Friday, January 24, 2014

Grow Your Blog!


VIEW OF STUDIO FROM STEPS
JOURNALS
Hi - I'm Leslie, the Woman of One Woman's Hands and I'm very happy to be joining in the Grow Your Blog party again this year. I acquired a LOT of followers from the party last year and hope to get a few more this year. But I don't blog so I can gloat over how many followers I have, I blog to keep a record of things I've done and so that friends and family can see what I've been up to without waiting for me to email them. :-(

I began my blog in October 2010 and blog mostly about my art - mixed media stuff like mail art postcards, ATCs, and art journals, which I make myself because I love bookbinding. I play around in Adobe Photoshop Elements 12 (PSE12) and post digital collages now and then. Around the fringes of those things I knit, crochet, stitch a bit, and do some beading. I used to be a quilter, and later, a crazy quilter but my hands can't handle the little stitches any longer.

ART ON DISPLAY
My animals make occasional appearances on the blog. I have the Standard American Pet Trio of dog, cat and parrot, and enjoy photographing them when they're doing something cute. I also garden in the summer - vegetables and a few fruit trees in our suburban back yard. I love to bake and have banana bread with chocolate chips and craisins in the oven as I type this.

WHERE ALL THE FUN HAPPENS
When we moved into our current house about two years ago, I took the entire front room (living room and dining room, 16' x 23') as my art studio and it's just wonderful. All that SPACE! And I use every inch of it since I can't throw anything away because in mixed media, you can use practically anything.


WHAT A MESS!

My *giveaway* will be a hand made journal, somewhere in the 5"x7" to 6"x8" range. I'll make the covers using gelli prints, markers, paint, pens, stamps - all sorts of wonderful art supplies - and the pages will be 140lb watercolor paper so they'll hold up to whatever you want to do with it. It'll be bound with waxed linen thread, and I'll include some decorative tapes and some fun gelli prints and vintage papers and tags for you to add yourself. I haven't actually made the journal yet so no pictures of it to entice you, but the last two pictures are the covers of a similar one.

You don't have to follow my blog to enter the drawing - you're entered simply by commenting on this post - but if what I do appeals to you, give me a try. You can always drop me later if I don't keep you interested LOL.

The winner will be announced on my blog on February 15th. Good luck!

And be sure to click on the Grow Your Blog button at the top of the right sidebar to go visit almost 600 more good blogs. Wow.




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54 comments:

  1. GillJanuary 25, 2014 at 3:40 AM

    Hi Leslie
    I've been following you for a while but it's nice to learn more about you!!

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  2. UnknownJanuary 25, 2014 at 3:41 AM

    How lucky you are to have all that wonderful space in which to create

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  3. queenb2uJanuary 25, 2014 at 6:03 AM

    Hey Leslie,
    Count me in on the give-away. I am always interested in what you are up to.
    Beth

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  4. vicky myersJanuary 25, 2014 at 6:54 AM

    Your books are gorgeous:) Your work space is great.

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  5. JeanneJanuary 25, 2014 at 7:26 AM

    I definitely will be very happy to sign up for your giveaway, and am also going to sign up for your blog as i see many things here that i am interested in. I have even got a parrot too! Our biggest thing in common though is journaling. I have a whole bookshelf filled with my journals and they are a big part of my life. I just love journaling. Hope that you have been published in Somerset Art jounaling, as it looks as if you deserve it. I will look forward to following your blog and getting to know you better. HAPPY PARTYING!

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  6. JewelsJanuary 25, 2014 at 7:27 AM

    Hi L - guess I never realized just how much real estate you claimed for your studio! Man it's got me thinking LOL....one of my ambitions is to have a shelf of altered journals like yours (sigh just need to do it!). Thanks for the tour. Jewels

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  7. JeanneJanuary 25, 2014 at 7:28 AM

    oh, and had to follow by email as your friends connect did not seem to work for some reason. Just an FYI

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  8. Fat DormouseJanuary 25, 2014 at 8:54 AM

    Gosh! What amazing things you create! They are trumy lovely.

    fatdormouse.blogspot.com
    dormouse.wibsite.com

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  9. ~JarieLyn~January 25, 2014 at 9:38 AM

    Wow, you have some great space and awesome supplies and art to display. I've been following you for awhile as well. I am honored to participate in your give-away. I am totally addicted to journals, especially cool handmade ones like yours.

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  10. ClaudiaJanuary 25, 2014 at 9:54 AM

    Wow - you were able to take over the living room and dining room as your art space? I'd love to do that, but then there wouldn't be any room for anyone who came to visit :-). Would love to win one of your journals, love those gelli plate prints!

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  11. Cate RoseJanuary 25, 2014 at 10:26 AM

    Great post, Leslie. LOVE your studio! I already follow more than 100 blogs and that's enough for now. I adore all the work you do, and glad to know more about you and your art! Hugs.

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  12. UnknownJanuary 25, 2014 at 1:16 PM

    Love that work space. You are a lucky girl! would love to win a journal. I am going to follow you because your creations are lovely!

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  13. Cindy GayJanuary 25, 2014 at 5:35 PM

    Wow! Love your studio!

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  14. jinxxxygirlJanuary 25, 2014 at 7:40 PM

    HI Leslie!

    So nice to meet you! LOVE your workspace. How many of us crafters would love to have that much room to spread out!? :) I would love to win one of your journals and i look forward to seeing many more posts from you! I hope you'll pop over and visit me. Hugs! deb

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  15. WendyJanuary 25, 2014 at 9:09 PM

    your artwork is so lovely...sad that you can no longer do the stitching for crazy quilts...thank you for such a great giveaway...a journal would be awesome to win.

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  16. BonnieJanuary 26, 2014 at 5:51 AM

    I love mixed media and paper crafts. I did try to follow you but the button did not work. Let me know when it does and I will try again.

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  17. Bernadett January 26, 2014 at 6:02 AM

    Hello,

    Nice to meet you.:)
    I would like to participate in your giveaway.
    petitearmoire2@gmail.com

    Greetings.

    Bernadett

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  18. AnonymousJanuary 26, 2014 at 11:12 AM

    Hi Leslie... Wowza! I love that creative space and of course a tad jealous of the measurements of your creative real estate! :D We have much in common, yes, like that's a big surprise LOL! I just signed up to follow you via email because the Google Friends thing seems to be in hiccup mode, for me at least at the moment. I am very happy to have found you and am really looking forward to many, many more visits in the future. Here's to a new creative friendship...and book binding and art journal making...and so on!
    Hugs,
    Beth P
    If you get the chance and haven't already hope you will pop over to say hi at my blog (which I just moved to wordpress this month)... don't hold it against me :D (http://elisabetpollockstudio[dot]wordpress[dot]com)

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  19. UnknownJanuary 26, 2014 at 12:07 PM

    Hi Leslie . It's nice to meetcha! I found you through the GYB party and love your blog. I'm a jewelry artist and know nothing about art journaling but from your blog I can see it's a wonderful art form. I'll be following to learn more and continue to enjoy your writing.

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  20. AnonymousJanuary 26, 2014 at 3:16 PM

    Leslie:
    I'm jealous of all your space! Are you coming to Kelly's classes next weekend?

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  21. AnonymousJanuary 26, 2014 at 3:18 PM

    Sorry- forgot to sign my name.
    Elizabeth

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  22. Bluefinch January 26, 2014 at 3:19 PM

    Hello! So nice to find your fantastic blog! I too am a mixed media artist, but I primarily do jewelry. Your studio space is awesome! I'm your newest follower and I'm looking forward to seeing more of your creations! Hop over and visit me if you have time!
    XO
    Rachel

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  23. KathyJanuary 26, 2014 at 4:12 PM

    Your blog looks like great fun and I'm looking forward to getting to know you!

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  24. juliekJanuary 26, 2014 at 7:04 PM

    what a great big wonderful room! thanks for sharing it with us!

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  25. Sowing StitchesJanuary 27, 2014 at 5:49 AM

    :) I love your 'mess' it looks like a creative dream world! Pure Bliss!!!

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  26. Sowing StitchesJanuary 27, 2014 at 5:50 AM

    FYI...tried to follow via gfc......box popped up stating you couldn't be found.....

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  27. GlorV1January 27, 2014 at 8:02 AM

    Hi Leslie. Nice to meet you and boy do I love your mess, as you say. Your blog is great. Have a wonderful week..

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  28. TerrieJanuary 27, 2014 at 9:27 AM

    I love this peek into your creative space. You're right, that's a helluva lot of room and it looks like you have it well organized. You must have a great family room area to "live" in when you're not in the mood to create. I'm a long time follower (as you know) and love your vintage / old world view of the world.

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  29. TrulaJanuary 27, 2014 at 4:11 PM

    Count me in as well! I love all of the mail art that I recieve from you, and its great to get a peek into your creative space! Thanks!

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  30. thewovenspokeJanuary 27, 2014 at 4:13 PM

    Hi Leslie, wow what a creative space you have! Such a lucky woman :) My creative space is the front porch when the weather permits and work too :(
    Dawn

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  31. Art and SandJanuary 27, 2014 at 11:52 PM

    Your books are gorgeous and I would be pleased to win your giveaway.

    Handmade books are one of the things I love to make. I finally have a dedicated space to create and hope to make books more frequently.

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  32. Cappuccinoandartjournal.blogspot.comJanuary 28, 2014 at 8:53 AM

    love it all -- your studio space, your blog, your handmade book......and I already subscribe by email....
    but you are right -- I tried to sign up with Google Friends but it won't let me. How annoying for you. Can you take the widget off and then reinstall it? Maybe Connie knows -- she is better than I with stuff like that. Good luck.

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  33. CatieAnJanuary 29, 2014 at 12:56 AM

    I have really loved going through your blog. I love all the art work and thoroughly enjoy mixed media as well. Can' wait to see more.

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  34. Sarah and DanJanuary 29, 2014 at 7:14 PM

    Wow, what a full space. You must have everything you could possibly need to craft with for many years to come.

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  35. UnknownJanuary 29, 2014 at 7:52 PM

    found/followed you from he gyb party! love mixed media! can't wait to see what you're up to in the coming months. hope you'll stop by and visit me as well!

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  36. UnknownJanuary 31, 2014 at 6:15 AM

    Oh my, I am in awe and envy of your studio. You have so much space and great work surfaces. I love your shelf of art journals, that is one thing I have never been good at but admire. It has been lovely meeting you. I am off to check out more of your lovely art.

    Hugs
    Caroline

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  37. JeanJanuary 31, 2014 at 3:05 PM

    love the layered print and so lovely to see inside your packed studio...trying to reorganise my "studio" space by (gulp) throwing/giving stuff away that I can't organise...jean'smuse.blogspot.com

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  38. Thistle Cove FarmJanuary 31, 2014 at 5:32 PM

    Your studio is amazing, I think I'm a little green -lol-. Visiting via Vicki's GYBP and enjoying your blog. Want to trade being followers?

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  39. Judy Cooper Textile ArtistJanuary 31, 2014 at 7:41 PM

    Greetings from St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada. Very nice work.

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  40. CaroleFebruary 2, 2014 at 3:10 PM

    Hi Leslie, I have really enjoyed visiting. Fabulous studio and I'm a big fan of art journals. I will be following by email.

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  41. MaggieFebruary 2, 2014 at 5:42 PM

    Fun to have a peek inside your busy studio--love the mixed media work! Would love to win one of your cool journals!

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  42. JeanneFebruary 2, 2014 at 9:14 PM

    No luck on the google friends connect, but am subscribed on email. Electronics, they can be frustrating at times. LOL

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  43. Sue Marrazzo Fine ArtFebruary 3, 2014 at 1:51 AM

    THANKS for sharing!

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  44. deborah lynFebruary 3, 2014 at 6:25 PM

    I love your Studio!! Pleased to meet you Leslie on the GYB circuit. I am a new follower and look forward to your posts! I love book making and journaling too! Please visit my Blog too: http://deborahstanleyinspirations.blogspot.com/ best, deborah

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  45. AnonymousFebruary 4, 2014 at 9:22 AM

    HI,

    We're here from the GYB event, and boy have there been some wonderful blogs participating--yours included!! Love your studio and your mix media pieces are amazing. You're bookmarked because we're coming back after we make it through the rest of the list. ;-)

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  46. Cache-MireFebruary 4, 2014 at 10:06 AM

    So nice to meet you at the party! Your studio looks very inviting and your work is lovely! I also have an unusual giveaway, so please stop by! ~Terri

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  47. KarenFebruary 4, 2014 at 10:44 AM

    I really look forward to reading your blog. I love your artwork and sense of color and design. I wish I had your studio. OMG it is amazing!

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  48. Cindy GayFebruary 4, 2014 at 5:39 PM

    Love your mixed media art!

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  49. UnknownFebruary 4, 2014 at 5:43 PM

    Your art is beautiful. I sure hope to be the winner. Thanks for the chance. Jackie

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  50. Tanya February 6, 2014 at 11:53 AM

    Working my way down a few of your posts this morning, to land here - from the Blog Party. Wonderful little blog - glad to be your newest Follower. Happy Thursday - Tanya

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  51. AnonymousFebruary 7, 2014 at 9:44 AM

    Leslie, Just loved browsing through your blog. I think I could find lots to occupy me in your studio. I'm a new follower. So glad for a chance to meet through the GYB party

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  52. Tisha DoltonFebruary 8, 2014 at 5:40 AM

    Oh, I love your art. I love paper too. I just hosted an altered book event at my library. The girls had such a great time making purses from discarded books.

    Check out my embroidery/ redwork blog if you are interested. (GYB)

    aprilsongstress

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  53. macmillanmarieFebruary 9, 2014 at 10:14 PM

    I do love your art books - they are so beautiful I would be afraid to write in them. All kidding aside I really enjoyed visiting your blog. Thanks for sharing.

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  54. nicolesenderFebruary 14, 2014 at 4:09 PM

    Visited your blog and love your posts! New gfc follower: nicolesender.

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