Paiement, Johnny

Studio Visit: Johnny Paiement, Cabinet Maker.

August 2, 2005 and August 2, 2007 by: Ilania Abileah

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Johnny Loves to Make Furniture!
Notes taken during a visit to Johnny's studio August 2nd, 2007.

Johnny Paiement was born and raised in Lachute. He is a proud self-taught craftsperson, who has previously worked in other jobs even as a bar thrower. He now works in a workshop he built himself, making custom-made kitchen cabinets, chests, credenzas, tables, armoires and even children’s Play House with a complete play-kitchen inside.

It all started in September 1999, when he built a storage furniture for his garage with his Harley Motorcycle. He built a beautiful rustic armoire, which is now displayed on the veranda around his house. His sister ordered one right away. Then, with a $500 investment in wood, he went on to build a houseful of old Quebec style rustic furniture. A friend bought it all off him! He had to build a new set. Then the owner of Domain de la Nouvelle France saw his armoire and placed an order for 45 Chests of drawers for chalets.

The rest is history. Johnny resigned his job at Cascade Paper and started his own business with a few Master Craft tools (a drill and a saw). He was 31, had a mortgage to pay and two young children. Money earned was reinvested in equipment and tools and still is.

Johnny loves what he does. He is aware of the fact that earning a living from one’s own handiwork is sometimes risky, but says that he wishes to continue making furniture, even if he were to be employed elsewhere. He accepts orders throughout the year. In fact, in October he will be making furniture for a new domain of chalets in Lake Wentworth.
During Route des Arts, last week, he enjoyed meeting the public. If you missed Johnny’s studio, he is “Just a phone call away”.
On September 5th, 2007, Route des Arts is holding an event to celebrate yet another successful year, at Mikes Restaurant, 481 Main Street, Lachute, 5 – 7 p.m. If you filled out a coupon at any of the studios, you might win the $500 grand prize to purchase a piece of furniture from Johnny Paiement.

2 August 2007 during Route des Arts

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Visit after Route des Arts with Shalon 2005

My guest Shalon with Sophie (Johnny's wife).

Colours and dimensions artwork may be slightly different from the original.

This site was last updated 08/07/07