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  • Furniture painting, upcycling and craft workshops

  • Learn how to create your own masterpieces with chalk paint

BYO PIECE FURNITURE PAINTING WORKSHOP

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WORKSHOP

UPCYCLING CLUB

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WORKSHOP

DECORATIVE CHEESE BOARD WORKSHOP

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WORKSHOP

BOOK A CREATIVE PAINT PARTY

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TUITION

Do you love DIY home decor?

As a Content Creator for Aussie Decor Transfers I can show you how to apply decoupage, transfers, stencils & more in my online demos. Follow my Facebook page for details of live events.

 

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My Clients Say
Nicole NMay 2019
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I just loved your BYO furniture painting course last week. THANK YOU! I had no idea I could make such a boring, old & tired looking piece of furniture look so amazingly new & cool. Thanks so much for your guidance and for a super fun day. I will be back for more!
Emily B June 2019
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Thank you! It was such a great day! HonestlyI did not expect to get that much done! Wildest dreams, yes. Reality, no! So I'm still amazed!
Tania MSept 2020
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Sarah is the most beautiful person and such a patient teacher. Her knowledge and tips are priceless and she compliments one’s work to the extent I come away feeling like the next Michael Angelo! I have learnt so much and highly recommend taking any of her classes!
Sara DNovember 2019
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I had such an awesome day at the workshop. It was so much fun and I learnt a lot. With Sarah’s help I transformed an old bedside table and a simple tray into 2 new beautiful pieces. Thanks so much Sarah it was great and would highly recommend doing a workshop.
Sarah OOctober 2019
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Sarah helped me to change an old fashioned orangey-pine piece of furniture into a modern, clean, fresh piece. Amazing! She has all the hints and tips on paint, colour, technique and finishing touches. Her studio is such a light and bright beautiful space, with never-ending cups of tea! After a workshop with Sarah, I have been inspired to transform several other pieces in my home, from bench seats to plant pots. Highly recommended.
Katie JOctober 2019
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Thank you Sarah for such a great evening ‘cushions & champagne’ I love my stencilled cushion. The studio is amazing and it was so fun chatting and crafting. I’ll definitely be booking into another workshop.
Anne WOctober 2019
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Sarah helped me makeover a 30 year old pine toy box that had been yellowed with age. The most difficult part was deciding what colours and pattern I should use to blend with my balcony furniture. Sarah’s creative eye for this is second to none. Due to its size, I couldn’t finish the project in her custom furniture class however, I was able to complete the base in my own time at home. We are loving the result and this old toy box is the perfect place to house our outdoor pillows!
Michelle BJuly 2019
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Sarah helped me transform my coffee table from orangey 90s pine to something current and beautiful. She had the patience to help me with my struggles for the right colour and together we found it. Loved my time in Sarah’s workshop - beautiful food, some champers, lovely conversations with new people and a great showpiece to take home. Can’t recommend enough! I have earmarked several pieces ripe for transformation... just need to make time now.
Lesley MMarch 2019
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I went to Sarah’s workshop on the weekend it was SO much fun and so easy now I’m inspired to makeover all my furniture!!Everyone went away with a gorgeous ‘new’ piece.
Katie BMarch 2019
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What a wonderful afternoon spent painting with my daughter! Sarah is a very patient and calm teacher and her studio feels like a relaxing sanctuary. We were amazed by what we had created by the end and really enjoyed the rare opportunity to share an experience together. Sarah comes very highly recommended.
Esther WAugust 2020
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You have been such a great inspiration for me. Your workshop was amazing and long after it ended, you continue to support and advise me. And I just keep painting…so thank you! Never thought a splash of paint would bring such joy.
Jessie GAugust 2020
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Many thanks Sarah for a wonderfully creative day and for all your endless patience and kindness when we cried out for help and advice.
Mimi NSeptember 2020
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You know those old beloved but beat up gems that cry out for a lick of paint? Sarah Macaulay’s workshop is exactly right! Chalk paint is such a user-friendly medium, but the best part is that Sarah is lovely, jolly and knowledgeable – she takes pleasure in showing you what to do. In this time of global angst, I found a simple antidote in the hands-on pleasure of a workshop with Sarah.
Verónica ESeptember 2020
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Sarah’s painting class was a great opportunity to learn about decoupage and stencil in a calming and fun atmosphere. Her input was thoughtful and respectful of what I wanted to achieve with the pieces I painted. She has experience and lots of useful tips! The class is the perfect way of giving old pieces a new life and avoiding buying new things that we don’t need! I very much enjoyed the experience!
Les SAugust 2020
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The chalk painting workshop exceeded all expectations. I brought over four pieces of furniture to be painted and the work involved three separate processes - straight chalk painting, creating a distressed effect and oil staining. By the end of the day all the painting was completed and totally dry. Sarah’s studio was a pleasant workspace and the five hours passed quickly. I learnt so much! I totally recommend Sarah and her workshops. She is very knowledgeable and is a great teacher. I will definitely book further courses in the future.
Fiona OFebruary 2020
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Sarah did a truly amazing job transforming two old pieces of furniture into pieces that are stylish and fun for my daughters' bedrooms. A pleasure to work with - taking the time to find out what colours and finishes would appeal. I am delighted with the results - thank you Sarah
Sam SDecember 2020
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Sarah ran a Zoom call prior to my first workshop with her. It was my first interaction with her and a great introduction and platform to ask questions. I have now attended two workshops, the studio is great, the sessions are small and the people attending were all really nice. I came home with beautifully upcycled furniture for my home. Sarah is knowledgeable, patient (which is good, as I am very indecisive when it comes to choosing colours!) and really instils confidence. I am totally hooked on chalk painting and have painted many pieces since. The products Sarah uses are really good quality and there is a great range of colours. I look forward to attending more workshops in 2021.
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Decorative cheeseboard

Would you like to learn more about furniture  painting and upcycling projects?

You will be surprised how many items can be transformed with chalk paint!

Simply sign up using the Studio Insider form below.

Revive your old furniture and bring it back to life
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Barleycorn Vintage Stencils is a family owned Australian business. Established in 2013, we provide French and Vintage inspired stencils for the up-cycling market.

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BYO PIECE FURNITURE PAINTING WORKSHOP

This workshop is suitable for small private groups, or for individuals who prefer personal, 1:1 tuition.

Please message me to to chat through what you’d like to learn, and I will tailor a class to suit you! 

You can email me to book a date.  

Location: Tranquil garden studio located in Seaforth, near Manly, on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. There is plenty of on-street parking available.

ABOUT THIS WORKSHOP: Have you always wanted to learn to update your furniture but aren’t sure where to start? Then this workshop is perfect for you. Do you want to refresh that bedside cabinet, chair or mirror that you’ve had for ages or perhaps update a family heirloom and fall in love with it again? 

What will I learn? This is a small group painting session where you will be personally guided by local artisan and college tutor Sarah Macaulay, who will take you through the furniture painting process, with plenty of time to have all your questions answered.

You will learn to how prepare, paint and finish your piece with eco-friendly Artisan chalk paint and sealing products and will go home brimming with confidence to tackle those projects waiting in the shed!

We are also experts in decoupage, stenciling and furniture transfers so whilst you may not have time to explore all these techniques in your initial class, we will certainly help you with any questions, show you the products and help you explore the potential of decorating your projects.

What should I bring? All you need bring is a smallish piece of furniture such as a bedside table, chair, small chest of drawers, mirror, side table, chair or stool. Make sure it is sturdy and wipe it down if it’s very dirty. You will do the other preparation to your piece at the beginning of the workshop. Once you have booked your place you will be provided with notes guiding you on what to bring.

What will be provided? Your choice of eco-friendly Australian-made Artisan chalk paints, waxes and finishes, and all other materials and tools that you require to complete your project (plus detailed notes to take home with you).

The price includes morning tea and a light lunch, hot and cold beverages and the studio has air-con and heating so we can still work comfortably whatever the weather. 

EMAIL ME TO BOOK
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UPCYCLING CLUB

COMMUNITY |  CREATIVITY |  COMMON PURPOSE

Capacity: 5 per class

Classes now open:

  • Sunday 19 January 2025, 1pm-5pm. Join us for a summer celebration! 🌸

Price: $65.00 which includes all paints, decor products and tuition. There is also the option to purchase new items to paint such as timber trays, trinket boxes, foot stools and wine coolers for a small cost.

Location: The Studio at 18 Judith St, Seaforth NSW 2092

What is Upcycling Club?

Come and enjoy a relaxing afternoon at our upcycling and crafts club. Paint, create and enjoy learning together! 

  • Learn chalk painting techniques and add charm and colour to your home
  • Bring your small household items such as tiny tables, jewellery boxes, wicker baskets, trays, hardbacked books, tins and jars, watering cans, buckets, trinket boxes, picture frames and mirrors  
  • Or bring a small piece of furniture to begin in class and continue at home
  • Learn beautiful painting and decorative techniques such as stenciling, distressing, decoupage and more
  • Try new products and techniques in a supportive and friendly environment!
  • Expert tuition from local artisan and community college tutor Sarah Macaulay
Benefits – what we provide:
  • Access to a new creative community where you will take a painting journey together
  • Expert tuition and advice 
  • The use of chalk paints, waxes and sealers
  • The opportunity to meet like-minded creative people

Who is Upcycling Club for?

Those who want to learn the basics of chalk painting, enjoy a new hobby and give their home space a much-needed makeover! You will be able to try all sorts of new colours and techniques in a supportive and friendly group and have all your chalk painting questions answered. 

Suitable for adults and teens only.

 
Who is it NOT for?
 
Those who want to learn detailed furniture painting techniques or paint a larger piece of furniture. In this larger group environment I will not be able to provide the individual assistance you will need. Please check out the one-day Furniture Painting Workshops instead. 
  
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DECORATIVE cheese board workshop

Date: Please contact me for dates here or book this as a private workshop. 

Price: $110 per person which includes all materials and afternoon tea

Timing:  2.00pm – 5.30pm

Location: The studio is located in Seaforth, near Manly, on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. 

About: This is a really fun afternoon class (3.5 hours) where you will learn how to use decor transfers to create your own unique cheeseboard and take home your handiwork. Perfect for entertaining or to give as a gift! 

You will have a choice of beautiful ‘Folk Art’ or ‘Fabulous Fuschia’ transfers.

As an extra mini-project – decorate your own tote bag to take home! You will learn correct techniques to apply decorative transfers (often used for furniture projects) and how to stencil like a pro.

What will be provided?

You will be provided with a large acacia wood serving board to decorate plus decorative transfers and all other materials and tools that you require to complete your project. This is a really fun class to enjoy with a friend – or come alone and meet fellow creatives. 

A light afternoon tea will be provided. 

BOOK A CREATIVE PAINT PARTY

Capacity: 6 people maximum – suitable for adults, teens and tweens

This is a group booking and can be arranged at a time and date to suit you. Please contact me before booking to arrange a date and time to suit you.

Timing / pricing: depends on number of participants and what you’d like to learn. Choose from an hour or two to a whole day!

Choose from: Furniture Painting, Beautiful Boho Trays, Create your own French Cushion, The Art of Furniture Transfers, Decoupage Magic, or Stencil like a Pro. Or I can tailor something specially to suit your group!

Location: My tranquil backyard studio is in Seaforth, near Manly, on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.  

ABOUT: Learn lovely chalk-paint crafts, upcycle your op-shop finds and turn them into vintage gems, or learn the fabulous art of refinishing your own furniture. This is a perfect option for a special birthday, womens’ group, hen party, book club, yoga buddies – whatever you choose! A paint party is a wonderful way to spend quality time with friends, enjoying a mindful and creative few hours. 

Suitable for ages 13 and up.

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