Leonie New and the sweet tattoos

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The Nugget
December 06, 2024

★MEET A LOCAL TATTOOIST★

Leonie New and cuddly Rosa.

Five years ago, Leonie New was living the city life and working at Melbourne's legedary Chapel Tattoo.

Country adventures were calling, though, and everything was about to change. Leonie and her husband moved to a block of land just outside Castlemaine, with plans to build a home.

"This seemed like a really obvious place to come and it's just above and beyond. I reckon it's just so nice,” Leonie says. “I've never lived anywhere else except for the city, so it was a big move but it was a really easy transition."

She opened Forest Creek Tattoo in Castlemaine in 2020. Leonie invited guest tattooists to do residencies, added shop dog, Rosa, and the operation quickly grew.

"At this point, there are a lot of people working out of here. There are nine of us, soon to be 12, which is pretty crazy. It's kind of expanded, just by itself."

Leonie says the community support has been incredible from the get-go.

This is no surprise. She has built a space that is both cool and cozy as heck.

“This is a super inclusive space,” Leonie says, adding her goal is to make people feel welcome.

You might find Dannielle of Dusty Pots in the shop to get her latest vegetable tattoo, or a young dad with a child in tow, enquiring about a cover up. Rosa is on hand, ready to receive pats throughout.

Leonie has developed a following for her traditional tattoo style and focus on native Australian themes.

"So instead of, like eagles and panthers and stuff, it's more like native Australian birds and lizards. That works for me. I'm really stoked on that. It's, like, the dream."

Not long after Leonie opened Forest Creek Tattoo, Melbourne's second covid lockdown was imposed, halting the steady stream of customers coming to see her from the city. That gave her time to focus completely on locals.

"It actually meant that I got to meet heaps of people that I wouldn't have otherwise, because I likely would have been booked up with Melbourne customers."

People travel far and wide to get work done at Forest Creek Tattoo.

Clients come from Melbourne and Sydney, "and all over the world, to be honest," Leonie says.

"Almost every person who comes up from the city ends up googling real estate. People are in love with this town. We've got international bands playing at the theatre and good food. It's just too nice. Everything is beautiful to look at. It's kind of special."

Leonie has made the most of the creative, collaborative air in town, rallying local businesses and customers to stage events that have raised thousands of dollars for charity.

On Sunday, she will host her first Creators at the Creek market, featuring a glorious array of makers offering jewelry, western wear, pottery, clothing, art, tooth gems, linocuts, wall hangings, handmade bags, organic tea and vegan food.

A traditional sign painter will also be on hand, ready to personalize signs, and a chain stitcher will be ready to sew your name on a badge, banner or piece of clothing.

"Anything customized is so fun, especially for presents," Leonie says.

Yes, please!

  • Creators at the Creek is on Sun, 8 Dec, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

  • Check out Forest Creek Tattoo’s Instagram account to learn more about the exciting vendors

  • Time your visit to catch Campbells Creek guitar picker, Jess Parker, who will be playing at noon

❀PICK YOUR FAVE❀

Friends, it’s time to vote for your favourite local farming photo. The winner gets $500!

It won’t be easy to choose between the smooching baby alpacas, fluffy black lambs, and pensive Scottish Highland bull, but I think you are up to the job.

Guaranteed to boost your mood. xx

♡˖ EVENTS ˖♡

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