Lesley Venable

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.

Being Grateful For What Is...

Hi Everyone!

Wow, we have had a whirlwind few weeks...first in Nashville, Tennessee for their first ever Art Is....You, then a business trip and then off to Dublin, Ohio for Artiscape.  We had amazing adventures along our way and met some wonderful new friends and reconnected with friends we have known and loved for years.  Beautiful art was created by all, lovely vendor items beckoned us and our wallets and the comaraderie was effervescent!  We cannot wait until next year to see all of you in Tennessee and Ohio again!

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The first quarter of this year has seen lots of changes, choices and decisions being made.  In this process I am having to learn to be grateful for what is and to let go of what will never be.  It has been a journey of a couple of years, an ongoing journey, but it seems like the time has just flown by as I have progressed through the various steps that needed to be taken.

I think the most important thing about my journey is that my art and creativity is a continuous saving grace in my every day life.  It is there when I pound pencil to paper breaking lead and more than scratching the surface and it is there when simple glue and paper is enough to quiet the inner fears, concerns and worries. 

I have started an unusual journal in which I have written several "gestalt letters".  I have collected words of wisdom from Pinterest....what a wonderful place to find just the right phrase for the moment (you see a spattering of them in this post).

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I have, in some ways, matured and grown up and into my art.  With the shedding of old ideas, concerns, fears and worries I have opened myself up to new experiences, deepening of friendships and I can feel the creative side of me following closely.

I have learned that there will be those that will always seek to bring you down, to create in you someone that you are not and who will always treat you as a scapegoat.  More importantly than that is that I have learned that I can forgive them and myself for placing me in those situations.  Creativity and Tom's great cookies help with the realization that I am worthy regardless of what anyone else thinks, feels or says.  Quite simply....I am worthy.

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Tom has been my biggest supporter and fan.  We have driven thousands and thousands of miles together.  I know he has my back and that he only ever wants what is best for me.  I feel the same about him.  My friends, my inner circle, my tribe....when I look at all of us I see those same qualities.  Generosity, beautiful spirits, giving natures, open hearts and pure acceptance.  It is a wondrous thing to behold and be a part of.

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We have already had two swaps completed over on the NING group, The Art of Altering...a tag swap and a tussie mussie swap.  Gorgeous creations.

May 5th kicks off the first new class of the year - The Altered Vessel.  Beautiful altered bottles done in my artistic style with organic soldering and some other  unusual touches. 

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The daffodils have bloomed, the Dogwoods are almost finished and the trees are covered in the green that only newness brings in the Springtime.  It is one of my most favorite times of the year and is clearly a reflection of my soul this season.  We will be listing items in the Etsy shop over the next weekend as we sort and go through boxes from Ohio.  Looking forward to cleaning house in the studio as well.  Eeek!!

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I hope your Spring has been wonderful and filled with new beginnings, new hope and new blessings. 

xoxo,

Lesley V.

 

 

Teaching Venues 2013

I wanted to just put a list of my teaching venues for 2013 up....

 

ART IS YOU....NASHVILLE

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ARTISCAPE - DUBLIN, OHIO

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CREATE - CHICAGO

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ART IS YOU...PETALUMA

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ART IS....YOU - STAMFORD, CT

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HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!!

XOXO,

LESLEY V.

 

 

 

Art Is......Illuminated!!!!!

Hi Everyone!!!

Wow, Art Is....You is coming to Nashville and it is just around the corner!!  We are so very excited to be a part of this inaugural event and can't wait to meet all of you who will be attending AIY for the first time!!

Kecia and I are very excited to be teaching the 2 day class, Illuminated Reliquary and we hope that you will decide to come and join us on this assemblage journey.

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We were at one of our favorite haunts in Roanoke when we stumbled upon these wonderful old, and large, glass negatives slides.  After some research, we found out that these images were created through a process known as collodion. The collodion process was introduced in the 1850’s and eventually replaced the daguerreotype.  Pretty cool, huh??

So thus the idea was hatched in our heads to create an art project paying homage to our unique find. At the same time, we also knew we wanted to add light to create a shrine - so thus our “illuminated reliquary” was born.

Both of us bring much to the table. In this 2 day class we will do a lot of planning, playing and building. We will be discussing assemblage and connection techniques to unite odd items together. We will be doing some basic soldering. We will learn how to duplicate interesting found objects through molding and casting (and Lesley will be happy to answer questions on things suitable for molding, . We will also learn ways to make items look older than they actually are. As our pieces come to life, we will be weaving a story of history and modern day as we take our images and lay out their next phase of life.

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So now that you've read about the journey from find, to idea, to class fruition why not come and play?  There are so many techniques that you will be learning in this two day class that your mixed media toolbox will be overflowing.  A finished project and a virtual toolbox full of awesome techniques....two of my very favorite things!

Here are just a few of the wonderful processes that we will be sharing....

1. Connectivity - connecting this to that and other things.
2. Use of Imagery to tell your story.
3. Assemblage Composition
4. Use of Basic Soldering
5. Creating Molds Using Found and Unusual objects.
6. Replicating items using our molds and apoxie clay.
7. Adding Age and Patina to old and new items.
8. Surface perparation techniques.
9. Adding color with inks, paints and more.
10. Working with Ice Resin to create unique pieces.
11. Goodies baked by Mr. Lesley to keep those artistic energies flowing.  :)

Whew!!!  Pretty good wouldn't you say?? 

To sign up for the class simply click the below image to be whisked away to the site....

 We hope to see you there!!!

xo,

Lesley V.

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Art Is...You - Nashville

Happy Valentines Day!!!!

I've been working on creating some new handmade hearts using several different techniques. 

The first thing I knew is I wanted it to have that organic look that I love while also being romantic.  So I created pieces to resemble pieces of broken china to be the focal point of the heart.  Can't wait to bring this class to Art Is You 2014!!! 

Add some soldering, vintage fabrics, lace and some other special touches here and there and you have some very heartfelt creations......

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Several of these flew from my hands and will landing in others' soon to wish them some special love in their day.

xoxo,

Lesley V.

An Etsy Sale and Other Art Is You Goodness.....

For the month of February I have set up a coupon code of HEART13 which will give you an amazing 13% off of your total order in my Etsy Shoppe, A Vintage Season.  Here are some of the amazing items you can find there currently and we have even more goodness that we will be adding this weekend.....

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More Art Is You Goodness from Sal & Ellen....

In 2013 we invite you to join a our magnificient faculty at three fabulous destinations:  (if you click each of the buttons below you will be magically swept away to that venue's site).

Andrea Matus deMeng Ann-Denise Anderson Bernie Berlin Betti Zucker Brenda Bliss Cindy Wunsch Kathleen Nesi Kecia Deveney Leighanna Light Lesley Venable Loretta Benedetto Marvel Margot Potter MaryBeth Shaw Michael deMeng Nellie Wortman Pam Carriker Richard Salley Sue Pelletier Sunny Carvalho Thomas Mann	Andrea Matus deMeng Carrie Clayden Cathe Holden Clarissa Callesen Connie Freedman Jennifer Whitmer Karen O'Brien Kecia Deveney Kelly Kilmer Leisel Lund Lesley Venable Lorri Marie Jenkins Lorri Scott Mary Beth Shaw Mary Neuer Lee Michael deMeng Rikki Schumacher Roxanne Stout Sharon Bolton Payne Tina Haller Tracy Verdugo	Albie Smith Andrea Matus deMeng Andrew Borloz Beryl Taylor Cat Kerr Dawn Gold Deryn Mentock Jane Blanco Jessica Jordan Papke Joanne Sharpe Jodi Ohl Kathleen Nesi Kecia Deveney Linda Willis Lesley Venable Loretta Benedetto Marvel Lynne Suprock Michael deMeng Michelle Ward Nancy Rafi Nancy Lefko Nellie Wortman Peggy Wilson Richard Salley Sandra Koterba Seth Apter Sue Pelletier Tracy Verdugo

Registration is now open for all of these fabulous retreats and workshops are filling swiftly. Our theme for 2013 is ART IS...LIFE. We are thrilled to introduce some new activities and opportunities at each venue. Special guests Ricë Freeman-Zachery and her wonderful Earl will be joining us in Nashville, Tracy and Teesha Moore will get those creative juices going in Petaluma, while the vivacious Melissa Bolton and Barbara Kessler will be back in Stamford.

Art is...ALL INCLUSIVE...This means that EVERY DAY you attend Art is...You, you will TAKE FLIGHT in a workshop of choice PLUS

• participate in a daily morning inspirational sessions
• enjoy coffee and tea at different times of the day
• sit down to a huge buffet luncheon with your friends
• take part in fun and artistic events in the evening
• receive treats and gifts from many of our faculty, vendors and sponsors
• enjoy handmade gifts from Ellen and Sallianne and so much more.

Why is Art is You so great? I could go on and on, but the main reason I love this retreat is that Art is You is an amazingly professional event, that cares about each and every instructor and student as if they were family. Oh?and Sal and Ellen make sure I have a martini waiting for me after each class (they actually don't, but I thought I'd thought I'd put it out there as a suggestion). Michael deMeng

Artists across the country are waking up to the power of each other, coming together. Be a part of the Art is...You movement!

We would love to welcome you.

Love Sallianne and Ellen

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Come join the magic in Tennessee, on the East Coast, the West Coast or all three!  It's amazing!!!!!

xoxo,

Lesley V.

 

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Art Is...You - Nashville

Are You Ready????

Art Is...You - Nashville

It won't be long now that the Art Is You Family will be heading to Nashville for some foot stomping, art making, class taking fun!!!!

2013 is the Inaugural Art Is You event in Nashville and while every single event that this lovely twosome, Sal and Ellen, puts on is awesome and amazing I know that you won't want to miss seeing just how much magic occurs when this family of artists comes together.

From get togethers in the mornings, to having your lunch provided if you have registered for an all day class (how awesome is that!), to a special tour of Bernie Berlin's A Place To Bark, Yoga sessions, Eat cake and create, the Art Trunk.....it's so amazing.....quite literally.

There are so many special activities that bring you together and I've not seen another retreat like it.  There is truly a sense of family, so many friendships are made and you see them grow and strengthen over the years and you find that as each retreat is drawing closer that the countdowns begin and that when you arrive the atmosphere is more like a reunion.  It's glorious.

Here is a list of the wonderful instructors that will be teaching in Nashville.....

Michael deMeng                                        Andrea deMeng

Ann-Denise Anderson                                Bernie Berlin

Lesley Venable                                         Margot Potter

Kecia Deveney                                          Nellie Wortman

Leighanna Light                                        Pam Carriker

Richard Salley                                          Sue Pelletier

Sunny Carvalho                                        Thomas Mann

MaryBeth Shaw                                        Kathy Nesi

Loretta Marvel                                        

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Here are images from some of the amazing classes (click the image to be linked to that class's description):

 

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So want to know the when, where, whats and hows???

Here are the basics....

Nashville, Tennessee

April 4th - 7th, 2013

Sheraton Music City Hotel

But, to learn so much more and to be dazzled by it all just click the below banner...

 

 

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We really hope to see you there.  I promise you won't be disappointed in your classes, the venue, the event, the Art Trunk, the food....it is indeed magical and it's just waiting for you to join in!!!

xoxoxo,

Lesley V.

 

 

 

 

 

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Are You Ready????

Art Is You....Nashville

Are You Ready????

It's so close you can smell the magic....the workshops are about to go live for Art Is....You and my oh my you will not be disappointed!!!

You can visit the website now (by clicking the below image) and read all about the events and soon you will have the ability to check out the workshops and register. 

Come be a part of the magic and join this wonderfully creative family.

xo,

Lesley V.

Art Is You....Nashville

Kecia and I have been working on an amazing two day class for Art Is You in Nashville and I am so excited!!!  There are so many cool techniques that we will be teaching and the finished creation is AWESOME!!!

Soon......

xo,

Lesley V.

Winner, Winner.....

Winner, Winner, chicken dinner?!?!?   Well, not exactly chicken dinner but definitely winners!!!

A few days late but here we are with Tom's picks for our Blog Giveaway to support the Art Community coming together for the victims of Sandy.

Giveaway #1 - A Full Day Class at Art Is You - Stamford is awarded to..............Judy Hand Pitts!!!!!

Giveaway #2 - A Full Day Class at Art Is You - Petaluma is awarded to..............Kathleen Abraham!!!!

Giveaway #3 - A Full Day Class at Art Is You - Nashville or Stamford or a free class on my Ning Group or one of my necklaces is awarded to........Betty Wisse!!!!

Giveaway #4 - 2012 Jeanne d'Arc Living Christmas Book - A Touch of France is awarded to..........Kathy Nessi!!!!

Giveaway #5 - An original, one of a kind, Filligree Heart Necklace is awarded to.......Terry Fryer!!!!

Giveaway #6 - An original, made to order, altered tin with booklet featuring your choice of image is awarded to......Aleta!!!!

If you have won an item that needs to be mailed to you please let me know the address to send it to.  If you have won a class I will notify Sal & Ellen.

Thanks to everyone who gave to this worthy cause, who entered the giveaway and to Mr. Lesley for officiating the drawing of names.

xoxoxo,

Lesley V.

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Hurricane Sandy Relief Giveaway

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