And the Winner Is

The WINNER, as chosen by Random Integer Generator @ Random.Org
Here are your random number: 46

This number belongs to Susan Parker, the 46th blog comment (not including duplicates.) Congratulations Susan!

I received so many wonderful comments, witty ones, courageous ones and comments from women who have a genuine need for a book like this. I only have one

Mixed-Media Self-Portraits: Inspiration & Techniques book, but I would like to send a copy of my last book, Fabric Memory Books: Techniques, Projects, Inspiration to to Brooke Atherton who said "We are working with at-risk kids, teaching them to express themselves through fiber art. The projects so far have been described as Violently Mellow. The book would be a huge help, since we're essentially winging it!" No need to wing it anymore. I think you'll find some great ideas and projects in my book.  Congratulations, Brooke.

Check back this week for another giveaway!!! My birthday's on the 16th and I'm giving presents!

Addendum: Here's what Brooke had to say – Well, pleased to meet you Leslie.  I have admired your work for years, and am thrilled to have been selected to receive your book.  I think it will actually be more helpful to us than the portrait one, in the long run, although that would have been fun, too.  The kids we are working with (I’m the artist, I have joined forces with a  counselor for this)  are about 150 of the most ‘at risk’ kids in Billings,MT, aged 5-12.  Over the summer, we began constructing a 20’ square walkable labyrinth, with each child making one block on the theme of ‘Friendship’; they also made a block to keep or to give away.  These children are the poorest of the poor, abused; needless to say, their folks don’t take them to the Art Museum on Sundays.  This has been the introduction of art into their lives for most of them.  And they have responded beautifully.  I will send you a photo of the labyrinth when we are a little further down the road.

 The project has been so well received that I am planning on doing 3 more in the series.  One will be with the Montana Women’s Prison (my quilt guild already supports these women with fabric, thread, books, mags, etc.—all the things we take for granted, they can’t just hope the fence and go buy), a cancer support group, and a place that gives soldiers returning from the Middle East a spot to recover before going home.  The family who started this have a son with permanent war injuries; they sold their house and built one in one of the prettiest parts of our state and opened it up to the other men and women who need it.  I guess the theme of all these could be ‘ReEntry’.  I firmly believe art saves lives, and don’t we all need someone to smile at us and say ‘You’re worth something.’  So this is where your book will be.  Thank you so much." 

You are very welcome, Brooke!