Flatwoods Folk Art

~~Extra~~Extra~~Read All About Them....

Good Afternoon Everyone!

I am saving my Tried & True post that I had scheduled for today until next week so that it will be in the right place on my blog.  For now I am keeping my giveaway post at the top so that people don't have to dig for it.  *S*

So, let's talk giveaways....yes plural!

First up and only because I know all about this one is my first annual Unleash Your Creativity Giveaway.  10 wonderfully scrumptious prizes....how better to unleash that creativity than an online class or two or three?  How about online tutorials?  Not into classes but into shopping?  We can handle that too as well as an original altered tin from me and two treasure boxes full of creative goodies to set your muse on fire.

Go to the first post on my blog, should be just over this one, and simply leave a comment between now and midnight on May 31st.  That's it, pretty simple huh?  Would love for you to spread the word on your blog too.  I'm anxious to see if there is enough interest to do this on an annual basis.  *S*

To make it easier just click on the roses below and it will take you to the giveaway post for you to leave a comment.  Good Luck!!!

Speaking of shopping, did you see the giveaway that K.C. is having on her blog?  Can you say 300 as in 300 dollars?  That's right $300 for you to shop with at her beautiful Lipstick Ranch.  Check it out by clicking the logo below.

 

Want to try for some more beautiful original art?  Pop over to Nellie's Early Morning Thoughts blog and enter to win one of her gorgeous books.  Click below....

 

Alice is gearing up for a giveaway soon over at her Thoughts From Alice W. blog.  Not sure what it will be but I know it will be gorgeous!  Keep your eye out here:

 

Mr. Lesley has been posting some wonderful recipes on his blog.  Everything from Pie Crusts to Blackened Fish with a little side dish of family history.  He would love for you to stop by and leave a comment (thank you so much to those of you who have).  Being a newbie blogger he is so happy when someone drops a note upon their visit.

Check him out here....

  

 

Remember, to enter my giveaway click on the Roses.

To enter K.C.'s giveaway click on her Lipstick Ranch Logo

To enter Nellie's giveaway click on her book.

To watch out for Alice's giveaway click on her image of Mae.

To check out some cool recipes and a bit of family history visit Tom by clicking on the boxer boy.

Have a blessed day everyone!!

Oh, also be sure to see Dawn at The Feathered Nest as she always has a wonderful way of guiding her readers to the best blog giveaways and posts.

xo,

Lesley

 

Yummy, Yummy Blog Discovery

Good Morning Everyone!

Today's Yummy, Yummy is truly a new discovery for me.  That is one of the beautiful gifts you receive when you have a giveaway....you find all sorts of new and new to you blogs.  It is a wonderful thing!!!

So, Dawn over at The Feathered Nest introduced Lorraine to her friends on her blog and I wanted to keep the introduction moving through this Land O' Blog. *S*

Lorraine is a mixed media artist and instructor who, like me, has/had her career in something other than art.  Her philosphy is to try to create something on a daily basis and therefore her blog is aptly named Creative Daily.

 

Not only does she share her beautiful creations on her blog but she has also been published in several Somerset publications.

 

I love the colors and textures that she uses.  They fall right in line with the ones Ifind myself most drawn to.  Isn't that mica and soldered book above just gorgeous!

Her mixtures of vintage and metal findings really appeals to me.  I love the addition of metals and rusts to add another layer of depth to her beautiful pieces of art.

 

In addition to her more traditional mixed media pieces she has created this beautiful art jar using one of Dawn's tutorials.  I love everything about this little jar....

 

Her talents are not just limited to her beautiful blog though you can also find Lorraine at Creative Workshops where she will be teaching an online soldering class.

 

Please stop by Lorraine's to welcome her to this wonderful Land O' Blog and then hop over to Creative Workshops to check out her online class.

Lorraine's Creative Daily Blog

Lorraine'sCreative Workshop

Lorraine, thank you so much for allowing me to feature  your beautiful blog today! 

Have fun perusing Lorraine's site everyone!

xo,

Lesley

 

It's all in the details......

 

Good Morning Everyone,

I think everyone is going to enjoy my first annual Unleash Your Creativity Blog Giveaway so before I list out the goodies to be given away let's list out how to go about getting your name in the hat...

1.  Leave a comment on this post.

2.  Comments may be left from May 24th through May 31st.

3.  On the morning of June 1st I will draw 10 names.

4.  When I draw a name, I will draw a prize.  That person wins that prize.  *S*

5.  Now this isn't a requirement but I would love for you to pass the word along about my giveaway on your blog or to your friends.  The more the merrier.

So remember, you don't have to own a blog, write a blog or need a blog.  The only requirement for you to be entered is for you to leave your name....that's it....just a comment on this post.  How simple is that? 

Now for the list of prizes in no particular order......

1.  Admission for one camper into K.C. Willis' Collage Camp (her online workshop).  If you haven't already checked it out visit her site here:  Collage Camp

2.  Your choice of Tutorial from Dawn Edmonson's Lesson's From The Nest.  #1 

3.  Your choice of Tutorial from Dawn Edmonson's Lesson's From the Nest.  #2

4.  $20 Gift Certificate to Alice's Painted White online shop located at:  www.paintedwhite.com

5.  $25 Box of Creative Treasures to set your muse on fire.  Papers, images, embellishments, etc. packaged beautifully for you.

6.  Admission into JoAnnA's Online Bottle Art Workshop.  Read about it by visiting her NING website.

7.  $20 Gift Certificate to Gale's Paper Whimsy Shoppe located here:  www.paperwhimsy.com

8.  $25 Box of Creative Treasures to set your muse on fire.  Papers, images, embellishments, etc. packaged beautifully for you.

9.  Admission into Pam Carriker's Visual Journalism 101 on Gail's Creative Workshop site.  Drop by and check it out. 

10.  Last but not least one of my original altered tin's with a collaged booklet inside.

Important Note:  All of these are online classes and tutorials that are open ended...so take all the time you want and need to complete them.  No ending date, no rushing....isn't that what Summer is all about?

So, remember to leave a comment and to check back here on June 1st to see if you are a winner!!!

Also, be sure to check out all of the sites listed above to get more information about the prizes being offered.

Have fun everyone!!

xo,

Lesley

P.S.  I  just realized that Mr. Lesley posted about me and one of my favorite recipes on his blog today!  *S*  he is such a sweetie.  Check out the most fabulous Spaghetti and Garlic Bread recipes you can imagine at Mr. Lesley Cooks.

P.S.S.  I just came across another giveaway that I think you need to see....check out Nellie's blog, Early Morning Thoughts, to enter for a chance to win one of her beautiful books!!!

Finally Friday....

 

Good Morning Everyone,

What a week this has been....a flurry of activity at the house with items being placed on the website, Tom kicking off his new blog, the necessary job and its necessary demands, everything blooming which means allergies abound, a holiday weekend (YAY!) and, well, just life and all that entails right now.  I feel just like that precious girl in the above image...tuckered out.

I'm not sure I can even say a good tuckered out...you know those I'm so tired moments that are filled with the excitement of a job well done?  Right now it is just a "I wanna crawl into bed and hide under the covers" kind of exhaustion.

I know by the end of the day though I will have caught the energy that only a three day weekend can bring and, more than likely, I won't be resting as solidly or as peacefully as I would like. 

Today I want to lead you to a few artists that I know you more than likely know, if not by name then by their shops.  These are women who I have met through retreats, women who have really shown me that you trust your ability, embrace your creativity (no matter what stage) and share your knowledge.

Leighanna Light, she was my first ever art retreat instructor.  In fact that year all of my classes were classes she taught so now we jokingly refer to me as her stalker.  I learned to embrace the power tool in her class, the drill is now my friend and I have much confidence in my ability to use it.  Tom told me after we returned from that first A & S that he would cringe every time I walked by with the Dremel or drill in my hand....I had become Rosie the Riveter and I was empowered!  *S*  Please visit Leighanna at her blog, Thing Maker, and her 1,000 Markets Shop.

Sally Jean, okay if you don't know Sally I just have to ask what rock have you been hiding under?  If you have ever met her or taken one of her classes you have to think of her every time you see a robin's egg blue anything.  It's like her signature color, to grab a quote from Steel Magnolias and yes I can because I was raised there and even worked in that town *S*.  Sally is one of the most sincerely sweet people I have ever met.  Her creations are beautiful and I add to my collection every year....sometimes more than once but shhhhhhhh we wouldn't want Mr. Lesley to know.  *S*  Please visit Sally at her beautiful website which is appropriately named simply Sally Jean.

Kecia Devaney is like the friend you just met but have known for years.  She inspires me with her words, her friendship and her beautiful creations.  She has such a giving and beautiful spirit wrapped up in this openhearted soul.  Please visit her blog, Lemoncholy's Studio, and her new website of the same name.

I will be guiding you, over the next several weeks, to several of the artistic women I have met at these retreats so please stay tuned for more.

Please remember to leave a comment on the blogs, where they have one, and let them know you stopped by and how much you enjoyed your visit.

Remember to stay tuned for Sunday's giveaway announcement....I promise you will not want to miss it!

xo,

Lesley

  

Flea Market Finds...

Good Morning Everyone,

Just wanted to show you a few items that Mr. Lesley has been putting on our website....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks for looking!!!!

xo,

Lesley

 

What's Next Wednesday...

Good Morning Everyone!

There are several events coming up and some ongoing ones that I wanted to be sure to tell you about.  I will also be giving a few hints about my first annual Unleash Your Creativity summer giveaway.

So, let's get started........

Cindy and Tina's annual event, Paper Cowgirl, is right around the corner and I believe they still have openings in a few of their classes.  Yours truly is sending a goody (or two) for them to have as a giveaway so will post photos after their event.  Click on their logo above to visit their blog/site.

 

 

Guess who is now offering Summer classes?  That's right, Glenny and the gang are doing it again!  Click on the A & S logo above to visit their site to see not only the Summer Class schedule but also the schedules for Asilomar, Portland and to get a preview of their 2010 Retreats.

 

 

Art Unraveled is coming up in August and you can check out their workshop schedule, vendor night list and other events by visiting their site.

 

Mixed Media Melange is kicking off their first ever retreat in LaGrange, Tennessee in September.  I will be teaching at M3 and am very excited to be a part of this new retreat.  There is an early registration discount and in addition to a vendor night they also have planned a bonfire and bluegrass music!  Click their logo to check out all the information.

 

    

Art Is You will be in October and they have a great line up of workshops for you to choose from, a great silent auction and vendors you will love.  To check out the who, what, when and where click on Alice and she will take you down the rabbit hole and directly to their site. 

 

So now let's move on to the Online Workshops.  Lisa is, I believe, still working on putting the videos up on her site, That Creative Place so be patient for mine please.  *S*

Here are some sites I believe you will truly love.....

You will love, love, love KC's videos!  I promise this is not to be missed - the works or art that are being created by her students are out of this world.  Click above to visit KC and to sign up to be a camper.

How about one of JoAnnA's classes?  Into dolls?  Bottle Art?  If so you will definitely want to pay Jojo a visit at her home in Sutter Creek.

Or, hop over and visit Gail at Creative Workshops.  She has a full line up of different instructors and classes for you to choose from. 

So.................ya wanna hear about my first annual Unleash Your Creativity giveaway do ya?  *S*

I will do a full post regarding the giveaway on Sunday so please be on the lookout and pass the word along 'cuz it is gonna be a good one.  Here are just a few items to get your creative minds thinking.....

Just a few basics....10 prizes....10 winners.....

Online workshops, Online Tutorials, Creative Treasure Boxes filled with goodies, Gift Certificates to Online Shops, Original Artwork......

So check back on Sunday morning, read the requirements, tell everyone about the giveaway so that all of my giveaway sites can get a lot of traffic and then on June 6th winners will be announced.

Remember check here on Sunday morning and pass the word along on your blog so they can check out the giveaway too.

Have a very blessed day everyone!

xo,

Lesley

 

Busy, Busy Bee...Busy Bee

A few years ago a co-worker had purchased one of those see and say kind of toys and one of the characters was a bee.  When you turned the knob and pulled the string it always sang out "Busy, Busy Bee Busy Bee".  That phrase has never left my head and we use it all the time at home.  *S*

Mr. Lesley has been one Busy Bee this week.  Not only did he launch his very own blog, Mr. Lesley Cooks, but he has also been stocking our website.

A few of the new items include:

Vintage Postcards - to add to your collection or to use in your art work.  Check them out in the paper section.

Vintage Hardware - Great for those vintage assemblage and mixed media pieces.  Flea Market.

Other Flea Market Finds include optical lenses, a brass tag and several pieces of architectural salvage.

Under Melange you will find a couple of Cavillini & Company items as well as a beautiful jewelry hand.

He is updating almost on a daily basis and there will be more new and vintage items at great prices.

When checking out the website be sure to click on the individual photos.  This will take you to another page which will give you more photos of the item and a bit of a description.

Have a great evening everyone!

Lesley

P.S.  Just in case you have not heard, Cathe over at Just Something I Made has some advertising space available on her blog.  She will even create a beautiful button for you for her sidebar if you don't already have one.  She used some of my blog graphics that Alice has created for me to create a button for me.  I've put it below in case you might want to add it to your sidebar and link back to our website at www.flatwoodsfolkart.com.

Nine Months.......

Good Morning Everyone,

This past weekend our sweet Elise reached another milestone....9 months old.  I can't believe how the time flies by or how much she grows with each passing day. 

Marking this milestone is the fact that Elise crawled for the first time.  *S*

 

 

 

 

 

Happy nine month birthday Elise!!  We love you.

Stay tuned everyone for the Yummy Yummy post and check out Mr. Lesley's new cooking blog for a bit of family history and recipes.

xo,

Lesley

 

Broken Links.....

Good Afternoon Everyone,

Just found out (thanks Kim for the heads up) that my Etsy Shoppe links from this morning's post were broken.  They are now fixed and ready for your cursors to click away.

Thanks!

Lesley

Monday's Musings..........

Good morning everyone,

I tried to pull together some items that I thought you would all enjoy perusing on a wonderful Monday morning.

So away we go.....

Beautiful Reign

 

Heavenly Rosaries

 

GeoPillow

 

A Picker's Eye

 

Susa Bella Brownstein

 

Talula

 

Lisa Golightly

 

Mo and Mo

 

Frivolous Whimsy

 

Extra Virgin Home

 

Oh My Milky

 

Have fun perusing these beautiful shoppes on Etsy filled with vintage treasures.

Blessings to you all!

Lesley

P.S.  Please remember to check out Mr. Lesley's new blog...I think he is going to do a post with a wonderful tasting and super easy chocolate cake recipe.  He is so excited so please leave him a message when you pop over.  Thanks!!!!  *S*