Flatwoods Folk Art

On our way to the festival...

Happy Saturday Night Everyone!!

Well,Tom and I woke up this morning so that we could go to the Festival In The Park only to find out that it doesn't happen for two more weeks.  <smile> 

Instead, we headed to Salem to do a few errands and we found, much to Tom's "delight", a new antique mall.  We found some wonderful items for my artwork and to take with us to Art & Soul Hampton for vendor night.  Thought I would give you a peek of some of our treasures....

Bins of Goodies

Poor Little Vintage Book....

Opened to find.....

and the Title of....

with the sweetest words....

 

Then a black box was spied....

A closer look was taken....

and the mystery was revealed.....

Then my eye found......rust

and metal.....

and doodads....

 

doodads with detail.....

Then some pretty baubles caught my eye....

glistening......

Soft linens in pretty colors.......

and muted tones.....

then a special find....this most beautiful crochet

with this amazing vintage ribbon running through it....

gorgeous soft pink ribbon......

beautiful details on this piece.....

Beautiful vintage sachets......

Not in the best shape but so pretty......

and gloves.....

and a bit of vintage velvet....

Beautiful vintage books.....

with beautiful faces.....

and flowers....

A vintage puzzle box....

with great graphics....

and inside.....

Gorgeous graphics took their turn.....

with labels....

vintage matchbook and matchbox covers....

words.....

and poems......

A few architectural pieces....

 

Gorgeous vintage silhouettes....

A grand serving fork.....

with amazing detailing.....

A bundle of sassafras root (smells wonderful).....

A lovely Madonna....

Didn't I tell you I found some wonderful items today?  That is just the first box....can you believe it?!?  <smile>

I will share more of my finds tomorrow but for now it's back to the studio.

Have a wonderfully blessed night everyone.

xo,

Lesley

Art-Is-You - Registration is Open......

 Good Morning Everyone!

I hope this post finds everyone doing well and feeling good this morning.  <smile>

I wanted to let you in on some news.....Art-Is-You - The East Coast Retreat is now open for Registration!!!!!  Woohoo!!!!!

Here are the classes that I will be offering.....

Keeper of Secrets & Dreams

~~~~~~

 
~~~~~~~

~~~~~~

~~~~~~

~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Inside The Vintage Album

~~~~~~

~~~~~

~~~~~

~~~~~~~~~

The Altered Cuff  

~~~~~~

~~~~

~~~~~

~~~~~~

~~~~~~~~

I love using stitching in my collages and art pieces and I know you will too.  I will have three sewing machines available for everyone to use so no need to haul your own.  Also, if you don't sew...don't worry.  We are going to be using the machines for decorative stitching to enhance our collages and are not going to be concerned with perfect seamstress abilities. 

These promise to be fun classes with lots of giggles, fun and creative energy filling our minds and I think if I can work it out just right Mr. Lesley will provide us with a few goodies to get us through the day too.  <smile>

Be sure to head over to the Art-Is-You website by clicking below and sign up.....it is an event you truly don't want to miss!!!

Blessings to you all!

Lesley

   
   

My Online Classes....

 

Hi Everyone,

Just wanted to keep everyone up-to-date on my online classes that will be starting soon at two venues:

At My Creative Classroom I will be doing three classes as follows (these classes are enrolling now):

1.  Mixed Media Tape Transfer Tags - This class was a hit last semester and is sure to be a hit again.  So if you would love to learn a new technique and create some beautiful altered shipping tags come join us by following this link:   http://www.mycreativeclassroom.com/course/info.php?id=254

2.  Altered Tin With Booklet - Want to learn how to create the tin that I had listed at Etsy?  Then this is the class for you.  We had a blast creating in this class as well and it is a wonderful way to make unique gifts for those special people in your life.  Follow this link:  http://www.mycreativeclassroom.com/course/info.php?id=204

3.  The Mage of Image Transfers - Over six weeks we will be learning six image transfer techniques for you to use in your mixed media and collage projects.  This link will be forthcoming so stay tuned.

On my NING Group, The Art of Altering, the following classes will be forthcoming:

1.  Creating the Perfect Background - In this class we will be using fluid chalks to create backgrounds and to add texture and depth to them.  From romantic to dramatic this is a class that everyone will enjoy and benefit from.

2.  Affirmation Necklace - In this class we will alter a small tin by aging and embellishing it.  Then we will create our affirmation collage.  Finally, we will use either vintage or newer beaded necklace to make our affirmation tin into a necklace. 

So stay tuned for lots of good stuff happening!

Blessings to you and yours this Tuesday morning!

Lesley

Wow, I listed a piece of art on Etsy!

Hi Everyone!

I have to tell you that I am only about a 10 days late with my New Year's Resolution but I finally listed a piece of original art in my Etsy shop!

It is one of my altered tins with the little booklets inside and I think it turned out pretty nifty.  *S*

I will post more tomorrow but just wanted to give a heads up.  Woohoo!!

Blessings to everyone!

Lesley

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=38347187

Making my way through...

Hi Everyone,

I can't believe it is 2010 and we have arrived on this side of the holidays a little worse for the wear but still surviving.

For my readers please let me apologize for being so absent as it was never my intention or desire.  I could go into the flus (yes two different and equally horrible strains) that we have passed around in our household of 3, the cold/snow, just trying to survive the recession and, most importantly, the loss of friends in their battles with cancer....but truly the fault is mine as I just allowed myself to pull within and regroup.  I know you are a forgiving bunch and even though I was not present I felt your presence with me.

For those that donated to the chip-in I created to help Tina Wright in her fight against colon cancer it saddens me greatly to say that she lost her battle last weekend.  The funds collected will either be sent to her family or to Stillwater Creek Boys and Girls Ranch, a favorite charity of Tinas.  Please say a prayer for her family and friends as they grieve the loss of this beautiful woman and artist.

I spent some time in my "new" studio right after Christmas (actually it is the 2nd kitchen in our home and we now have it set up as my studio (well it still has a refrigerator, stove and sink in it but hey artists get hungry too).  It was fun but my goodness how do we ever collect so much "stuff"?  I mean really how much do we need to create with?  <smile> 

Instead of going on and on with words I thought I would share some images of Christmas, our almost 2 feet of snow and studio images with you....

A few Christmas images....dried hydrangeas from a friend,

a white mum, bottle brush trees, a Christmas clock......

 

~~~~~~~~~

Mr. Lesley "loves" the snow, Lucy and  Clancy in the snow

garbage bags don't make good boots, neighborhood and trees.....

~~~~~~~~~

Studio - Collections, Vignettes......

  

~~~~~~~

Blessings to you all for a prosperous, healthy and love filled 2010.  Thank you so much for continuing to be there for us as we move into this new decade.  <smile>    Be on the lookout for my online classes at My Creative Classroom as well as classes that I will be offering on my new NING site "The Art of Altering", click below on the badge to come join us as we prepare to set our muses free for the New Year! 

 

   
Visit The Art of Altering

Hugs and Blessings,

Lesley

 

Local Classes, Online Classes and The Great Destash...

Good Morning Everyone!

Wanted to let everyone in on a few things that are happening here in the land of Mr. Lesley and moi.

First off if you are anywhere near Roanoke and would like to take local classes I am in the process of locating a local venue to teach from so stay tuned for more information.  Also, if you would like to post a comment or email me to let me know what you types of classes you would like to see me teach that would be great as well.

Up next, Online Classes.  I will be teaching three classes on My Creative Classroom for the Spring Semester which will include the Tape Transfer Tags and Altered Tin classes from last semester as well as a new class on various image transfer methods.  So stay tuned for links to those classes coming soon.  If you took either of the classes this semester and would like to share your experience here that would be great as well.  *S*

Along this same line Tom and I have begun a NING site for me to do a few online classes on that are separate from My Creative Classroom.  These classes are in the works but the site is up now so if you would like to join here is the link.  While the classes are being set up there will be discussions on various topics and I will also be setting up an "image bank" for us all to share vintage copyright free images to share the wealth.  There is no cost to join the group and the cost of the classes will be kept at a level where many will be able to take them.  The site is called The Art of Altering and can be visited here:  www.theartofaltering.ning.com.  Please come check us out and be gentle as we are just beginning our Ning experience and process.

Let me tell you....Tom and I have been destashing my studio and going through items (still) from our trips to Portland, Los Angeles and Arizona.  What does that mean to you?  Seven, yes seven, boxes of items and goodies that we will be posting for sale on our website and at our Etsy shoppe.  They will not go on all at once but over the next few weeks you will see some delicious items coming your way so check back often as we have already seen many things going very quickly.  In other words, if you want it, grab it.  *S*  Be on the lookout for new items to be listed this weekend!!!

The Shoppe at Flatwoods Website

The Shoppe at Flatwoods Etsy Site

Thank you everyone for the kindness, love and support you have shown Tom and I as we venture out and spread our wings a bit more.

Hugs,

Lesley

 

A Lesson Learned...

Good Evening Everyone,

Well, Tom and I learned a lesson regarding our website and how we should handle it while we are away for extended periods of time. 

Tom placed a message on our website The Wednesday before we left stating that we would be out of town and not shipping orders until after we arrived back home on October 7th.  It appears that this message was not seen by one of our customers who placed an order on the website and some ill feelings have been a result of this. 

So in the future I believe we will have to do more than just place a message in large letters stating the dates we will be gone and the date we will return and that shipments will not go out  until after our return. 

I am a sole proprietorship and we buy, invoice and ship on our own.  As those of you who know us from art retreats, our blogs and our website we pride ourselves on trying to go above and beyond with our products and service and this incident really has me shaken. 

I have tried explaining the situation to the customer to no avail.  I do not like leaving things not settled but all I can do is keep my side of the road clean.  What's the saying....stay calm and carry on.

Thank you all for letting me talk about this issue here.  We would love any ideas or hints on how others handle their sites while they are away for extended periods of time.

Blessings to you all,

Lesley

Happy Friday!!!!

Hi Everyone and Happy Friday to You All!

Just wanted to give everybody a heads up that Art & Soul is indeed having a retreat in Madison, Wisconsin and registration for that retreat will begin on October 11th (yes indeedy this weekend).

Please go check out the classes that are being offered (I am teaching 4 classes at this event).  Glenny and the gang have put together a terrific set of teachers, a great venue and I know that you will love, love, love everything you take away from the retreat.  Here is the link:

http://www.artandsoulretreat.com/madison-2010-workshops.php

Here is the link for A & S in Hampton, Virginia for 2010

http://www.artandsoulretreat.com/virginia-2010-workshops.php

Blessings to you all,

Lesley

 

 

Returning home....

Good Afternoon Everyone!!!

Wow, it feels like we have been gone forever and I guess to some extent we have been gone for an extended period of time. *S*

Our trek began on the 18th of September when we left for our "vacation" at the beach and ended when we returned from Art & Soul in Portland, Oregon last night. 

What an amazing group of people and event in Portland.  Glenny, Vonnie and the A & S Gang as well as Maria and the group from Collage made the event so wonderful and I can't wait to go back.  Mr. Lesley, along with his array of t-shirts from everywhere, became the A & S Fashionista and truly embraced his feminine side when he donned the pink Art & Soul sweatshirt. 

We got to hang out with Kerin & Charley from Remnant's of Olde and Jean from Charmed I'm Sure as well as my amazing students!!!!  Got to hug and talk to Kecia just for a moment and was able to send hellos to Judy Wilkenfeld by way of Mr. DeMeng.  Took a class with Opie and Linda and in addition to making a couple of cool jewelry pieces got to hear Opie play the accordian.  *S*

Do you remember when I took my first classes from Leighanna Light and I took like three classes from her?  She lovingly (well at least I think so) came to know me as her stalker.  Well, guess what....I got my own stalker and I do lovingly refer to Abby in that way.  Hi Abby!!!!  Thank you so much for believing in me and loving my style enough to take three of my classes!!!  I'm working on your private trunk show and will email you when it is ready.

Found some great antique shops, wonderful restaurants and forever friendships.  What more could one ask for?

I've missed blogging and that connection that can only be found in this Land O' Blog and I've missed my readers and reading posts.  So it is very n ice to be back home with our furry family and our own bed.  :)

Don't forget there is still time to join my two classes over at My Creative Classroom (see the links below my banner above). 

Blessings to you all!!!

Lesley

So, what did we find at the flea market...

Good Morning Everyone,

I have not shared with you  yet images of just a few of the goodies we found at the Hillsville Flea Market so I thought that would be a good Saturday morning post.

Hillsville is a small community in southwestern Virginia that welcomes about 400,000 people every Labor Day Weekend to their annual flea market.  This was my first visit and I cannot wait until next year.  First off I will prove that we were indeed at a southern flea market...

Where else could you find stuffed and mounted chickens?

Or walk around on the street with your guns?

Or eat  "fine fixins" at the Hillbilly Wok?

Or purchase hair for $5.00?

As a southern girl I know it takes all kinds and it is definitely what makes us special.  So ya'll sit back now and take a look at the "good stuff".......    *S* 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

   

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So, those were just a few of our finds.  I am still unpacking our little cart and am finding myself in awe once again that I found all of these wonderful goodies!!!f 

These items will be coming soon to Portland at Art & Soul and then on to the website.  If there is anything in particular that caught your eye please email me at flatwoodsfolkart@cox.net. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I also received a box from my mom yesterday and nestled inside were copies of images of her and my grandparents, a copy of my grandparents marriage license, a beautiful little soap/ring dish,two bowls and my Grandmother's soup tureen.....

 

Isn't it beautiful.

Have a blessed and creative day everyone!

Hugs,

Lesley