Workshops for 2019

Workshop dates for 2019

Workshops

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

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

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

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.....

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......

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....

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...

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....

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.....

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

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

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!