Lesley Venable

Jeanne d'Arc Living ~ Christmas Book ~ Pre-Order

Hi Everyone!

I just received the most amazing email from our friends in Denmark, Jeanne d'Arc Living.  They are once again going to be creating a Christmas Book with the theme being A Touch of France.....

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Doesn't it look YUMMY?!?!?  This HARDCOVER book measures approximately 9.5 by 12.5 inches (if my centimeter to inches conversion is correct - 24 x 32 centimeters) and will have 160 pages of pure inspiration!!!

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In their own words....

"Behind the title of this second Christmas book from Jeanne d'Arc Living, hides the essence of our and many others' passion for many years. In the book we visit 8 wonderful Christmas homes. All located here in Denmark with a touch of French country style. The homes have all the elements that we associate with the style and yet they are very different and personal.

It has been incredibly inspiring to visit them all and we hope that this atmosphere can be felt through the many beautiful photos and texts in the book."

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So why are we talking about this in May????  Well, it is time to pre-order your copy.  Pre-orders will run through June 1st at which time I will send our order in.  The release date of the book will be September 1st and when these luscious books arrive from Denmark to Virginia they will be sent right out to your eagerly anticipating hands.

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Cost for Continental U.S. Residents = $38.00 which includes shipping

  

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COST FOR RESIDENTS OF CANADA & NON-CONTINENTAL US RESIDENTS

$42.00 WHICH INCLUDES SHIPPING

 

 

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ALL OTHER INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTS - $45.00 WHICH INCLUDES SHIPPING

 

 

This is one beautiful book that I know you won't want to miss out on.  Please remember that pre-orders end on June 1st.

xoxo,

Lesley V.

Obsessions....

Hi Everyone!

If you are anything like me you have found objects that you obsess over....those things that become what you collect....and if you are anything like me some obsessions come and go and some linger on.

Some of my obsessions that have taken up permanent residence are these....

Vintage Rhinestones and Brooches

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Vintage Clocks (and little deer too)

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Iconic Religious Items - Rosaries, Figures, Etc.

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Tart Tins

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Glass Buttons

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Vintage Ornate Frames

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Vintage Mesh Coin Purses

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These are the finds that make my heart beat faster.......what are your obsessions?

xo,

Lesley

 

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.

 

 There are only 15 of this edition available for sale - read more by clicking >>here<<

Stay tuned for moments from the beach.

xoxo,

Lesley

Happy Easter....

My friend, Izabella Blue, created this stunning image. 

 

He Is Risen

 

 

 

 

 

Final Week To Sign Up At A Discount...

I wanted to share with you images from the Spring Bundles Classes....just a peek....

Altered Cabinet Cards - We will be creating 3 uniquely altered cabinet cards (fabric enhanced, paper enhanced and paint enhanced).  Here is a taste of the first (remember you can hand sew, machine sew or no sew).....

 

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Fabric Pendants - Again - three uniquely created fabric pendants.  Just a taste....

 

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Matchbox Shrines - Small and large, flat and dimensional.....

 

 

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Resin Techniques - Could not really decide what image to post so just decided to do a list of things you will learn....

1. Mixing
2. Pouring
3. Getting Rid of the Bubbles
4. Filling
5. Coloring
6. Creating Links
7. Creatle Bobbles
8. Resin Paper
9. Additives

Remember for the next week the cost is $28.00.  After that classes will be individually priced.  The classes are all video, no end date and they are up 24/7 for you to view.  No stressing here.

THE DISCOUNTED PRICE FOR THE SPRING BUNDLE EXPIRED 04/01/2012.  The classes can all be purchased individually at www.theartofaltering.ning.com

xo,

Lesley V.

Me, Myself and I - A Quarterly Review

At the end of 2011 I opened wide my soul and bared to all how depression had affected me and those around me.  It was a scary revealing done with a heavy dose of timidness and trepidation.  But, thankfully, mixed in with that fear was the relief that comes from a letting go, an opening up, a release.  I received so many emails and messages regarding that post that I wanted to share with everyone where I am on this journey of healing.

Recently I had a moment of clarity.  Now this moment was monumental in showing me how far I had come but unfortunately it came from a not so good time.  You know those times when you completely have to show your a$$ to see how wrong you are?  Yep, well that's what happened here.  Tom and I have set up ways that we want to be able to communicate when something's come up that the other isn't liking.  Yep, you have to do that when you are trying to relearn things that have been embedded from a long time ago.  <smile> 

Anyway, I, for some reason, needed to make this particular situation all about me, my needs, what I wanted, etc., etc., etc.  It created quite a bit of friction and a bit of an argument ensued.  In that flash of anger on my part I realized that it really wasn't about me, didn't need to be and as much as I thought I wanted it to be it never would be.  I was totally reading so much more into one single statement than it really meant and in that realization I saw that I was creating the set up for the argument.  Wow!  That was like a 1,000 watt lightbulb being switched on. 

So what was the good that came out of it?  Well, there were really several things that happened....

1. I realized that I could just hear what Tom was saying and instead of hearing my interpretation of it I could just trust that it meant what he said.  Nothing more, nothing less.  Geeze, how is that for a brainiac moment??? 
2. I saw in that flash of anger, and truly it was a flash, that I didn't like me like that at all.  In the past that way of reacting had served it's purpose...not really sure how but I believe that when my ex would become abusive (physically, mentally or emotionally) that if I allowed myself to become angry I could blame the anger on his abuse and not blame me just for being me.  Not sure that makes sense but just so you know my belief about that now is that I in no way caused or created his abusiveness....it was his issue and not mine. 
3. Finally, and I think the most important thing that I saw, is that I didn't feel ashamed.  My little outburst happened at the counselor's office, in front of her, and although I was embarassed it happened I did not feel ashamed by my behavior.  This was huge for me.  HUGE!!  You see to feel embarassed it is about my action but to feel ashamed or shame over it is about me as a human.  Truly, I cannot remember a time when I have not taken on a bit of shame about one thing or another.

So here I am, 3 months into the new year, feeling pretty good about my progress.  There aren't so many steps and hops back.  I feel a steady progression forward with just a few times where I sit idly in place.  I see all of my relationships improving and I am enjoying all that is happening. 

I am always aware of the strong and loving support system that my family and friends have wrapped around me like a huge comforter and I carry that with me always.  They have never wavered from their support and I have tried to show my gratitude to them but I don't know if I could ever convey to them what a blessing they are.

There is much to be grateful for.

xo,

Lesley V.

A Perfect Time For Affirmations...

 

Sometimes it feels like no matter what street I drive down, what store I shop in or who I talk to there is evidence of the havoc this economic downturn has created. 

I know how difficult it is to get in the studio and create something positive and beautiful when it seems like everything is crashing down around us and I know how much, at times like these, working with affirmations is the last thing on my mind.  Unfortunately, these are the times when it is most important to use those affirmations to create a positive wall of energy around ourselves to deflect the negativity that tries to work its way into our soul.

One of the best "get out of yourself" affirmations I know is to perform Random Acts of Kindness (RAK).  In the past when we would go out to eat we would look for someone dining alone or someone that just struck us as needing a boost and we would buy their meal anonymously.  Of course times have changed and we, like a lot of you, are watching every penny we spend.  BUT, RAKs aren't about the money spent they are about what it does to the other person's heart, how it uplifts them and gives them hope.  For that to happen no money is required.

Here are some ideas for wonderful cost free and almost cost free random acts of kindness...

1. Go to the Dollar Store in your area and purchase a pack of index cards, even recipe cards.  Write positive quotes on the cards and carry them with you in your purse, backpack, fanny pack, etc.  When you stop for your coffee, your groceries, at the library...leave one of the cards for someone to find. 
2. Purchase a pack of playing cards and create ATCs with simple art work on the front and a message of hope on the back - if you want to stay anonymous just don't sign.  Carry these with you and as in step 1 spread the love where you go.
3. You know those annoying papers you sometimes find on your windshield promoting the newest restaurant, etc.?  Why not put your notes of encouragement there?
4. Know someone that has recently lost a loved one or has had critical diagnosis?  Purchase a few cards from the Dollar Store and send them at different intervals.  Fill them with words of hope and encouragement.  Put a coupon in one that is good for a free ice cream cone or bouquet (no need to purchase just keep your eyes open for coupons and special offers).
5. Want to spend a bit of money?  Buy a grocery card for a family in need or order a flower bouquet (pay cash so that it is truly anonymous).
6. The most anonymous act of kindness I know of is to simply add someone to your prayer list. 

What I have found is that when I perform Random Acts of Kindness I feel more gratitude for what I have in my life.  Getting out of my own problems allows me to reach out in a way that I can't if I am staying stuck on my issues. 

I hope that your Friday is filled with promise, hope and abundant blessings.

xo,

Lesley V.

 

 

Fabric Pendant

Hi Everyone!

I wanted to share with you a fabric pendant that I recently created.....

 

 

This class is part of the Spring Bundle of Classes that I am doing over on my NING group (www.theartofaltering.ning.com).  You can read more about the classes and purchase the bundle by clicking  >>HERE<<.

It's a great bargain and the items we are creating are awesome!!!  Sign-up at the special rate is only through April 2nd.

Hope to see you there!!

xo,

Lesley V.

Jeanne d'Arc Living Magazine....

Happy Tuesday Everyone!!!

I'm so excited about being able to bring the Jeanne d'Arc Living Magazine to you here and if you haven't ever seen one believe me when I tell you they are so totally awesome that even when they weren't printed in English I would order one and sit forever just soaking up the lusciousness of it.  Yes, they are that wonderful!!  I promise!

 

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I have a mere 19 of this wonderful magazine available to purchase for each edition so if you are interested please go ahead and pre-order when I post about them. 

 

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The tones and colors, the images and inspiration...all I can say is YUMMY!

 

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Something else that is totally awesome....no advertisements...that's right, just pure, uninterrupted, swoon worthy delights from cover to cover.

 

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So, if you are ready for Spring and ready to be inspired beyond belief hit the Buy Now Button below to pre-order your copy of this wonderful magazine.  You will not be disappointed.

 

xoxoxo,

Lesley V.

If you are on Pinterest I would love to have this pinned.  Thanks!!

A Journey In Heart and In Soul.....

Hi Everyone!

I hope this Monday finds you doing well and feeling very blessed. 

ROAD TRIP!!!!  

 

My friend and fellow artist, Kecia Deveney, is going on an amazing road trip across the U.S. on her way to teach in California.  To help fund her trip she is selling some amazing jewelry pieces.  This is truly a journey of her heart so it is very fitting that all of the pieces are heart themed.  The pieces are going fast so be sure that you pop over to Kecia's blog to read more about her amazing journey and why this is such a special time for her.  (Click on the image above or her name to be whisked away).

I received the following email this morning and I must say it has made my morning.  I wanted to pass it along to you to encourage, to strengthen, to liberate....

  Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.

Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.

We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant,
gorgeous, talented, fabulous?

Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.

Your playing small does not serve the world.
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking
so that other people won't feel insecure around you.

We are all meant to shine, as children do.

We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.

It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone.

And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously
give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear,
our presence automatically liberates others.

 

a return to love - Marianne Williamson

Isn't that beautiful?  I loved it and hope you did too!

xoxoxo,

Lesley V.