Leonie Pujol

Weekly Catch up

2024-12-01T14:42:00.004+00:00

Good afternoon crafters. I hope my update finds you in pretty decent spirits. I’m in a grump today!! But I’m attempting to pretend I’m jolly 😂👍. Hoping the pretence rubs off into reality!

It is much harder trying to remember what happened last week with no TV schedule to look back on! I have to rely on my memory which is, at best, appalling. So what has happened?

Last Sundays Facebook live I gave a sneaky peak at the new stencils. I love these stencils, they look so classy and the designs are timeless but definitely have a retro vibe. I do love the work from Khaki Finch and will definitely be bringing more of this to you .

On Monday we had a really exciting day as the whole Craft Colllective descended upon Highlight Crafts and took over. Sarah went first with Funky Fossil and had our Janice presenting. it was then my turn with Art Inspirations, and Miss P presented! Which was really good. Next. I also downed my presenting hat and Erica brought us Stampanory. The time flew by and the team did so well Highlight Crafts are really trying to give us a great platform..

Tuesday was a sorting day and then Wednesday I got back into doing my regular Let Leonie Loose spot at 3pm on Facebook and YouTube.

A lot of people have really appreciated the lives on YouTube as it means they can watch on TV, which is a lot nicer than watching on your phone or computer. Unless you’re trying to watch sneakily whilst at work!!

Thursday and Friday were days in the “office”! It is a lovely spot to work. I’m so lucky I got that when I did. Funny how things happen isn’t it.

Then Saturday I had a lovely day with some old mates from the original create and craft. We visited the Christmas market at Nottingham - which was marvellous. We did a lot of chatting and maybe a bit of shopping. I was good and only spent money in a card shop. On cards! Haha. I know, I know. What on earth. But funny/rude/insulting cards just make me giggle!!

The White Stuff….and mulled wine 😬😂🤦‍♀️

We were supposed to have our Charlie at the weekend - well, it’s not the weekend to be honest, as he always gets picked up early on Sunday morning. So it’s just a day really…with breakfast. If I was them I’d be making the most out of the ability to have a lie in and a chilled morning. They’re more “morning” people than me I think. Anyway, poor Charlie wasn’t too well, so there was no early game of football to help me wake up!

Righto folks, that’s the week wrapped up nicely. Tonight I’ll nip onto Janice’s live to say hello at 6pm, and then we have our regular live at 7pm. I look forward to seeing you this evening.

Take care folks xxx

My Facebook live will be here:

https://www.facebook.com/share/1JqXYiffxJ/?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Or watch it on you tube:

https://youtube.com/@leoniepujol?si=5gNj-ZiKKwmPRV7k

And you can see Janice’s fantastic lives and her interviews, here:

https://www.facebook.com/share/19XAswcDwN/?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Lamali Journals and life!

2024-10-11T16:16:00.002+01:00

Hi there folks. I generally do my weekly catch up at the weekend, but I thought I’d pop a little note on here, as I missed last week.

First, I’m going to start with my pooches. The weather has been lovely. Chilly and full of autumn colours. And the girls are most definitely loving the fact I’ve been at home more. As I type they’re bookending me - it’s cuddles galore. So at least they’re happy.

The change of events has also made me use my planner more than ever. I didn’t think that was possible. I didn’t want to sit around and do nothing. After all, I’m self employed and a freelancer. As such I know being out of the office means no wage - so I can’t take the risk of seeing what happens. I need to make things happen. And they are. Which is actually really exciting. Life is about change, growth, new challenges. And I quite like that. Granted, there are better ways to kickstart a major life shake up - but there’s no way I’m sitting around feeling like this is a holiday. So, the planners looking just peachy.

And then of course, the journals! Oww, these are a thing of beauty. Most definitely one of the most popular things we bring you here at Art Inspirations - they fly off the shelves. Which makes me think of Harry Potter. They look like they belong in a wizarding classroom. Anyway, we launched them this week on what would normally be a Let Leonie Loose show. I say normally. Currently create and craft isn’t broadcasting live. We’re stood down just waiting to see what happens. Apparently there are investors interested - so we’re all standing by to see the next chapter of this story. In the meantime I wanted to just touch base with my lovely customers and do some crafting. Which was great actually. For my pages I used loads of goodies. Ink from Hero Arts, the stunning Art Inspirations Nikolas Tower stamps, sticker from The Happy Planner, one of our Art Inspiration stencils from the new Rodrigo Assi collection, lovely waxes from Pink Ink, and cool rub one from Funky Fossil. I’m so pleased with the results. If you do want to see the demo, you can find it here

As I said, I’ve not sat around just eating and drinking…..granted I’ve done some of that. But I’ve also been chatting to folk, making plans. Lovely Paula did some new photos for me as well, which i just might need for a cheeky announcement at the weekend…….😃🤗😚

Weekly catch up

2024-10-06T15:47:00.003+01:00

Hi there lovely crafters

Well, what a week. I’m not going to do my usual, as everything seems to have become about one thing. What’s happening at create and craft.

In truth, we have to wait and see. As far as we know someone is interested in investing so the dots have been closed over the weekend so they can do due diligence.

Shows have been planned for next week - in fact I’ve been booked to do an Art Inspirations show on Tuesday at 5pm. So as far as we’re concerned at the moment, that’s still going ahead.

As a company, Art Inspirations will honour all orders made at a cost to ourselves. We don’t want to let our customers down. And of course we want to help the business wheels keep turning.

We have been overwhelmed by all the support we have received online - so a massive thank you. It is truly a wonderful community.

And it’s most definitely a time for all the different companies to work together and support each other - so our Craft Collective is working hard to come up with ideas and inspiration going forward. Which is all super exciting.

I know this isn’t the normal post - but hey…normal seems to be over rated!!

I hope everyone is well, and although I’m not planning on doing a live this evening (as I was supposed to be in Malta) please keep an eye out, as we may try and pop on this week! It all depends what happens. But we’ll keep you updated.

Onwards and upwards gang. We love a spanner chucked in the works as it means we have to wake up and start to dream up new ways of working - and who knows what exciting collaborations will evolve xxx

Weekly Catch Up

2024-09-22T08:30:00.001+01:00

Hello, the crafters how is everybody? I hope our email finds you well.

Well, let’s see, what’s been happening this week…

First, dog sitting duties! I’ve been looking after my friends dog, who is just gorgeous. He’s such a big softy, and often gets told off by Lola! I dont blame her, he does have a tendency to stomp on her paws - and his feet are big.

I was in the Create And Craft studios on Monday with the Carabelle shows. Poor Louise the buyer had to put the show together really quickly as the product didn’t actually arrive until a few hours before the live show! She did a fabulous job. It still breaks my heart that Carabelle shut their doors a little while ago, they were such a fantastic company. We had some brilliant deals and some really cool stuff to play with.

Tuesday. we did a Facebook live with some Lavinia goodies - another brand I absolutely adore. What a pleasure to do one of their shows.

Wednesday, I was back in the studio with my let Leonie loose. What a cracking line up. Two of mixed media greats, Dyan and Dina on one show!! Marvellous. We also squeezed in a cheeky Stamperia sale show, which was rather nice.

Thursday saw the launch of myself and Mandy’s company - Art Inspirations - brand new stamps. We were thrilled to introduce a brand new artist to our company, Rodrigo Assi. I absolutely love his work. He has a cool, sketchy style. And the stamps turned out spot on. As usual, our design team went above and beyond. Their samples were incredible. I also had a Chameleon pens show. I do love their pens, and they looked great on my ghost stamp!!

Friday….a day off. I caught up on jobs and then went to visit the lovely Sarah Milsop - we had a lovely evening catching up, and planning!!

I’m now back up north. Today I’m meeting up with Half Rice (haha) - Lou Withers. She’s showing me the venue she uses in Manchester to see if it’ll be good for our workshops. Fingers crossed. We have a couple of venues planned already - they’re coming together nicely. We’ll announce them soon and release the tickets. I’m so excited about getting them underway.

And then of course, I’ll be popping onto Facebook at 7pm, for our live. I have a plan….so I hope to see you there xxx

Leonie

Weekly Catch Up on Create and Craft

2024-09-15T13:07:00.001+01:00

Afternoon lovely crafters I am writing this whilst in a field again, and it’s sunshiny! I’m currently baby sitting my friends dog who is such a big softy and scared of most things including lightbulbs! It’s such a shame as he’s a lovely dog.

Anyway, this week. I was in create and Craft on Monday with the fantastic Happy Planner shows. I love those shows and picked my new Planner for next year hurrah.

Tuesday I had the rest of my happy planner shows, then I had another play with the amazing Chameleon pens. I then popped the presenting hat on, and did the late shift.

Wednesday I was up early to walk the gang and then got in to prep my LLL. We had the brand new AALL& Create dies, which are so cool. Loved it. I loved my Marlene shows as well! We had the brand new calendar kit. It’s full of really exciting stuff. Such a good pressie. I then did the late shift with my presenting hat on.

Thursday I was back in for the wonderful Craft Consortium - really beautiful collections. And then we were into a Stamperia one day special!! 2 nice big collections, which were such a joy to work with.

Friday was the rest of the stamperia hours. I then sat with our lovely buyer to pick Happy Planner goodies. It was the leaving dos of two of our great buying team, but I was so shattered I couldn’t join them. I was gutted. It’s rubbish seeing folk leave, but they’re young and have new adventures ahead!!

The weekend - I’ve not done too much really. I’ve been whacked, so all my stuff on the “to do” list kinda sat there. Annoyingly. Anyway, I’ll be with you this evening for my Facebook live, and I’m going to give you a sneak peak at the brand new stamps we are launching on Create and Craft next week.

I hope you’ve had a lovely week everyone, see you tonight xx

Catch Up

2024-08-26T09:00:00.001+01:00

Hi there,crafters happy bank holiday Monday. I hope you’ve had a lovely week.

Well, what did last week bring to that Crafty table? We had a really successful launch of our brand-new Art Inspirations fabric panels on our Facebook live (thank you so much). It’s so exciting to see what people are making with them. Unfortunately Mandy has declined to wear monster patches on her jeans. Rude. 😂😂

Monday was back on the road after seeing my mum and stepdad following their lovely holiday to Wales. Tuesday we had another brilliant dream day at Create and Craft which was really fun. Sadly the product didn’t arrive for the one-day special that evening so everything had to be changed , but it did mean I didn’t have to work till 10 pm which was result!

I did have a busy day on Wednesday however with the one day special then my Let loose shows featuring brand new Lesia Zgharda Stamps. I also had brand-new Stamps from our Erica, aka Stampanory. Absolutely adorable dogs. She captures the expressions perfectly!

Thursday was a day off but I did have one show where we launched the Reeves brand on Create And Craft - really good value for money paints..

Friday I was presenting. I’m really enjoyed it. I think I must be drinking enough water at the moment because I’ve actually got some energy! I’m putting it down to water! Who knows. But I hope it’s that cos it’s cheap.

And then Saturday - party, it was such a lovely day with the girls. We went to field day in London and saw quite a few live bands, including Romy justice who were amazing! I maximised the food options and had a drink or two. Danced with lots of happy people and had thoroughly good time.

I’ve got tons of prep to do today for next week and of course our Facebook live this evening, which is currently as much a surprise to me as it is to you! But I’ll see you later 7 pm

If you’d like to join me on the Facebook lives, please pop over to my page

Xxx

Happy Friday!!

2019-11-08T18:46:00.001+00:00

Well folks, I’ve no idea why my blog is only allowing me to type in the centre, but it is!! Let’s see what happens when I press post!’

I’ve had a smashing day today. The wonderful Ali joined our Hochanda family. It was so good to work with her again. She’s brilliant. Our fab Abs was in, along with the seriously talented Tracey. Our Dee was launching her brand new stamps as well this evening. She’s such a love - and another very talented person. We had a house full. Good innit!!

I’m now packed and ready for the weekend. Trotting off to Brighton!! Whoop whoop. I’ve got a workshop on Sunday (spaces still available if you fancy joining us - just drop Mandy an email to: lpandajm@gmail.com ).It’s the last one before the new year. Gosh, that makes me realise how close Christmas is!! Gulp.

Right, that was a quick update wasnt it.

I hope everyone has a lovely weekend, and I really hope you are all safe and not effected by the terrible floods.

Xxxxx

Hellooooo...

2019-10-14T19:39:00.001+01:00

It’s been more than a while since I posted on my blog. I honestly didn’t think the last time was February however! Good grief, where has spring and summer gone! Well, that’s that, the leaves are turning, and the rivers are bubbling away over their banks - and the heating is on.

You find me with just Dave the dog to keep me company. Sadly I had to let my beautiful Dylan go, which broke my heart, and I know Dave has missed him. He was 14, and really struggling to walk. But those eyes, still bright and happy. It’s such a tough decision isn’t it. I had him since he was born, so 14 years of happiness, which absolutely makes the sadness of his passing utterly bearable. Dave is loving the extra hugs, and the longer walks. He’s even taken to barking when he’s excited, which used to be his brothers job!

Work is still fantastic. I love my job. I’ve had a number of one day specials, which have meant I’ve been able to work with Jane Davenport and La Blanche goodies. I’m incredibly lucky! My Let Loose shows are still going strong, and we have introduced quite a few brand new companies to Hochanda, which is always exciting.

My stencils and grey board shapes

Let Leonie Loose AALL and Create

Leonie Pujol designs stamps and stencil and grey board

Let leonie Loose - Colouricious

ODS Jane Davenport

Leonie pujol designs stencils stamps and greyboard

Of course, we also have very exciting news, our website is up and running! Mandy has sussed it out and is adding stock all the time. I hope you can pop on to have a nosey. If there’s anything you would like to see, just drop us a line. You’ll find the web site here

https://www.leoniepujol.com/

As usual, I’m going to promise to try and keep my blog updated.....fingers crossed xxxx. Happy crafting folks

Hochanda workshop with Lou and Me!!

2019-02-27T09:07:00.003+00:00

Reflection

2019-02-25T09:32:00.001+00:00

So, today, we should have been celebrating my son, Jacob, 11th birthday.

It often puts me in a quandary as to whether I should share this on public media, or keep things private. I really respect people who keep their private lives private, and question my reasons for making things public. However, yesterday at the craft show in Stevenage a lovely lady came over to see me who had lost her husband just a year ago. He used to drive her to the show, but this time she did it alone. The drive, the show and faced those overwhelming emotions. Which is such an achievement. Personally it meant a lot to me, as she told me she had watched me on tv and decided if I could smile and get on, then so could she. And in that moment I realised the potential of sharing - not just the good times, but the struggles, the hurt, and the loss. We all go through it, and if we can give a little comfort, inspiration or just a feeling of unity then that is a very positive outcome to something that has the potential to break us.

So, here I am. I definitely don’t seek sympathy. I’m okay. I’m sad, and cry (a lot!!), but I’m okay. This time the void Jacob left seems a little deeper, a little wider. It is accentuated because I am still grieving my sister, and her upcoming 40th birthday just breaks my heart. And of course, there’s always more to each story. The details which make grieving more complicated than it should be.

All this said, I trundled downstairs with my dogs, Dylan smiling away even though his arthritis makes first thing in the morning a bit of a struggle. He made me smile. The day is looking beautiful. I’m going seeing my friend, and then have work from home, but it’s playing with graphic 45 (I know, work right!!). So, although the sadness lingers in my heart, it can be also be filled with gratitude, love and joy.

To my readers, thank you. For those messages. For coming and seeing me at the shows and being so kind. But also, for sharing with me. It’s important isn’t it, after all, we’re in this together. And maybe that’s the most important reason I write this, to remind you you’re not alone, because sometimes it does feel that way doesn’t it. It’s going to be okay.

Now, let’s get those dogs out and enjoy some blue sky therapy xxxxx

Workshops for 2019

2018-12-23T23:26:00.000+00:00

Workshop dates for 2019

2018-12-23T23:15:00.001+00:00

Workshops

2018-11-10T09:48:00.001+00:00

Well folks, the end of the year is fast approaching, and we just have a couple of workshops remaining before we wrap them up for this year and prepare for the next.

Next week we are going to be visiting Guildford again on Saturday. And then on Sunday we will be doing a split workshop with the very talented Anne Ruffles in Rottingdean.

I think there’s spaces available, if you contact our Mandy she’ll be able to give you more details. Email or ring on:

07517047611

lpandajm@gmail.com

I’ll share next years dates with you tomorrow. Well, I say that, but we do have Nigel Mays 50th birthday bash tonight....what are the chances of me sharing anything! Fingers crossed though 😁

Jaipur

2018-10-28T17:47:00.000+00:00

Wow.

Just wow.

Well, okay, I need to write a little more than that!! I couldn’t post yesterday as my app refused to work. It’s still playing up, so I’m hoping this actually posts and doesn’t disappear into the ether.

We arrived yesterday and hit the ground running. Which was perfect, as otherwise we would have all collapsed on bed and woke up at stupid o clock. Instead we went to a textile factory. The work is sensational. They are so talented. India is challenging - as we know - in that we see these amazing fabrics being printed and hand stitched. Months of work. For which the artists will receive very little. And then we here the customers are designer labels who sell them for a small fortune. The division of wealth in the world is sickening.

But it is humbling. Everyone looked happy. They seem so chilled out. The kids loved us being there. Smiling, chatting and fearless. Obviously that was my perspection. The reality maybe very different. But it felt like an incredible privilege to be there.

The sights are amazing. Driving around india is hilarious. But, when we had to cross the road, people do kinda stop. I say kinda. You have to take a leap of faith at times, but it’s mad yet fabulous.

It looks manic, yet the feel is a certain calm. The beeping is okay. The pushing is fine. It’s all no problem.

Block printing. Amazing. Loved it. The workers helped us out (although going “off piste” wasn’t the way!!). We then went to see the blocks being hand made, which again was mind blowing.

We have a really inspirational group of people travelling with us as well. It’s so nice to be surrounded by so many interesting people, from so many different backgrounds. I’ve loved getting to know people and heading their stories.

I’ll share some photos, but there’s so many, so I’ll have to wait until my blogger is working properly. Have a look on Facebook and Instagram, if you can, I’ll pop lots more on there over the 10 days.

I knew I’d love India.

I do.

I love this place

Colouricious block printing trip to Jaipur

2018-10-26T14:56:00.001+01:00

Eeeek, we’re off!

So excited. Myself and my chum Jenny are being tour leaders on this incredible journey. We will be visiting villages which make the blocks, seeing the masters at work, and doing workshops to learn the skills. Plus so much more besides.

I will pop photos on here, and let you know about our travels.

Before then I’ve been to see my gorgeous little nephew, who’s such a wonderful little boy. And of course I’ve been working, which is brill. I’ll share a few photos.

The workshops are all still all going ahead, we’ve got the next on in Guildford on the 17th, and then a joint workshop on the 18th, with the talented Anne Ruffles. That will be held in Rottingdean.

If you would like to join us, then please drop Mandy a line on: leoniepujol@hotmail.co.uk

Okay, loo break (to much info!! 😃)

Teaching Charlie the joy of paint!!

Carabelle on let loose last Wednesday

Packing for Jaipur 😃

Staithes art festival

2018-09-09T08:45:00.001+01:00

Morning.

I did pretty rubbish at the daily blog post didn’t I!! I have excuses... I was ILL. Only a cold, but mother did it floor me. I suppose it’s because I’ve been run down, so it sneaked in. I think I’ve avoided a chest infection....fingers crossed!! So maybe trotting off up to Staithes wasn’t a great idea....but it seemed like the best medicine I could think of. Art. Good company. Beautiful scenery. Good energy. It’s the best way to mend.

The lovely Carolyn opened up her house to us, and we descended with paints, stamps, inks and goodness!! And within hours the house was unrecognisable.

Myself, Lou, Kaye, Emma, the two Tamara’s and Carolyn chatted and crafted, then on Saturday trotted into Staithes for the festival. It’s utterly stunning. Beautiful little town. I love the quirky little alleys, the mix of architecture, and of course the wonderful views. Even better, a lot of the houses have been taken over by artists, so you can nosey inside the houses at the same time as looking at art!! Perfect combo.

There’s so much incredible art on display, it’s fantastic to see so much talent.

I better stop waffling as I can hear through my very muffled ears, the ladies are up and about, but I’ll share some pics.

Take care xxxx

Another birthday then.....

2018-09-02T22:00:00.001+01:00

First, I’d like to say thank you for all the lovely comments regarding me joining the clarity team. It’s so exciting, and couldn’t come at a better time. I read all your comments, thank you 😊

Before I crack on with work, this weekend saw another birthday. It’s a birthday month for our little family. Charlie, my auntie, me, then mum. All within the week. And of course the first lot of birthdays without my sister. It was a tough one. Thankfully I spent a full day with Charlie. He’s such a wonderful child, and he made me realise I want to be the best person I possibly can for him. I want to have adventures, explore and make sure he’s a happy bunny. I’ve also taught him great stuff like cold beans, blowing bubbles in his milk shake and dipping crisps in his soup!! Haha, his dads loving it!!

I did have loads of fun with the girls as well. I’ve said it before, and hopefully I’ll never stop saying it...I’ve got some good mates. Such a tonic.

Now, work. I’m sitting to design this evening, and have a great LLL show planned for this Wednesday, so will be back in my lovely workshop here in sunny Brighton, to prep.

In the meantime, I figured I’d share some photos, as I know Ive been rubbish putting my makes on here recently. This week I’m going to try a bit harder....go on, put on your bets. Let’s see how many days I can achieve!

Here’s some cards made using the fabulous stamps from AALL and create. I love their designs, they’re so cool.

News......

2018-08-22T13:20:00.001+01:00

Hello crafters.

Sorry for my absence. Life. It’s been a rollercoaster, for sure. A very very emotional one.

It’s times when you are at your lowest ebb when peoples true colours are shown. And I am so so lucky. I have so many wonderful people in my life. I have felt true love, support, charity and kindness. It has also shown me how very, very truly evil some people can be. Which is disappointing, but thankfully one bad apple in a cart of goodness, can be dealt with.

Obviously loosing my sister has been dramatic, but it also made me take a step back from my work and see where my direction has been going.

At first, I just needed a break from everything, but on Sunday, I met my lovely friend, Barbara Gray, and we chatted (for hours), discussed, planned, cried (a lot!! Seems standard at the moment) and cemented our idea to start a brand new adventure. We are going to have a mixed media line with Clarity!

I’m really excited, and it feels perfect. Barbara is my friend, I love her work, in fact I’ve admired Barbara for years. I love her team, and look forward to working alongside them. They’re also nice and close to me when I’m home, so I can nip in to work!!

I’m so excited, and wanted to share the news.

It’s very very important however , that I take this opportunity to say a MASSIVE thank you to Crafters Companion. Leann and Ross have been fantastic. So patient, so helpful, and they really guided me in the right direction. Sara of course is incredible, and her energy is unbelievable. I sincerely appreciate all their help. And part company with nothing but respect and gratitude. Crafters are an amazing company, with a good team.

I also need to say a HUGE thank you to each one of my design team. They supported me, inspired me, and made everything i created look fantastic. They’ve also been incredibly patient with me, as I’ve been utterly off the radar, for which I really apologise!! I’m so sorry team. You are wonderful.

So, next!! Obviously we’re not rushing anything, my heads not great still, so it’s going to be a gentle launch, hopefully building into a fantastic collection. Barbara is funny, she knew my head was all over the place, so rang me Monday and managed to get me out of my headpit and start thinking about craft!! Thank you Barb!

Happy days indeed xxxx

Let me loose with some new stuff....

2018-07-02T12:44:00.001+01:00

Wow, the suns proper out out isn’t it! Blinking boiling. And here I am, tucked away making Christmas cards! Don’t get me wrong, I’m definitely not complaining. I’ve had a lovely weekend with my other half and my little nephew, Charlie. It’s a mixture of happiness and deep sadness, seeing my beautiful sister in his little eyes. Knowing what we have lost, but also acknowledging the joy he brings us all.

So, I’ve had my time in the sun, and now it’s cracking on with work. I don’t often make a big deal of the amazing stuff I’m lucky enough to work with on my shows....but you know, I could!! From tv firsts with the incredible carabelle. Launching brand new ranges from amazing people like our very own Mama Makes. Bringing the brand new collections from the mighty Graphic 45....it’s not bad is it. And this week we have a brand new company to Hochanda. On my show. The first time we have brought a collection, well, two collections, from My Minds Eye. And they are stunning. Really exceptional quality. Great designs. So easy to work with. It’s a privilege to share these goodies with you.

So, the sun maybe shining, but I’m working with My Mind’s Eye, so crack those flags Mr Sunshine, I’m happy enough indoors 😊

Back to the grindstone...

2018-06-15T17:17:00.001+01:00

I make it sound like hard work don’t I, going back to work. It isn’t. It’s good. Good people and lovely stuff to craft with. Sure, I’ve done a lot of crying into my paint pot, but we’ve also had a laugh as well - which sometimes feels like an emotion you will never be able to retrieve doesn’t it - happiness.

So, my grindstone has ground away a little sadness. And brought in some light. And I managed to create things I was happy with - AALL and Create though. Easily done.

I’ll share a few of my makes for you.

This weekend I’m back in Brighton, doing workshops all weekend. I was supposed to be with the fantastic Clarity team today, but knew that may be a little to much for me. Sadly. I was really looking forward to seeing everyone.

Tomorrow we are trotting off to Portsmouth. We have a joint workshop, which I’m really looking forward to. I know there’s places left if anyone wants to join us...but you’d have to book ASAP otherwise we won’t be able to pack your goody bag in time.

On Sunday we visit tonbridge wells. First time we’ve done this venue as well, so looking forward to it. I do like going to new venues, it’s a little adventure.

I hope you can join us, but if not, I’ll be back on the box next Tuesday, so will give you a wave.

Tomorrow brings another day....

2018-06-05T22:39:00.001+01:00

Life goes on.....it feels wrong, but it’s the way it is, isn’t it. As we all know, we just have to plod on. It does feel like trudging through treacle though. And it’s exhausting.

Today was my first day back at work. Hochanda have been brilliant. They have been so supportive, and everyone was bloody lovely when I went in today. Lots of hugs, more tears...how many tears can a body produce for goodness sake. Loads it would seem. I’m not done yet either....got plenty more where they came from. Anyway, I was prepping as tomorrow I’m back on air. Only for my LLL shows, and I do have the amazing Graphic 45, so it’s a nice way to get back to doing what I do. You’ll have to bear with me though, my prep was rather lacking, and I haven’t a clue what I’m going to demo tomorrow! It’ll be right. It’s Graphic 45, even if I just look through the paper for an hour I'll be happy (I promise I won’t do that....maybe just for 45 mins!).

I am also selling some of my finished samples, they have been framed and set up by my wonderful friend Jenny. I’m going back to my roots, up in Hassy. I used to sell my crafty things here many moons ago, when me and my sister used to do the craft fairs. I thought it would be a lovely idea to go back, and support their wonderful craft event. I definitely recommend a visit. They have always had some really good artists and crafters, it was always the place I’d buy my Father’s Day pressies. For those interested, the Arts and Crafts festival will run from tomorrow until Saturday, and will be held at Manchester Road Methodist Church

Haslingden,

Rossendale

Lancashire

BB4 5SL

I must say thank you again for all your messages. The support has been incredible, I’ve been really moved by all your words.

Thank you.

My Sister.....

2018-05-28T17:55:00.001+01:00

I never thought I’d be writing this.

I don’t want to be writing this. It feels wrong for so many reasons.

People have been asking where I am, and (how lovely), they have been worried about me, so I knew I had to do a post, as not everyone follows Facebook.

Devestatingly, on the 29th May, my beautiful sister, Marianne, passed away. She was only 39, and leaves her husband, gorgeous little boy, and so many friends.

Marianne was my fun loving younger sister, who loved to dance and party even more than me! She was my festival buddy, my partner in crime. She travelled with me doing craft fairs, and supported me when I left my job to start on my crafty career. We had so many adventures. She even asked for me to be there when Charlie was born, which was such a honour. She was sensitive, caring and funny.

We all drank and danced and often took it to the edge - and beyond! But that’s the thing, isn’t it. Who’s to say when you cross the line from life and soul of the party to problem drinker? And even then, there’s still time to stop and reverse the problem by just not drinking so much! But some people get ill with alcohol. They have an allergy to it, and it kills them. They get addicted to it and can’t stop. I think that’s what happened to our Marianne.

It killed her over many many years, slowly.

Alcoholism is patient. It takes its time. It comes and it goes as it pleases for years. It makes you believe it’s your best mate; it takes away the edge, it helps you relax, it relieves the anxiety. But every time, it grips you just a little bit tighter and pulls you into its trap just a little bit further. Until the day comes when alcohol is no longer your friend; but by then you can’t live with it - and you can’t live without it.

It sounds crazy, but we didn’t realise Marianne had an addiction for such a long time. It’s so hard to accept. Drinking is such a social norm, and when you worry someone is drinking to much you don’t necessarily think they’re addicted to it.

Sadly, a year ago it became very apparent she was poorly, and I know Marianne battled with it. I know she tried. That’s why I know it IS an illness. Alcoholism has nothing to do with a lack of will power! And there was absolutely nothing anybody could do to help her. God only knows we all tried! But it had her in its grip, and it didn’t let go. We are all going over the iffs and buts, what we should have, could have done....it’s so hard to accept my beautiful sister has gone.

I hate the fact I couldn’t save her.

I suppose the only comfort in this whole devastating tragedy is that she is no longer tormented by her addiction, and her wonderful little boy will grow up surrounded by people who had so much love for his mummy, and will keep her memory alive.

Many people have already been in touch with kind words, for which I sincerely thank you. I also thank a very close and dear friend who helped me pen this post....the words have been so hard to find.

I will, hopefully, be back at work next week, and then have workshops, and am exhibiting at Haslingden arts and crafts festival. It seems like a world away at the moment.

To sign off, all I can really say is I miss you Marianne xxxxx

(Backup) Next workshops

2018-05-11T09:08:00.000+01:00

Where are we off next then. I look at my calendar and have a little rush of panic as I realise what we have got planned, and the time to prep these things.

Workshop wise, the next one of the 16th june. This is going to be a joint workshop with a lovely lady called Angela....in fact, let me introduce Angela.....

“Hi I’m Angela and I’ve been crafting since I was knee high to a grasshopper. I started with sewing and knitting, moving to cross stitch and almost 15 years ago I started scrapbooking and papercraft. More recently I started working with mixed media and this year acrylic paint pouring. I love crafting and am lucky to be able to share this passion with others teaching monthly and quarterly workshops. These started at home over five years ago and are now run in village halls in Dorset, Somerset and Berkshire. What I love about the workshops is that the groups are so open to sharing and we all learn something new each month. I particularly like how everyone interprets the projects in their own way.

I’ve attached a photo of what I’m going to do. It uses pre-cut shapes, paints, ink, and stamps. I will ask for those joining us to bring some things with them, though I do plan on including some stamps.”

Let Leonie loose

2018-05-10T09:00:00.000+01:00

I’ve been rubbish of late, and haven’t shared any of the makes from my Let Leonie Loose shows. Terrible behaviour. And I’ve had some cracking stuff on as well. Last week saw me getting out the spray paints. So cool. Quick. Effective. Really addictive. I teamed them up with MDF and clarity stamps stencils. I was so chuffed with the finished results

The week before that was Carabelle. There are so many fans of Carabelle out there now. I’m so pleased. This time I had picked some really unusual, and cool, stamps. And they flew out the door. I’d love to see what you have been making if you managed to get hold of them. Here’s a few pics of my finished samples. I hope you like them. I’ll try and remember to share more....mmmmm, may have said that before eh!

Joint workshop - success!

2018-05-09T21:38:00.001+01:00

Summer finally hit us! Thankfully we didn’t get any sunburn, as Mandy and myself were tucked away running workshops - first we trotted up to Guildford, and then Sunday we had our first joint workshop in Rottingdean. I’m pleased as punch to say they were a great success. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves, and the finished samples were fantastic.

Our hall in Guildford was lovely. It was originally a work house, so has quite a lot of history attached to it. Now it’s a wonderful venue, with light airy rooms. Perfect for a rather warm crafty day! I was lapse with the photos this time, and forgot to take pics of everyone’s creations, but I managed to get a few, along with the group photo...of course!

Our second workshop on the Sunday, took us to our local haunt of Rottingdean. It was our first split workshop, in the morning the talented Anne taught us a little Zentangle. I loved it. Really relaxing, and the possibilities are enormous. Anne will be doing more workshops in Rottingdean, so please watch out for them, they’re definitely worth attending.

The mood changed for the afternoon, from chilled and relaxed....to me! The project did take a little longer than expected, but I was so pleased with everyone’s results, they looked amazing. I didn’t get as many photos as I wanted, but here’s a few to show you the project we managed to finish!

We have another joint workshop coming up, and a few places left, so please book soon if you like the look of the project...I better share the photos then eh 😄