Lesley Venable

A Very Rue Romantique Christmas....

I love, love, love the Kristen Robinson's Rue Romantique line of bezels, chains and ribbons AND Christmas so when it was mentioned that the Ice Resin Team would have the fantastic opportunity to create ornaments using these fabulous bezels I jumped at it! 

Over the last couple of days if you have been hopping around blogland you have seen some of the wonderful creations that the Ice Resin Design Team members have dreamed up!! 

I've created two ornaments using the Rue Romantique Bezels and vintage images of Santa Claus.

 

 Let's get down to how I did it....

Old World Santa

Rue Romantique Bezel (large)

Vintage Image of Santa

SLK Paper Sealer

Ice Resin

Dimensional Glue (like E6000, Liquid Nails, etc.)

Vintage Christmas Tree Light Reflector

Scrap of Fabric or Lace

Ribbon for Hanging

Rue Romantique Bezel Templates

After choosing my image I cut it into the bezel shape using the Rue Romantique Bezel Template.  I sealed the image with the SLK Paper Sealer (several coats front and back).

After the image was dried I used just a touch of Mod Podge to adhere the sealed image inside the Rue Romantique Bezel and then set it aside to dry. 

Ice Resin was mixed and poured into the bezel and the bezel was set aside to fully cure following the directions/instructions on the package and on the Ice Resin site (www.iceresin.com).

A scrap of vintage fabric and a touch of lace was added and glue to the vintage Christmas light reflector and then the cured bezel was glued down on top of the fabric using a good dimensional glue like E6000.

When the glue was completely dry on the piece a ribbon was added to hang the ornament from.

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SANTA SMILES

Rue Romantique Bezel - Filligree (KR102)

Vintage Image of Santa

SLK Paper Sealer

Ice Resin

Ribbon for Hanging

Rue Romantique Bezel Templates

After choosing my image I cut it into the bezel shape using the Rue Romantique Bezel Template.  I sealed the image with the SLK Paper Sealer (several coats front and back).

After the image was dried I used just a touch of Mod Podge to adhere the sealed image inside the Rue Romantique Bezel and then set it aside to dry. 

Ice Resin was mixed and poured into the bezel and the bezel was set aside to fully cure following the directions/instructions on the package and on the Ice Resin site (www.iceresin.com).

A beautiful piece a ribbon was added to hang the ornament from.

 Here are links to the other Christmas Ornament blog posts that have been happening....

 

 

Kristen Robinson - http://kristenrobinson.typepad.com/kristenrobinson/2013/11/rue-romantique-christmas-blog-hop.html

 

Jen Crossley -   http://amarkintime.blogspot.com/

 

Cindy Cima Edwards  http://www.cindycima.com/2013/11/08

Cindi Bisson http://fatcatcreations.blogspot.com/2013/11/ice-resin-rue-romantique-christmas-blog.html

 

Ice Resin site (Carol) http://wp.me/p1MCno-2W3 

Lexi Grenzer - http://lexigrenzer.blogspot.com/2013/11/rue-romantique-ornament-blog-hop.html

 

Pamela Huntington - http://pamelahuntington.typepad.com/february_2007/2013/11/handmade-holiday-blog-hop.html

Susan Walls -http://www.susansartcircus.com/christmas-with-ice-and-santa/

 

Jen Cushman -http://wp.me/p1lhEq-Gb

 

JoMama http://www.shopjomama.com/blog/rue-romantique-ornament-blog-hop

Sandy Martin http://sweetpeajewelry1.blogspot.com/2013/11/rue-romantique-christmas-blog-hop.html

Susan Weckesser http://mysweetearth.blogspot.com/2013/11/rue-romantique-bloghop.html

Enjoy and don't forget to check out the Ice Resin Website at www.iceresin.com or just click on the below image...

xoxo,

Lesley V.

 

Connie Crystals...An Ice Resin Creative Team Blog Hop...

With the flurry of creating items for the Emmys there was not a lot of time to tell you about some of the cool products that we were able to design with so we needed to rectify that!  <smile>  One of the packages that arrived on our doorstep was overflowing with lovely bits of bling from Connie Crystals.  They are a yummy delight for the eyes and will get your creative muse going with wonderful ideas!!

As Creative Designers we were given the wonderful opportunity to create a beautiful piece of jewelry using the crystals and all I can say is BONUS!!!  The crystals are amazing and you are going to love them!

Here is my necklace that I completed using some of my favorite bits of blingaliciousness...

"Shine On"

SLK Hobnail Bezel - Heart SLK917SP

SLK Papers

SLK Paper Sealer

Rue Romantique Rhinestone Chain

Ice Resin

SLK Collage Template For Bezel 2303

Connie Crystals

Wire

Chain

Exacto Knife

Brown Fluid Chalk Pad

Weldbond

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1.  Using the collage template cut the paper to fit the bezel.

2.  Seal the background paper using SLK Paper Sealer.

3.  When dry glue the background paper into the bezel using Weldbond and allow to dry.

4.  Using your Weldbond glue the Rue Romantique Rhinestone chain in place around the inside of your bezel.  Allow to fully dry.

5.  Mix and pour the Ice Resin following the instructions.  Allow to fully cure.

6.  Using your Xacto Knife create scratches in the surface of the cured resin.

7.  With the Fluid Chalks Ink Pad in dark brown or black (or whatever color you choose) cover the surface of the Ice Resin and be sure to press the ink into the scratches.

8.  With a paper towel or another cloth wipe the ink from the surface of the scratched resin.  This should leave the ink only in the scratches you created.

9.  Mix and pour resin over the piece again to seal the scratches and to give the wonderful doming effect.  Set aside to fully cure.

10.  With a simple wire wrap create 6 dangles using the Connie Crystals and attach them at the chain close to where the bezel will hang.  This will create a bit of a cascading effect.

11.  Wear and enjoy your beautifully blingy creation.

Be sure to check out all of the other amazing pieces of art created by the Design Team using Connie Crystals.  Just follow the links below.

Posted Today:

 

http://shopjomama.blogspot.com/

http://www.cindycima.com/

 Posted Yesterday:

Pamela  http://www.pamelahuntington.typepad.com/

 Sandy, http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8120473478628876300#editor/target=post;postID=1900196812586889586;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=0;src=postname

 

 Posted Two Days Ago: 

http://www.susansartcircus.com/blog/

http://vintiquitiesworkshop.blogspot.com/

http://amarkintime.blogspot.com/

xoxoxo,

Lesley V.

Time Flies.....

Hi Everyone!

It seems that this summer has flown by as I have been caught up in destashing, creating and worrying myself into a frenzy over a surgery that I had on August 6th.  Something I have learned through all of this is....

 

We will be heading to CREATE Mixed Media Art Retreats soon where I will be teaching and vending and we are so looking forward to visiting an area that we have never been to.  I will also be able to see some of my favorite people in the world and it will be good to connect with them as well.  <smile>

Also, I am preparing for the Emmys with the Ice Queen!!!!  Be on the lookout for FaceBook posts, Instagram images and more as we take this journey to the Emmys!!!  Also be sure to check out the ICE Resin Blog at:  http://iceresin.com/icequeen/

 

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September will have us visiting Petaluma, California for Art Is You and then the last round of traveling for teaching will be in October in Stamford, Connecticut for AIY.  What a lovely way to round off the year!!!!

 So many new and exciting things going on and I can't wait to let you all in on them as the time becomes right to do so!!!

Thank you all for your prayers, emails and calls before and after my surgery.  They are all so appreciated and make me more grateful for those that are in my life.

Have a wonderful Monday!

xoxoxo,

Lesley V.

Related articles

Our New FaceBook Page...

Art Is....YOU!!!!

Ice Resin Blog HoP!!!!!

Yay!!! It's a blog hop of the most awesome kind because it has to do with some of my most favorite things to work with....Ice Resin and Art Mechanique goodness!!!

The Ice Resin Design Team has all been playing around with the Art Mechanique Bezel Bracelets and I cannot wait for you to see the amazing creations - to be sure you see them all head over to Ice Resin Blog by clicking on the image at the very bottom of this post.

If you are lucky enough to be at the Bead and Button Show you can check them out yourself and stock up.....'cuz let me tell you after seeing the inspiration that this BlOg HoP provides you will want lots of these in your studio to create with!!

Art Mechanique Bezel Bracelets are available for you to fill and embellish with
your own creativity now at the ICE Resin booths (901 and 903) at the Bead and
Button Show in Milwaukee at the Delta Center, June 6-9, 2013.

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I'm calling my creation....

Steps to Unlocking Me

 

Supplies Used:

Art Mechanique Bezel Bracelet

Ice Resin

Iced Enamels - Relique Ivory

Iced Enamels Brush & Iced Enamel Medium

Vintage Glass Buttons

Wire & Beads

Designs By Me Key Charms

Clay

Ink - Stayz On

Making Memories - Number Stamps

I've been going through lots of changes in my personal life and I decided to create a bracelet that commemorated the steps that I've taken and the doors that I've opened for myself in the process.  In the designing process the images of keys and numbers are what my mind kept gravitating to so that is what I went with.

I used the Iced Enamels in two of the bezels and I chose the Relique Ivory because I love how the bits of gold and black helped to bring another level of color to the piece.  Using the process that you can find on the Ice Resin Blog (click the image below):

 

I created my enameled bezels and sealed both in Ice Resin.  I also used a bit of the Ice Resin to adhere my two glass buttons into two of the remaining bezels on the bracelet. 

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After the Ice Resin was cured I used an air drying clay to press into the remaining three bezels, making sure that I used enough clay so that it was raised a bit and there was a good surface for stamping into.  I used my number stamps and stamped 1, 2 and 3 into the bezels and set it aside to cure before moving on.

 

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Once the bezels had air dryed I used my Stayz On Ink pads in black, brown and aqua to color the clay.  I also used the tip of a gold Sharpie to add pops of gold in some spots on the clay.

 

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To finish off the bracelet I created little dangles out of shimmering gold and clear beads and then I added the little key charms and made sure to space them so that there was plenty of movement throughout the piece.

 

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Click Here To Follow The Hop!!!

 Have Fun and Happy Creating!!!!!

xoxo,

Lesley V.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

May Day, Vintage Ephemera and New Creations

Hi Everyone and Happy May Day!!!  It's hard to believe that May is here and that Summer will soon be in full swing!  I am loving all of the lush green that is covering every tree in our yard as it is a constant reminder of this time of renewal.

Yesterday I posted about creating lovely vignettes using vintage images and I wanted to chat today, just a tad, about vintage ephemera...another of my loves.

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I love the colors of vintage postcards, calling cards and prints.  Add yellowing edges, beautiful typography and I am in full swoon mode!  I love finding vintage postcards and using them to adorn gifts.  Of course, most of my friends have the same vintage ephemera addiction I do so they don't find it odd at all.  <smile>

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Old seedpackets look lovely framed and hanging in your home and can be readily found on Etsy and Ebay (originals and not scans).  Be sure to scan them before framing and you can use the scans in your own creations.  Bonus!! 

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Also, check out Linda's Collage Closet (www.collagecloset.com) to find wonderful vintage journal and book pages.  A wonderful source for other paper ephemera too.

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Think of collecting holiday themed pieces and frame and hang them for a wonderful vignette in your home or studio.  Sheet Music is wonderful for this (and for collage backgrounds too)!

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My newest Ice Resin and Rue Romantique Creation can be found over at the Ice Resin Blog - Just Click - --> HERE <-----

Kristen's Rue Romantique line of bezels and chain are wonderful to work with!!  You can find them and other Susan Lenart Kazmer bezels, connections, cold enamels and more by visiting the Ice Resin website.  Just click the below button/image to be whisked over to their New Products page.

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What do you hope to be doing this summer, what creations do you want to play around with.....are you ready to fly?

xoxo,

Lesley V.

Ice Resin® Creations and News!!!

Happy March Everyone!!

Tom and I are preparing for company this evening but I wanted to do a post to show you some of the wonderful happenings over at the Ice Resin® Blog.

These are some of the pieces recently made by a few my fellow Design Team Members.  To read about the products they used and what inspired each of their pieces just click on the image to be swept magically away to the blog and their post....

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Wow, amazingly beautiful!!!!!  Each and every time I look at a new creation on the Ice Resin® Blog I am inspired!!!  What else can you find on the blog??? Well, I'm glad you asked!!  How about tutorials but not just tutorials there are video how to's!!  Giveaways, new product announcements, Workshop Announcements, Ice Resin® E-Books and so much more!!!  You really should check it out....just click the banner image below.

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Now for some wonderful news!

Kristen Robinson's Romantic Bezels, A Cloth, Paper, Scissors Workshop is now available.  Love her beautiful works.  Learn all about it by click the image. 

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Have you ever been sitting at your studio table and thought to yourself...oh no!  I'm missing the perfect bezel, charm, chain or, heaven forbid, you are out of Ice Resin®?  Well, worry no more because  you can now find all of the above at your very own JoAnn  Fabrics!!  How wonderfully awesome is that!?!?!  I have a JoAnn's about 3 minutes from my driveway so I think this is just terrifically cool!!!

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I hope you have a wonderfully creative and inspired day everyone!!!

xoxoxo,

Lesley V

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

Art Is You Petaluma......WOWZA!!

We are currently at Art Is You in Petaluma, California and it has been amazing weather, amazing art, amazing artists.....AMAZING!!!!!

Once again it is family reunion time and I feel loved, embraced and welcomed.  Time apart....well, it's like we just saw each other yesterday!!!! 

Walking through the lobby you can hear the tinkling roarous laughter, the ooohs and ahhhhs, the hellos, the "what are you taking" questions.....it's a wonderous set of sounds set to the melodious tune of art and friendship.

Today I will be teaching and tonight is vendor night (I am sooooo excited to see what the offerings will be but shhhhhh don't tell Tom!!!).

What an amazing retreat, what an amazing trip (well, excluding the aborted landing in San Francisco), what an amazing group.   AMAZING!!!

My classes have included soldering, collage, assemblage and using Ice Resin (www.iceresin.com).  I will be posting images of wonderful student work and more when we return home. 

Have an awesome Saturday!!!!

xoxoxo,

Lesley V.

 

New Creations and Awesome News!!!

Happy Sunday Everyone!!

Wow, I can't believe it is September already and not just September but almost mid September.  So much has happened this year and while I won't bore you with the details there have been many opportunities for spiritual, emotional and creative growth.

I finally had the opportunity to meet Jen Cushman at this year's Art Unraveled in Phoenix and that meeting has led to some exciting news that I get to share with you all.  I have been chosen to be on the Ice Resin Team for 2012-2013!  To say I am excited just doesn't cover it!!  <smile>

Here are the other wonderful members of the Team....

Jen Crossley - http://amarkintime.blogspot.com/

Cindy Cima Edwards -http://www.cindycima.com/

Alexis Grezner -http://lexigrenzer.blogspot.com/

Thespa McLaughlin -http://vintiquitiesworkshop.blogspot.com/

Please take a moment to stop by their blogs to check out their amazing creations and to say hello.

Also, make sure to visit the Ice Resin Blog and Site....there are always amazing creations to fuel your muse and terrific techniques that I know you will want to try right away.  Click the button below to be taken to the blog and then you can link to the website, techniques and more from there....

 

Today, after fighting off a stomach bug for the last several days, I was able to create some soldered bezels.  This is what I have finished so far...

 

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Thank you so much for stopping by!  Wishing you blessings and creativity.

xo,

Lesley V.