Journaling for Cardmakers – A Creative Day in Inverness

A Whole Day Just for Creativity

There’s something special about setting aside a whole day with no rushing, no interruptions — just time, space, and inspiration to explore.

A promotional poster for the "Art Journaling for Card Makers Workshop" featuring headshots of the three tutors: Louise Sims, Julia McNeill, and Janice Phillips.

On Saturday 20th September 2025, I’ll be joining Julia McNeill and Janice Phillips at The Treehouse, Inverness for a workshop that’s more than just another craft class. Together, we’ll spend the day learning, experimenting, and creating — and the ideas you’ll discover won’t stop when the day ends.

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Why This Workshop is Different

Ever left a workshop buzzing with ideas… only to forget the steps by the next week?
Most classes give you a wonderful day, but then it’s over. By the time you try the techniques again, the details have faded.

That’s why this workshop comes with lifetime access to a video of the project from all three tutors. That’s essentially three online workshops you can revisit anytime — pausing, rewinding, and experimenting at your own pace. Whether it’s next week or next year, you’ll still have the inspiration and the know-how.

A photo collage of the workshop venue, The Treehouse in Inverness, showing an aerial view of the building, its wooden exterior, and the bright, spacious interior.

Book Your Seat

Spaces are limited, and once they’re gone, they’re gone.
Reserve your spot for Journaling for Cardmakers here → Book Now

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My Ethos: Art Journaling is for Everyone

When people hear art journaling, they sometimes picture complicated, gallery-worthy spreads or think they need mountains of supplies. I’ve heard all the reasons — “It’s niche,” “I’m a cardmaker, not a journaler” — and honestly, I’ve said them myself.

An open art journal with a vibrant blue and purple mandala design in the corners and a sentiment that reads "give yourself. time!".(travel collage): A mixed-media art journal page with a travel theme, featuring collaged images of an old car, license plates, and other vintage ephemera.

For me, art journaling is simply about exploring ideas on paper without pressure. There’s no right or wrong — just layers, colours, shapes, and imagination. Even the pages I think are “naff” teach me something — about products, techniques, or my own creativity.

An art journal page with layers of stamping and a dark wash of pink and gray, along with text describing the artist's, Lou Sims, initial hesitation to share the page. (woman with flowers): An art journal page with a stylized drawing of a woman surrounded by colorful stamped flowers against a blue background.

And here’s the best part: your journal doesn’t have to stay private, but it can if you want. It’s your creative playground, free from rules and expectations.

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From Journal to Card (and Beyond)

One of my favourite things is taking an idea from my journal and turning it into something new — a handmade card, a gift tag, even framed art.

A collage of art journal pages and cards featuring whimsical illustrations of a camera, hot air balloons, and a sentiment that reads "my perfect camera roll."

Although I love playing with mixed media — rice papers, stamping, painting, collage, gel printing — my art journal is also where I test products and work through ideas before creating a finished card.



A photo showing a patterned art journal page and two handmade cards featuring a bee and floral motif.

If you’re a cardmaker, art journaling gives you a safe space to try things without the pressure of a final product. And then, when you do want a finished piece, your journal is bursting with ideas ready to use.A collage showing two different art journal and card projects. One features a subtle peach color scheme with butterfly stamps, and the other shows tulips with a "Frame by Frame Workshop" title.

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What You’ll Take Away

By the end of the workshop, you’ll have:

  • A brand-new art journal to start filling with your own creations

  • Finished projects — whether that’s a page, a card, or a tag

  • Lifetime access to the project video so you can keep learning

  • A goodie bag of supplies to inspire your next steps

  • An exclusive 25% discount at the pop-up shop on the day

Most importantly, you’ll leave with the confidence to keep exploring. Creativity builds on itself — one idea leads to another — and this day is designed to spark that chain reaction.

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A Day of Connection & Inspiration

Workshops aren’t just about the projects — they’re about the people. You’ll spend the day with fellow makers, sharing ideas, swapping tips, and encouraging each other.

The Treehouse is a light-filled, welcoming space, perfect for a day of creativity in the Highlands. Janice and I are flying up for the event — we can’t wait to meet you there.

📍 Book Your Seat

Spaces are limited, and once they’re gone, they’re gone. Reserve your spot for Journaling for Cardmakers → Book Now

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So, if you’re ready to dedicate a day to your passion—to learn new skills, connect with fellow makers, and ignite a lasting spark of inspiration—we can’t wait to welcome you to The Treehouse. This isn't just about the projects you'll make; it's about the creative confidence you'll find, the community you'll become a part of, and the endless ideas that will follow.

Secure your seat at the craft table and join us for a day of pure creative joy - [Book Now]

Until next time, take care,

Lou
xxx


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