
This weeks giveaway has been expanded to allow for 5 winners. I'll choose 5 random numbers from the comments I get on this post between now and noon next Wednesday, June 17th. Sorry folks, you cannot choose which book you get, but rest assured, they are all chock full of copyright-free images. Send your friends! Yes, the more comments I get, the less your chances are to win
but, here's an incentive. If I get comments from over 200 individuals on this post, I will offer bigger and better giveaway prizes in the future. Remember, I've got a LOT of cool art stuff to pass on! So spread the news, share the love, pay it forward...

As I was sorting through my fabric deciding what to keep, what to sell and what to give away, several pieces spoke to me. When fabric talks, I listen. I noticed a pattern to their speech as well. They spoke primarily in muted tones, nothing fancy, loud or overbearing. Their voices were quiet, even meek at times. Their stories were not colorful but were packed with inspiration. Alone, they didn't have much influence, but as a group they created a force so moving

that I could not resist their call.
They collected in a corner, preferring to stay with their own kind and not mingle with the busy patterned fabrics, the flashy ones that turned everyones head when they walked by. You know the kind - all style on the outside but no substance on the inside. No, they kept to their own, knowing that this fabric artist would understand their small still voices. They had something the others did not - a quiet confidence that their future would amount to something, that they were being selected for a special purpose, one that they didn't quite yet understand but knew to be right and true.
And now they wait, quietly, yet full of anticipation, eager to be a part of the magic that will take place in a few weeks when the artist's hands are free again, when she can really,
really listen to their small still voices. Listen closely, maybe you can hear them too.
77 comments:
woooo hoooooo!!! (could it be???!!)I'M NUMBER ONE!!!!..i sooo needed that distinction...with all that is my life right now! (win or not!) HEE HEE...
HUGZ!!!
My cleanup efforts are often futile. As I sort through things, I too hear them calling and well .... I not only listen, I heed their call.
jan in ohio
Great Site!
I just love the fabric in the second picture Lesley. I hope I'm lucky enough to win some of that. I love the old and distressed, frayed and worn. Thank you for doing this how fun!
Karen Bettencourt
You were cleaning before I got started. I got a box of your fabrics and while it was enroute, I started my cleaning efforts. I was so embarrassed when I went to the post office to get the box from you. Here I was trying to make my fabrics fit in their storage locations and here came another box of it! Anyway, I love what you sent to me and I will fit it in with the others and see how well they play together. I have lots of books, too, but always love new (to me) ones. And, I, too, "recycle" them amongst friends, family, and the nice local thrift store when I've studied them 'til they're nearly ragged.
What I hear is the 'still small voice' of the artist herself, who knows an exciting future is ahead of her! Can't wait to see what you do with those fabrics.
Sign me up!
I loved those misty pics from the previous blog, Lesley.... they looked so peaceful... I think the fabrics U sent me are so much fun! ... hope your endeavor is still going strong.... Peace!
These books look good. I'd never visited your blog before and it's lovely. It was nice to see Claudine Hellmuth's sweet face on there, too. She's a good teacher also. I was in a class at A&S Hampton in its first year there.
Count me in on the drawing for the books. And I can see why you would not want to get rid of all those great gold tone fabric. Seems to be a palate I gravitate toward.
The fabric in the first picture looks like you arranged it that way. I'm sure you will do something wonderful with it.
Please include me in the drawing for the image books. As a mixed media artist, I am always looking for images to use.
Please include me in your drawing. These look like a great resource. Thanks.
Wow what a great prize and this fabric, I hope you decide soon, so we can buy some of this beautiful fabric
You really have a way with words. I really enjoyed reading your comments.
Joy in Nova Scotia, Canada
great giveaway!!! thanks so much
Lillian
sugarbirds@personainternet.com
How interesting that you wrote about this today. I used a small piece of fuchsia silk from my box of 'Lesley's Divestiture' to throw together a 5 minute grad card for a young friend last weekend. As I was cleaning up yesterday, I briefly studied each handful of fabric and thought how similar they are to my own choices, including an identical piece of Kaffe Fassett. It left me wondering what you held on to.
The quiet collection you have pictured here reflects the lightness and freedom of your unburdening. Winsome.
Bev
Thanks so much for your continuing inspiration. Your beautiful words and works of art have lifted my spirit since I first discovered your site over 3 years ago:-)
Lesley, Today I received the box of zines I won from your ebay acution. LOVE THEM!! Love your blog and all of your insights. Thanks for the inspiration. I'm just beginning my artistic journey. More images would be great.
Pam (and my muse, Isabella)
Lesley I have to tell you I love your blog! Eye candy, give aways and your very talented writing. Who could ask for more?
arlene
alteredbyme@earthlink.net
Congratulations on your cleaning out/ordering progress -- an inspiration I sorely need!
Sandy
Lesley, I would love to be included in this drawing and receive something fun and new to me to inspire me.
Me! Me! Pick me!
Seriously, thank you for the two boxes of fabric you sold me. I've already started using them and they're inspiring and wonderful! Someone ought to start a "Pass the Stash" group so that everybody gets new "starter" from time to time.
Barb
thank you for sharing, both the books but also those lovely photos...misty trees and misty greys in the fabrics. hummm yumm
I love that combination of fabrics - you're right, they do look good together.
I'd love to be included in your draw!
I like the fabrics speaking, please include me!
Long time admirer and lurker says, Congrats on cleaning up, and clearing out!
PS- The kids are absolutely darling. Love the photo of Grampa baby-sitting!
I hear the fabrics talking, too! They say, send me to Cate!
(You don't need to include me--I just couldn't resist commenting.)
Here is my comment entry for the books. I have your book on books and have actually tried my hand at it. Need to practice! Joyce
I'm so glad I found your site. You write beautifully! luvjean
jterry@ xs4all.nl
What a generous lady you are to pass on your unwanted treasure. I know someone who would be greatly cheered by a surprise package from you.
Uuuuu, pick me, pick me. The photos on your blog are exquisite. You might enjoy seeing the site for the art supply store I work at, with totally amazing artists! www.collagepdx.com
Wow, you are so generous! Thanks for offering the prizes. Have a great day! :)
Please enter me in your giveaway. Thanks for having one! :)
My paints talk to me like your fabrics do..Really!
Renée
oh...count me in!! ~lia
You have a great library, I would be happy to have one of the books. Jonee
I loved reading your post today Leslie . . . you have such a very good way with words, as well as fabric art!! Your new banner is totally gorgeous. Who created it?
Thanks for your generous offer and here's my ballot for the book giveaway.
Yours creatively, Lenna Andrews ::: Avon CT
New website! On-line classes and Free Tutorials:
http://www.alittlecreativespace.com
I have only recently become interested in fabric, which is why I am looking at this. I enjoyed your writing and found your personification of fabric original and interesting. "I'll be back". I, in turn, am not very original :)
What a generous person you are. I love reading your blog and have it on my gmail reader list so I won't miss an episode.
Lesley ... not that I need any more fabrics :) The books look lovely and would be a great addition to my books.
Lets see my luck.
Sandy
Dangling by a Thread
I really enjoy your blog!
Lori Hutchinson
Awesome Lesley! There are lots of winners here I bet!
Sheila from Mt. Angel, OR
halohill.blogspot.com
Such a wonderful collection of fabrics! It's hard to imagine all the goodies you have if this is some of the stuff you're purging! Thanks for the give-away chance drawing. How fun.
I wish you much success in cleaning efforts. I'm in the middle of the same job but somehow manage to find room for more!
40 boxes of fabric!!! You could open up a store.
Leslie I would love to be able to do what you can do with fabric! Hope I win these lovelies! Sanna
sannabanana@comcast.net
Hi Lesley, Love your latest post. What a great idea. With me it's the magazines. Fill with ideas and different techiques to learn. There is so many that I get overwhelmed and I can do anything. Very fustrating. I know what I should do. Just take one mag idea and just do it. Now if I would just listen to me. hahaha. If you have a chance stop by my blog.
Maxine Oliver http://maxineoliver.blogspot.com
I also collect orphan fabric from goodwill etc. You can find a lot of unique fabrics not to mention the tags! Here to hoping I win, Thanks for the chance--this is fun!
Barb
Love your artwork! I have absolutely no luck when it comes to cleaning out my stuff - all I do is shuffle it around and rearrange it to make room for the new stuff!
~ wendy
Great giveaway! Please count me in. I've been a fan of your artwork for years! Thanks.
Such a lovely blog and you're very generous too! I would love to be a winner in your give-a-way.
Thanks!
Cindy
Could 52 be one of the magic numbers??
chris p
Hi Lesley - Just discovered your groups and your blog! Would love to win a book and will look forward to future boxes of fabric up for sale. :) Marva
Yoo hoo. Pick me!
Glad to see you're still purging! Those Victorian clip art looks great. I have a thing about corsets.
Greetings!
It is great fun to see what resources the artist has in her studio. Thanks for the opportunity...
Love the photos and hoping I get picked!
you have a great blog! I love visiting here! And hoping to win too! Thank you for sharing your stash/art
I'd like to sign up for your giveaway, please.
:-D eirdre
I so love your description of the fabrics and their 'still small voices'! Charming and totally logical to me... I'd love to win one of those books, so thanks for offering us the chance!!
Can't wait to come and see what you eventually create with the 'quiet ones'!
Your site is such an inspiration to me. I am new to altered arts and mixed media projects but I have been enjoying it and love seeing your work.
Thanks for being so generous with your art and your supplies.
Count me in for this one! Copyright free....yes please!
New to your site via yahoo group and also new to blogging. The site has a lot to offer - posts photos giveaways (always fun!) and lots of inspiration!!! Thanks, Leslie!
I hope you will make something soon with that sumptuous looking fabric. It's really gorgeous. I also hope you will choose my posting number for one of those fun image-free books!
Jenny in NC
I'm a longtime fan, having read your articles in art magazines over the years. I enjoy your sharing on your log, and I appreciate your generosity in these giveaways.
Cecilia Swatton
Ooh thanks for a chance to win. :)
Wow, how generous you are! I can't ever let go of anything!
Janie
You have a great blog - and thanks for the opportunity to be in on a chance for a give-away.
Kathy
www.kathydkeith.etsy.com
Loved your class at Art and Soul last year in Oregon. Hope I'm one of the lucky book winners and you reach 200!
Please count me in for the draw for one of your books Lesley! Great blog, I'll be checking back often now that I've found it!
Enjoy your blog. Cleaning out can be so painful, yet so delicious. Sue in MN
Thank you for offering another give away... it is so generous of you!!
Debbie L
I may be too late - but in case I'm not, here's my entry. Books are a good thing!!!
Leslie.. fist, I would love to be winner this time... second.. that Riley.. what a doll!
Could we all be "fabric listeners" rather than "Horse Whisperers?" Count me in for the books!
I can never have too many images!!! Thanks for having another give away!
sugarbushfarm219@yahoo.com
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