnigan (the sweetest golden retriever) and Bristol (the cuddliest brindle rescue). I hand-cut their silhouettes from pine, painted them in a modern style with acrylics, and built a reeded tongue-and-groove back panel with a walnut-stained frame—mitered corners and all, because every detail counts for me. Even the hooks are customized: brushed brass for Finnigan, matte black for Bristol.

Bristol’s fur marking secretly stole the show though… it looks like an upside-down wishbone—or maybe even Florida if you tilt your head. 😂

I’m completely obsessed with how this turned out and can’t wait to hang it on her wall. 🤍🐾🖼️

02/18/2026

02/18/2026

One of my favorite things about living in Atlantic Beach (besides the ocean 🌊) is the treasure hidden in plain sight: discarded wood, old fence panels, scraps from renovations... Beauty hides in unexpected places. 💙🩵💚

When I was invited to create a piece for V for Victory, Mom and I did what we do best: we went scavenging!

Driving down Ocean Avenue, Mom suddenly said, “Stop! I see some wood!” And there it was: a pile of old tongue-and-groove heart pine paneling, rich with history and that unmistakable old-wood scent, discarded from one of AB’s old historic beach cottages.

That reclaimed wood became this octopus who was hand-cut with a jigsaw, sanded smooth, and painted using acrylics. The heart pine was sealed with an oil-based primer to prevent tannin bleed-through, layered with white chalk paint, then distressed to reveal the grain, knots, and imperfections that tell its story. A clear matte topcoat finished it off.

Living at the beach and my love for sea life inspired this design, but the soul of this artwork comes from the journey, the materials, and the belief that even discarded things can be transformed into something meaningful.

On Sunday night at the silent auction, the piece sold for $175, with every dollar supporting V for Victory and the incredible families they serve.

Art with a story. Wood with a past. Purpose in every layer.

Thank you to everyone who bid, supported, and believes in giving old things a new life. 🐙