LeiGHaNNa LiGhT ThInG MaKEr

Hellooo Dolly

2012-02-11T09:29:00.004-07:00

There are only a few spaces left for this class in Taos, coming up on March 3-4th. If you plan to come, please let me know soon, we may have to move this over to the Taos art space if we have more then 8 people- a wonderful problem to have!
A little history about this workshop, when I first started teaching this workshop 3 or 4 years ago, it was originally named "Resurrecting Charlotte". I changed the name to Hellooo Dolly this year when I heard that some of you thought that we were working with frozen Charlotte dolls & that the dolls were much smaller. I absolutely love working on these dolls, there truly is something so cathartic about destroying pretty dolls, mucking them up & reinventing them to make them my own! I'm working on a new batch now & it's really difficult to get anything else done!
One more thing- just in case you were were wondering about this...I've recently received several emails from you, asking if I am now hiring someone else to teach this class... the answer is NO!- I can assure you that I love to teach & would never ever hire anyone to teach my classes! There is so much work involved in developing a workshop- from creating the initial concept, making samples, photographing, writing descriptions, writing up a reasonable supply list, to finally sending in the proposals. The true prize, or dessert, as I like to call it, is finally getting into the classroom to teach the class. Having the honor of watching amazing, creative, talented women put their own spin on my little class & taking it to places that I couldn't even dream of is such an awesome gift, I wouldn't give that up for anything!
Have a beautiful weekend everyone!

Still a few spaces left...

2012-02-01T12:13:00.002-07:00

There are still a few spaces left in my Vintage metal deck class this weekend here in Taos, Feb. 4th & 5th...don't miss it!

BIRDS GONE WILD, MARCH 24TH, 2012, TAOS, NM

2012-01-03T11:14:00.000-07:00

Here are the descriptions &  photos  for each workshop. Please email me at leighannalight@gmail.com  for  price, supply list & more info

BIRDS GONE WILD

Not quite sure what to do with the mounds of junk....oops...I mean, treasures that have been accumulating in your studio?  Have you been afraid to use that vintage tin, saving it for the “perfect” project?  
Well dig it all up & bring it to this class, where we will create the wackiest flock of birds you’ve ever seen!
Add to your cold connecting, assemblage & composition skills, but most of all, learn how to let go of perfection, let loose & have a blast!
You will leave with at least 3 totally unique, one of a kind birds. (the birds that you make in class can be any size, depending on the metal that you bring. Most of mine are around 8” x 5”).
 

THE ARCHIVISTS RELIC, APRIL 7-8, 2012, TAOS, NM

2012-01-03T11:09:00.001-07:00

Here are the descriptions & photos for each workshop. Please email me at leighannalight@gmail.com for price, supply list & more info

The Archivist’s Relic
In this 2 day workshop you will learn how to make this simple, sweet little chunky book (approximately 2x3 inches) using only watercolor paper, found metal & embellishments.
You will learn how to work with found metal- distressing, punching, altering & adding embellishments without glue, & how to create beautiful textures & surfaces using gesso & ink.
Join us for a fun day of artmaking & use this book to record your special dreams, goals, & thoughts that are close to your heart.

HELLOOO DOLLY! MARCH 3-4, 2012, TAOS, NM

2012-01-03T10:59:00.000-07:00

Here are the descriptions & photos  for each workshop. Please email me at leighannalight@gmail.com for  price, supply list & more info

HELLOOO DOLLY!
Please join us as we dive into the fine art of transforming the mundane into the extraordinary!
This workshop is certainly not for the neat & tidy, but if you want to step out of the "pretty" box & take a walk on the wild side, this class is for you!
We will have a blast altering found dolls to make them look like beings from another world. Rust, patina,  paint, wax, shellac, sanding, distressing, stabbing & cutting off limbs & heads, nothing is off limits!
I love to make these dolls, there is something extremely cathartic about removing the “pretties”,  bringing these dolls back to their original blank forms & reinventing them to make them my own.
I hope you will join us for this fun, 2 day workshop!
 

BEYOND THE VINTAGE METAL DECK, FEB. 4-5, TAOS, NM

2012-01-03T10:56:00.000-07:00

Here are the descriptions & photos for each workshop. Please email me at leighannalight@gmail.com for price, supply list & more info

BEYOND THE VINTAGE METAL DECK- Taking the mystery out of working with metal

After many requests, I am happy to offer this 2 day version of the Vintage Metal Deck workshop.
If you have already taken the one day class, you will be
happily surprised by the new size of this deck as well as new
techniques & information presented in this in depth workshop.
We will be creating a large deck of 10 metal cards, each 6 by 3 inches, & exploring a variety of ways to use &
distress metal, cloth, paper, found objects, and you will learn a
boatload of brand new ideas & techniques!
You will receive in depth instruction on how to work with metal
including...
-applying texture to metal
-metal transfers
-a variety of ways to forge, distress & mark metal
-how to add ink & paint as a design element
-how to use a variety of patinas to change the look of the metal
-alternative ways to attach objects your work
without using glue
-brand new metal altering techniques
-how to correctly use tools & products, including the
dapping block & a few new surprises
-how to master object placement, composition & problem solving
-how to add texture & depth to your work
-composition & design concepts
-a variety of new surface design techniques
-how to create a cohesive, themed project

You will leave with a unique, beautifully embellished art deck that can be bound
by decorative wire or
transformed into a book or sculpture if you wish.

Almost stranded on the mountain on NY eve!

2012-01-01T08:13:00.001-07:00

So Tom & I decided to drive up to the Taos ski valley to see the torchlight parade & fireworks last night. The ski area is only about 1/2 hour drive from our house, & the show was early, at 6 PM. The torchlight parade was wonderful & the fireworks show was very cool, lighting up all of the trees on the mountain... It was very crowded, so we decided to leave right after the show. As we started down the mountain, we noticed the car was overheating & pretty soon the needle was all the way to hot. We had to pull over (no easy task on a winding mountain road) but we did & realized that the radiator had no antifreeze in it. Tom walked through knee deep snow to the creek in the dark to fill up a water jug, then had to cross the busy road to get back to the car (all dressed in black, of course!). Okay, so even a 1/2 hour on a mountain when it's 10 degrees outside is pretty scary, & it gets cold incredibly fast! There were about 300 cars that passed us & not one stopped to offer help, no one even slowed down- I was shocked. We finally got the car cooled down & got home, safe & sound... but here's the kicker- I bought Tom a car survival kit for Christmas, complete with hand warmers, extra warm, dry clothes, food, water, etc.... guess where it was? In our living room! So the moral of the story is this... A. Check the fluids in your car, even if you're just going a short distance. B. don't count on anyone offering help & C. If you have a car survival kit- DON'T LEAVE IT IN THE FREAKIN' LIVING ROOM!!!!

WORKSHOPS IN TAOS, NM

2011-12-30T15:05:00.006-07:00

Yay, I've finally updated my workshop schedule for 2012! I'm so excited to be teaching at Create, Are Unraveled & Art IS You again this year, these are truly the best art retreats on the planet, run by extraordinary women! Oh, & how could I possibly forget Portugal- I'm teaching in Portugal too!
So, now that I have the space & time, I'm also planning 3 workshops to be held at my home, right here in beautiful Taos, NM.

The first will be The vintage metal deck 2 day class, Feb. 4-5, 2012.  Workshops will be held on Saturday & Sunday, starting at 9:30 AM-4:30 PM. For those coming from out of town, you can join us for an optional day trip on Monday to Ojo Caliente. If you haven't been, check it out, it's my favorite place in all of New Mexico! No charge for this trip, just the cost of admission, which is around $15.00 for the day. 

The second workshop will be a brand new class called Hello Dolly! On March 3-4, 2012.

And the third will be on April 7th, Birds Gone Wild- same time, same place, same optional Ojo trip at the end of each class. Photos & descriptions coming soon, if you are interested, please send me an email for pricing info & supply list. leighannalight@gmail.com.

Workshops will need to be paid in full 2 weeks prior to the class, & this money can not be refunded if you need to cancel.
I can't possibly gush enough about Taos! We just moved here in August & it is truly one of the most beautiful place that I have ever been to. The light, the mountains, the people, the pueblo... and to top it all off, Bluefish is here! What more could a girl ask for? 

Long year- new work

2011-11-06T08:33:00.000-07:00

Been gone forever, I know, & I have a ton of photos to post, but the Santa Fe Recycled Show is coming up next weekend & I wanted to post some new work....

Dinner last night

2011-08-23T07:28:00.000-06:00

This is where we had dinner last night- (btw, great food if you're in Taos) I keep saying to Tom "I can't believe that we really live here" -it's so beautiful all of the time! Sorry for all of the cloud pics, but I am completely mesmerized by them these days!

Off to CREATE- Chicago!

2011-08-23T07:18:00.000-06:00

40 kits ready to go & almost packed for Create in Chicago. I Haven't made anything for too long & I'm itching to get back into the studio, but we're almost unpacked & settled in. Here are some random pics from the last few weeks- enjoy.

ART IS YOU WEST COAST RETREAT IN PETALUMA

2011-07-04T10:27:00.004-06:00

If you have been wanting to sign up for classes at Art Is You West Coast retreat in Petaluma, wait no more! Today only, July 4th, the registration fee will be waived completely!!! I am so excited to be teaching there- Sallianne & Ellen are the best!
You'll need this "secret" code to get the deal... it is july4.

Here are a few pics of what I will be teaching, I hope that you can join us for this fabulous event!

Still into making birds...

2011-06-01T08:32:00.000-06:00

Two Guns, NM

2011-05-26T08:16:00.002-06:00

Dontcha just love these little blunders- Hail Satin! (especially my satin sheets)!

BIRDS

2011-05-26T08:12:00.003-06:00

I forgot to take pics of the deck, but the birds- oh my! What creative, talented souls in this class. Wish I could remember who did what, but these are all of the in focus pictures that I took

Venice Beach

2011-05-26T08:10:00.000-06:00

No words necessary!

Long Beach

2011-05-26T08:05:00.002-06:00

We stayed in long Beach, on this boat- so much fun!

Chloride, Az

2011-05-26T08:02:00.002-06:00

We found some wonderful little places on our way to Create, this is a functioning ghost town in AZ called Chloride.

One more batch-o-birds before CREAtE!

2011-05-16T08:50:00.001-06:00

2011-05-06T10:21:00.000-06:00

Oliver

2011-02-09T08:09:00.002-07:00

And then there was Oliver....

DUCKS!

2011-02-09T08:01:00.002-07:00

Tom shared these wonderful wooden duck decoys that he found in an antique mall. I went crazy altering them & now I can't stop, I want more!!!

San Francisco Art Retreat!!!!!!!!

2011-01-11T12:41:00.004-07:00

Hey everyone, check out this new retreat that will be happening this September in Petaluma California, less than an hour north of San Francisco!
Talented, creative instructors, wonderful location & warm caring organizers that will do backflips to make your experience the best you've ever had- what more could you ask for?!

And even MORE new books

2010-12-14T08:20:00.002-07:00

And speaking of books...

2010-12-07T19:45:00.002-07:00

Check these out- they are even more spectacular in person & they are 20 % off here

2010-12-03T11:21:00.000-07:00

2010-12-03T11:19:00.000-07:00

More new books

2010-12-01T16:08:00.002-07:00

These past few months have been very intense & I haven't had much time to make art, but here are a few new books that I've managed to eek out- seems like I've been working on them forever & I am so happy to finish them!

More new books

2010-12-01T16:04:00.002-07:00

Amazing Teachers

2010-11-30T08:34:00.002-07:00

Hi everyone, hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

I've recently had the opportunity to connect with the most amazing teachers & I want to share their websites with you. I've just added their links to this blog, please take the time to check them out, you'll be glad that you did!

Holiday Sale!

2010-11-23T14:51:00.002-07:00

Happy Thanksgiving everyone, I hope that you all are well & happy. To thank you for your support, I am offering $25.00 off of any purchase that you make between now & November 28th,from my Etsy site, or from my Thingmaker Studio site. Tom & I are busy making new books & preparing our workshop schedule for next year. Please check the teaching schedule for news & updates.

2010-11-15T09:03:00.000-07:00

Wild Ride

2010-11-15T08:58:00.002-07:00

Phew- it's been a wild ride, this year, here are some pics from a nice little Day of the dead parade that we went to last weekend...

Who Da Man?????

2010-10-22T08:45:00.005-06:00

Congrats sweetie!!!!!!!!! - Tom Ashman is the Artisan of the year in the bookmaking category for Cloth Paper Scissors!!!!!! Check it out HERE!

The Cream Puffs

2010-10-18T10:05:00.002-06:00

Ok, I have to preface this post by admitting to the fact that I've always hated little yappy dogs... couldn't stand them... until Thursday. We were driving back from Portland- after 3 days in the car, we couldn't wait to be home. One block from the house, we saw these little guys dart out into the middle of a busy road & almost bec0me roadkill.. so we scooped them up & brought them home. For 4 days we searched for their owners & made up all kinds of stories as to what could have happened- we had signs everywhere, ads in the paper & no one was calling to claim them. And I fell in love & fell hard, these are the sweetest, most loving animals that I've ever known. I was in the process of talking Tom into keeping them when the owners finally called last night & picked them up. I miss them so much, can't believe that I could become that attached to a little yappy dog in such a short period of time1 So, farewell Chico & Dallas, I wish you well & you will be missed.

More new work

2010-10-04T15:16:00.006-06:00

These books will be available here soon & are $150 each.

Back To Work, new books

2010-10-04T15:13:00.004-06:00

Back To Work, new books

2010-10-04T15:11:00.002-06:00

Balloon Fiesta 2010

2010-10-04T06:37:00.002-06:00

We took a slightly different approach this morning, there is the coolest little old graveyard right down the street, so we decided to go there to check out the balloons instead of going to the launch field. It was perfect, they were landing all around us & it was the perfect morning!

Balloon Fiesta 2010

2010-10-03T09:12:00.003-06:00

2010-10-03T09:09:00.000-06:00

Balloon Fiesta 2010

2010-10-03T09:04:00.000-06:00

Exciting News!

2010-09-28T13:48:00.001-06:00

I am one of 5 finalists... check it out here!

2010-09-25T11:42:00.001-06:00

aaa

All birds are for sale & are $95 each. They will be available soon HERE!
aaa

2010-09-25T11:40:00.000-06:00

BiRdS Gone Wild

2010-09-25T11:35:00.003-06:00

n
Gosh, it's been so long since I've posted, I had to remember how to post pics! It's been a crazy summer, traveling, Tom settling in, proposals, shows, can't seem to catch my breath!
This is my latest batch of birds, Portland is coming up soon, but I will post more again when I get back....thanks for stopping in!

And one more before my next adventure...

2010-07-02T10:36:00.002-06:00

2010-06-28T09:45:00.000-06:00

More new work

2010-06-28T09:41:00.003-06:00

Tribal show

2010-06-25T09:50:00.003-06:00

My friend, Cathy Dorris, is hosting a tribal show in Ashland, Oregon this July & this is my piece for the show. It was a challenge, but also a lot of fun working on this theme!

New work

2010-06-25T09:43:00.004-06:00

It's been crazy, busy, lot's of changes, reorganizing & readjusting. I've been trying hard to stay away from the computer, but it's been way too long since I last posted. I've had a chance to get some work done in the past week, so here it is...hope you're all staying cool & having a great summer!

!!!!!!!

2010-06-17T18:45:00.001-06:00

Utopia - Alanis Morissette

2010-04-23T11:41:00.001-06:00

Just discovered this song by Alanis- it's beautiful, be sure to read the lyrics...

New Art Book Workshop

2010-04-23T10:05:00.002-06:00

I've been so obsessed with making jewelry lately, but I had to come up for air long enough to pack for my upcoming classes in Fort Collins & Virginia.
I'm teaching a brand new class called "The construction of an art book, metal, canvas & mesh no sew binding". I just started packing up kits last night & I can't wait to teach this class, it's going to be so much fun!
The concept was born out of frustration, I'm either making "soft" art, using paint, gooey stuff, gesso, paper, oil sticks.... or "hard" art- working with metal, drills, nails, larger assemblage pieces. What usually happens is right in the middle of a project I start missing the other medium & I'm always going back & fourth between the soft & hard projects.... (I know, it sounds bizarre)! Anyway, this book was born out of that frustration, so now I get to work with both at the same time.
This class filled up almost immediately at Art & Soul in Portland, but there are still a few spaces let at The Artists Nook & at Art & Soul in VA. And I have to say, these are 2 of my favorite places to teach- Colorado in the spring- there is nothing like it & Virginia is usually my only chance to be near the ocean all year. Hope to see you there, gotta get back to packing now!

2010-04-08T10:41:00.000-06:00

Jewelry

2010-04-08T10:32:00.003-06:00

I've been absolutely obsessed with making jewelry lately, here is a sneak peak... it will all be listed for sale here very soon.

ITALY!

2010-04-08T10:22:00.003-06:00

And....... if you can't make it to Fort Collins, there's always ITALY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm so excited about this trip, I can't even stand it! Here are just a few pictures of what we'll be doing.

The Artists Nook in Spring!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-04-08T10:06:00.004-06:00

Please join us, April 30- May 2 for these classes!

There isn't anywhere that I'd rather be than here in the spring...(okay, well maybe Paris, but that isn't really an option at the moment)!

2010-03-05T09:36:00.001-07:00

2010-03-05T09:32:00.002-07:00

2010-03-05T09:29:00.002-07:00

Looking For A Sign?

2010-03-05T09:24:00.002-07:00

Sweetie discovered the coolest place in all of LV, I think it's alled the neon boneyard. It's not open to the public yet, but it will be in about 3 months. It's a collection of vintage neon signs from the old hotels & casinos. They are currently being stored in a parking lot & are all fenced off, but we wandered around the perimeter & took these pics. I would make a trip back to Vegas just for this!

2010-03-05T09:22:00.000-07:00

2010-03-05T09:20:00.000-07:00

2010-03-05T09:18:00.000-07:00

Charlotte

2010-03-05T08:54:00.002-07:00

Finally got my act together & remembered to bring my camera to at least one of my classes, these are the most amazing dolls that were done in my class- resurrecting Charlotte.

Vegas Baby!

2010-03-05T08:46:00.001-07:00

Just returned from teaching at Art & Soul in Vegas- wow! what a trip! Can't quite say that I'd want to go back very often, (even though the trucks tell me that hot babes want to meet ME!) but it was quite the adventure & certainly shook me up from my quiet little life! Art & Soul was amazing, as usual, Glenny really does a hell of a job & it's always so nice to connect with everyone.

Craft Books

2010-02-19T10:31:00.002-07:00

For a fascinating discussion/ commentary about this subject, go here.
This has been a pet peeve of mine forever & this applies to the magazines as well. I won't be around to contribute to this discussion, but I was thrilled to read that someone else is as frustrated by this as I am.
By the way, I came across this via Jen's blog-
I just love, love love her work!

HAPPY VD EVERYONE!

2010-02-14T10:09:00.000-07:00

New work

2010-01-31T15:39:00.002-07:00

Go HERE to see more!

Imagine... Making art HERE!

2010-01-27T09:01:00.003-07:00

There are a still few more spaces open in this amazing trip to Orvieto, Italy this fall.
For more information, please go here
Sunday, September 12
• Arrive in Orvieto
• Welcome, Group dinner
• The adventure begins!
Monday, September 13
• Introduction and Orientation
• Taking the fear out of metal
work, grunging it up, tool time,
forging, distressing, marking,
altering, texture, aging, patinas
• Orvieto walking tour
• Italian culture & olive oil tasting
Tuesday, September 14
• Studio: Making connections,
hunting and gathering, adding
paint, color, ink, texture, compo
sition, wire work, adding objects
• Italian cooking class
Wednesday, September 15
• Studio: Complete metal deck
• Shop for picnic lunch
• Colors of the Cathedral
• Etruscan cave tour
Thursday, September 16
• Market Day: Exploration and
inspiration
• Studio: Cloth & paper, the “art”
of the mistake, surface design,
texture, depth, composition,
stamps, stencils
• Vineyard tour, wine tasting
Friday, September 17
• Studio: Final touches
• Group lunch at favorite
pizzeria
• Studio: Completion, show and
share, closing ritual
Saturday, September 18

New Workshop...teaser

2010-01-26T09:48:00.003-07:00

Constructing of an art book- metal, canvas & mesh no sew binding, coming soon to an event near you!

Local Workshop

2010-01-11T16:16:00.001-07:00

For those of you who live here in Albuquerque, I will be teaching the Vintage Metal Deck on Saturday, January 23rd at the Wooden Cow Gallery.

2010-01-11T12:06:00.000-07:00

2010-01-11T12:00:00.003-07:00

2010-01-11T11:42:00.001-07:00

2010-01-11T11:38:00.000-07:00

2010-01-11T11:34:00.001-07:00

2010-01-11T11:31:00.000-07:00

Albuquerque Railyard

2010-01-11T11:27:00.002-07:00

I'm on a roll here, so I might as well start posting the new railyard pictures. I just love this place!

New 2010 Workshops

2010-01-11T10:02:00.002-07:00

Finally, I've listed my workshops for 2010, please check the link on the right hand side of the blog. If you are interested in taking a workshop, please follow the link & be sure to check back often as I will be adding more to the list.

Gypsy Pamela

2010-01-11T09:34:00.003-07:00

Pamela Armas is a wonderful friend who lives in a little town called Mountainair. Here space is to die for- words can't even come close to describing it & neither can photos- it's where I want to go when I die!

Leftovers

2010-01-11T09:28:00.001-07:00

another one taken by sweetie

Mabel Dodge

2010-01-11T09:21:00.003-07:00

Sweetie took this one- Blacksheep artist

One of my favorite places in Taos is the Mabel Dodge Luhan house, such a beautiful place with amazing history.

Taos

2010-01-11T09:15:00.002-07:00

My favorite place in the whole world! This is a funky little place on the way up to Taos, I've always wanted to stop there & this time we finally did.

Santa Fe- Taos

2010-01-11T09:09:00.003-07:00

We have a friend who works at the wildlife center, so on our way up to Taos, we stopped in to see theses guys....

New Mexico

2010-01-11T09:00:00.002-07:00

Sweetie came out for 9 days over the holidays & we traveled all over New Mexico- first stop- the incredible graveyards.

2010-01-11T08:57:00.000-07:00

Still MIA

2010-01-11T08:48:00.002-07:00

Merry Christmas, happy new year, & happy thanksgiving everyone, hope you all had a wonderful holiday. I've been spending a lot of time w/ my sweetie & making art, recovering from 2009 & easing my way into a new year. 2010- wow, how did that happen? I have a ton of photos to share with you all, so I'll start w/ my Utah trip back in November...

Raina's work

2009-12-21T10:25:00.004-07:00

I know, I've been MIA again for quite some time again, but I just had to share this w/ all of you...the 2 pieces above are not mine (wish they were!) these were done by Raina Gentry
I just ordered both of these prints from her amazing website- she's having a year end special, buy one get one free. I couldn't resist, her work is just so beautiful, layered, complex yet simply stunning. It's my little Christmas present to myself- hope you all have a wonderful holiday!

2009-11-10T10:40:00.001-07:00

This last one on top is my favorite, such a gentle protector.

And even more...help, I can't stop!

2009-11-10T10:38:00.002-07:00

More new work for the recycled show

2009-11-07T10:40:00.003-07:00

More new work for the recycled show

2009-11-07T10:38:00.001-07:00

Never a dull moment in the hood!

2009-11-04T13:30:00.006-07:00

This look on Sams' face is PRICELESS- "wtf IS this thing?" Obviously, he's never seen a goat before.
Every dog in the hood has been barking all morning- when I finally went out to see what was going on, I found this dude (Sam) skateboarding down the street w/ his pet goat (Love) on a leash! Gotta love the unexpected, fun things in life.

2009-11-03T17:45:00.002-07:00

Phew, I think that about covers everything for awhile! I'm also getting my schedule ready for 2010, I've got some wonderful places lined up, so stay tuned for more details.

2009-11-03T17:41:00.002-07:00

...And finally back home again to crank out new work for the Santa Fe Recycled Show.

2009-11-03T17:38:00.000-07:00

2009-11-03T17:36:00.000-07:00

2009-11-03T17:33:00.001-07:00

He lives in the coolest little town where I found all of these wonderful old buildings to photograph.