Lamali Journals and life!

 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…….😃🤗😚

Workshops for 2019

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. 

(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.”

Joint workshop - success!

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 😄

Chichester- you were brill!

Thank you so much to the lovely ladies who joined myself and Mandy at the weekend in Chichester. The venue was a smashing find by Mandy. Really airy and light, perfect.

Mandy set our little shop up, whilst I got covered in Powertex, ink, paint...you know the score!







We worked on our journal page, using a variety of products to give it a real mixed media look. We incorporated Stamperia rice paper, the super cool Tim Holtz Distress Crayons, paints, ink spritzers, stencils, Pentart fibre paste....and the kitchen sink!!

I love projects like this, as everyone produced something completely different.

We also covered our Happy Cow book with Powertex, and created a cool book cover. I’m happy to say folk joined in and felt the Powertex under their nails!! (It washes off....environmentally friendly, water soluable and non toxic...boom, got it ladies!).

I always let folk choose their own colour palette, so each piece is unique and interesting. I’m really chuft with the results.

We will be repeating this workshop, next stop is going to be 22nd April in Hastings. All materials are provided, along with brews and biscuits...we hope you can join us xx