Ourlittleshed started during a period of covid lockdowns that forced me to think and care for my mental well-being.
For the initial period I used what skills and tools I had picked up from a life of enjoying fixing and building things.
My first projects were in the form of serving boards and grazing style trays, I then ventured into making towel and blanket ladders however after about 30 of those thankfully lockdown was over and I was back into my full time work.
Ourlittleshed now serves a different purpose from its humble beginnings, I no longer take orders for custom made items and have allowed myself the freedom of creativity to make what the timber is best suited for, rather than the other way around.
I now get the freedom to find the timber first, and let the ideas flow from there.
I can lose myself in creativity spending hours on end working away in the shed which harbors a beautiful sense of mental care and well being.
And why the name Ourlittleshed you ask?
Well that is where it all started, a little garden shed with just the basic of tools.
The principals are still the same now, moveable and affordable machinery, making the most of what I do have and a creative mindset nurturing my own mental health.
A little bit about a little shed.
Where it all started
A little garden shed in Umina Beach
The timber
Nothing is off limits when it comes to searching for timber, from fallen trees, pruning branches, marketplace and ebay, woodworking stores, timber yards, fellow woodworkers to old blokes met through the grape vine the hunt never stops.
The connection to the land
You may have noticed the use of Australian olive wood in some of my works, it features so heavily in the shed thanks to it coming from my families olive grove in Moorbel NSW.
Pruning is an essential part of the successful growth of the olives, it was a no brainer to use the best sections of timber for woodworking!
My community
Whilst I have the spirit in me to try to make anything, I have made many friends in the community of craftsmen & women that share the same sustainable vision and passion for quality, unique items and timbers.
This brings me to the latest venture of incorporating my friends in the community into my own sales avenue.
For many craftsmen it can be a challenging and time consuming aspect to attract customers to a website or sales channel. I hope that bringing my friends works to Ourlittleshed it also exposes their unique creations to my beautiful customers.
Along with this all products are chosen to be harmonious with all of my own products.
Visit my friends directly below.
My brand partners
I have been fortunate enough to partner up with brands that not only back my work but me personally, this kind of recognition and trust is not something I take lightly nor will forget quickly. These are also products and companies I have had tremendous service and satisfaction with in the process.
For my finishing I have been sponsored by Howards Products Australia.
Timber and supplies often sponsored by Pops Shed Shop.
Other suppliers I recommend are Australian Tropical Timbers, Colin Lye aka Beaver Badger, Woodenstuff, Kustom Creations, Timberbits and Hare and Forbes machinery house.
I now operate out of a single car garage in my hometown of Terrigal NSW, and yes I still park in here at the end of every day!
The Now
FAQs
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For cutting boards I recommend a food safe oil or wax that is suitable for your family, ask me about my own! For vases and other items like incense holders I recommend Organoil Olde Danish Oil, keep these items looking their best by wiping them over when they start to dry out or look dusty. Do not put boards in dishwasher or microwave and apply board wax to prevent splitting and cracking.
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See the email form below, the contact tag or send me a message via the Ourlittleshed instagram page!
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I currently do not take any custom orders however have several wait lists for certain products, if you would like a certain item please feel free to contact me to see what I have in the works!
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For international shipping select local pickup and add international shipping to the notes section, you will be contacted with an accurate price. If the cost is too much we can arrange a refund.
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Your satisfaction is my priority, if you are not happy with your item please get in touch, post or bring the item back to me and I can arrange a refund as long as the item is not used or damaged.
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Yes! you certainly can, just select the pickup option at checkout and I will contact you via either text or email with details of pickup from my home workshop in Terrigal.
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Yes! whilst timber is dry it is still possible for it to age and either reduce or increase its moisture content causing it to change shape and colour. Whilst all care is taken to reduce this from happening it is still a possibility. Please use care instructions for your serving boards and do not use water in bud vases.
Meet the Team
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Nathan McColm
EXECUTIVE SAWDUST MAKER
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Alaia McColm
CHIEF BROOM AND VACUUM HANDLER
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Millie McColm
ARTISTIC ASSISTANT