Lesley Venable

A Bit of Magic From The Studio...

Between traveling for Art Is...You and then going directly on vacation I haven't posted some of the newest things from the studio/classroom....

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Be on the lookout for images from my classes, the retreat and the road trip to and from!!  It was such an amazing time and I met so many wonderful artists and new friends!!  The online Reality Retreat is coming soon along with the Australian Downunder Road Show followed closely by Petaluma and Stamford!!  If you have the opportunity you should really come and live the magic of Art Is You for yourself!! 

xoxo,

Lesley V.

A Mixed Media Assemblage

Good Morning Everyone!

It has been a busy, busy time but I am so excited to get the word out about my newest online class:  Captured - A Mixed Media Assemblage

 

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“Those who dream by day are cognizant of many
things which escape those who dream only by night”.
~Edgar Allan Poe~

Mysteries have a way of weaving themselves in and out of the tapestry of our lives. Their threads, sometimes dark, sometimes light, shape and tell our stories allowing us to capture a moment and create a window into our souls.

In this mixed media assemblage class we will be the thread and the weaver, the story teller and historian. Our imaginations will bring to life a moment in our story using vintage imagery and ephemera, collage techniques using paint and paper, vintage hardware and more.
Some of the techniques that will be taught in this class include:
Choosing your image – what are you conveying?
Creating Resin Paper
Using Paint to Enhance Vintage Images
Use of Fluid Chalks, Paint, Papers and Water Color Pencils/Crayons to Build Backgrounds
Using Stencils
Creative use of wire to add interest and depth
Adding metal and wood pieces to enhance your creation.
Adding a touch of light to your assemblage.
Use of Various Adhesives when working with bulky items.
 
Class Supply List available immediately upon signing up and the videos are live and waiting on your imagination.

Registration Runs From April 12, 2014 through May 12, 2014

To Join click this link:

http://theartofaltering.ning.com/group/captured-a-mixed-media-assemblage

With the class available with no end date there is no need to rush or feel pressured to finish. Once you sign up the class will always be available to you. <3

This one is full of techniques to use while weaving our stories and in your future creations!!

xo,

Lesley V.

 

Lesley's Been In The Studio...

Hi Everyone!

I've been able to spend a little time in the studio this past weekend and wanted to share some of the creations with you....

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Treasure

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Santa

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Beautiful

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Bird

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Serenity

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Enjoy

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I also have lots of vintage images and other items listed in my Etsy shop, A Vintage Season.  Here is the link:  www.etsy.com/shop/avintageseason or simply click each image to be taken to that specific page.

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Have an awesome day!

xo,

Lesley V.

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.

Inspiration.....

My artistic style is most definitely vintage....inspired by vintage imagery and ephemera.  I love the hues of old papers, faded paints and sun bleached ribbons.

 

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Click to see a few of my favorite things.... 

 

 

Personalize your own picture slideshow

 

From that inspiration comes things such as this....

 

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What inspires your creativity?

xo,

Lesley V.

 

Related articles

The Artist Community In Full Force....

Home Again, Home Again.....

We arrived home last Wednesday after traveling to Stamford, Connecticut for Art Is You.  What an amazing time, what an amazing retreat......I could say this a gazillion times and it would never be enough - if you have the opportunity to visit one of the Art Is You Retreats do it, Do It, DO IT.  You will not be disappointed - it really is as wonderful, awesome and phenomenal as everyone who attends says it is.  Yes, really.  :)

Yesterday found me unpacking, creating and listing items in my Etsy Shop, A Vintage Season.  Here are a few peeks with more to be listed today....

 

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More items will be listed today, as time allows, and more putting away, creating and I think some resting is in order as well.

Thanks for stopping  by my little space here in this Land O'Blog.

xo,

Lesley V.

 

More News & A Bit of Inspiration...

Good Morning Everyone!

I wanted to let you know that Artiscape in Dublin, OH has been added to our list of locations where we will be traveling to in 2012.  The schedule will be coming out soon with times and classes listed and registration will begin soon.  To visit the site just click on the link below:

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I love finding inspiring sites and one that I visit over and over again is Art-e zine.  If you haven't ever visited the site you are in for an amazing treat and if you have then perhaps it is time to visit again.  Click on the image below to find inspiration, images and more.

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Also, be sure not to miss my first post as a Design Team Member on the USArtquest blog tomorrow!!! In my studio this week are items ready to be soldered, sewn and embroidered.  What's on your artistic agenda for the week?

xo,

 

Balancing The Creative & The Analytical

Hi Everyone,

Lately I've been finding my way through balancing the creative and analytical parts of my brain.  My "necessary" job is in finance so shutting out what is happening economically in the world today is tough.  There have been those days where it has just been impossible to let the numbers go and let the muse in. 

I figured out that I know enough about the creative process to know that if I feed that part of my soul daily it gives so much back to me.  Stretching those creative wings gifts me with the energy and need to push the job out of my head and with each day it happens a bit quicker. 

I won't say that every day it is a breeze to walk in the door, change from my job clothes to my creating clothes, get in the studio and get to creating but I will say that for the days that I thought I didn't want to create it didn't take long for the gears to change.

There are a few rules that I follow each day when I get home...

1.  When I arrive home I immediately change into my play or creating clothes.

2.  I sit at my studio work table and immediately begin working on whatever "work in progress" I spy first.

3.  I keep some items that can be worked on in other areas of the house so that I can easily pick it up and create elsewhere.

4.  I always have a few pieces in the works so that when I arrive home each day there is something waiting for me to work on.  This makes Item #2 above work because I am immediately drawn into the creative process.

For me it's really what has worked the best to get out of my business/analytical/spreadsheet brain.  What do you do to get creative and stay creative?

So grateful for you all,

 

Mail Art, Fabric Flowers and Collage Backgrounds...

The Creative Bundle Classes are getting ready to kick off on Tuesday and sign-up will end on November 18th.  Here are a few images to whet your appetites.....

Mail Art

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Fabric Flowers

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Collage Backgrounds

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To read all about what is being offered in these amazing bundles you can visit the original blog post here: 

http://flatwoodsfolkart.typepad.com/lesley_venable/2011/10/just-in-time-for-the-holidays.html

Hope to see you all there.

xo,

Lesley

 

Rampant Creativity

There is nothing quite like a visit from an artistic friend to send your muse into overdrive! Kecia visited last weekend and from about Tuesday on I have been busy doing a bit of this and that in the studio.

Here are some of the creations from  this week....

Little Christmas Tree

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A Santa

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A Bird Collage

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A Few Altered Tags

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A Fabric Wallhanging

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A bit of detail....

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Almost finished with this wallhanging...