Lesley Venable: A Life Vignette

Creativity, Retreat News and Ice Resin Creations

The past few weeks have seen me in my studio filming videos for my new online class offering - Altered Vessels. This online class has well over 30 videos with information on creating everything from little pendants to large bottles with unique, one of a kind, focal points. My online classes are open 24/7 with no end date so no stressing out on finishing up your creations. While there is no end date there is a cut off time to sign up and that will be the end of May, 2013. You can check it out by visiting: www.theartofaltering.ning.com

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The internet and art world is abuzz with the news that Art Is....You is going Down Under!!! That's right, Australia here we come!!! The line up includes: Michael and Andrea DeMeng, Sue Pelletier, Kecia Frazee Deveney, Seth Apter and myself. I am sooooo very excited and cannot wait to bring this magic to everyone from Sal's neck of the woods.

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There has been some amazing creations being posted on the Ice Resin Blog by the Design Team Members....check these out....

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Have you tried ICED Enamels yet? If you haven't you really need to check them out by clicking the image below:

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I hope your Monday is blessed with creativity, love and happiness.

xo,

Lesley V.

Posted at 01:16 PM in A Life Vignette, Art Is You, Art Is....You - Down Under, artful musings, Ice Resin Team, My Creations, On The Road Again, Online Classes & Tutorials | Permalink | Comments (0)

Art Is You 2013.....Come Join Us!!

The 2013 Art Is You Website is live and ready for you to view...

In their words....

"Come. Join the Art is...You family in 2013 for a retreat that is all about Community through Creativity. Artists across the country are waking up to the power of each other, coming together.

Now in three venues: Nashville, Petaluma or Stamford, Art is...You is an ALL INCLUSIVE joyous week of art workshops, all lunches, panel sessions, heart starter mornings, and suppers each night."

You will be amazed at all that is offered when you attend one of these fabulous retreats that Sal & Ellen put together. I am so excited to be attending all of their retreats and to be a part of this amazing family. To be whisked away to the site just click their banner in this post.

xo,

Lesley V.

Posted at 10:10 AM in A Life Vignette, Art Is You, artful musings, Life, New Beginnings, Teaching Venue | Permalink | Comments (0)

My First Ice Resin Blog Post!

Hi Everyone!!! My first project as part of the Ice Resin Design Team is posted over on the Ice Resin Blog!!!

You can read all about my inspiration for this piece and the items I used to create it by visiting the Ice Resin Blog. Just click the image above to be whisked away and don't forget to check out the other projects, videos, tutorials and more!

xo,

Lesley V.

Posted at 03:47 PM in A Life Vignette, Ice Resin Team, My Creations | Permalink | Comments (12)

Thoughts on loss...

On Friday, our Clancy boy went to be with his sister Maggie. It was one of those decisions that was both hard and easy....I can't think of any other way to say it. So hard to say goodbye to such an important part of your family but made easier knowing it was the best thing for them.

Clancy Boy

Clancy, who was 11, and Maggie, who we lost when she was 9, came to us as puppies, brother and sister, two fluffy bundles of joy who stole our hearts and wrapped us immediately around their little paws. Sitting here now I can't even fathom the loss and thinking of the hole that is left makes my chest constrict with the pain.

PUPPIES

Maggie & Clancy - Together From The Beginning

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They were faithful and loyal and everything that you've ever read a good dog should be. They were happy and goofy and playful and little terrors and we loved them and they loved us. We were all loved and that is what is important here. Important for me to remember, important for me to know......important.

Clancy

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Maggie

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Maggie & Clancy.....Together Still

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On Sunday, what would have been my Daddy's birthday, the memories of him were mixed with the sadness of our loss of Clancy but then a peace came. I could see Clancy and Maggie with Daddy and his dog, Butch. I could see all of them happy and pain free and loved.

I could see Kecia's fur baby Kirby there with them too....everyone showing Clancy the places to explore, I could see the breeze ruffling their fur, the smile in their eyes and at that moment I didn't care if it was a Rainbow Bridge, or an open meadow or a warm hearth or the kind hand of a loved one gone before. It only mattered that we had loved them through this life and loved them enough to help them pass to the next one when their time had come. It mattered only that we had loved them with us and that we loved them still, so much, in their absence and that they had known that we did and do.

I am selfish, I would have all that I love here with me for always but it doesn't work that way and I would not give up one moment of time with them to be rid of the pain that is felt now. Not one moment.

Rest In Peace our golden fur babies....you are loved, missed and remembered.

xo,

Lesley V.

Posted at 10:29 AM in A Life Vignette, Faith, Family, Life | Permalink | Comments (9)

Time has flown.....

I cannot believe that it has been almost a month without me posting here! Wow, time does fly when you are knee deep in it. <smile>

The yard has been mown, the animals placed in someone's loving care, bags are packed and we are off for a week of beach time. I sooooooooo need it and I know that Mr. Lesley does too.

Artiscape was such a joy to be a part of. My classes were filled with the most amazing students and their creativity was awe inspiring!!! Yay! I cannot wait to be a part of this even again next year.

There are 4 new classes on my NING site, The ARt of Altering, Resin Techniques, Fabric Pendants, Matchbox Shrines and Altered Cabinet Cards.

We have also created the Melange Group over on the NING site. This is a pay for access group ($5.00 for one year or $10.00 for a lifetime) where I will post free tutorials (two are up already - Rusting & Patina and Dying Fabrics). There is a Melange Shoppe and the members of Melange get a 15% discount on all of the classes I offer on the site.

The new May Issue of Jeanne d'Arc Living is now available and ready to be shipped on May 15th.