Morning friends. I am very excited to announce that registration for my blogging workshop, Ready, Steady, Blog! is now open. I love blogging. It has truly been one of the best experiences of my life so far. I have met wonderful new people, experienced new things, learnt so much and been exposed to a whole new world through blogging. I would like to share this great experience with others.

Why a blogging course? When I started blogging three years ago, I had no idea what I was doing. It was hard and lonely to start. Experienced bloggers wouldn’t give me the time of day. I understand this and don’t blame them for trying to protect what they have worked so hard to build. But it would have been a lot easier if there was some sort of handbook or guideline for dodging the pitfalls on the road to become a blogger.

I have learnt a lot since my first blog, Venus rotates clockwise. I have to laugh a bit when I think back on when I started. I knew nothing. But how could I have? Starting out as a blogger can be hard- where do you go for hosting, how do you get a custom domain name and why should you? What needs to be in a sidebar? What is a sidebar?! How do I make a header? Why do the ones I make look so terrible? These are just some of the questions that I have struggled to figure out.

Unfortunately, many potentially great bloggers run into these and other hurdles. I have had some terrible experiences with service providers, hackers and ugly comments. I persevered and pursued my idea. But others give up and their wonderful contributions are lost to us. So, let me take you by the hand and help you to start a lovely blog, first time right!

I believe that there is space for all bloggers. I dislike competition between us and strive. Each blog is like a country- no one is the same. We love to visit them for the things that make them unique. Let’s create your unique blog and welcome you into the fold.

Is it a once-off? This workshop is the first of a three-part series of blogging workshops. Ready, Steady, Blog! is blogging 101- how to start a blog and get all the basic elements right. Part two will focus on how to build a strong blog brand, grow your blog and take it up a notch. And the third leg of this joyful blogging trifecta will be a photography and styling workshop.

What do I get for my money? Ready, steady, blog! will not only focus on starting a blog, but will also offer students some great extras. I am designing informative (and of course cute) infographics that breaks it down into basic building blocks. Each student will get a pack of notes to take with them- should you get lost later. There will also be a talented designer on hand for headers and buttons. Chat to him over a cup of coffee on the day and get the look you want, without the hassle and the huge design costs. (Thanks to him for the gorgeous invite above.) My favorite photog will be there on the day to man the photo-booth. Who doesn’t want a gorgeous head-shot and some fun pics for the first post and about page? There will be sacks and you will get to meet other bloggers, just like you.

Email me at lelanie {dot} slater {at} gmail {dot} com to book your seat.

I hope to see you there.

Lelanie

Morning friends. I spotted a great bedroom idea this morning on one of my fav Scandinavian style blogs, My Scandinavian home. I am always looking for great ideas, as our room is a bit of a hurdle for me. It is really large- ‘lovely’ I hear you say. Yes, unless you’re struggling to fill it. We are lucky to have a King size bed and some other rather pretty antique pieces, but I still feel like there is something missing. I have been contemplating painting the wall behind our bed a dark charcoal.

I am keen to give our room a cosy, restful feel. I love French elements, especially for the bedroom, but I want that rustic, homey vibe that the Scandinavians do so well. It could be nice to have a dramatic dark feature wall with an old-white chair as side table for some high-contrast interest.

A rustic headboard would be a great addition. The driftwood and string light combination is too sweet.

Have a great Wednesday,

Ciao, Lelanie

bedside table, driftwood, grey wall,

Hello friends. How are you all today? I spent the morning playing with some colour inspiration. I am working on a palette- and look board for a shop interior. I am not a hundred percent sure where I want to go with this. Sometimes it’s great to work with a firm plan of action, with sure steps in mind and other times it’s best to just go with the flow and let things  happen as they may. This might be a case of the latter. How do you decide on colour palettes and looks for places and spaces?

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Hi there guys. I found the sweetest collection of creative studios and work spaces all curated in one pretty site this morning. Eva Black has a column called ‘Spaces’, dedicated to these havens of creativity and imagination. She has managed to get quite a collection going. Some are way out and others more traditional. A few are plain, some are bright and then others are a whole different kettle of fish all together again. It is definitely worth a peak.

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Hi there friends. Weekends and especially Fridays is the time when we typically turn away from the office and cast our thoughts to happier pastures- fun, friends and relaxation. To me this is synonymous with my studio. I might work from here every day, but I’d happily spend a Saturday morning crafting with friends in here or hosting a creative recovery course for my students. The energy and vibe that these special activities create are a far cry from traditional ‘work’. It is fun and uplifting. I am preparing for an artsy morning with friends coming up. I am full of ideas on how to make the studio paint friendly, happy and bright.

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Howdy friends. One of the many things I love is a well styled shop. Make that a carefully curated and well styled online store and you have me hooked. Penny Farthing design house is just such a store. This Australian based duo collaborates with talented artists- they curate and source works for their store and private clients. These are shot in incredible interiors and the end result is a dream.

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Friends, I have just came across three of the most beautiful images I have seen in ages. I might be suffering from severe Pinterest fatigue, but these three interiors have bowled me over. If I ever have a shop, please could it look something like this?

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Hi guys. I just love discovering special people online. Especially when they are the type of person who lives out their creative dreams day by day. These people inspire and motivate me to keep pursuing my dreams, my ideas and to keep the faith. The faith that there is a creative path for me. And that my creative gift is my destiny. I have come across just such a person in the wonderful online community- Michelle Smith.

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Hey guys, I have some great news. I am adding a whole bunch of new courses & workshop to my list. The Artist’s way is just about to come to an end and soon the next lot of workshops will commence. I am very excited about this. I love to teach and help people. It is funny actually,  because when I left the teaching profession I really thought that it was because I disliked teaching. I now realize that it was because I was so bored and under-stimulated.

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Hi there friends. Oh boy I have something great to share with you. Last week I attended the launch of the new Petits Four New York, in Kramerville. It is situated in the brand new Hertex building at nr. 16 Kramer Road and is simply stunning!

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