About Lesley and Nicola

Lesley Turpin-Delport has a Fine Arts degree and post graduate teaching diploma and has been an enthusiastic teacher, lecturer and author of art and needlecraft since the early 70s. She has taught needlecraft in many countries including Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, UK and the U.S.A. Apart from many exhibitions in Johannesburg, she has also exhibited work in Japan, Maastricht and Olympia in London. "Les Designs" (her company) offers a wide range of freestyle embroidery kits, creative threads and books. Lesley currently resides in the Western Cape in South Africa.

Her daughter Nicola Delport-Wepener (Nikki), has now joined forces with her mum and they offer classes and lectures internationally. Since picking up a needle at the age of six she's barely put it down and over the years has developed her own considerable skills in the field with Lesley as her main tutor. Nicola has attended numerous courses (Royal School, Embroiders Guild and City and Guilds) and received qualifications on different styles of embroidery throughout her lifetime.

For over 10 years Nikki was a primary school teacher in SA and the UK. Traditional school teaching has now fallen by the wayside in favour of embroidery. Nikki has delivered accredited embroidery courses in the UK. Nikki currently resides and teaches embroidery in Hong Kong.

Lesley, has written several books. "Just Stitch" is a new book - a joint venture on which Lesley & Nikki have worked together very closely. It mirrors the teaching style that they use in their classes. You'll find it a treasure trove of techniques, a rich source of inspiration for your own work.