Thursday 10 December 2015

I forgot to mention......

There's a few people who have commented asking where I am, as I haven't been on Create and Craft for some time.  I am sorry, I have posted on Facebook and Twitter - but forgot that some of my blog followers wouldn't see these postings.

Well, I have indeed been off the screens for some time.  I have actually left C&C.  It was a hard decision to make, as I loved my job, have met some life-long friends, and had so much fun.  It's funny, but we go on about Family, Friendship and fun - and it really did have that feeling most of the time - and with almost all the people I had the pleasure of working with.  I am still a massive fan, and know they will grow from strength to strength.  

As many of you know, I have always done crafty things, whether it be demonstrating, workshops or my own web site.  When I was no longer allowed to do any of these things, it did feel as though my creative freedom had been stolen - and eventually, this got the better of me.  For the time being I still have contractual restrictions as to what I can do - so actually can't work really, but in February I will be free again.  Hence the count down blog :)  I'm not allowed to say where I'm going - but will be back on your screens.  I am working on my own range of products, which is exciting but really scary, and enjoying getting time to craft again....I feel this is the calm before the storm (in a good way).

Thank you all for your lovely comments, I will try and answer you all, but I do read them and really appreciate the time you take to contact me.  I have had an over-whelming response to my news, which was really surprising - but fab!  I look forward to sharing my crafty count-down, and then the next adventures with you.

Big glittery hugs

Leonie xxxx 

72 comments:

cards by Stevo said...

hiya luvly Leonie does this mean you start on the Saturday or the Sunday at We know where? You will be great as I'm sure all your friends there will make you feel like coming home :) <3 & will be a gorgeous storm!! heheheee Love & Hugs Steve xxx

Unknown said...

In my humble opinion, I think leaving C&C is the right decision. It's never a good thing when the demands made by the company you work for curtails other aspects of your life.

Unknown said...

In my humble opinion, I think leaving C&C is the right decision. It's never a good thing when the demands made by the company you work for curtails other aspects of your life.

Janet Pring said...

Hi Leonie, It will great to see you being creative again, you are a very talented lady xx

Unknown said...


So glad you are ok and still crafting away! Knew something was up when I noticed you had disappeared from the presenter page on c&c. It's not the same without your smiley face! Good luck love!

Anonymous said...

See how your creativity is flourishing again now you can do your thing....next year is going to be sooo good for you :)

Carol S. said...

I was getting worried as you hadn't blogged since May. At first I thought you were on holiday but then I was rather concerned. I only ever watched you or Dean as presenters. The others I recorded and watched at Fast forward!! Not too sure about the 2 new channels. Hochanda I think is a bit better but the camera people are pretty poor and the picture is quite blurry. As for the other one. It is only on in the morning and also pretty poor really. It was very hyped in the mags and does not live up to it I am afraid. Looking forward to seeing you back on our screens though, whatever channel. Hugs, Carol S.xx

Cazro said...

Thanks for adding this news to your blog. Much appreciated. Whenever there are such resitrictions on a person, it will always lead to a break, by one or the other. I am sure you have made the right decision. Withholding your creativity isn't right, to have talent and not be allowed to create and use that talent is not worth whatever positives there are. I look forward to your new crations and to seeing you on a certain channel, which announced you were joining them on their FB page a few weeks ago, please help them along. LOL best wishes and keep in touch on your blog please. xx Caz

Unknown said...

Maybe time to change your profile info on this blog. LOL. You are welcomed into my home via the TV and I look forwards to seeing you again, counting down the days with you.

Diane said...

Onwards and upwards!!!! Exciting new challenges for you...you were great on qvc....and on c&c ...and I know you will be an asset to your new venue. Cherish all your happy memories and now you are going to make some wonderful new ones.....good luck!!
P.s loving your new crafty projects....keep it up :-) x

jollyj30 said...

I do miss you on the box always use to look forward to your bubbly presentations and your sense of humour all the best for the future hope to catch you on the box again take care stay safe

jollyj30 said...

I do miss you on the box always use to look forward to your bubbly presentations and your sense of humour all the best for the future hope to catch you on the box again take care stay safe

Unknown said...

I wondered when it was you were going to start your new job, rumours had it that you had to wait six months.
When you are creative, you need to create. You wouldn't take food out of a baby's mouth would you? Well I think a crafter would have the same feeling.
I look forward to seeing you and your smiling, laughing face an that lovely sense of humour

Cally said...

Oh, thank you so much for letting us know. I will look for you on Facebook so that I can, further, follow your exploits.
Hugs x

taylorstrio said...

C &C is not the same without you. Loved your zany ways, look forward to seeing you on screen again soon x

Ann said...


So pleased you are creating and enjoying your craft. I don't have facebook Thankyou

for letting us know you are OK and looking forward to an exciting new chapter in

your life. I really miss you on C&C I always enjoyed out northern gal full of fun

and such an enthusiastic crafter you cheered me up and made me smile.

Take good care have a fabulous Christmas and look forward to seeing you on a TV

somewhere miss your bubbly personality and your lovely smile.

Big Hugs Annxxx

Roisin said...

Looking forward to February and giggling along with you on a TV channel somewhere!!Loving the daily makes on your countdown.

Merry Christmas and a very Happy 2016!!

Crafty hugs!

Anonymous said...

So pleased to hear your news that you'll soon be back on our screens, but more importantly that you'll be doing more demonstrations, hurray!!!have missed you. I'm still a c & c viewer but where have all the crafty demontrators disappeared to, its such a same as I am a relatively new crafter and learnt everything through watching all the different demonstrators demonstrating their crafty techniques. This is how I had the confidence to take up papercrafting, and have missed you and various others who have gradually appeared on other channels. So have a lovely Christmas and look forward to seeing you on our screens soon. from Sharon an avid crafter.

Anonymous said...

Was really happy to come across your blog.And to find out that you will be back working soon hope it's with Mr caftology degree man and the topaz lady.I think your amazing lv Michelle. Xx

Anonymous said...

Just found your blog and glad you will be coming back to our screens soon.

tomcurtis said...

Hope you are not going on one of those new Craft channels as the picture quality is appaling and does your eyes in.

Anonymous said...

So Happy to know your coming back crafting wherever that is in my opinion C&C is going down the pan its hard sell all the time with new not really very good presenters and the prices are out of range of most (ordinary every day crafters)Good Luck girl and keep that happy giggle

Val Dodd said...

Thank goodness Leonie, missed your happy smiling face. Glad you are doing what you love, do miss you on the tele though. I take it by all the hints you will be appearing somewhere soon. Look forward to seeing you. Have a lovely Christmas, and may your New Year bring what you wish for.
Crafty Hugs Valx

Unknown said...

Hey glad to have finally found you well and happy - c&c is very dull without you - eagerly anticipating your new incarnation and looking forward to laughing and crafting again roll on Feb

suebow said...


Good luck Leonie on your crafty journey and next steps you are taking .Look forward to seeing all your products when they come out .Keep happy and have a fab Christmas and see you in 2016

Sue x

MaggieC (Silvercrafter) said...

I keep seeing comments about the standard o the picture on the two new channels. I watch Hochanda through Freeview and the picture is excellent. Leonie, I am glad that you have remained true to yourself and moved away from those horrible creative restrictions. I am sure you will soon be back to better conditions in your new job. Meanwhile have great Christmas. love Maggie xx

Catherine said...

Leonie, I first saw you on QVC (am I right?) I loved watching Dawn Bibby and I think she got you to do a couple of demos and you were so nervous. I don't think you were quite ready for it just then but you took to it so well and in the end you became my most favourite presenter. Dawn then moved to C & C and a while later so did you. I was thrilled to have my two favourite ladies back. Good luck with your next venture and I cant wait to see your so cheerful little face back doing what you do very well.

Teresa said...

Shame what happened but its C & C loss and where ever you go to, which in February we will find out, there gain and obviously our gain, more demonstrations and less restrictions x Have a great Christmas and look forward to seeing you back on tv in February.

Gayatri Johnston said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Gayatri Johnston said...

Great news.Merry Christmas and a lucky New Year

val cowley said...

SO YOUR POSTING ABOVE answers why dawn went to egypt for 6 months. well their loss . has given u chance to progress personally . have a great xmas and a more enriched new year

Unknown said...

Hey Leonie,glad your ok.Heard you had left c&c,and wonderd what you were doing.Be true to yourself,and do what makes you happyLife is too short to have restrictions like that on you.Hope you do well in what ever you decide to do.Hugs Jean

Yorkie girl said...

Hi Leonie
I remember watching you on QVC with Dawn when you worked at Topaz Crafts
At first you avoided being seen on screen like the plague lol and Dawn used to torment you
I also remember the saddest day of your life Bless you sweetheart enough said xx
I have continued to watch and have seen you grow and develope into a wonderful presenter your craft talent and inspiration made me want to craft and I have collected papers and tools and cutting machines and dies over those years I dread to think how much I have spent .
I do not profess to be up to your standard but I love love love die cutting to make my cards Sue Wilson is my fav
Any way I am waffling so I wish you a very Merry Christmas and I look forward to following your new adventure in the new year
Take care hun.
Theresa X

beth kendal-wood said...

Good for you Leonie,
looking forward to seeing you on the other side,
we really miss your talents and the way you go about your crafty ideas.
So glad you are back soon

jdunkley said...

I am looking forward to seeing your bubbly personality again, I last saw you at Doncaster and you really made my 350 mile round trip worthwhile! Best of luck in your new venture. I shall be watching. I can't wait to see your new range either xx

Jean Grundy said...

When you were stopped fro doingyour own thng. That really spoiled life for you.I hope you will be treated better now. Love to see you .

Sarah Wilks said...

Hi Leonie - good luck in whatever you plan to do next. Crafty hugs Sarah

Sandra Ballan said...

So pleased we will see you again.Cant wait.xxxx

Christine Darwen said...

Hi Leonie, so pleased that you will be back on our screens soon. I really miss your bubbly personality and enthusiasm for craft, you made me believe that I could be a crafter. You have been on my TV screen and have got me through some very dark, sad times in my life. Thank you for that, looking forward to seeing you on my screen again soon with your own special brand of humour and caring. Keep on blogging your craft work is amazing and inspiring. Take Care, Crafty hugs Christine

Anonymous said...

Hi Leonie, I'm glad I have found you and had wondered where you had gone, even my hubby said we haven't seen Leonie lately, but I didn't know why or where you had gone. Hope to see you on ours tv screens shortly, you are such a talent lady and you have always make me smile even when I am having a really bad day.
Merry Christmas and A very Happy New Year see you in 2016 xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Unknown said...

hello, leonie we wondered where you had gone ,nice to know you will be back with us again have a good christmas and a happy new year xxxxx

Eli said...

Hi Leonie I have been wondering where you've been. CC hasn't been the same lately a lot of new presenters but I am sorry I enjoyed all the old ones is not renewing my membership.. I like the craft channel lot of oldies on there. Glad you are coming back on our screen you and dawn were my favourites xx

Izzy831UK said...

Don't take this wrong - whoever clipped your creative wings wants shooting - Thank Goodness we get a second chance at having the old Leonie back. Oh sweetie, you were missed, you were never anyone's puppet (or sidekick) - you have an innate bubbly personality well suited to presenting. Craft away, maybe make a cape between now and day zero.....?
I wish you a fabulous Christmas and New Year, good luck with designing and look forward to seeing you in 2016. Best of luck....... sprinkled with glitter!

Sally said...

Knowing where your new home is to be, I must say, what a lovely atmosphere and sense of family it is there!
I am a crafter, and not greatly accomplished, and a viewer, I probably, no definately also spend far too much!!
I was invited to this wonderful company, was given the VIP tour and treatment, and made to feel hugely valued. Teething troubles with tv presentation was explained, and the roles of staff seen first hand and has given me so much admiration for what goes on behind the screen. I loved watching very few presenters on C&C, you being one of them. You felt so natural, homely, a friend not a salesperson. Having met Your soon to be boss, colleagues etc I really look forward to you fitting right in and being made right at home! Good decision!
C &C have never made me feel a welcome customer, nor a valued customer, and the hard sell and desperate shots at rushing us to purchase and even patronised by some presenters is NO competition for where I have been made to feel much more important than ever before, have had some very small suggestions listened to and everyone was genuine, friendly and inviting. They have achieved so much in so little time, I know you are joining what will become a big success story and the place to be!
Good luck, and I'll be watching...
Meanwhile, Merry Christmas!

Anne Chilvers said...

I always hoped you wouldn't leave C & C as it would seem like a light had been turned off...and it does ! Whenever you were presenting my husband would say "It's Leonie !" and sit and watch ! However, I do understand that you have to follow your heart, and having your creativity clipped is not a good thing at all, this is evident from reading through all your recent posts. I used to buy from your website, and was sad when it disappeared as you always had some of the more unusual crafty bits, and always sent them with one of your ATC's which are stuck up on my craft room cupboards ! I hope one day to meet you at one of the craft events, I did see you once at Stoneleigh, but you were chatting to people, it was a great day out. As a previous visitor to your blog mentioned, when working at C & C you did seem like a friend, not a presenter from my side of the screen, and I'm sure that will continue in your new venture. Looking forward to seeing you in February, (you will be a tonic to my husband who had a heart attack on 11th December)...good luck with it all, and have a good Christmas ! xx

Baroque duJour said...

I had stopped watching C&C so had not realised you were gone. I did miss your presenting - you always were a crafter and artist and brought interest to the craft, I loved when you worked with the really cool brands, you were up to date and knew how to do the stuff. I am delighted to be now following your blog and am loving your creativity and design. You are brilliant and what is coming will be wonderful. It's all Good! Crafty Hugs from Ireland.

Tracey said...

Follow your dreams hun. Nothing is more worthwhile when it's doing something you love and if someone stops you its defo time to walk away.good luck in your future ventures xx

Anonymous said...

Hi Little Leonie
The very best of luck, we miss you from our screens at present. We met you at the NEC and hope to see you very soon. Merry Christmas and a Good 2016. You deserve it.
Love Angela and Michael, Oxford.

Unknown said...

Hello lovely Leonie. We thought not being able to craft was why you'd left C&C. Don't they know that, by doing that, they have lost the jewel in the crown? Can't wait to hear your future news and hope that we will be able to see you again shortly. Meanwhile, have a very Happy Christmas and a PROSPEROUS New Year. Love from Elizabeth and Geoffrey xx

Angela said...

Good Luck Leonie with your new ventures. It'll be great to see what you come up with. Merry Christmas and may 2016 bring you all you dream of. xx

Unknown said...

Enjoy your 'rest' must be stressful and very worrying, but when your back we all know you will be the tiny big creator, fun to watch, fun to learn from. Happy new beginnings for 2016.

Theresa said...

my gut says you will be on craft channel with Dawn. however i cannot get that on freeview and so hardly ever watch. i miss you on screen as i like your ways. you will be great whatever. happy new year xx

Sue Taylor said...

So glad you are OK, it is their loss, not so keen now on the new presenters, look forward to seeing you when you reappear x

Unknown said...

Leonie we can't wait to see you again on tv my mam and I miss your very bubbly personality. We hope everything works out wonderful for you and wish you every success in your future endeavours xxx

Anonymous said...

Cant Wait to see you backon the tele lovely lady , where ever you are going i hope its going to be happy for you , C and C are stupid for not aallowing you to express your craft your way !!! roll on Febuary , Godbless and A Happy Nwe Year xx

Anonymous said...

Happy new year Leonie and new beginnings in store for you. Miss you on C n C look forward to seeing you again in February where ever that is.

Unknown said...

Leoni, it's really good to hear you are ok,and I understand why you made the decision, you are like a breath of fresh air with your chuckles ect C C are the losers will be great to have you back xx

Anonymous said...

Why can't I post ?

Ann White said...

Has it worked this time

Unknown said...

I am so glad you are doing ok and looking forward to the new chapter in your life. I miss you on C&C as you are so natural and an up north girl like myself. I too have watched you since your first tentative nervous appearances on QVC when Dawn introduced you to us all. You have gone from strength to strength because you are a genuine person and it shines out from the TV screen. Can't wait to see you back on the telly!! C&C have gotten too big for their boots. I can imagine the pressure to push the sales numbers. I thought maybe we had lost you to America and then I thought no you wouldn't leave your furry friends behind. Thank-you for giving an update cause you know you have a lot of fans out here in craft land. Much love and luck for 2016 - Jayne x

CJwannabecrafter said...

Hi Leonnie, have missed you on C&C and must admit I don't tune in as much to it now. Can't believe how many of the main crafters like Barbara Gray and Phill Martin have left, makes you wonder what C&C are thinking. I have found Phill and Barbara on Hochanda and am enjoying watching their demos. Good luck in your new venture and hope to see you on screen again soon. You are one of the crafters that got me hooked on crafting thank you sooooo much.
Your dogs are lovely and so loved.

Sue Seymour said...

Hi Leonie, was really worried when your lovely smiling face vanished of c and c. Really pleased you are going to be demonstrating again love, you are a very talented crafter. Soon be here now, really excited, can't wait. C an c isn't the same now, and it looks as if they have lost a lot of demonstrators to Hochanda. It certainly looks as if they're struggling to find new ones. All we get now is Tattered Lace and Tonic, plus sewing machines lol. Really pleased you've taken the plunge Leonie I know you'll be a star in anything you do. XXX

Sue Seymour said...

Hi Leonie, was really worried when your lovely smiling face vanished of c and c. Really pleased you are going to be demonstrating again love, you are a very talented crafter. Soon be here now, really excited, can't wait. C an c isn't the same now, and it looks as if they have lost a lot of demonstrators to Hochanda. It certainly looks as if they're struggling to find new ones. QReally pleased you've taken the plunge Leonie I know you'll be a star in anything you do. XXX

Unknown said...

I can't wait for February but am worried that I won't be able to get you on Freeview. Really miss you but glad to hear you are ok xx

beth kendal-wood said...

Hi Leoni,It will be so good to have you on the screens again ..you have been missed...I love the fact that you craft to your hearts content and love watching you....Mistakes an all.....what you see is what you get and we all love that about you.....cannot wait to have you back on the TV.....ooo and a Happy New Year to you too.
Beth xx

Anonymous said...

Crafty Anne said...

Hi Leonie I have followed you since your first QVC days and watched you go from strength to strength. Sorry you have left C & C. Unfortuntely if would appear that they have lost the plot. The newer presenters just do not appear to have that blend of friendliness and professionalism. I am glad to say that Dean has this in spades and you have it also. Regretfully it is C & C'S loss. Whilst I admire Tattered Lace and Hunky Dory, every day every week no..no... no. I have given up watching when those programmes are airing so therefore I do not watch C & c as much as I did previously. C & c need to look at their variety. It is no longer the first craft channel on TV. Hopefully the producers will take notice of their customers otherwise a new company will take what was their top spot!!


Well Leonie I wish you joy and especially good luck in your new venture. May good health and happiness be with you always. You are worth so much more than some presenters!!!

Anne xxx

Anonymous said...

Thank goodness I have found you
I agree with all the comments from my fellow bloggers
I can't afford the deals there too big
Will wait to see which channel you are on and look forward to your demos
Look after yourself.

Marie said...

Good to hear you will soon be back on our screens you and your chatter have been missed. I have given up watching C&C its become so repetitive I am just bored with Tattered Lace, Todo and Hunkydory.All without doubt great products but there are just so many ways to sell a die and card stock . Looking forward to some of your zany humour and watching you do what you do best craft and inspire. I am sure you will miss those you grew to call your friends at C&C but if you are unhappy in your work and your creativity has been restricted its time to move on. Good Luck in your new venture I look forward to once again invite you to into my living room to inspire me with your enthusiasm and talent. Roll on February Leonie !

Barbara Gray - Stamping with Clarity said...

Hi lovely lady! To thine own self be true. Xxxx

Patricia said...

So thrilled you will be back on our screens soon crafting and that you are taking full advantage of Jupiter being in Virgo!
Remember Leonie - your creativity will always heal you as well as spreading happiness to others.
with love
Patricia x

Anonymous said...


Good luck Leoni cant wit to see you again Doreen

Karen Petitt said...

So happy to have found this post, lol! I miss you Leonie because you, Barbara Gray and some of the Crafter's Companion demonstrators were the only ones I used to watch, lol. I consider myself very privileged to have met you a couple of times when you was at QVC with Dawn. It's so nice to see you are coming into your own and I can't wait to see what and where your journey takes you. You have artistic talent, passion and enthusiasm huni and it's time to let it go free. I will check Facebook to see if I can friend you there Karen x