Lesley Venable

Final Week To Sign Up At A Discount...

I wanted to share with you images from the Spring Bundles Classes....just a peek....

Altered Cabinet Cards - We will be creating 3 uniquely altered cabinet cards (fabric enhanced, paper enhanced and paint enhanced).  Here is a taste of the first (remember you can hand sew, machine sew or no sew).....

 

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Fabric Pendants - Again - three uniquely created fabric pendants.  Just a taste....

 

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Matchbox Shrines - Small and large, flat and dimensional.....

 

 

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Resin Techniques - Could not really decide what image to post so just decided to do a list of things you will learn....

1. Mixing
2. Pouring
3. Getting Rid of the Bubbles
4. Filling
5. Coloring
6. Creating Links
7. Creatle Bobbles
8. Resin Paper
9. Additives

Remember for the next week the cost is $28.00.  After that classes will be individually priced.  The classes are all video, no end date and they are up 24/7 for you to view.  No stressing here.

THE DISCOUNTED PRICE FOR THE SPRING BUNDLE EXPIRED 04/01/2012.  The classes can all be purchased individually at www.theartofaltering.ning.com

xo,

Lesley V.

Me, Myself and I - A Quarterly Review

At the end of 2011 I opened wide my soul and bared to all how depression had affected me and those around me.  It was a scary revealing done with a heavy dose of timidness and trepidation.  But, thankfully, mixed in with that fear was the relief that comes from a letting go, an opening up, a release.  I received so many emails and messages regarding that post that I wanted to share with everyone where I am on this journey of healing.

Recently I had a moment of clarity.  Now this moment was monumental in showing me how far I had come but unfortunately it came from a not so good time.  You know those times when you completely have to show your a$$ to see how wrong you are?  Yep, well that's what happened here.  Tom and I have set up ways that we want to be able to communicate when something's come up that the other isn't liking.  Yep, you have to do that when you are trying to relearn things that have been embedded from a long time ago.  <smile> 

Anyway, I, for some reason, needed to make this particular situation all about me, my needs, what I wanted, etc., etc., etc.  It created quite a bit of friction and a bit of an argument ensued.  In that flash of anger on my part I realized that it really wasn't about me, didn't need to be and as much as I thought I wanted it to be it never would be.  I was totally reading so much more into one single statement than it really meant and in that realization I saw that I was creating the set up for the argument.  Wow!  That was like a 1,000 watt lightbulb being switched on. 

So what was the good that came out of it?  Well, there were really several things that happened....

1. I realized that I could just hear what Tom was saying and instead of hearing my interpretation of it I could just trust that it meant what he said.  Nothing more, nothing less.  Geeze, how is that for a brainiac moment??? 
2. I saw in that flash of anger, and truly it was a flash, that I didn't like me like that at all.  In the past that way of reacting had served it's purpose...not really sure how but I believe that when my ex would become abusive (physically, mentally or emotionally) that if I allowed myself to become angry I could blame the anger on his abuse and not blame me just for being me.  Not sure that makes sense but just so you know my belief about that now is that I in no way caused or created his abusiveness....it was his issue and not mine. 
3. Finally, and I think the most important thing that I saw, is that I didn't feel ashamed.  My little outburst happened at the counselor's office, in front of her, and although I was embarassed it happened I did not feel ashamed by my behavior.  This was huge for me.  HUGE!!  You see to feel embarassed it is about my action but to feel ashamed or shame over it is about me as a human.  Truly, I cannot remember a time when I have not taken on a bit of shame about one thing or another.

So here I am, 3 months into the new year, feeling pretty good about my progress.  There aren't so many steps and hops back.  I feel a steady progression forward with just a few times where I sit idly in place.  I see all of my relationships improving and I am enjoying all that is happening. 

I am always aware of the strong and loving support system that my family and friends have wrapped around me like a huge comforter and I carry that with me always.  They have never wavered from their support and I have tried to show my gratitude to them but I don't know if I could ever convey to them what a blessing they are.

There is much to be grateful for.

xo,

Lesley V.

A Perfect Time For Affirmations...

 

Sometimes it feels like no matter what street I drive down, what store I shop in or who I talk to there is evidence of the havoc this economic downturn has created. 

I know how difficult it is to get in the studio and create something positive and beautiful when it seems like everything is crashing down around us and I know how much, at times like these, working with affirmations is the last thing on my mind.  Unfortunately, these are the times when it is most important to use those affirmations to create a positive wall of energy around ourselves to deflect the negativity that tries to work its way into our soul.

One of the best "get out of yourself" affirmations I know is to perform Random Acts of Kindness (RAK).  In the past when we would go out to eat we would look for someone dining alone or someone that just struck us as needing a boost and we would buy their meal anonymously.  Of course times have changed and we, like a lot of you, are watching every penny we spend.  BUT, RAKs aren't about the money spent they are about what it does to the other person's heart, how it uplifts them and gives them hope.  For that to happen no money is required.

Here are some ideas for wonderful cost free and almost cost free random acts of kindness...

1. Go to the Dollar Store in your area and purchase a pack of index cards, even recipe cards.  Write positive quotes on the cards and carry them with you in your purse, backpack, fanny pack, etc.  When you stop for your coffee, your groceries, at the library...leave one of the cards for someone to find. 
2. Purchase a pack of playing cards and create ATCs with simple art work on the front and a message of hope on the back - if you want to stay anonymous just don't sign.  Carry these with you and as in step 1 spread the love where you go.
3. You know those annoying papers you sometimes find on your windshield promoting the newest restaurant, etc.?  Why not put your notes of encouragement there?
4. Know someone that has recently lost a loved one or has had critical diagnosis?  Purchase a few cards from the Dollar Store and send them at different intervals.  Fill them with words of hope and encouragement.  Put a coupon in one that is good for a free ice cream cone or bouquet (no need to purchase just keep your eyes open for coupons and special offers).
5. Want to spend a bit of money?  Buy a grocery card for a family in need or order a flower bouquet (pay cash so that it is truly anonymous).
6. The most anonymous act of kindness I know of is to simply add someone to your prayer list. 

What I have found is that when I perform Random Acts of Kindness I feel more gratitude for what I have in my life.  Getting out of my own problems allows me to reach out in a way that I can't if I am staying stuck on my issues. 

I hope that your Friday is filled with promise, hope and abundant blessings.

xo,

Lesley V.

 

 

Fabric Pendant

Hi Everyone!

I wanted to share with you a fabric pendant that I recently created.....

 

 

This class is part of the Spring Bundle of Classes that I am doing over on my NING group (www.theartofaltering.ning.com).  You can read more about the classes and purchase the bundle by clicking  >>HERE<<.

It's a great bargain and the items we are creating are awesome!!!  Sign-up at the special rate is only through April 2nd.

Hope to see you there!!

xo,

Lesley V.

Jeanne d'Arc Living Magazine....

Happy Tuesday Everyone!!!

I'm so excited about being able to bring the Jeanne d'Arc Living Magazine to you here and if you haven't ever seen one believe me when I tell you they are so totally awesome that even when they weren't printed in English I would order one and sit forever just soaking up the lusciousness of it.  Yes, they are that wonderful!!  I promise!

 

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I have a mere 19 of this wonderful magazine available to purchase for each edition so if you are interested please go ahead and pre-order when I post about them. 

 

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The tones and colors, the images and inspiration...all I can say is YUMMY!

 

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Something else that is totally awesome....no advertisements...that's right, just pure, uninterrupted, swoon worthy delights from cover to cover.

 

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So, if you are ready for Spring and ready to be inspired beyond belief hit the Buy Now Button below to pre-order your copy of this wonderful magazine.  You will not be disappointed.

 

xoxoxo,

Lesley V.

If you are on Pinterest I would love to have this pinned.  Thanks!!

A Journey In Heart and In Soul.....

Hi Everyone!

I hope this Monday finds you doing well and feeling very blessed. 

ROAD TRIP!!!!  

 

My friend and fellow artist, Kecia Deveney, is going on an amazing road trip across the U.S. on her way to teach in California.  To help fund her trip she is selling some amazing jewelry pieces.  This is truly a journey of her heart so it is very fitting that all of the pieces are heart themed.  The pieces are going fast so be sure that you pop over to Kecia's blog to read more about her amazing journey and why this is such a special time for her.  (Click on the image above or her name to be whisked away).

I received the following email this morning and I must say it has made my morning.  I wanted to pass it along to you to encourage, to strengthen, to liberate....

  Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.

Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.

We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant,
gorgeous, talented, fabulous?

Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.

Your playing small does not serve the world.
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking
so that other people won't feel insecure around you.

We are all meant to shine, as children do.

We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.

It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone.

And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously
give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear,
our presence automatically liberates others.

 

a return to love - Marianne Williamson

Isn't that beautiful?  I loved it and hope you did too!

xoxoxo,

Lesley V.

 

 

 

 

 

Artiscape...

Happy Tuesday Evening Everyone!

So excited about being back in Ohio in April for the 10th Anniversary of Artiscape.  Just found out today that one of my classes is full and the other two are well on their way to being full.  Woohoo!  I love teaching and these steampunk inspired classes are so much fun!

If you are close to Columbus, Ohio you should think about coming for a class or two and the wonderful Marketplace that Friday evening and Saturday and then the Outsider Artist Fair that Sunday.

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THE DISCOUNTED PRICE FOR THE SPRING BUNDLE EXPIRED 04/01/2012.  The classes can all be purchased individually at www.theartofaltering.ning.com

The Spring Bundle classes pre-registration opened up today and will close on April 2nd.  I decided to bundle some more classes  because the holiday bundles were so much fun to do.  There are four classes for the $28.00 and you can read about them in the other post dated March 13th or by visiting the Main page of my NING Group, The Art of Altering - www.theartofaltering.ning.com

Have a great night!

xo,

Lesley

 

Spring Bundles.....

For me this past weekend was a turning point and though Spring has not officially begun in my heart I feel the freshness of a new season both outside my windows and inside my soul.  Last year carried some of the darkest times for me but I am beginning to feel like this butterfly that is emerging from that cocoon.

The holiday bundle online classes were so much fun to put together that I decided to put together a Spring Bundle too.  This bundle will be made up of four classes that are ones that I have not taught either online or at previous retreats.  As always, the classes are open ended, ready for you 24/7, video classrooms and no stress to meet a completion date.  Pretty cool huh?

Here are the classes offered in this bundle:

1. Altered Cabinet Cards - I love collecting cabinet cards and if you do too then you know that there are some out there that just really aren't that good.  They may be faded, a bit tattered....well, you get the picture (no pun intended).  These make great additions to fabric wall hangings, as part of a journal cover or simply hanging on their own.
2. Match Box Shrines -  Here I go with little mystery boxes.  We will be altering not only the small match boxes but the larger ones as well.  Perfect for sharing a message or holding a surprise. 
3. Fabric Pendants - Wonderful fabric pendants that can be sewn or not.  These are beautiful little canvases to wear or give as gifts.
4. Resin Techniques - The information in this class is what I have learned along the way.  I have loved resin for a very long time and I actually purchased some resin two years before I started using it.  Why?  Because it terrified me...all the talk of perfect measurement, stirring, the bubbles....it made my heart palpitate to think about it.  One day I decided to just do it and now I am a true advocate of resin.  If you've been timid about using resin then come on and join in.  From mixing to final projects it will be here.

Now for the particulars:

• Pre-registration begins today and ends on April 2nd.
• The cost of the Spring Bundle is $28.00.  That's a savings of $32 over purchasing the classes individually after April 2nd (for all 4).
• After April 2nd the classes will cost $15.00 each.
• Classes will go live on April 30th (remember there is no end date)
• You will be sent an invitation into the classrooms within 24 hours of purchasing.  Even though the videos won't be live until April 30th you will have time to get to know each other.

To purchase the Spring Bundle just click the Buy Now Button:

THE DISCOUNTED PRICE FOR THE SPRING BUNDLE EXPIRED 04/01/2012.  The classes can all be purchased individually at www.theartofaltering.ning.com

If you have any questions please let me know by emailing me at lesleyev@aol.comor by leaving a comment here.  Also, if you use Pinterest you can now pin this post by clicking the "Pin It" on the post's footer.  Spreading the word is a good thing and I would so very much appreciate it.

Thank you for being a part of my creative journey.

xo,

Lesley

 

 

 

Prills - Redux...

Prills, Prills, Prills!!

The UsArtquest Prills Blog Hop is today and with my Mom's stroke at the end of the year and all that has happened with that I have not been online very much lately.  I was so intent on preparing my blog post for tomorrow over at the UsArtquest blog that the hop completely slipped my mind.  With that being said, and since I am at the necessary job, I am reposting a Prills tutorial from my earlier guest post.

 I have to apologize for my hands in these images as I have been working with patina solution for the last week and I haven't yet learned my "wear gloves" lesson.  Oh well, I have a nice verdigris finish to show for it.

I have fallen in love with Prills....truly.  There are so many applications wrapped up in these wonderful little pearls of delicious color that I can't seem to quit looking for new ways to create with them!

Earlier in the month, on Valentine's Day, I did a tutorial on making a little collage quilt valentine that was edged out in prettiest pink prills and today they will become an addition to a vintage tin ornament.

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Here are the supplies you will need:

Perfect Paper Adhesive - UsArtquest

Prills - UsArtquest (Midnight At The Oasis)

Diamond Glaze

Image

Vintage or new tin

Crop-A-Dile or other metal punch

Wire for loop - Aged if you desire

Ribbon

Bowl/disposable container

Jewelry Tools - just for curling your wire - you can also wrap it around a pencil to make the curls

The first step is to punch a hole at the top of your tin using a Crop-a-dile or other metal punch.

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Next cut your image to fit the bottom of your tin.  Using your finger or a brush cover the bottom of your tin with a thin layer of Perfect Paper Adhesive.

Place your image into the bottom of the tin and run your finger over its surface to be sure that the image will adhere well.

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Bend your wire in half to form a loop...

Feed the ends through the hole you punched earlier.

Using jewelry pliers or a pen or pencil make curls in the ends of the wire.

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 Next run a line of PPA around the outer edge of your image inside the tin.

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 Pour your prills into your tin and agitate the tin just a bit to make sure that all of the PPA line is covered.

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Over a disposable bowl or other container pour out the loose prills.  Be sure to put them back in their little jar for your next prill creation.  :)

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Next, put Diamond Glaze (or any other dimensional glaze over the part of your image that remains exposed.

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Let the dimensional glaze dry overnight, add your ribbon, hang and enjoy!

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See how cool the little prills look even under the glaze?  They would be awesome set in resin too.  Hmmmmm, I think another prill idea is brewing!

Be sure to check out all of the wonderful tutorials being posted by other Design Team Members!!!

xo,

Lesley V.

Happy Monday!!!

Hi Everyone!

Hope that your Monday morning is going well after the time change this past weekend!!! 

Some of you may be thinking I forgot about the Blog Giveaway but I promise I didn't.  In fact, there are probably only 4 of you that entered the blog giveaway so I decided that instead of choosing 1 that I would create something for each of you.  With that being said please email me your mailing address to lesleyev@aol.com so that I can send that out to you.

Right now everything seems to be starting to bloom here.  The Flowering Quince, Forsythia, Camelia and Daffodils are in full force here and I know it won't be long until the Redbuds and Dogwoods are in bloom too.  Love, love, love this time of year!!!!! 

On my work table this past weekend were some thimbles that I purchased about a year ago to create pendant tassels.  I was inspired again by one I saw while scouring Pinterest about a week ago and decided to make a few.  Here is one of them.....

 

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I also worked on two altered tins that I hope to show you later this week.  It has been such a blast working on these items and being back in the studio.

Tomorrow I will be doing my guest post on the UsArtquest blog on creating simple mica charms.  Hope you will come check it out.

Have a wonderful day everyone!

xo,