Motherhood can be so isolating. After working hard my whole life and having all the me time and freedom…. “I found motherhood overwhelming and secretly I struggled internally” With my husband working away and no family close by, I seeked sanity and happiness in my creative space.

I remember my birthday was fast approaching and my husband asking what I would like as a gift, (as I am the most difficult person to buy for)! Right there I decided on a tin of white paint, a paint brush, and a tin of clear wax. I figured I could paint all the furniture I wanted with 1 tin of paint. Everyone LOVES white right.

With limited funds and a few old pieces of furniture I had found for FREE I started my full-time upcycling journey! From little things big things grow. Gosh I started out with a drop sheet in the lounge room (trying hard not to flick paint all over the lounge room) so I could hear if my little one stirred. Little did I know that one decision was laying the foundations for White and Wicker.

I loved it, I could not keep up as soon as I would list it, the furniture would sell. So great for the soul people loving what you do! I have had lots of repeat customers and have completed commission pieces for my lovely clients.

I love the result of chalk painted furniture whether it be a country look, shabby chic, rustic, chippy, of beach bohemian finish “I love it”

As time goes by, I realise as humans we need to be diverse, learn new skills and broaden our horizons. I love the fact that in my vast 27 year working history, I have done so many different things. And if motherhood has taught me anything it is being a creative thinker with how I earn money.

But one thing I did realise was there was not anywhere local that offered workshops or a creative space for new mums, that wanted a few hours me time to learn and create. I am passionate about what struggles lie beneath and do not get spoken of and painting for me was my savour from PND.

When Arch was first born, I had an abundance of clothing that I could not sell and decided to upcycle using mums old 40-year-old PFAFF sewing machine. I would sew to my hearts delight creating cute Bohemian clothing with fringing and detail and cute little punk rocker vests. Always seeking what I wish I could buy for my little one.

So, over the last 4 years of taking over our double garage and pumping out over 300 pieces of furniture and now a stockist of the best chalk paint on the market,” Jolie Paint”. I am about to embark of the next venture – holding workshops and sharing my knowledge that I have learnt along the way of the upcycling path. My goal is to give people the skills, knowledge and confidence.

So, with a not so brief background to how I got here and turning my dream into reality is to hold wonderful furniture painting workshops for beginners, disabled or the elderly. Not to mention other workshops such as stencilling and transfers and our gorgeous farmers market baskets and our clay pot painting. Crossing over to our fun kids’ workshops in the holidays and for lil cuties birthday parties. All our lovely Jolie Paint products are available online ready to ship Australia Wide or by appointment.

Thanks for reading, I hope to see your smiling face at 1 of our workshops soon!