Shed Eleven - Shed Talk

Jemma Wlasichuk of Shed Eleven discusses restoration and upcycling

Your background in fine arts and furniture restoration is unique - how did your journey into furniture restoration begin, and how has your fine arts training influenced your approach to this craft?

As a young woman, I was fortunate to work at a furniture restoration business in Leichhardt, where I learned traditional antique restoration skills. My fine arts studies naturally blended with these skills as I painted roadside finds to furnish my home. I loved how easily furniture could be altered to create atmosphere, and I continued doing this for myself for decades.

In 2017, I discovered chalk paint, a specialist water-based decorative paint, and entered the world of professional upcycling. It encompassed my passions: art, design, sustainability, and working with my hands. The creative possibilities of chalk paint are endless, and I began experimenting with fine art techniques on furniture. I love functional art and believe art doesn’t belong only on walls.

Shed Eleven has gained recognition for its creative, award-winning work. What’s one project that stands out to you?

Shed Eleven was established with my sister-in-law in 2017, and we were fortunate to be chosen as Annie Sloan Painters in Residence. Annie Sloan, a UK-based artist and global name in sustainable interior design, created chalk paint 35 years ago. Each year, she selects an artist using her paint skilfully to take part in her prestigious program. We were asked to produce a body of work showcasing our creativity, which was then shared across her international media network.

This experience introduced me to the global upcycling industry and the realization that this could be a legitimate career. Though my sister-in-law has moved on, I continue to share a wonderful relationship with Annie, with whom I share a love of creativity and sustainability.

Can you share an example of how you've integrated vintage pieces into modern interiors?

My work revolves around this concept. Both interior designers and the public now embrace sourcing second hand furniture or altering sentimental pieces to suit new interiors. One memorable project involved a St Ives couple who relocated to a stunning property on the Central Coast Hinterland. 

Their home was also a shop and events space, and they wanted spectacular vintage pieces to complement their modern country/semi-industrial aesthetic. After collaborative discussions, I was given creative free rein to transform several stunning pieces, which worked beautifully in the commercial space. I believe my more creative pieces suit commercial settings, and I plan to explore this further.

Besides furniture restoration, you work on other creative projects. How do you stay inspired across different mediums?

Running my own business allows me the freedom to explore new projects. Inspiration comes from people I meet, like painting a local bakery’s front step or creating photography backdrops for a local potter. Sometimes, it’s driven by interesting second-hand finds, like printing eco-wrapping on unwanted textiles. Having this creative flexibility is a privilege I truly relish.

Can you tell us about a community initiative you’ve worked on?

Many people contact me with furniture they no longer need, but charities often refuse these items due to wear. In 2023, I launched Paint to Donate Australia with Annie Sloan to address this issue. Throughout July, upcyclers rescued furniture from landfill, refurbished it, and donated it to a nonprofit.

For my project, I facilitated a community effort for the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Women’s Shelter. After determining their needs, I called for specific furniture donations. The response was overwhelming, and within four weeks, volunteers and I upcycled 98 items, including furniture, homewares, and garden pieces, transforming the shelter into a home.

The most rewarding aspect was the community support. Individuals and organisations stepped up: St Ives Rotary funded our materials, Ku-ring-gai Council hosted a working bee, Plant Rescue Ku-ring-gai donated plants, and Design for Hope provided trauma-informed design guidance. 

Seeing so many people come together for a cause was life-changing. Paint to Donate Australia will return this July to help reduce Sydney’s 30,000 tonnes of annual furniture waste and get useful items to those in need.

Sustainability is a core part of your work. How do you incorporate it into your projects?

Sustainability drives my business. I use water-based, low-VOC paints, minimal power and water, and source tools and materials second-hand. My creative reuse workshops also use second-hand materials, often free. For transporting large items, I use a local GoGet van.

For businesses interested in sustainability, I highly recommend the council-run Better Business Partnership, which offers free sustainability programs. There is a thriving sustainability network within our local community, and everyone is welcome.

What are the biggest challenges in your work, and how do you overcome them?

As a sole trader, managing all aspects of the business is challenging. I’ve learned to utilize free small business resources, including NSW Business Connect and Ku-ring-gai Council’s Business Connections program. Personal connections have also been invaluable, including support from St Ives Rotary, Annie Sloan, and my family.

The biggest challenge, however, is time. As a mother of two teenagers, balancing family and business has been difficult, especially in the early days. Working from my garage helped, as I could paint whenever I had a spare moment.

Now, as I restore our 1966 St Ives home, I often feel frustrated that I can only do one thing at a time! This past year, I’ve had to be more selective about projects, which, in retrospect, has allowed me to catch my breath and plan the future of Shed Eleven. While I don’t know exactly what that looks like yet, it will certainly involve creativity, teaching, and deeper involvement in social enterprise work.