Attempt #2, which will be shorter because the art awaits. I have a longer post going but tried to add another photo and the program froze up on me. So this is the abbreviated, less poetic version.
I've been busy. Mostly day to day routine stuff caring for family and home. I did manage to get away for a blissful week to take Carol Soderlund's dye class at Pro Chemical & Dye in Fall River, MA. It was the most amazing class. The perfect blend of art and science. I LOVED it.
We worked as teams to dye over 1000 (yes, 1000) colors. Then we worked on our own to create a swatch book of the colors - aka THE BOOK, or The Bible. Now I can, with confidence, duplicate any color in that book, and then some. Wait till you see what effect this has on my art....as soon as I get time to work on it. I am so excited.
The bonus end to the trip was a visit to the Artgirlz. Tracy has a beautiful home with lush gardens, chickens, bees and a studio to die for. In fact, their studio was just featured in the current issue of Studios magazine, so check it out. It was the perfect way to end a perfect week.
Next on the agenda is to try and create more studio time both here and at the beach. I'm soon off to the beach for our 2 week family vacation beginning July 4th (fireworks over the ocean!) Then, at the end of July on to idyllic Idyllwild Arts for a creative weekend teaching my new class, Image + Text = Textile. At the end of August I'm teaching the same class at the Fabrications Retreat in Michigan. Organizer Cathy Arnett has just instituted a fantastic economic stimulus package that will practically get you free tuition for a week of class. Check out the website for more info.
And last but not least, I'm nearing completion (I think) of my new website. That's the other thing that's been eating up my time. That and the new business TAP . I'll soon have an announcement of a new product too - so much to do! I was warned that this little business could take away from my art time. It does, but it's also fun to share the magic with others.
Now if you have read this far, good news for you! I am having a giveaway! Leave a comment and you are entered to win a copy of the latest issue of Cloth Paper Scissors magazine PLUS a fat quarter of my very own hand-dyed fabric! Drawing will be Friday June 26 at 4 pm EST. How's that for summer fun!
![](<img src="http://lesleyriley.typepad.com/CoverImage72.jpg"){kind=link}
Wow! Busy but lots of fun too!
Posted by: lesthook | June 20, 2009 at 12:01 PM
2 weeks at the beach sounds like heaven, have a wonderful restful, rejuvinating time. Too bad your Idylwild trip overlaps with IQF, it would have been great to get in a quick visit (I decided to go to LA for a family visit at the same time as festival). By the way your Idylwild link is not right. Carol Soderlund's class looks so awesome, everyone I know who has taken it has loved it! It looks like you made it into a great trip too with a visit with Tracy and Allison. xoxo
Posted by: Judy Coates Perez | June 20, 2009 at 12:07 PM
Sounds like life is full and wonderful! That fabric is gorgeous!
Posted by: Paula Bogdan | June 20, 2009 at 12:34 PM
Looks like a great class!
Posted by: Susan | June 20, 2009 at 03:39 PM
Sounds like a busy and joyful summer coming your way..love to share in your giveaway..thank you
Posted by: bettyann | June 20, 2009 at 07:11 PM
The dye workshop sounds really cool! One day I'm going to attend a fun intensive workshop like that.
Posted by: Thien-Kim | June 20, 2009 at 08:29 PM
Have missed your voice! Know how busy family can keep one. It sounds like an inspiring summer ahead, cannot wait to hear more.
Posted by: nwnonna | June 21, 2009 at 03:23 AM
Welcome back, but don't apologize for being away so long. It is obvious that you are doing some very creative things both from the right and left brains. Your posts are a joy to all of us trying to follow our creative outlets while being tugged by the world of must dos, have to dos and should dos.
Posted by: AnnCarroll | June 21, 2009 at 09:33 AM
Glad you're back. Gosh you manage to do a lot. Not only your art but your ability to do so many things with a large family as well is inspiration. Thanks, Deborah
Posted by: Deborah Guthrie | June 21, 2009 at 11:00 AM
Hi Lesley,
thanks for the quick shipment of my TAP, I look forward to any other product you come up with! Have a great summer
Regina
Posted by: Regina Marzlin | June 21, 2009 at 12:40 PM
Happy 1st Day of Summer Lesley! It is very, very summer here in NC today.
I took your class at Art & Soul, VA in 2003 or '04 and have followed your work since, hoping I can take another class one day.
Have a lovely vacation. I can't wait to see how you use your hand-dyed fabric! Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Suzanne G in NC | June 21, 2009 at 01:27 PM
There never seems to be enough time to do everything!
Posted by: loralie | June 21, 2009 at 05:24 PM
Thanks for the chance to win. I have the Cloth Paper Sissors (I have a subscription) but would love a piece of your hand dyed fabric. enjoy
Posted by: peggy mcdevitt | June 21, 2009 at 05:51 PM
Wow! I am so glad you are busy creating, learning, and enjoying life. Have a wonderful time at the beach - inspiration at its best. Cheers.
Posted by: Jeannie | June 21, 2009 at 10:51 PM
What a nice giveaway--the fabric sounds scrumptious!
Posted by: Linda Stanton | June 22, 2009 at 10:29 AM
Received my TAP in the mail. Now to figure out hou to use it. Would love a copy of Cloth, Paper, Scissors.
Doni
Posted by: Doni Palmgren | June 22, 2009 at 05:44 PM
Carol's class is on my WANT TO DO list - one day!
Looks like you had a BLAST!!!
Posted by: Dale Anne | June 22, 2009 at 06:09 PM
I took Carol's class a few years ago and it was wonderful!
Laura Lundrigan
Posted by: Laura Lundrigan | June 22, 2009 at 06:09 PM
What a wonderful experience with the class. And I just love your new TAP.
Posted by: Carol Thompson | June 22, 2009 at 06:15 PM
I'm so jealous; I've always wanted to take that class. Sounds like it was great!
Posted by: Michele | June 22, 2009 at 06:27 PM
Hi Lesley,
Had a chance to test out the TAP recently. Love it! I can see it appearing in many future projects! And thanks for all the guidance you offered during the process.
Posted by: Ann Flaherty | June 22, 2009 at 06:30 PM
You are having such fun!! I would love to have a piece of that fabric...
Posted by: A. Carole Grant | June 22, 2009 at 06:32 PM
Looks like you've been to color HEAVEN!! I hope to go there one day too...thanks for sharing your adventure!
Posted by: Karen Fridy | June 22, 2009 at 06:54 PM
Your class sounds wonderful!
Posted by: Susan Armstrong | June 22, 2009 at 07:19 PM
Can't wait to see how you incorporate this new knowledge into your fiber art ... but I have to because you are a tease!
Posted by: Fulvia | June 22, 2009 at 08:10 PM