welcome to blue willow vintage...

Hi, I’m Mel, the face behind Blue Willow Vintage. I live with my husband and three children on the beautiful Sapphire Coast NSW, Australia.

I’ve been upcycling and painting furniture for a few years now. I have a passion for giving an old, unwanted piece of furniture new life. I’ve always loved creating, it’s just a part of my being. 

Painting furniture started as a hobby. Something to do while I was home with the children. We had dark brown dated furniture. I was desperate for new … but couldn’t afford the price tag. So I attended a furniture painting workshop...and I was addicted! I painted every piece of furniture in our house, piece by piece, room by room. The sense of achievement was amazing, particularly for my mental health. 

I suffered anxiety and stress as I faced going back to teaching after having 10 years out of the education system. At this point in my life I could remember my strong passion for teaching but suddenly I was terrified about going back into the classroom. Painting was my newfound love and saviour. I found the benefits of painting supported me through this time of uncertainty. It not only relieved my stress and anxiety, it also increased my sense of worth and accomplishment. I honestly believe it helped with my healing.  So I decided to combine the two, teaching and painting. Finally I was seeing some clarity and direction!

Over the next 12 months I tried and tested several different paints. I set up my garage, I invested in a paint line and then began Blue Willow Vintage. I realised I could pass on my passion to so many others and started full day BYO furniture painting retreats, to allow women a lovely day out, a much needed self care day. I catered for lunch and we’d paint in the garden. I now offer a large variety of workshops and masterclasses where we create smaller take home projects in my home studio. These have been immensely popular. I have so much gratitude for my regular customers, who keep coming back, to learn a new technique and for loving what I love!                                                                                          You are more than customers... you are friends.

My absolute favourite  paint is Fusion Mineral Paint, in fact I don’t use anything else now. The best thing about Fusion is that it’s easy for everyone to use, all levels, even beginners. The Fusion Family has endless support, videos, utube tutorials and inspirational group pages to join. 

I hope you are inspired and empowered to make a start on your painting journey.

Thankyou for visiting Blue Willow Vintage. 

Mel xxx