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
74 comments:
so glad to hear you're slowly winning leonie x can't wait to see the results of your new venture
Wonderful happy news tinged among the sadness. wishing you all the very very best with your new venture and also sincere sympathies on your loss....life is so hard at times, we learn to live with the sadness but we never forget xxxx
Glad you are moving on for the hurts in your life. Hope the new chapter will help to heal your heart.
Time is a great healer. Take you time and get back to your lovely, bubbly self.
love u..u bring sunshine into my home and make me laugh...sending sunshine back with love <3
You go girl.x
Lionie I was so sad to hear you news about your sister, I am so very pleased that you are starting a new venture and so so excited to see what you you will be bringing to us. you are an amazing person I love watching you.you are like a breath of fresh air and so make me smile (alot).I wish you all the luck and success the world you deserve it,you truly are a very talented,funny and inspirational young lady please continue to do what you do as we all love it. Fiona xx
It is hard to lose a sister ( I have lost three) but life has a way of helping you get through, and with the help of the friends you have you will be OK. Time is a great healer and your sister will always be with you, you will learn how to have her with you without the hurt. Good luck with your new venture. I have followed your career since Oswaldtwiswtle and I know you will be successful whatever you choose to do.
That’s wonderful. New beginnings. Your talent will be amazing. xx
It's good for you, something new to let in and distract a smidge and it's great for us too! Two of my favourite artistss and crafters collaborating - happy days ahead and you deserve some happy days lovely lady. Looking forward to seeing what you come up with. Be gente with yourself huni
Lovely Leonie - I'm so relieved that your sister's death hasn't left you without your sparkle for too long. After my baby son died in 1985 (yes, I know, you've been there too), it was ages before I could manage more than just crawling along as best I could, doing things that didn't drain me emotionally or creatively. What a perfect match - you and Barbara Gray. You're two of my favourite 'teachers', both so imaginative and so full of enthusiasm. Rock on, both of you!!
Wow! Fantastic news!good luck with it all!xxxxxx
Slowly, slowly and it will come.... I have always said (which works for me) out of every negative isa positive..... I wish you well in all you do xx
Sounds a very good merger. Good luck with your new venture. Sounds exciting.
Sooo glad you're finding a way though hon!
You and Barbara!! Can't see what's gonna come out of that meeting of minds!!! 😱xxxxxxxx🤗🤗🤗
So sad for you that you have had such a rough time and that not everyone has been supportive. Looking forward to seeing what you get up to in the future. xx
My best wishes to you Leonie in your new adventure venture. Interesting times ahead and I hope some fun for you too xx
Haven’t long read Barbara’s blog have to say am thrilled to hear you are going to join clarity family I have been thinking for a while would be lovely to see you join forces and it’s happening congratulations cannot wait to see thing develop. I totally know we’re your at grieve is one of the hardest things to go through and you sure do find your friends and it takes time and everyone is different someone told us when we lost are daughter Sandie grieve comes in stages over a couple years that help us a lot cause people make you feel guilty for grieving the pain never goes put for us Barbara and clarity team was amazing support and dwpuld have got through with out them. So we here for you anytime lots love and hugs I’m watching your afternoon show tears from reading you blog but laughing with you on the show . Look forward to seeing you and Barbara developing mixed media hugs joy
Best wishes to you Leonie in your new adventure. Grieving is a slow process taking many forms for different people. Know that you are loved and have many friends here in the crafting world. So looking forward to you and Barbara working together. xx
So sorry for your loss Leoni, I can't imagine what you're going through, but you strike me as a strong lady with lots of love around you, that you will pull you through.
I hear you on discovering a rotten apple - I am going through the same, but never let these people get you down, they are simply reflecting their own bitterness and misery. Keep shining that lovely, lively personality that we all love :) Best wishes xxx
Take your time and don't rush it as such a sad loss takes time to get your mind to work. You come into my home (via Hochanda) every week and brighten my space, which for a while now has been a dark place to be. Thank you so much for being you. xx
All the best Leonie for your new adventure - can't wait to see the results but does this mean you will stop working on Hochanda and doing your workshops ?
Hi Leonie, I’m so pleased to see you back and really look forward to what you do. I know exactly what you’ve been through I lost my sister in 2012 & she was younger than me, she also had children a bit older than your gorgeous nephew. It does get easier, I’ve learned to come to terms with losing her. Just take one day at a time. Lots of love Julie. Xxx
I only know you through the television but completely understand the turmoil of grief and send you all the loving thoughts and healing Angels I can. Blessings to you as you start this new venture. I look forward to seeing what your new collaboration will produce.
Having lost my younger sister less than two years ago, I know some of what you are going through. We each must deal with our grief in our own way. Praying for you and your your new endeavors.
Gentle steps but you are heading in the right direction lovely Leonie. A wonderful new adventure for you and the wonderful Barbara i wish you every success and look forward to seeing what you both have got planned. Thinking of you and understanding your grief, it will eventually feel less raw. Take care xx
Lovely news I hope your new venture comes good ( I know it will) hope that wont stop you doing LLL ( my Wednesday must watch)
Leonie this is amazing news for you and the Clarity team. I can’t imagine how the past few months have been for you and your family. I know what it is like to lose a sibling after losing my brother, I’m glad you have lovely people around you.
It’s been a pleasure to work on your design team and I’ll always be so very grateful. Take care
Elaine x
Hi Leonie, I got into crafting through you and Dawn when I lost my husband, it helped and I hope crafting will help you through your lost. You’re such a nice person, both inside and out. You give so much pleasure to so many people. I look forward to seeing what you and Barbara come up with. I sincerely hope, being very selfish, that you’re not leaving Hochanda. I always think oh great it’s our Leonie when you come on, and not seeing Let Leonie Loose doesn’t bear thinking about. Take care. Sending you lots of love, Florence xx
Have loved you Leonie since the early days. Lots of love and good wishes to follow you in your new adventure. Sheri xxxx
Out of the darkness the sunshine comes. Times have been hard I am sure but if your sister was anything like you I am sure she will be up there running around waving her arms in the air shouting hoorah!! 😊😊 So happy that you are joining the Clarity family and can see nothing but wonderful things happening in the future for you, Clarity and of course us dedicated followers. Wishing you nothing but luck and happiness. Xxxxx
I am so pleased that you have found a new outlet for your creativity. Hopefully that will help fill your head with good things and not dwell on the past few months. I know it's not easy losing a sibling especially when it's unexpected.
Wishing you good luck in your new venture. Take care xx
Wishing you everything wonderful in your new adventure. Barbara will be so supporting I'm sure and you two will have so much fun. Leave the sadness behind and keep the happy memories. Can't wait to see what comes from this collaboration! Will say hello at Ally Pally. Margaret xx
Fabulous news Leonie. So happy to hear this. Happy birthday to me! What a fabulous pressie lol.
U r a beautiful person & I haven't had the pleasure of meeting u personally but from what I see on TV Ur amazing ..follow Ur heart to what u want out of life ...I'm so sorry for what u been through & I wish u all the best for Ur future ...take care xxx
So pleased to hear today’s news and sorry that you have been through so much in recent months. You have encouraged me into mixed media through your tv demos, The odd demo at shows and CC at Chesterfield and with your lovely products of which I have many. As I said on Barbara’s post it’s the start of my Fantasy Craft team, can’t wait to see what you come up with especially if you do any work with Sam Crowe! My purse is aching already
Good afternoon Leonie, so glad the fog is slowly lifting. I love watching you with all your enthusiasm and talent! Good luck in your new adventure and hope the silver lining is around the corner. You have had a few bad years and deserve a break God bless and keep positive xxx
I'm so happy for you & can't wait to see what you do next!!!
Great news.....you and Barbara were made for each other....wishing you everything you wish for yourself xx
Great news! Welcome to team Clarity Leonie. Big hugs! Xxx
What wonderful news Leonie! A match made in heaven, if I may say so. I saw this on Barbara's blog and it made me so happy. It sounds as though she has sprinkled some of her magic already. Keep taking baby steps - you are taking the right road, I am sure. Lots of hugs xx
Fabulous news Leonie, I am really looking forward to this! Welcome to the CLarity team xxx
Fabulous news hun, good luck on your new venture xx
This is great news Leonie. Wishing you well in your new venture. xx
Just want to wish you well in your new venture and I hope it is all you wish for...xx
So sorry for your loss Leonie, it takes time to grieve and there will be times you think you can’t carry on, hopefully your new venture
Will help in pushing forward, xx
Sometimes you need to follow your heart Leonie. Especially when you have gone through so much sadness, as you have in your life. I know Barbra a bit, as she used to come to The Craft Barn where I was a Tutor and Demonstrator. There comes a time that you need to take the plunge into doing something that you would love to do. So go for it girl and enjoy yourself, you deserve it!!! Hugs, Carol S.xx
Hi Leonie,Ive followed your career fro. very early days. ( remember ykur ATC club)? It good to see you are back on traCk...its the bad times that makes us stronger. you are inspirational ! X
Firstly, I am so sorry to hear the sad news of your sister, my heart goes out to you. Secondly, I wish you every success in your new venture with Barbara Grey, I am sure you will begin to have fun again. Sending my very best wishes.xxx
So great to hear about your new venture. How exciting. When you are hit with something as emotional as losing a loved one it is the hardest thing to pick yourself up and carry on. So hats off to you for getting back into the game even when you probably don't feel up to it some days. Can't wait to see your new range - better start saving eek!
I might be a little biased Leonie but I honestly think this is a great decision for yourself and for our Team. Barbara looks after us all so well and is a great "Boss Lady" as I call her. I am really chuffed on a personal level that you are joining us Leonie, but I also really think this is great for you too, It is lovely to read what you say about Crafters Companion, I teach in their Aycliffe Store and Love it there. Xx
Oh its Sam Criwe by the way - you wont know me by my Home Cooked Designs title, xxx
Wishing you all the very best in your new adventure. I really hope your not leaving Hochanda as I live you as a presenter & also your LLL shows which are amazing. But that's me being selfish.
Thrilled that you and Barbara Gray are teaming up together. It'll help with the grieving process when you are ready to move forward Leonie. Crafty Hugs xx
So so pleased you have something to fill the head space that is so full of hurt. As a palliative care nurse I have supported many many families in your position. Having personally lost 3 members of my own family last year I also understand where your head has been. You go girl and let your love of craft lead you to a brighter side of life. I hope you can soon be your wonderful self again, we met on the crafting cruise and at one of Phill Martin's workshops in Nottingham. Much love to a wonderful crafty lady xxx
I'm.sk happy that you have the chance again to not only do what you love... but bring it to all of us. You are an amazing person and I hope this new venture helps heal your heart... I'll be first in line to see your new creations...💙😎💙
Hi Leonie I've followed you for a long time and it's lovely to see you have come so far and still taking opportunities along the way. Grief is a difficult time, one minute surviving, the next it has you on yours knees. Just let the feelings ebb and flow, a new direction could well help you on your journey.xx
this sounds amazing Leonie, can't wait to see what you come up with I know it will be brilliant! :)
So good to hear that you're making plans again. A new start is a good idea and with the right people to support you. I wish you all good things for the venture but am afraid that my purse will really suffer! Take it slowly and take care. Love xx
Just the best news, so delighted for you (and all us messy crafters too) Look forward to seeing you with Clarity soon. Keep your chin up my dear, not always easy I know, you are doing your sister and family proud. xxx
I was so sad to hear about your sister. It's common to re-evaluate our life at a time of loss and the outcome often leads us down a new and exciting path. It will be great to see you back with Barbara and doing mixed media work. Your mixed media work is so inspiring. Don't be afraid to lean on people and accept support, we all need it sometimes and as for the horrible people, they're not even worthy of your thoughts. Take care xx
Ieonnie im sure anything you do will be a great sucsess has your lovely light allways shine through every thing you do has for the loss of your sister i carnt imagine you will ever get over time will learn you to cope with the loss but you will never not miss her remeber the good times be kind to yourself remeber laughter is agreat medicine you are loved and bring fun and laughter to others new horizons and adventures ahead carnt wait to see what you bring us im sure it will be a great because your fab one step at at a time you will get there sending you love and hugs special lady x
so sorry that you have had such a rough time. as Barb says often "this too shall pass". so glad about the partnership. i can see some interesting things coming this way. and it will rekindle my interest in Clarity as it really dwindles with groovi. lovely news. take care, hugs xx
Wishing you "All the Best " in your new venture Leonie, you have had such a sad time and having a new adventure will help.
I also love Barbara's work and the two of you together will be a formidable team, I'm not really into mixed media yet, but love what you do with Carabelle ( I have some of their beautiful stamps ) so maybe I'll get there with both your help lol! I'm only just getting to grips with the Gelli plate I've had for years😂.Go for it and have fun! Xo
One day at a time Leonie and I'm sure you will get through it. Very excited to see what you and Barbara come up with, I have great respect for both of you. Take care xxxx
Great to see you back with a new venture. I feel for you and know the sadness of losing someone you love so dearly. Did I hear the other day on Hochanda you are off to the Staithes Festival? I just live up the road but have never been. Maybe one day. Have a great time.
I do hope your crafting can be a peaceful haven for you and a place to cheer you up. Exciting news for you and Barbara. All the best and keep in touch
Take things slowly, it's a hell of a lot to cope with. You will have so many emotions. But with the love of your friends and family you will come through the haze, you are loved.. Xxx
So glad you are joining Barbara and the gang at Clarity Towers. I love watching your LLL shows as you always make me laugh. Your enthusiasm for your crafting is truly inspiring, as is Barbara's, so I think you will get along very well together. I can't wait to see the Clarity mixed media products although I've a feeling my credit card is going to suffer!
Take care and be good to yourself. x
Wishing Peace, love and success in your new venture
cariad (love) Cyndi xx
So sorry to hear of your sad, sad loss but over the moon about your new venture with Barbara - I can't wait to see the results. Take care of yourself! xxx
So sorry for your loss, but absolutely delighted your joining Clarity, gently gently with yourself, grief is such a mind blower.
Am sure you new venture will be fantastic. Love and hugs. Take care of yourself xx
So sorry for your loss. Times like this really make you evaluate life. Love, hugs and peace xx
So sorry to hear about your loss. A beloved sister and friend.xx
I would also like to thank you for your great inspiration to try new products too. Many good wishes for your new adventure with Barbara. She is another amazing lady.xx
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