Flatwoods Folk Art

Art & Soul Virginia Beach 2012 - Registration Begins Tomorrow...

Hi Everyone!!!

Just in case you didn't already know, registration for Art & Soul Virginia Beach 2012 begins tomorrow and you know there will be a flurry of activity happening with people signing up for classes and what not.

If you haven't already seen the line up of workshops click:   ~~~~HERE~~~~

The event is being held in a gorgeous hotel in Virginia Beach and I know you won't want to miss out on this one.  :)  Couldn't you stand a few days of this.....

Rooms are going very fast so if you want to get in on the action check out the Venue information ~~~~HERE~~~~

Just a taste of my classes.......

 

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I am also doing the Steampunk Shrine and the Trio of Transfers classes.

Hope to see you there!!!

xo,

Lesley

 

 

A Soul Rockin', Heart Stoppin', Blog Hoppin' Mixed Media Book Tour AND Plenty of Giveaways!!!!!

 

A couple of years ago I was fortunate enough to find myself taking an awesome class with Kerin Gale and Charley Slaughter.  Kerin and I became fast friends and when I traveled to Portland to teach and we went antiquing together that friendship was solidified and it has continued to grow and develop.  I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to talk to Kerinny during the writing of her book, The Inspired Remnants Curious Dreams, and of course I was in awe of all of the beautiful creations that were flowing from her mind through her hands and out of her studio.  

Kerin's book is like no other that you will find and the techniques and processes that it opens up to you will simply blow you away.  It is amazing what can be created using the Epoxy and Apoxy Clays and I promise it will open up a whole new world to you and may well take you in an entirely new direction with your art.

My first experience using the apoxy clay was in the Vintage Gentlemen class that Kerin and Charley offered at Art and Soul in Hampton.  It was amazing how easy it was to work with the clay and I found myself thinking of all of the ways I could incorporate it into my art before I ever left the classroom.  That's how inspired you will be when you see the projects in this book...projects that will have you returning over and over to Kerin's book for new projects, tips and tricks and inspiration.

After taking a class where I created bezels using metal and soldering I thought I would try make bezels using the Apoxy Clay.  This was my first project that I created in my studio using the apoxy clay.  I am teaching the Bezels of Beauty at Art Is You in both Danbury and Petaluma....check them out at:  www.art-is-you.com and come join me in  making some of these wonderful bezels!!

 
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I have also created altered books using apoxy clay for the molded covers...

 

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This blog tour is going to showcase creations by those of us already working with Apoxy Clay while introducing you to Kerin and her new book.  Then, for the icing on this wonderful cake, you will have the opportunity to win some amazing, AMAZING, prizes from Kerin, Northlight and all of the sponsors of this Wonderful and Stupendous Event!!!!

Visit these participating blogs along the way — the following is a calendar of dates each participant will be posting their wonderful information, art examples and giveaways.

May 1
Kerin Gale
Remnants of Olde: http://RemnantsOfOlde.com/posts

May 2
Alicia Caudle
Altered Bits: http://alteredbits.wordpress.com/

May 3
Lesley Venable
Flatwoods Folk Art: http://www.flatwoodsfolkart.typepad.com/

May 4
Christine Lehto
Lilly Bug Studio: http://lillybugstudio.com/blog/

May 5
Seth Apter
The Altered Page: http://thealteredpage.blogspot.com/

May 6
Nancy Perennec
Little Bit Wired: http://littlebitwired.blogspot.com/

May 7
Jen Cushman
ICE Queen Zine: http://www.iceresin.com/category/inspired-remnants-blog-tour/

May 8
Happy Mother’s Day!

May 9
Beth Robinson
Strange Dolls: http://strangedolls.wordpress.com/

May 10
Brenda Schweder
Brenda Schweder Jewelry: http://www.brendaschweder.com/

May 11
Esther Verschoor
Vanessie Art Dolls: http://vanessies.blogspot.com

May 12
Kecia Deveny
Lemoncholy’s Flight of Fancy: http://www.lemoncholys.blogspot.com/

May 13
Rachel Whetzel
A Year In The Life Of An Art Journal: http://oneyearartjournal.blogspot.com/

May 14
Shannon LeVart
MissFickleMedia.com: http://missficklemediacom.blogspot.com/

May 15
Marlaine Verhelst
Marlaine Verhelst Art Dolls: http://marlaineverhelst.com/blog/

May 16
Lisa Jurist
Mud Hound Studio: http://mudhoundprimitives.blogspot.com/

May 17
Michelle Bernard
Yesterday’s Trash: http://michellereneebernard.blogspot.com/

May 18
Kerin Gale
Remnants of Olde – Alan Rogerson feature: http://RemnantsOfOlde.com/posts

May 19
Facebook Party!
Apoxie Clay & Epoxy Clays Page: https://www.facebook.com/#!/home.php?sk=group_158159677562761

So, wanna know what you could win?????  Well, each of the blogs participating will be giving away these wonderful prizes to some very lucky artists out there (Please note that all physical prizes (i.e. non digital prizes) will be awarded to US participants only.  Access to Online Workshops and Digital Collage Sheets will be sent anywhere, worldwide.).

A) The book: Inspired Remnants, Curious Dreams by Kerin Gale.  This will be mailed directly to the winner from Northlight Books.

B) One Aves Power Pack (selection of their most popular formulas)  from http://AvesStudio.com.  (This will be mailed directly to the winner from Aves Studios)

C) Fluid Chalks Online Workshop by moi on my The Art Of Altering site which features many other awesome online workshops.  More information about this workshop can be found here: http://theartofaltering.ning.com/group/fluidchalksbackgroundsbeyond

D) Two Digital Collage Sheets of your choice by Alicia Caudle of Altered Bits.  You can see her unique and cool collections at http://alteredbits.com/digital-collage-sheets.php

E) Sample pack of Silputty 40 silicone putty mold mix from Silpak.  This is the formula Kerin recommends in the book that has the longer cure time.  If you want to order any of these materials or have any questions, call Jerry at Silpak 909-625-0056.  He was her technical advisor for the book and so it’s great that you can talk to him directly and get any assistance you may need!!!

F) 1 OZ ICE Resin and a mixed metal bezel from http://www.iceresin.com/

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Grand Prizes For Book Reviews

Any reader that writes a review ~ however short or long ~  of Inspired Remnants, Curious Dreams on amazon.com before July 31, 2011 and sends an email with the title “Inspired Remnants Review” to remnants.art@gmail.com will be entered in a drawing to win one of these prizes.  Please note that your honest opinion is wanted on this review.  Please note that all physical prizes (i.e. non digital prizes) will be awarded to US participants only.  Access to Online Workshops will be available worldwide.

A) The art piece featured on the cover of the book, “Sacred Totem”

B) Power Pack plus extra Fixit Sculpt clay from Aves Studio

C) A Frozen Charlotte Doll with digital tutorial “How To Crackle Charlottes” from Alicia Caudle of http://alteredbits.com

D)  Resin Clay Pendants online workshop by Kerin Gale from http://MixedMediaArt.ning.com

E)  Vintage Gentleman online workshop by Kerin Gale from http://MixedMediaArt.ning.com

F)  Choice of any one workshop being taught by Kerin and Charley at Art Is You retreat in Petaluma, CA.  The registration fee and workshop cost are both waived.  http://www.art-is-you.com/mysitecaddy/site3/generalinformation-westcoast.htm

G)  One copy each of Jen Cushman’s book, Explore, Create, Resinate and Susan Lenart-Kazmer’s book, Making Connections plus ICE Resin and a selection of bezels all from http://www.iceresin.com/

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Still Want More??????? 

During the blog tour (from May 1st through May 19th), you can get $5 off Kerin Gale’s ground-breaking and hugely inspirational book Inspired Remnants, Curious Dreams bundled with her amazing online workshops.  All you have to do is enter “Flatwoods Folk Art” in the note section when you check-out through Paypal and you will receive the $5 back.  What a fantastic deal!

   
Resin Clay Pendants Workshop + Book = $35 + shipping  (only $30)
http://www.etsy.com/listing/63483761/inspired-remnants-book-and-resin-clay

   
Vintage Gentleman Workshop + Book = $40 + shipping  (only $35)
http://www.etsy.com/listing/27210387/inspired-remnants-book-and-vintage-gent

       
Both Workshops + Book =  $70 + shipping  (only $65)
http://www.etsy.com/listing/72931590/inspired-remnants-book-super-bundle-with
Enjoy your journeys and good luck!!

OR, if you already have her book, any of her online workshops will be a mere $15!!!  go peek at her shop now!

PLEASE NOTE: Just leave a comment for one entry to win one of these fabulous prizes (every blog on the tour has about this many so hooray!). Get more chances to win by sharing info about the book tour!!! When you leave your comment just say where you posted (facebook, twitter, your blog, etc.) Each post is worth one entry in my drawing!

So, to win on my blog....

1.  Leave A Comment With Your Name and Email Address

2.  Get another entry by posting about the blog hop on Facebook, Twitter or your Blog

To Win the Grand Prize....

1.  Leave a review of this amazing book on Amazon.com (see the link above)

To Have More Chances To Win...

1.  Visit all of the sponsors blogs during the blog tour and enter to win their prizes too!!!

 

 Have fun, good luck and happy creating!!!

xo,

Lesley

 

 

An Amazing Event Is Coming....

Good Morning Everyone!!

An amazing event is coming to a computer near you...have you heard??? 

The Artful Gathering is a unique opportunity to enjoy the experience of a conventional art retreat right in the comfort of your own home or studio!!  How cool is that?  Right now just $5 will hold your seat for this wonderful artistic journey that will run from July 16th through August 20th.

Want to learn more?  Just click on the below image and you will be whisked away to the blog.....

There are 17 teachers, moi is included, each offering up an amazing class and Gail and Zinnia, the creators of The Artful Gathering, have been working very hard to create a wonderful experience for everyone participating.

I am super stoked and cannot wait go along on this creative journey with you so I hope you will visit the blog, read the class descriptions, learn about the teachers and if you have any questions you can post them here or ask Gail or Zinnia directly from the blog site.

Have a wonderful Sunday and hope to "see" you at The Artful Gathering!!

xo,

Lesley

 

Paper Cowgirl - Part 2

So I wanted to let everyone know that the Paper Cowgirl Retreat is almost sold completely out so if you are even considering attending this wonderful retreat you need to get on over there and sign yourself up!

To read about it click the banner below:

 

To sign up click the button below:

 

See ya'll there!!!

Lesley

 

Paper Cowgirl Retreat Registration is Now Open!!!!!

Hi Everyone!!!

The Paper Cowgirl Retreat held in Waxahachie, Texas in June is now open for registration and from what I am hearing the classes are filling up already!!

 

There are some amazing classes so please check it out by clicking on the banner above. 

Hope to see ya'll there!!!

xo,

Lesley

 

 

Altered Canvas Class - Pre-Registration.....A Sweet Deal!!!

 
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(above images show a few examples but do not show the

piece I have created for the class as that will be revealed in the videos)

The new Altered Canvas Class will go live as of March 20th so I thought I would sweeten the pot for those of you that would like to take the class.  If you pre-register for the class by Sunday, February 20th you will receive the following:

1.  Pre-Registration Class Fee of $40.00

2.  Altered Canvas Kit at no additional cost to you.  This is a HUGE deal as these kits will include vintage images, vintage hardware, laces, scraps, antique/vintage ephemera and more (these kits will be valued at $15.00 (or more) so the cost of the class would be $25.00)

3.  You will be allowed into the group prior to the videos going live so that you can see the supply list in order to gather your other supplies and get settled in.

4.  You will be registered to win the actual canvas that I will be creating in the videos.  The winner of the canvas will be drawn on March 18th.

5.  By pre-registering you will be guaranteed an Altered Canvas Kit as my supplies will be limited.

 Now is the time to sign up for this class....we will be learning lots of techniques that you will be able to use in your other creations as well so I hope you will join us.

 As an added bonus for everyone that pre-registers and who blogs about the class you will be given a code to receive 10% off of one purchase from our Etsy Store, A Vintage Season.  Each code will be exclusive to you and your blog so you will need to email me the link to your blog post so that I can forward your code to you.

 Here is a link to our Etsy Store:    http://www.etsy.com/shop/AVintageSeason?ref=hdr

 How is that for adding a little sugar to the mix????

 For those that have taken my classes online and in person I believe you know me well enough to know that I love to share ideas, techniques, links and more.  You will definitely get your money's worth with this class and I hope you will take me up on this wonderful pre-registration offer.

 Hope to see you there!!!

 xo,

Lesley

P.S.  To pre-register go to the main page of the group here:  http://theartofaltering.ning.com/

Good News Part Two....

So today brings the day that I can announce Part 2 of our Good News!!!!  Actually I think is is Part Three...Part One Being Named as a Design Team Member of Paper Imagery Designs, Part Two becoming a New Mommy and Part Three.......

 

I will be teaching at the Paper Cowgirl Event in June, 2011 along with some other amazing Teachers.....Pamela Huntington, Ann Denise, Lisa McIlvain, Sandra Feazel and more!!!!

This retreat is awesome and if you are anywhere near Waxahachie, Texas you need to come and take part in the Southern Hospitiality and Creativity that is offered here!!!!  Okay, okay.....it's really close to Dallas so don't worry you aren't out in the middle of nowhere but I can tell you that this quaint town offers so much!!  I can't hardly wait to visit the Haunted Catfish Plantation again (you just can't get good catfish up in Virginia), create some gorgeous art and sit around sipping sweet tea (perhaps Margarita Style).

Check it out, check us out and come and join the fun!!!!

xo,

Lesley

 

 

Art Retreat Love - Art Is You - You are Going to LOVE This!

Just a few moments ago I opened an email from none other than Sal & Ellen of Art Is You and I was blown away!

If you have been considering attending either of the Art Is You Art Retreats (Petaluma, CA or Danbury, CT) you need to read on and get ready to register.  This is the time! 

Here is what the email said:

WIN BACK YOUR REGISTRATION! -  Anyone who has already registered and anyone who registers from now until midnight on January 31st will go into a draw to win back their complete registration.  Don't waste another minute - secure your place today.

 
Click the above banner to be taken to the Art-Is-You Website.  Then in the Upper Left of the Page you can choose either Petaluma or Danbury to see the amazing list of teachers and their workshops!!!

 

This is truly an amazing event and if you have the opportunity to attend one, or better yet, both I can guarantee you will have the most amazing time!!!!  Let me know if you will be at either event....I always love to meet people who have stopped by my blog. 

Xo,

Lesley

 

 

An Online Class, A Great Cause & Supplies At Awesome Prices...

Good Morning Everyone!

Welcome to the first Monday of this New Year!!!  I hope it finds you feeling well rested, blessed and ready to tackle those New Year's Resolutions you have set for yourself.  <smile>

As most of you know I love working with Fluid Chalks.  I use them in just about everything I create, in some form or fashion, and love teaching how to use them.  In fact I love teaching the many uses of fluid chalks so much that I even have an online class dedicated solely to that purpose.  This online class has several videos that show the various ways to incorporate them into your creations and for those who are not able to travel to a retreat to take classes but have access to a computer this is a wonderful (and truly affordable) way to learn all about them.  If you are interested in taking the online class check it out at our NING Site by visiting:  www.theartofaltering.ning.com and look in the left sidebar for the information.  If you have questions you can post them here or email me.

So why the post on Fluid Chalks?  Well, this weekend two of my students for A & S Vegas, Carolyn & Laurel, emailed me to let me know that you can find really affordable Colorbox Cat Eyes at the online store A2Z Scrapbooking Supplies.  They also carry the beautiful new 7 Gypsies papers, rub-ons, stamps, Stayz-On Ink Pads and all sorts of other wonderful supplies so be sure to shop around while you are there.  This online store is completely run by volunteers because the site helps support Celiac Disease and Behcets Disease Research.  I encourage everyone to visit the store and look to see if they have any of the supplies you need for your home studio or for retreat classes.  Thank you Carolyn & Laurel for letting us in on this most awesome site!!

Just a note:  If you are going to be taking my online class or a class with me at a retreat, I like to work with the Cat Eye Pads.  You can purchase them as a single pad or in a Queue.  The larger pads and the Petals don't work well for me as I don't like how they feel in my hands. 

These backgrounds were done using a combination of fluid chalks and other mediums:

 

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Have a wonderful day everyone!!!

xo,

Lesley

 

2011 Teaching Venues.....

I thought I would post my Away from Home 2011 Teaching Venues.....please remember that due to circumstances beyond my control some of these may change and more will be added.......

ART BY THE HEARTH

At The Homestead in Scarsdale, NY

Altered Assemblage Angel

Saturday, 8 January 2011
9:00am - 4:30pm
$100.00 (includes lunch)

The Story

After my Daddy retired he began creating some of the most amazing Folk Art figures.  He did limited editions and so it was a wonderful thing that my mom, sister and I were among the 25 that would enjoy his labors of love.  After his passing I wanted to bring a part of my Daddy into my creative world and that happened in two ways....first Flatwoods is where my Daddy was born....second, I have taken one of my Daddy's original patterns and created these beautiful Altered Assemblage Angels.

The Class

During this class you will set your imaginations free as we create our own, one of a kind, architectural assemblage angel.  We will dress them in wings made of antique ceiling tin and dress them in vintage hardware, dimensional findings, collage and more.  The addition of gesso stamping, gel medium transfers, inking and stenciling will help to add depth and dimension to our finished pieces.  

I hope you will join us for a special, intimate gathering of like minded souls sharing our creativity and telling our own angel's stories.

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    Art & Soul

Las Vegas = February 28 - March 3

                                                                                

 

 

 

 

 

Art & Soul

Hampton, Virginia - April 28 - May 2

 

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Art In The Rough

Charleston, Maine - July 29 to August 1st

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Art Is You - The West Coast Edition

September 22 - 27, 2011 (can't think of a better place to celebrate my birthday)

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Art Is...WHO?
Columbus Day Weekend 2011
6 - 11 October 2011

Danbury, Connecticut

 

 

 

Be on the lookout for a couple of more additions to this list....some I kind of, sort of, know about in a round about way.....stay tuned.  :)

Love to you all!

Lesley