Upcycling shop a local first

FOR many people, the lockdowns offered the opportunity to take up new interests, and for Wendy Defrancesco, that hobby evolved into the founding of a new store that offers something different from the typical furniture fare.

Local Creations is Inverleigh’s newest home decor outlet, specialising in upcycled items like wardrobes and chairs that Ms Defrancesco has restored herself.

Having opened earlier this month, the new store owner said the shop underwent a similar renovation when she decided to put her newfound hobby to use.

“Over COVID, I started doing some upcycling on furniture at the back of my house behind the three shop buildings on High Street that we own,” she said.

“The store that became Local Creations is one of them, and we had trouble leasing it so I said to my husband I’ll have a crack at it and put my stuff in there.

“Then I thought wouldn’t it be good to put some other local artwork and other things that people have made to complement my furniture and décor.”

Alongside Ms Defrancesco’s works, Local Creations stocks items from seven local creatives, adding things like soaps and canvas art to its list of sundries.

She also offers custom furniture painting and said despite the shop’s modest size, “there’s definitely a demand” for more consignment.

Although operating hours are currently limited, Ms Defrancesco said she is considering expanding the opening days with additional personnel should the shop attract more customers.

“There’s nothing here like what I’m doing. We have places like Whistlers Cottage and High Eight, but nothing that offered upcycling previously,” she said.

“And I just love the thought of old pieces not going to the tip and giving them a second life. I’ve had a couple locals saying oh, I was going to throw this out.

“I’m really proud that I’ve been able to have other women as well that have passions and being able to show their pieces off.”

Local Creations is located at 1/29 High Street, Inverleigh and is open from 10am to 1pm from Fridays to Sundays.